FIRST REPORT ON GASTROINTESTINAL PARASITE (GIP) INFECTION AMONG GERIATRIC COMMUNITY WITH COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT IN SELANGOR, MALAYSIA

Immunosenescence often changes intestinal flora and increases gastrointestinal parasite (GIP) infection susceptibility. This is potentially exacerbated by cognitive and functional decline. This study, therefore, aimed to determine the burden of GIP among older adults in institutional care. This cross-sectional study involved coprological screening and a quantitative survey among thirty-seven (n=37) residents from two nursing homes in Kajang, Selangor. Demographic data and information on the subject were collected through face-to-face interviews with caregivers and participating residents regarding their daily hygiene practice before stool sample collection. Gastrointestinal parasite (GIP) was identified by formalin-ethyl sedimentation technique and stained using Trichrome and Acid-fast. GIP was present among 34 (91.9%) of residents, 32.4% monoparasitism, 52.9% biparasitism and 14.7% polyparasitism. Up to five species were recovered, including Blastocystis spp (51.6%) and Cryptosporidium spp. (38.7%). Those of older age have increased GIP prevalence. The health impact of GIP presence in nursing homes should be a topic of future research, as well as the potential effect of infection control training among nursing home workers on GIP load in residents.