Pattern of the haemoglobinopathy in the endemic and nearby provinces in Thailand, a note from then GIS pattern

In Thailand, high prevalence of haemoglobin disorders has been reported. Millions of Thai people suffer from these diseases. This problem affects not only public health but also the economy of the country. Carrier detection, genetic counselling and prenatal diagnosis should be encouraged. Most of the programmes have been launched to the endemic provinces in the southern part of northeastern region of Thailand. However, due to the recent industrialisation in Thailand, the migration of the Thai population affects the pattern of haemoglobin disorder in this area. Here, the author performs a spatial analysis by Geographical Information System (GIS) using ArcExplorer Program on the database of the recorded prevalence of haemoglobin disorder in the endemic area and nearby provinces. The drift of the high prevalence from the central endemic area to the nearby provinces can be seen and support the migration effect of the population. Of interest, this observation can support the recent report on the rising prevalence of haemoglobin disorders in the non-endemic area of Thailand.     

Intestinal parasite infestation in HIV infected patients

One of the major health problems among HIV-infected patients is the intestinal parasite infestations. It can be seen that intestinal helminth infestation in HIV-infected patients is common. However, the reported prevalence is usually similar to those of non HIV-infected patients in the same setting. The infestations are ordinary not opportunistic, hence, thus usually show no correlation to immune status of the patients. The suppression of immunity due to HIV infection shows no significant role in increasing the intestinal helminth infestations. On the other hand, having occult intestinal helminth infestations does also not worsen the outcome of HIV infection. Concerning the clinical manifestation, most of the helminth infestations are asymptomatic and the diagnosis is usually based on the stool examination. Treatments of the infestations as well as the outcomes are usually similar to immunocompetent host. Intestinal protozoa infestations are also important problems for HIV-infected patients. Some infections are ordinary, while the others are opportunistic infection. The important opportunistic intestinal parasites including C. parvum, I. belli, Cyclospora and the Microsporidia are found at high prevalence among the HIV-infected patients, especially in low immune cases with persistent diarrhea. Concerning the clinical manifestation, most of the infestations bring diarrhea and the diagnosis is usually based on the stool examination with special stains. The treatment of the opportunistic infection can usually get control of the present illness but not prevent the re-infection. Luckily, with the present wide distribution of HAART, the prevalence of the opportunistic intestinal protozoa infections is significantly decreased.