Ryan V. Labana

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Researches:

Article title: Prevalence and intensity of soil-transmitted helminth infections among school-age children in the Cagayan Valley, the Philippines
Authors: Ryan V. Labana, Vimar A. Romero, Analette M. Guinto, Alvin N. Caril, Kimberly D. Untalan, Alejandro Jose C. Reboa, Khristine L. Sandoval, Kristel Joy S. Cada, Gary Antonio C. Lirio, Iris Rowena A. Bernardo, Lanieleen Jerah Mae Arocha, Julieta Z. Dungca
Publication title: Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine 14(3):113-121, February 2021

Abstract:
Objective: To identify the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) among school-age children in the Cagayan Valley, the Philippines, assess their level of awareness on the disease, and determine predisposing factors of the disease.

Methods: A total of 478 Grades III-V school-age children in Pamplona and Sanchez-Mira School Districts in the Cagayan Valley answered the questionnaire assessing their knowledge, attitude, and practices on STH, subjected to anthropometric measurements, and provided faecal samples for parasitologic assessment (direct smear, Kato-Katz, and formol-ether concentration techniques).

Results: The participants of the study, with 55.86% females, were 8 to 14 years old. Their nutritional status was assessed ‘normal’ (84.31%), ‘severely wasted’ (6.49%), ‘wasted’ (5.23%), ‘overweight’ (2.72%), and ‘obese’ (1.26%). The prevalence of infection with at least 1 STH species was 25.99% in Pamplona and 19.40% in Sanchez- Mira. Overall, the prevalence of heavy intensity was 7.11% for Ascaris lumbricoides and 1.67% for Trichuris trichiura. All hookworm infections had light intensities. The majority of the school-age children had a low score in the KAP test. In knowledge of STH, ‘stunted growth as a symptom of infection’ was associated with a lower risk of Ascaris lumbricoides infection (OR 0.448; 95% CI 0.212, 0.945; P=0.035) while ‘playing with soil as a mode of transmission’ was associated with an increased risk of Ascaris lumbricoides infection (OR 2.067; 95% CI 1.014, 4.212; P=0.046). In attitude towards STH, ‘I think I have intestinal worm now’ was associated with a higher risk of Ascaris lumbricoides infection (OR 1.681; 95% CI 1.061, 2.662; P=0.027).

Conclusions: The prevalence rate of Ascaris lumbricoides among the school-age children in the Cagayan Valley shows the need to further intensify intervention in the area to meet the threshold set by the World Health Organization. The identified predictors of infection, which concerns the school-age children's knowledge and attitude toward STH, can be used in augmenting intervention programs in the future.
Full text link https://tinyurl.com/yc5c2auh

Article title: Online Game Addiction and the Level of Depression Among Adolescents in Manila, Philippines
Authors: Ryan V. Labana, Jehan L. Hadjisaid, Adrian R. Imperial, Kyeth Elmerson Jumawid, Marc Jayson M. Lupague, Daniel C. Malicdem
Publication title: Central Asian Journal of Global Health 9(1), December 2020

Abstract:
Introduction: World Health Organization recognizes online game addiction as a mental health condition. The rise of excessive online gaming is emerging in the Philippines, with 29.9 million gamers recorded in the country. The incidence of depression is also increasing in the country. The current correlational analysis evaluated the association between online game addiction and depression in Filipino adolescents.

Methods: A paper-and-pencil self-administered questionnaire assessing depression and online game addiction was distributed from August to November, 2018. The questionnaire included socio-demographic profiles of the respondents, and the 14-item Video Game Addiction Test (VAT) (Cronbach's ?=0.91) and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (Cronbach's ?=0.88) to determine levels of online game addiction and depression, respectively. Multiple regression analyses were used to test the association between depression and online game addiction.

Results: Three hundred adolescents (59% males, 41% females) participated in the study. Fifty-three out of 300 respondents (12.0% males, 5.7% females) had high level of online game addiction as reflected in their high VAT scores. In this study, 37 respondents (6.7% males, 5.7% females) had moderately severe depression and 6 (2.0%) females had severe depression. Online game addiction was positively correlated with depression in this study (r=0.31; p<0.001). When multiple regression analysis was computed, depression was found to be a predictor of online game addiction (Coefficient=0.0121; 95% CI-8.1924 - 0.0242; p=0.05).

Conclusion: Depression, as associated with online game addiction, is a serious threat that needs to be addressed. High level of online game addiction, as positively correlated to the rate of depression among adolescents in Manila, could potentially be attributed to the booming internet industry and lack of suffiicent mental health interventions in the country. Recommended interventions include strengthening depression management among adolescents and improving mental health services for this vulnerable population groups in schools and within the communities.
Full text link https://tinyurl.com/44uzuyzn

Article title: A Cross-sectional Analysis of Facebook Comments to Study Public Perception of the Mass Drug Administration Program in the Philippines
Authors: Ryan V. Labana, Veeranoot Nissapatorn, Kristel Joy S. Cada, Khristine L. Sandoval
Publication title: International Journal of Health Policy and Management (IJHPM) 10(5), April 2020

Abstract:
Mass Drug Administration (MDA) of albendazole is being implemented in the Philippines to eliminate soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) among school-age children (SAC). The first round of MDA for the school year 2019-2020 was suspended in the province of Surigao del Norte due to a reported death of a student after deworming. It was broadcasted on a national television and the story was then posted on Facebook. We used structured and simple nature of social media research to study public perception of the MDA program after the controversial issue in the Philippines. The news story was assessed, and the Facebook comments were analyzed. A large portion of the Facebook comments expressed a declining trust of the Filipinos toward MDA. The negative impact could be attributed to the public-initiated discussion and sharing of comments with no solid evidence in Facebook. This study showed a possible threat to the successful implementation of the program if not properly managed. The Department of Health (DOH) should be able to cope with the developing landscape of public perception during the era of social media.
Full text link https://tinyurl.com/mv3964e6

Article title: Gaps and barriers in interventions for the control of soil-transmitted helminthiasis among school-age children in an endemic area of the Philippines: a school-based point-of-view
Authors: Ryan V. Labana, Vimar A. Romero, Analette M. Guinto, Alvin N. Caril, Kimberly D. Untalan, Alejandro Jose C. Reboa, Khristine L. Sandoval, Kristel Joy S. Cada, Gary Antonio C. Lirio, Iris Rowena A. Bernardo, Lanieleen Jerah Mae G. Arocha & Julieta Z. Dungca
Publication title: Journal of Public Health Policy 40(9):478–497, December 2019

Abstract:
We used a qualitative cross-sectional study in 20 elementary schools in an area of Cagayan Valley, Philippines where soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) is endemic, to analyze the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats for three intervention components for STH control: mass drug administration (MDA), health education, and sanitation. School teachers and staff generally perceived MDA to be a well-delivered program, but opportunities exist to strengthen other control strategies: health education and school rules on hygiene and sanitation at school. Complete and consistent monitoring of program impact and the availability of up-to-date reports on prevalence of the infection can guide teachers’ efforts to promote interventions for STH elimination.
Full text link https://tinyurl.com/khk86ykz

Article title: Cryptosporidium in the Philippines
Authors: Ryan V. Labana
Publication title: International Annals of Science 6(1):18-27, January 2019

Abstract:
This short review provides an overview regarding the research findings on the occurrence of Cryptosporidium in the Philippines. It seeks to set conjecture about its possible role on the increasing waterborne disease incidences in the country. Intensive search of journal articles was done among major databases, online. The first report of Cryptosporidium infection in the country was in 1985. Past more than 30 years, Cryptosporidium is not yet well-understood in the Philippines, but an increasing research interest has been observed among Filipinos in the past few years. Recently, waterborne transmission of the infection appeared in the studies to be more potent than zoonotic and person-to-person transmissions. An improvement on the detection methods was also observed, giving an improved knowledge on the molecular diversity of Cryptosporidium in the country. Despite these improvements, the paucity of the data regarding the impact of Cryptosporidium to the public health in the Philippines is still apparent. One Health approach is recommended to fully understand the interconnections between human, animal, and environment as reservoirs of the infective stage of the parasite. Dedication of the researchers in understanding their geographical distribution, molecular diversity, and environmental and climatic behaviour will eventually uncover the public health implications of Cryptosporidium in the country.
Full text link https://tinyurl.com/2yjaye3y

Article title: Presence of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in the water sources of indigenous peoples in Boliwong, Philippines
Authors: R. V. Labana, J. Z. Dungca , V. Nissapatorn
Publication title: Asian Pac. J. Health Sci.,5(3):163-166, 2018

Abstract:
The study investigated the presence of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in the water system from an untapped indigenous community inhabited by the Tuwali ethno-linguistic group of the Philippines. These protozoa parasites were detected from river, creek and water pumps using direct fluorescence antibody (DFA) test and immunomagnetic separation (IMS) technique. In situ measurement of physico-chemical parameters such as pH, temperature, and total dissolved solids of the water samples were done. From the 24 samples collected during the month of April 2017, seven samples were positive for Cryptosporidium (29%) and one sample was positive for Giardia (4.2%). The concentration of parasites were typically one to two (oo)cysts per 10 liters of water. The quality of water was generally acceptable for primary contact recreation, irrigation and livestock watering based on the standards set by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources of the Philippines. The occurrence of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in the community is an important indicator of the occurring zoonosis in the community. This calls for a wider scale of the detection for waterborne protozoan parasites within the region before a possible outbreak could happen.
Full text link https://tinyurl.com/3s6uabn5

Article title: Survey of Intestinal Parasites Including Associated Risk Factors Among Food Vendors and Slaughterhouse Workers in Metro Manila, Philippines
Authors: G. A. C. Lirio, R. V. Labana, I. R. A. Bernardo, R. P. Bernarte, J. Z. Dungca, V. Nissapatorn
Conference title: 4th International Conference on Higher Education At: Bali Indonesia, June 2018

Abstract:
Infections by intestinal parasites are considered as one of the major health concerns in developing countries afflicting different groups of people including food handlers and food vendors and are linked to poor personal hygiene and sanitation. This raises public health issues as food vendors and handlers may potentially become agents for the fecal-oral transmission of intestinal parasitic infections to consumers. This study focused on determining the prevalence of intestinal parasites among slaughter house workers and food vendors and examined their personal and food hygiene practices. A small-scale survey was conducted and selected a total of 91 slaughter house workers and food vendors from different areas in Metro Manila. Microscopic examination of the fecal samples collected was done following standard procedures by the World Health Organization (WHO) thru direct smear, formalin-ethyl acetate sedimentation and staining methods. Participants were also interviewed on their food and personal hygiene practices using a questionnaire. The overall prevalence of parasitic infection was 90% with helminthic predominating protozoan infections. Eight (8) different intestinal parasites were identified: Entamoeba histolytica/Entamoeba dispar (15.6%), Balantidium coli (8.4%), Giardia lamblia (4.2%), Ascaris lumbricoides (30%), Trichuris trichiura (14.9%), Ancyclostoma duodenale/ Necator americanus (2.3%). Taenia spp. (2.4%), and Enterobius vermicularis (2.9%). Other amoeba-like protozoans (19.2%) were also observed suggestive of exposure to fecal materials. Based on the results obtained, there is high levels of parasitic infections among slaughter house workers and food vendors. Raising awareness on proper food handling, improved personal hygiene and sanitation is needed to prevent further transmission of parasites to the public.
Full text available upon request to the author/s.

Article title: Community-based surveillance of Cryptosporidium in the indigenous community of Boliwong, Philippines: from April to December 2017
Authors: Ryan V. Labana, Julieta Z. Dungca, Veeranoot Nissapatorn
Publication title: Epidemiology and Health, September 2018

Abstract:
Objectives
For the first time, Boliwong, an indigenous community in the Philippines, was surveyed for the prevalence of Cryptosporidium from April to December 2017.

Methods
Cryptosporidium oocysts were detected in samples from the river, creek, and water pumps via immunomagnetic separation techniques, and from human and animal concentrated faecal samples using the modified Ziehl-Neelsen technique.

Results
Seven of the 24 water samples (29.2%) were positive for Cryptosporidium, with the highest concentration (0.8 oocyst/L) detected in the creek. Of 35 fecal samples from different animal groups, 8 (21.6%) were positive for Cryptosporidium oocysts. The highest intensity of oocyst shedding was detected in dogs (χ2 =8.00). Of the 137 human fecal samples, 39 (28.5%) were infected with Cryptosporidium. In this study, 3 risk factors were found to be associated with infection: (1) location (crude odds ratio [cOR], 16.39; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.11 to 127.41; p=0.008), (2) drinking water from the natural spring (cOR, 0.29; 95% CI, 0.11 to 0.82; p<0.05), and (3) using an open pit as a sanitary toilet facility (cOR, 2.44; 95% CI, 1.14 to 5.20; p<0.05). When the cOR was adjusted, using an open pit as a sanitary toilet facility remained a significant risk factor of infection (adjusted OR, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.19 to 0.90; p<0.05).

Conclusions
There is a potentially emerging Cryptosporidium zoonosis in Boliwong, Lagawe, Philippines. It is recommended that the toilet facilities and the water system in the community be rehabilitated to avoid any possible disease outbreak. Health education is also needed in the community to maintain proper hygiene and sanitation practices.
Full text link https://tinyurl.com/yfvms99p

Article title: Presence of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in the water sources of indigenous peoples in Boliwong, Philippines
Authors: R .V. Labana, J. Z. Dungca , V. Nissapatorn
Publication title: Asian Pac. J. Health Sci.,5(3):163-166, 2018

Article title: Physico-chemical analysis of fish pond water in Candaba, Pampanga, Philippines
Authors: Khristine L. Sandoval, Kristel Joy S. Cada, Ryan V. Labana and Julieta Z. Dungca
Publication title: Philippine Journal of Systematic Biology 11(1), January 2017

Abstract:
The study of Physico-chemical parameters in fish ponds in Candaba, Pampanga was conducted to determine the quality of water for fish pond from July to August, 2014. Water samples were tested in-situ using probe meter: Thermo Orion Model A920. The results showed variation in the observed parameters at the different sampling stations and two sampling dates. Temperature ranged from 29±16.74 to 35.23±1.01˚C. pH values were 8.70±5.02 to 9.57±1.11. Dissolved oxygen values were 5.20±3 to 7.57±0.77mg/l. Electrical conductivity ranged from 220±0.01 to 489±0.57µS/cm. The values for temperature and DO were higher than accepted values for fish culture while those of other parameters favored for good fish production. The observations in this study suggest that fish production in some fish ponds of Candaba, Pampanga could be practiced without adverse effects posed by the quality of water.
Full text link https://tinyurl.com/2d26exkz

Papers Presented:

Abstract:
Infections by intestinal parasites are considered as one of the major health concerns in developing countries afflicting different groups of people including food handlers and food vendors and are linked to poor personal hygiene and sanitation. This raises public health issues as food vendors and handlers may potentially become agents for the fecal-oral transmission of intestinal parasitic infections to consumers. This study focused on determining the prevalence of intestinal parasites among slaughter house workers and food vendors and examined their personal and food hygiene practices. A small-scale survey was conducted and selected a total of 91 slaughter house workers and food vendors from different areas in Metro Manila. Microscopic examination of the fecal samples collected was done following standard procedures by the World Health Organization (WHO) thru direct smear, formalin-ethyl acetate sedimentation and staining methods. Participants were also interviewed on their food and personal hygiene practices using a questionnaire. The overall prevalence of parasitic infection was 90% with helminthic predominating protozoan infections. Eight (8) different intestinal parasites were identified: Entamoeba histolytica/Entamoeba dispar (15.6%), Balantidium coli (8.4%), Giardia lamblia (4.2%), Ascaris lumbricoides (30%), Trichuris trichiura (14.9%), Ancyclostoma duodenale/ Necator americanus (2.3%). Taenia spp. (2.4%), and Enterobius vermicularis (2.9%). Other amoeba-like protozoans (19.2%) were also observed suggestive of exposure to fecal materials. Based on the results obtained, there is high levels of parasitic infections among slaughter house workers and food vendors. Raising awareness on proper food handling, improved personal hygiene and sanitation is needed to prevent further transmission of parasites to the public.
Full text available upon request to the author/s.

Article title: Effects of rising temperature on the antibiotic susceptibility pattern of bacterial isolates from Pasig River tributaries, Philippines
Authors: Ryan V. Labana, Gary Antonio C Lirio, Julieta Z Dungca, et. al.
Conference title: 6th Clinical Microbiology Conference At: Rome, Italy, October 2016

Abstract:
While there has been a number of literatures suggesting the direct positive effects of increasing temperature on bacterial density, there has been scarcity of data, however, describing how temperature may impact the efficacy of antibiotics. In this study, the effect of rising temperatures brought about by global warming on the antibiotic susceptibility pattern of bacteria isolated from the surface water of Pasig River, Philippines was investigated. Nine bacterial isolates belonging to three families namely: Aeromonadaceae (Aeromonas sobria (3), Aeromonas veronii (1) and Aeromonas caviae (1)); Enterococcaceae (Enterococcus gallinarum (1)); and Enterobacteriaceae (Klebsiella oxytoca (2) and Citobacter sedlakii (1)) were tested for their activities against six antibiotics namely: Gentamicin (10 μg), Chloramphenicol (30 μg), Tetracyline (30 μg), Erythromycin (15 μg), Vancomycin (30 μg) and Bacitracin (10 units) using Kirby Bauer disk diffusion method at varying incubation temperature (37oC, 39oC, 42oC and 45oC). Bacterial density at the time of sampling was also determined. The mean heterotrophic plate count was estimated at 3.7029×104 CFU/ml. All the nine bacterial isolates were found to be multiple drug resistant (MDR) (55.6% being triresistant while 44.4% being tetraresistant). It is surprising to note that all the nine isolates were able to tolerate high temperature exposure and that all of them exhibited resistance to erythromycin, vancomycin and bacitracin. Out of the nine isolates, eight (88.9%) and seven (77.8%) were sensitive to gentamicin and chloramphenicol, respectively, suggesting that these were still effective in killing these bacteria. A very high positive correlation (r=0.868, p=0.001) between antibiotics and zones of inhibition across varying temperatures was noted. These data may suggest possible beneficial effect of increasing temperature on the activity of some antibiotics against bacteria. Further, it implies that thermotolerant MDR bacterial strains have gone through the river water system which may pose potential threat to the public.
Full text available upon request to the author/s.

Article title: Surveillance of intestinal protozoans and multi-drug resistant bacteria from various water samples from the Philippines
Authors: Julieta Z. Dungca, Onichandran, T. Kumar, C. Salibay, H. Tabo, N. Tabo, T.C. Tan, Y. Lim, N. Sawangjaroen, S. Phiriyasamith, H. Andiappan, I. Ithoi, Y-L Lau, V. Nissapatorn, Z. Los Banos, A. Yu, J. Adrano, R. Labana, G. Lirio, A. Fabella, G. Tapar, A. Ayacocho, P. Fua, C. Coats, Arellano, R., Cueto, C, Asuncion, D. J. and Delmo
Conference title: International conference and Expo on Water Microbiology & Novel Technologies At: Chicago, USA, July 2016

Abstract:
As water pollution is one of the key health issues in the Philippines, parasitological and bacteriological surveys were made on various water systems in the Philippines with the hope of assisting policy makers in coming up with environmental health programs for the region. A total of thirty three water samples were examined for the presence of Cryptosporidium spp . and Giardia spp. using an immunomagnetic separation method and ﬂuorescence microscopy. Likewise, Acanthamoeba and Naegleria were tested through microscopy examination and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results of the parasitological analysis revealed that twelve samples were positive for Cryptosporidium spp . (36.4%); 17 (45.5%) for Giardia spp., 13 (33.3%) for Acanthamoeba and 5 (18.2%) for Naegleria spp. Te occurrence of Giardia in the water samples was positively correlated with nitrite (r=0.736, p<0.01) as well as nitrate concentration (r=0.502, p<0.01). Tese ﬁndings may serve as baseline surveillance data for parasitic contamination in various water systems in the Philippines. Likewise, the occurrence of multidrug resistant bacteria (deﬁned as resistance to at least three antibiotics) in selected river systems was also investigated. Te resistance proﬁle of the 27 bacterial isolates from Pampanga River, 8 isolates from Estero de San Miguel and 9 isolates from Pasig River were determined against ﬁve to ten antibiotics using the Kirby Bauer disk diﬀusion method. Results showed that all the 37 out of 44 isolates (20 from Pampanga; all 8 from Estero de San Miguel and all 9 from Pasig River) were resistant to at least three antibiotics. In this study, 9 thermotolerant multiple drug resistant (MDR) bacterial isolates were identiﬁed. Further investigation has to be made as to how these MDR had been introduced into these bodies of water which may place the public at great risk.
Full text link https://tinyurl.com/yhsy48uf

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Ryan V. Labana