S N Mohd Johari, P Y Tan, R Loganathan, Y A L Lim, K T Teng, S C Lee, K R Selvaduray, R Ngui
Soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) are known as one of the neglected parasitic diseases, leading to significant health issues and associated complications. This study aims to assess the current prevalence of STH infections and the associated risk factors among rural primary schoolchildren in Malaysia. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 638 schoolchildren (7-11 years old) from 10 rural primary schools in five regions of Malaysia. The overall prevalence of STH infections among schoolchildren was 54.5%, with T. trichiura being the predominant STH species (50.9%), followed by A. lumbricoides (19.6%) and hookworms (7.4%). The highest prevalence of STH infections was recorded in the schools in Perak (96.6%), followed by Pahang (85.4%), Johor (42.1%) and Sabah (6.2%). At the same time, none of the schoolchildren in Sarawak were infected with STHs. The findings also highlighted that the older age group (10-11 years old) exhibited a higher prevalence of STH infection and T. trichiura compared to those aged 7-9 years old (P = 0.01) among the schools with a high prevalence of STH infections (>= 70%). Several variables, such as being female (1.9 [1.2, 3.0]) (Adjusted odd ratio [95% confidence interval]), low household income (30.9 [7.0, 136.5]), using untreated water supply (1.9 [1.1, 3.2]), indiscriminate defaecation (1.9 [1.1, 3.1]), indiscriminate garbage disposal (2.8 [1.3, 6.0]), eating with hands (5.9 [3.4, 10.4]) and experiencing pallor signs (2.3 [1.1, 5.0]), emerged as significant predictors of STH infections in this study population. The present study underscores that in specific rural community areas of Malaysia, STH infections continue to pose health concerns among primary schoolchildren. Hence, to ensure the sustained effectiveness of the measures taken to control STH infections, a collaborative and ongoing effort between various stakeholders is imperative to provide targeted support to rural communities, especially those in areas lacking essential amenities and healthcare services.
{"title":"Unveiling soil-transmitted helminth infections and associated risk factors in rural primary schoolchildren in Malaysia.","authors":"S N Mohd Johari, P Y Tan, R Loganathan, Y A L Lim, K T Teng, S C Lee, K R Selvaduray, R Ngui","doi":"10.47665/tb.41.3.015","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47665/tb.41.3.015","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) are known as one of the neglected parasitic diseases, leading to significant health issues and associated complications. This study aims to assess the current prevalence of STH infections and the associated risk factors among rural primary schoolchildren in Malaysia. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 638 schoolchildren (7-11 years old) from 10 rural primary schools in five regions of Malaysia. The overall prevalence of STH infections among schoolchildren was 54.5%, with T. trichiura being the predominant STH species (50.9%), followed by A. lumbricoides (19.6%) and hookworms (7.4%). The highest prevalence of STH infections was recorded in the schools in Perak (96.6%), followed by Pahang (85.4%), Johor (42.1%) and Sabah (6.2%). At the same time, none of the schoolchildren in Sarawak were infected with STHs. The findings also highlighted that the older age group (10-11 years old) exhibited a higher prevalence of STH infection and T. trichiura compared to those aged 7-9 years old (P = 0.01) among the schools with a high prevalence of STH infections (>= 70%). Several variables, such as being female (1.9 [1.2, 3.0]) (Adjusted odd ratio [95% confidence interval]), low household income (30.9 [7.0, 136.5]), using untreated water supply (1.9 [1.1, 3.2]), indiscriminate defaecation (1.9 [1.1, 3.1]), indiscriminate garbage disposal (2.8 [1.3, 6.0]), eating with hands (5.9 [3.4, 10.4]) and experiencing pallor signs (2.3 [1.1, 5.0]), emerged as significant predictors of STH infections in this study population. The present study underscores that in specific rural community areas of Malaysia, STH infections continue to pose health concerns among primary schoolchildren. Hence, to ensure the sustained effectiveness of the measures taken to control STH infections, a collaborative and ongoing effort between various stakeholders is imperative to provide targeted support to rural communities, especially those in areas lacking essential amenities and healthcare services.</p>","PeriodicalId":101343,"journal":{"name":"Tropical biomedicine","volume":"41 3","pages":"345-355"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142645374","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
N Izwan-Anas, Z Ya'cob, V L Low, E Y Lourdes, B-T Teoh, M S Mansor, R Ramli, P Pramual, P H Adler, H Takaoka, S AbuBakar
Simulium asakoae Takaoka and Davies has been confirmed to bite humans and has been incriminated as a vector of blood protozoan parasites of the genera Leucocytozoon and Trypanosoma, as well as an unknown filarial parasite in Thailand. However, its attraction to humans has remained uninvestigated in Malaysia. Recently, 27 black flies were collected in Pahang, Malaysia, of which 25 were captured in CO2-baited Malaise traps and two were collected from humans during trapping activity. All specimens were morphologically identified as S. asakoae. Cytochrome c oxidase I sequences of the two specimens caught on humans showed 100% similarity with those of S. asakoae in the NCBI GenBank, confirming their morphological identity. Blood-meal analysis using a HAL·HARTM kit did not show the presence of domestic or wild animal DNA. However, human DNA was amplified from one engorged fly in the cytochrome b gene amplification assay, providing the first evidence of blood-feeding by S. asakoae in Malaysia.
经证实,Simulium asakoae Takaoka 和 Davies 可叮咬人类,并被认为是白细胞虫属和锥虫属血液原生动物寄生虫以及泰国一种未知丝虫寄生虫的传播媒介。然而,在马来西亚,它对人类的吸引力仍未得到研究。最近,我们在马来西亚彭亨州收集到了 27 只黑蝇,其中 25 只是用二氧化碳诱饵捕获的,另外 2 只是在诱捕活动中从人类身上收集到的。所有标本经形态鉴定均为 S. asakoae。在人类身上捕获的两个标本的细胞色素 c 氧化酶 I 序列与 NCBI GenBank 中的 S. asakoae 相似度达 100%,证实了它们的形态特征。使用 HAL-HARTM 试剂盒进行的血餐分析没有发现家畜或野生动物的 DNA。不过,在细胞色素 b 基因扩增试验中,从一只被吞食的苍蝇身上扩增出了人类 DNA,这首次证明了 S. asakoae 在马来西亚以血为食。
{"title":"First blood-meal record of Simulium asakoae (Diptera: Simuliidae) in Malaysia, with notes on its distribution in Asia and status as a potential vector.","authors":"N Izwan-Anas, Z Ya'cob, V L Low, E Y Lourdes, B-T Teoh, M S Mansor, R Ramli, P Pramual, P H Adler, H Takaoka, S AbuBakar","doi":"10.47665/tb.41.3.003","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47665/tb.41.3.003","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Simulium asakoae Takaoka and Davies has been confirmed to bite humans and has been incriminated as a vector of blood protozoan parasites of the genera Leucocytozoon and Trypanosoma, as well as an unknown filarial parasite in Thailand. However, its attraction to humans has remained uninvestigated in Malaysia. Recently, 27 black flies were collected in Pahang, Malaysia, of which 25 were captured in CO<sub>2</sub>-baited Malaise traps and two were collected from humans during trapping activity. All specimens were morphologically identified as S. asakoae. Cytochrome c oxidase I sequences of the two specimens caught on humans showed 100% similarity with those of S. asakoae in the NCBI GenBank, confirming their morphological identity. Blood-meal analysis using a HAL·HAR<sup>TM</sup> kit did not show the presence of domestic or wild animal DNA. However, human DNA was amplified from one engorged fly in the cytochrome b gene amplification assay, providing the first evidence of blood-feeding by S. asakoae in Malaysia.</p>","PeriodicalId":101343,"journal":{"name":"Tropical biomedicine","volume":"41 3","pages":"251-256"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142645366","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Nsp1 in SARS-CoV-2 is a key protein that increases the virus's pathogenicity and virulence by binding to the host ribosome and blocks the 40S ribosomal subunit channel, which effectively impedes the mRNA translation as well as crippling the host immune system. Previous studies revealed that the N-terminal in Nsp1 is part and parcel of Nsp1 efficiency, and mutations in its core residues have weakened the protein's. This knowledge persuades us to carry out the in silico screening on plant compounds of Piper sarmentosum Roxb. against the five target residues which are Glu36, Glu37, Arg99, Arg124 and Lys125. Potential compounds were tested for their druggability. As a result, we identified five out of 112 compounds including stigmasterol, N-feruloyltyramine, beta-Sitosterol, 13-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)- N-(2methylpropyl) trideca-2,4,12-trienamide and N-(2-methylpropyl) octadeca-2-4dienamide in Piper sarmentosum Roxb. as potential inhibitors for Nsp1. These compounds formed at least a hydrophobic, hydrogen bonding or π-cation interactions with the protein. Furthermore, SwissADME analysis and the number of bindings to the target residues suggest that N-feruloyltyramine is the ideal inhibitor candidate against SARS-CoV-2 at its N-terminal of Nsp1. Lastly, the interaction with N-feruloyltyramine increased flexibility in the loop regions of N-terminal Nsp1, especially residues 54 to 70, with residue 59 showing the highest fluctuation, potentially affecting the protein's stability and function due to the correlation between RMSF and protein function.
{"title":"Identification of potential SARS-CoV-2 Nsp1 inhibitors from Piper sarmentosum Roxb. using molecular docking.","authors":"K C Saw, A M Ahmad Mokhtar, N I Ismail","doi":"10.47665/tb.41.2.006","DOIUrl":"10.47665/tb.41.2.006","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Nsp1 in SARS-CoV-2 is a key protein that increases the virus's pathogenicity and virulence by binding to the host ribosome and blocks the 40S ribosomal subunit channel, which effectively impedes the mRNA translation as well as crippling the host immune system. Previous studies revealed that the N-terminal in Nsp1 is part and parcel of Nsp1 efficiency, and mutations in its core residues have weakened the protein's. This knowledge persuades us to carry out the in silico screening on plant compounds of Piper sarmentosum Roxb. against the five target residues which are Glu36, Glu37, Arg99, Arg124 and Lys125. Potential compounds were tested for their druggability. As a result, we identified five out of 112 compounds including stigmasterol, N-feruloyltyramine, beta-Sitosterol, 13-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)- N-(2methylpropyl) trideca-2,4,12-trienamide and N-(2-methylpropyl) octadeca-2-4dienamide in Piper sarmentosum Roxb. as potential inhibitors for Nsp1. These compounds formed at least a hydrophobic, hydrogen bonding or π-cation interactions with the protein. Furthermore, SwissADME analysis and the number of bindings to the target residues suggest that N-feruloyltyramine is the ideal inhibitor candidate against SARS-CoV-2 at its N-terminal of Nsp1. Lastly, the interaction with N-feruloyltyramine increased flexibility in the loop regions of N-terminal Nsp1, especially residues 54 to 70, with residue 59 showing the highest fluctuation, potentially affecting the protein's stability and function due to the correlation between RMSF and protein function.</p>","PeriodicalId":101343,"journal":{"name":"Tropical biomedicine","volume":"41 2","pages":"166-175"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141997174","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
L M Shi, S Z Liu, X J Dou, X Y Liu, E Q Feng, J W Liang, X L Kong, F Y Ji
Malaria is an insect-borne disease transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes or the importation of Plasmodium-infected blood, posing a serious threat to human health and life safety. This study aims to analyze the incidence of malaria in Qingdao at various stages from 1949 to 2021, to collate the control measures taken at different epidemic stages to assess the effectiveness of malaria control, and to identify a set of malaria control strategies suitable for Qingdao, while providing Chinese experience for other countries or cities in their malaria elimination efforts. A retrospective survey was used to collect information on malaria cases, control measures and prevention and control effects in Qingdao from 1949 to 2021, and to evaluate malaria control strategies and measures in Qingdao. 704 155 cases have been reported from 1949 to 2021, with three epidemic peaks: the incidence rate was 1715.9/100 000 in 1961, 1409.7/100 000 in 1965, and the most severe case occurred in 1972, with an incidence rate of 1635.6/100 000 and a case count exceeding 90 000. Throughout the various stages of malaria epidemics, Qingdao has effectively eliminated indigenous malaria by implementing diverse preventive and control measures. Since the last indigenous case of Plasmodium vivax was reported in 2002, all locally reported cases have been imported, mainly by returning migrant workers from Africa. This study examines a range of malaria prevention and control strategies and interventions that are appropriate for Qingdao. These measures have enabled Qingdao to successfully eliminate malaria and maintain malaria-free status for more than 20 years. These measures can also serve as a reference for similarly situated cities in Africa and Southeast Asia.
{"title":"Epidemiological characteristics and strategies for prevention and elimination of malaria in Qingdao, Shandong Province, China from 1949 to 2021.","authors":"L M Shi, S Z Liu, X J Dou, X Y Liu, E Q Feng, J W Liang, X L Kong, F Y Ji","doi":"10.47665/tb.41.2.001","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47665/tb.41.2.001","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Malaria is an insect-borne disease transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes or the importation of Plasmodium-infected blood, posing a serious threat to human health and life safety. This study aims to analyze the incidence of malaria in Qingdao at various stages from 1949 to 2021, to collate the control measures taken at different epidemic stages to assess the effectiveness of malaria control, and to identify a set of malaria control strategies suitable for Qingdao, while providing Chinese experience for other countries or cities in their malaria elimination efforts. A retrospective survey was used to collect information on malaria cases, control measures and prevention and control effects in Qingdao from 1949 to 2021, and to evaluate malaria control strategies and measures in Qingdao. 704 155 cases have been reported from 1949 to 2021, with three epidemic peaks: the incidence rate was 1715.9/100 000 in 1961, 1409.7/100 000 in 1965, and the most severe case occurred in 1972, with an incidence rate of 1635.6/100 000 and a case count exceeding 90 000. Throughout the various stages of malaria epidemics, Qingdao has effectively eliminated indigenous malaria by implementing diverse preventive and control measures. Since the last indigenous case of Plasmodium vivax was reported in 2002, all locally reported cases have been imported, mainly by returning migrant workers from Africa. This study examines a range of malaria prevention and control strategies and interventions that are appropriate for Qingdao. These measures have enabled Qingdao to successfully eliminate malaria and maintain malaria-free status for more than 20 years. These measures can also serve as a reference for similarly situated cities in Africa and Southeast Asia.</p>","PeriodicalId":101343,"journal":{"name":"Tropical biomedicine","volume":"41 2","pages":"134-141"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141997173","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
H S Chua, Y H Soh, S Ibrahim, N H Abdullah, N A A Che Mat Seri, S AbuBakar, S K Loong
Vibrio vulnificus infection is associated with high morbidity and mortality in high-risk patients. Poor prognoses could lead to >50% mortality rate. The present report describes a case of V. vulnificus bacteremia in a cirrhotic patient with underlying hepatitis C. He presented with generalised abdominal pain associated with distention and could not ambulate for one week. He also complained of fever for six days and pruritus for 10 days. Tea-coloured urine was noted in continuous bag drainage. The abdomen was distended but soft, with mild tenderness palpated over the left lumbar and iliac region. Blood investigation indicated ongoing infection and inflammation. The aerobic blood culture was identified using the matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation-time of flight mass spectrometry and confirmed via 16S rDNA sequencing as V. vulnificus. Multilocus sequence typing of the isolated V. vulnificus revealed a novel sequence type, ST540. The patient responded well to the intravenous cefoperazone and was then discharged with a four day-course of oral ciprofloxacin, 500 mg twice daily after completing the intravenous cefoperazone for 10 days. Clinical history and physical examination are important for early antibiotic therapy initiation and appropriate surgical intervention. Furthermore, bacterial strain typing is also essential for epidemiological surveillance and potentially anticipating the pathogen's virulence traits, which are vital in controlling and preventing the spread of infection.
{"title":"Novel Vibrio vulnificus sequence type 540 infection in a hepatitis patient.","authors":"H S Chua, Y H Soh, S Ibrahim, N H Abdullah, N A A Che Mat Seri, S AbuBakar, S K Loong","doi":"10.47665/tb.41.2.014","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47665/tb.41.2.014","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Vibrio vulnificus infection is associated with high morbidity and mortality in high-risk patients. Poor prognoses could lead to >50% mortality rate. The present report describes a case of V. vulnificus bacteremia in a cirrhotic patient with underlying hepatitis C. He presented with generalised abdominal pain associated with distention and could not ambulate for one week. He also complained of fever for six days and pruritus for 10 days. Tea-coloured urine was noted in continuous bag drainage. The abdomen was distended but soft, with mild tenderness palpated over the left lumbar and iliac region. Blood investigation indicated ongoing infection and inflammation. The aerobic blood culture was identified using the matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation-time of flight mass spectrometry and confirmed via 16S rDNA sequencing as V. vulnificus. Multilocus sequence typing of the isolated V. vulnificus revealed a novel sequence type, ST540. The patient responded well to the intravenous cefoperazone and was then discharged with a four day-course of oral ciprofloxacin, 500 mg twice daily after completing the intravenous cefoperazone for 10 days. Clinical history and physical examination are important for early antibiotic therapy initiation and appropriate surgical intervention. Furthermore, bacterial strain typing is also essential for epidemiological surveillance and potentially anticipating the pathogen's virulence traits, which are vital in controlling and preventing the spread of infection.</p>","PeriodicalId":101343,"journal":{"name":"Tropical biomedicine","volume":"41 2","pages":"220-223"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141997177","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Helminth parasites are a group of complex metazoans from various taxonomic families. Excretory secretory (ES) by-products, secreted by living parasites from the surface, appeared to modulate the host immunological response towards helminth infection. This study aims to investigate the effect of ES antigen from helminth parasite on colorectal cell viability. Worm were cultured in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS x1) at 37°C for 24 hours after being rinsed in sterile PBS. Using a mortar and pestle, the worm was crushed vigorously using PBS. The obtained excretory secretory (ES) antigens were extracted and filtered using a 0.22 µM filter and stored at -20°C for further assay. For LCMS, 100 µl of the extract was analysed using Agilent ZORBAX Eclipse Plus C18 Rapid Resolution HT. The extraction of ES antigen (10 µg/ml and 20 µg/ml) was used for cell viability studies using CRC cell line HCT 116. Cell viability and MTT assay were conducted as per the protocol mentioned in the MTT kit. The liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry (LCMS) data indicated that the ES antigen contained metabolic compounds, namely fatty acid, amino alcohol, indoles, sterols, glycosides, and sphingoids. For the Ascaris lumbricoides LCMS analyses, around 405 metabolic peaks were detected. Out of which, 58 were detected via the database were identified, while several compounds detected have anticancer properties. The MTT assay indicated that after 24 hours and 48 hours of exposure, all treated cells showed a decrease in cell viability compared to the control group. The preliminary studies demonstrated that the ES antigen from Ascaris lumbricoides has some ability to decrease the cell viability of the HCT116 CRC cell line. Further studies are needed to examine the cell cycle arrest and apoptosis effect of the ES antigen towards the CRC cell line.
{"title":"Preliminary studies on the effect of excretory secretory (ES) Ascaris lumbricoides antigens on colorectal cell line viability.","authors":"N N Ab Talib, M Nisha, R Ramasamy, J C Pang","doi":"10.47665/tb.41.2.005","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47665/tb.41.2.005","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Helminth parasites are a group of complex metazoans from various taxonomic families. Excretory secretory (ES) by-products, secreted by living parasites from the surface, appeared to modulate the host immunological response towards helminth infection. This study aims to investigate the effect of ES antigen from helminth parasite on colorectal cell viability. Worm were cultured in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS x1) at 37°C for 24 hours after being rinsed in sterile PBS. Using a mortar and pestle, the worm was crushed vigorously using PBS. The obtained excretory secretory (ES) antigens were extracted and filtered using a 0.22 µM filter and stored at -20°C for further assay. For LCMS, 100 µl of the extract was analysed using Agilent ZORBAX Eclipse Plus C18 Rapid Resolution HT. The extraction of ES antigen (10 µg/ml and 20 µg/ml) was used for cell viability studies using CRC cell line HCT 116. Cell viability and MTT assay were conducted as per the protocol mentioned in the MTT kit. The liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry (LCMS) data indicated that the ES antigen contained metabolic compounds, namely fatty acid, amino alcohol, indoles, sterols, glycosides, and sphingoids. For the Ascaris lumbricoides LCMS analyses, around 405 metabolic peaks were detected. Out of which, 58 were detected via the database were identified, while several compounds detected have anticancer properties. The MTT assay indicated that after 24 hours and 48 hours of exposure, all treated cells showed a decrease in cell viability compared to the control group. The preliminary studies demonstrated that the ES antigen from Ascaris lumbricoides has some ability to decrease the cell viability of the HCT116 CRC cell line. Further studies are needed to examine the cell cycle arrest and apoptosis effect of the ES antigen towards the CRC cell line.</p>","PeriodicalId":101343,"journal":{"name":"Tropical biomedicine","volume":"41 2","pages":"160-165"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141997178","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
W Sangkam, P Arunsan, P Pechdee, A Boonsuya, C Thanchonnang, W Chatdumrong, N K Rattanapitoon, S K Rattanapitoon
Human liver fluke, Opisthorchis viverrini poses a significant risk for development of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) in Thailand, primarily attributed to consumption of undercooked cyprinoid fishes. The current use of anthelmintic drug treatment such as praziquantel (PZQ), as the main therapeutic agent against O. viverrini. There is a need to explore the efficacy of alternative anthelmintic drugs for O. viverrini treatment. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of anthelmintic drugs, which are commonly use in endemic areas of Southeast Asian countries; PZQ, albendazole (AL), niclosamide (NI), and mebendazole (ME) at concentrations of 600, 400, 500, and 500 mg/ml. The study included a negative and positive control group treated with roswell park memorial institute (RPMI) and PZQ. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, indicative of oxidative stress, were quantified using 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate staining. Morphological changes were observed using scanning electron microscopy. Furthermore, motility assessments were conducted at various time points (0, 5, 30 minutes, 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 hours), calculating relative motility (RM) and survival index (SI). The results revealed a significant increase of ROS levels with the intensity and corrected total worm fluorescence (CTWF) mostly observed in order of PZQ, followed by NI, ME, and AL, respectively. Morphological damage was presented the tegumental swelling, papillae changes, and disruption of microvilli (Mv), particularly in the group treated with the most effective anthelmintics PZQ, NI, ME, and AL, while negative control group did not exhibit such alterations. Also, the most efficacy for suppressing the motility of adult worms were displayed in PZQ treatment group, followed by NI, ME, and AL, respectively. Overall, first novel findings suggest that apart from NI, ME, and AL demonstrate potential as alternative therapeutic options for O. viverrini infection. Furthermore, animal model is needed to investigate the efficacy of NI, ME, and AL compare with standard treatment.
在泰国,人类肝吸虫(Opisthorchis viverrini)是导致胆管癌(CCA)的重要风险因素,这主要是由于食用了未煮熟的鲤科鱼类。目前,吡喹酮 (PZQ) 等抗蠕虫药物是治疗 O. viverrini 的主要药物。因此,有必要探索其他抗蠕虫药物对 O. viverrini 的疗效。本研究旨在评估东南亚国家流行地区常用的抗蠕虫药物(PZQ、阿苯达唑(AL)、烟酰胺(NI)和甲苯咪唑(ME),浓度分别为 600、400、500 和 500 毫克/毫升)的疗效。研究还包括用罗斯威尔公园纪念研究所(RPMI)和 PZQ 处理的阴性对照组和阳性对照组。使用 2',7'-二氯荧光素二乙酸酯染色法对表明氧化应激的活性氧(ROS)水平进行量化。使用扫描电子显微镜观察形态变化。此外,还在不同时间点(0、5、30 分钟、1、3、6、12 和 24 小时)进行了运动能力评估,计算相对运动能力(RM)和存活指数(SI)。结果表明,ROS 水平明显增加,虫体荧光强度和校正后的总荧光(CTWF)依次为 PZQ、NI、ME 和 AL。形态学损伤表现为被膜肿胀、乳头变化和微绒毛(Mv)破坏,尤其是在使用最有效的抗蠕虫药 PZQ、NI、ME 和 AL 的组别中,而阴性对照组则没有表现出这些变化。此外,PZQ 处理组抑制成虫蠕动的效果最好,其次分别是 NI、ME 和 AL。总之,第一批新发现表明,除 NI 外,ME 和 AL 有可能成为治疗 O. viverrini 感染的替代疗法。此外,还需要通过动物模型来研究 NI、ME 和 AL 与标准疗法相比的疗效。
{"title":"Anthelmintic activity and pathophysiological effect of anthelmintic drugs against carcinogenic liver fluke, Opisthorchis viverrini.","authors":"W Sangkam, P Arunsan, P Pechdee, A Boonsuya, C Thanchonnang, W Chatdumrong, N K Rattanapitoon, S K Rattanapitoon","doi":"10.47665/tb.41.2.010","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47665/tb.41.2.010","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Human liver fluke, Opisthorchis viverrini poses a significant risk for development of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) in Thailand, primarily attributed to consumption of undercooked cyprinoid fishes. The current use of anthelmintic drug treatment such as praziquantel (PZQ), as the main therapeutic agent against O. viverrini. There is a need to explore the efficacy of alternative anthelmintic drugs for O. viverrini treatment. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of anthelmintic drugs, which are commonly use in endemic areas of Southeast Asian countries; PZQ, albendazole (AL), niclosamide (NI), and mebendazole (ME) at concentrations of 600, 400, 500, and 500 mg/ml. The study included a negative and positive control group treated with roswell park memorial institute (RPMI) and PZQ. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, indicative of oxidative stress, were quantified using 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate staining. Morphological changes were observed using scanning electron microscopy. Furthermore, motility assessments were conducted at various time points (0, 5, 30 minutes, 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 hours), calculating relative motility (RM) and survival index (SI). The results revealed a significant increase of ROS levels with the intensity and corrected total worm fluorescence (CTWF) mostly observed in order of PZQ, followed by NI, ME, and AL, respectively. Morphological damage was presented the tegumental swelling, papillae changes, and disruption of microvilli (Mv), particularly in the group treated with the most effective anthelmintics PZQ, NI, ME, and AL, while negative control group did not exhibit such alterations. Also, the most efficacy for suppressing the motility of adult worms were displayed in PZQ treatment group, followed by NI, ME, and AL, respectively. Overall, first novel findings suggest that apart from NI, ME, and AL demonstrate potential as alternative therapeutic options for O. viverrini infection. Furthermore, animal model is needed to investigate the efficacy of NI, ME, and AL compare with standard treatment.</p>","PeriodicalId":101343,"journal":{"name":"Tropical biomedicine","volume":"41 2","pages":"196-205"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141997168","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Leprosy continues to pose a significant challenge to public health, particularly in certain global regions. Accurate diagnosis and understanding of the disease's etiology are crucial for effective management and prevention. This study aimed to explore the contribution of Natural resistance-associated macrophage protein 1 (NRAMP1) and its genetic variations, as well as the levels of anti-PGL-1 antibodies, to the pathology of multibacillary leprosy in affected individuals and their household contacts. The study included 23 multibacillary leprosy patients and 28 household contacts. NRAMP1 protein expression and anti-PGL-1 IgG and IgM levels were measured using PCR and ELISA techniques, respectively. Genotypic variants of the NRAMP1 gene were also examined. Statistical analyses, including Mann-Whitney tests and univariate logistic regression, were employed to evaluate the data. Significant differences were observed in NRAMP1 protein expression and IgG and IgM levels between the patient and household contact groups. The study also highlighted the role of the NRAMP1 gene and its D543N and 3'UTR polymorphisms in leprosy susceptibility. No significant differences were observed in the genotype variants of INT4 between the two groups. These findings emphasize the potential of integrating PCR technology with serological tests to enhance diagnostic precision in leprosy. They also suggest the need for further research to clarify the role of NRAMP1 and its polymorphisms in leprosy susceptibility and resistance.
{"title":"Comparative analysis of natural resistance-associated macrophage protein 1 gene expression and anti-PGL-1 antibodies in multibacillary leprosy and household contacts.","authors":"E Srihartati, I Agusni, Y Listiawan","doi":"10.47665/tb.41.2.013","DOIUrl":"10.47665/tb.41.2.013","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Leprosy continues to pose a significant challenge to public health, particularly in certain global regions. Accurate diagnosis and understanding of the disease's etiology are crucial for effective management and prevention. This study aimed to explore the contribution of Natural resistance-associated macrophage protein 1 (NRAMP1) and its genetic variations, as well as the levels of anti-PGL-1 antibodies, to the pathology of multibacillary leprosy in affected individuals and their household contacts. The study included 23 multibacillary leprosy patients and 28 household contacts. NRAMP1 protein expression and anti-PGL-1 IgG and IgM levels were measured using PCR and ELISA techniques, respectively. Genotypic variants of the NRAMP1 gene were also examined. Statistical analyses, including Mann-Whitney tests and univariate logistic regression, were employed to evaluate the data. Significant differences were observed in NRAMP1 protein expression and IgG and IgM levels between the patient and household contact groups. The study also highlighted the role of the NRAMP1 gene and its D543N and 3'UTR polymorphisms in leprosy susceptibility. No significant differences were observed in the genotype variants of INT4 between the two groups. These findings emphasize the potential of integrating PCR technology with serological tests to enhance diagnostic precision in leprosy. They also suggest the need for further research to clarify the role of NRAMP1 and its polymorphisms in leprosy susceptibility and resistance.</p>","PeriodicalId":101343,"journal":{"name":"Tropical biomedicine","volume":"41 2","pages":"214-219"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141997170","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
C S Khor, H Y Lee, M A Abd-Majid, H Y Khoo, J J Khoo, S AbuBakar
Serological evidence has shown the presence of several mosquito-borne arbovirus infections among the inhabitants of the forest fringe areas of the tropics. Among these infections, Japanese encephalitis, dengue fever, chikungunya fever and Zika fever could be targeted for vaccination to overcome severe infection and limit the disease transmission. Seroprevalence data among this high-risk population are needed to provide an estimate of the potential cost-effectiveness of any vaccine programme targeting these infections. The present study was conducted at six indigenous people (Orang Asli) villages and FELDA (Federal Land Development Authority) settlements located at the forest fringes of Malaysia. All participants consented and provided blood samples and demographic data for the study. The blood samples were tested for the presence of antibodies against CHIKV, DENV, JEV and ZIKV individually using ELISA. Results obtained were also analysed to determine the predictors for CHIKV, DENV, JEV and ZIKV seropositivity. Among the 585 samples tested, 33.0% (N=193), 41.7% (N=244), 10.3% (N=60) and 21.0% (N=123) were positive for CHIKV IgG, DENV IgG, JEV IgG and ZIKV IgG, respectively. Approximately one-third (N=220, 37.6%) of the participants were tested negative for IgG antibodies against all four arboviruses. Age of participants and type of settlement were found to be a significant predictor for CHIKV, DENV, JEV and ZIKV seropositivity. Level of education was a significant predictor for CHIKV, DENV and ZIKV seropositivity. Gender, however, was not found to be a significant predictor for infection with any of these viruses. These findings reaffirmed the significant presence of infection involving these major arboviruses among the group of people living within the forest fringe areas of Peninsular Malaysia. Hence, any future consideration of vaccination for these infections must take into consideration the marginalized and underserved communities living at the forest fringe areas of the tropics where these infections are present.
{"title":"Seroprevalences and their associated predictors of chikungunya, dengue, Japanese encephalitis and zika among forest fringe dwellers of Peninsular Malaysia.","authors":"C S Khor, H Y Lee, M A Abd-Majid, H Y Khoo, J J Khoo, S AbuBakar","doi":"10.47665/tb.41.2.015","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47665/tb.41.2.015","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Serological evidence has shown the presence of several mosquito-borne arbovirus infections among the inhabitants of the forest fringe areas of the tropics. Among these infections, Japanese encephalitis, dengue fever, chikungunya fever and Zika fever could be targeted for vaccination to overcome severe infection and limit the disease transmission. Seroprevalence data among this high-risk population are needed to provide an estimate of the potential cost-effectiveness of any vaccine programme targeting these infections. The present study was conducted at six indigenous people (Orang Asli) villages and FELDA (Federal Land Development Authority) settlements located at the forest fringes of Malaysia. All participants consented and provided blood samples and demographic data for the study. The blood samples were tested for the presence of antibodies against CHIKV, DENV, JEV and ZIKV individually using ELISA. Results obtained were also analysed to determine the predictors for CHIKV, DENV, JEV and ZIKV seropositivity. Among the 585 samples tested, 33.0% (N=193), 41.7% (N=244), 10.3% (N=60) and 21.0% (N=123) were positive for CHIKV IgG, DENV IgG, JEV IgG and ZIKV IgG, respectively. Approximately one-third (N=220, 37.6%) of the participants were tested negative for IgG antibodies against all four arboviruses. Age of participants and type of settlement were found to be a significant predictor for CHIKV, DENV, JEV and ZIKV seropositivity. Level of education was a significant predictor for CHIKV, DENV and ZIKV seropositivity. Gender, however, was not found to be a significant predictor for infection with any of these viruses. These findings reaffirmed the significant presence of infection involving these major arboviruses among the group of people living within the forest fringe areas of Peninsular Malaysia. Hence, any future consideration of vaccination for these infections must take into consideration the marginalized and underserved communities living at the forest fringe areas of the tropics where these infections are present.</p>","PeriodicalId":101343,"journal":{"name":"Tropical biomedicine","volume":"41 2","pages":"224-229"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141997181","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
C H Ding, A A Wahab, M N Tzar, M N Mokhtar, V Arunasalam
Globally, Campylobacter spp. are responsible for most cases of bacterial gastrointestinal infections in humans and although rare, extraintestinal Campylobacter infections have been described. A 2-yearold neutropenic girl with underlying precursor B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia presented with a 3-day history of diarrhea. Her stool culture yielded no enteric bacterial pathogens. However, when her blood culture was flagged as positive for bacterial growth, no colonies could be observed on routine bacteriological isolation media. Nonetheless, gram-negative bacilli with seagull and spiral morphologies were seen when the surface of the isolation media used to subculture her blood was Gram-stained. Bacterial colonies were only visible when a subculture was attempted on a Campylobacter blood-free selective agar medium. The organism was identified as Campylobacter jejuni by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry. Since the organism was erythromycin-resistant and the patient's age precluded the use of tetracycline and ciprofloxacin, an antibiotic regimen consisting of piperacillin-tazobactam and gentamicin was commenced. Her C. jejuni bacteremia resolved following eight days of antibiotic therapy.
在全球范围内,弯曲杆菌属是大多数人类细菌性胃肠道感染的罪魁祸首,虽然罕见,但也有肠外弯曲杆菌感染的病例。一名患有潜在前体 B 细胞急性淋巴细胞白血病的 2 岁中性粒细胞增多症女孩腹泻 3 天。她的粪便培养未发现肠道细菌病原体。然而,当她的血液培养显示细菌生长呈阳性时,常规细菌分离培养基上却观察不到菌落。然而,当对用于血液亚培养的分离培养基表面进行革兰氏染色时,却能看到具有海鸥和螺旋形态的革兰氏阴性杆菌。只有在不含弯曲杆菌的血液选择性琼脂培养基上进行亚培养时,才能看到细菌菌落。通过基质辅助激光解吸电离飞行时间质谱分析,确定该细菌为空肠弯曲杆菌。由于该病菌对红霉素耐药,且患者年龄较大,无法使用四环素和环丙沙星,因此开始使用由哌拉西林-他唑巴坦和庆大霉素组成的抗生素方案。经过八天的抗生素治疗,她的空肠肠杆菌血症得到了缓解。
{"title":"Campylobacter jejuni bacteremia in a leukemic child: a nearly missed diagnosis.","authors":"C H Ding, A A Wahab, M N Tzar, M N Mokhtar, V Arunasalam","doi":"10.47665/tb.41.2.011","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47665/tb.41.2.011","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Globally, Campylobacter spp. are responsible for most cases of bacterial gastrointestinal infections in humans and although rare, extraintestinal Campylobacter infections have been described. A 2-yearold neutropenic girl with underlying precursor B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia presented with a 3-day history of diarrhea. Her stool culture yielded no enteric bacterial pathogens. However, when her blood culture was flagged as positive for bacterial growth, no colonies could be observed on routine bacteriological isolation media. Nonetheless, gram-negative bacilli with seagull and spiral morphologies were seen when the surface of the isolation media used to subculture her blood was Gram-stained. Bacterial colonies were only visible when a subculture was attempted on a Campylobacter blood-free selective agar medium. The organism was identified as Campylobacter jejuni by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry. Since the organism was erythromycin-resistant and the patient's age precluded the use of tetracycline and ciprofloxacin, an antibiotic regimen consisting of piperacillin-tazobactam and gentamicin was commenced. Her C. jejuni bacteremia resolved following eight days of antibiotic therapy.</p>","PeriodicalId":101343,"journal":{"name":"Tropical biomedicine","volume":"41 2","pages":"206-208"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141997169","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}