Browse publications by year: 2024

  1. Mohamad NM, Shokri SS, Sukaimy FS, Wan Muda WN, Ahmad Tajudin LS
    Cureus, 2024 Dec;16(12):e76598.
    PMID: 39881892 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.76598
    A juxtapapillary retinal capillary hemangioma (JRCH) is a rare vascular hamartoma located on the optic nerve head or adjacent region. While often associated with von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease, JRCHs can also occur as an isolated condition, presenting unique therapeutic challenges and risks of visual impairment. We report a case of a 50-year-old Malay gentleman with diabetes mellitus who presented with a non-progressive superior visual field defect in his left eye for three months. Fundus examination revealed a raised reddish mass adjacent to the nasal optic disc, accompanied by macular exudates. Optical coherence tomography confirmed cystoid macular oedema, while fundus fluorescence angiography revealed feeder and draining vessels with late leakage and adjacent small vessel vasculitis. Systemic evaluation found no evidence of VHL or other abnormalities. Despite treatment with photodynamic therapy and intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) injections, the patient's vision progressively deteriorated. This case highlights the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges associated with JRCH and emphasizes the need for early recognition and tailored interventions to mitigate significant visual impairment.
  2. Lin YW, Largajolli A, Edwards AY, Cheung SYA, Patel K, Hennig S
    Front Pharmacol, 2024;15:1487062.
    PMID: 39885927 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1487062
    Exposure-response (ER) analyses are routinely performed as part of model-informed drug development to evaluate the risk-to-benefit ratio for dose selection, justification, and confirmation. For logistic regression analyses with binary endpoints, several exposure metrics are investigated, based on pharmacological plausibility, including time-averaged concentration to event (CavTE). CavTE is informative because it accounts for dose interruptions, modifications, and reductions and is therefore often compared against ER relationships identified using steady-state exposures. However, its derivation requires consideration in a logistic regression framework for time-invariant ER analysis because it has the potential to introduce bias. This study evaluated different approaches to derive CavTE for subjects whom did not have an event by the end of treatment (EoT) and assessed their impact on the ER relationship. Here we used a modified model based on a real data example for simulating exposures and events (safety) in different virtual population sizes (n = 50, 100, or 200) and drug effect magnitudes (0.5, 0.75, or 1). Events were generated using a proportional odds model with Markov components. For subjects whom did not experience an event, CavTE was derived at EoT, EoT+7 days, +14 days, +21 days, +28 days. The derivation of CavTE at different time points demonstrated significant impact on trends detected in logistic ER relationships that could bias subsequent event projection, dose selection and Go/No-Go decisions. CavTE in censored subjects must therefore be carefully derived to avoid potentially making false positive or negative conclusions. Overall, CavTE can be a useful exposure metrics in an ER analysis, when considered along with physiological or biological plausibility, the drug's pharmacokinetic, and mechanism of action. Biological plausibility and different analysis factors (e.g., the time of the events with respect to observational period, the level of dose reduction/interruption) should be considered in the choice of the exposure metric. It is recognized that although time-invariant logistic regression is relatively fast and efficient, it overlooks recurring events and does not take into account the exposure and response time course with the potential drawback of ignoring important elements of the analysis like onset or duration of the effect. Care should be taken when ER relationships with other exposure metrics do not identify any statistically significant trends.
  3. Nadeson Y, Zakaria AF
    Cureus, 2024 Dec;16(12):e76685.
    PMID: 39886708 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.76685
    Spinal cord injuries, including rare cases without radiological abnormalities, pose diagnostic challenges, particularly in cases of delayed neurological deficit development. This case report describes a 55-year-old man with a stable L1 burst fracture who developed delayed neurological deficits two weeks after sustaining a fall despite no evidence of intrinsic or extrinsic spinal cord abnormalities on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The patient initially presented with back pain, normal muscle strength across all myotomes, and imaging that showed no canal stenosis or retropulsion fragments. After symptom progression to bilateral lower limb weakness, urinary incontinence, and loss of anal tone, follow-up investigations, including MRI, electromyography, nerve conduction studies, and blood tests, were unremarkable. Although the clinical presentation appeared to indicate spinal cord injury without radiological abnormality (SCIWORA), the delayed onset of symptoms and structural abnormalities in this case fell outside traditional SCIWORA criteria. This case highlights a gap in the current terminology used to describe spinal cord injuries with delayed neurological presentation, emphasizing the need for more precise classification to inform diagnosis, management, and medicolegal documentation.
  4. Abd Karim NS, Yaakub A, Tuan Jaffar TN, Mahadi R
    Cureus, 2024 Dec;16(12):e76672.
    PMID: 39886713 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.76672
    Simultaneous complete oculomotor nerve palsy in herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO) is rare. We report a case of a 65-year-old lady who presented with a right drooping eyelid for 2 days associated with rashes over her right forehead. Examination showed crusted vesicular lesions on the right V1 dermatome with right complete ptosis, anisocoria, and limited right extraocular movement on all gazes except full movement on abduction. The anterior chamber showed mild right eye anterior chamber inflammation and bilateral fundus examinations were normal. Other neurological examinations were normal. Neuroimaging also was normal. A diagnosis of complete third nerve palsy secondary to HZO with keratouveitis was made. HZO-causing cranial nerve palsy is a relatively uncommon finding. In severe cases with significant nerve involvement, additional treatments or interventions may be necessary to manage the third nerve palsy and its associated complications.
  5. Sinnayya D, Lott PW, Tajunisah I
    Ocul Immunol Inflamm, 2024 Aug;32(6):1048-1060.
    PMID: 37134302 DOI: 10.1080/09273948.2023.2202758
    A 60-year-old female with known seropositive rheumatoid arthritis and other co-morbids, presented with right eye hypertensive retinopathy and exudative macroaneurysms. Over the years, she developed vitreous haemorrhage, macula oedema and full thickness macula hole. Fluorescein angiography showed macroaneurysms and ischaemic retinal vasculitis. Initial diagnosis was thought to be hypertensive retinopathy with macroaneurysms and retinal vasculitis secondary to rheumatoid arthritis. Laboratory investigations did not support other causes for macroaneurysms and vasculitis. Hence, delayed diagnosis of IRVAN syndrome was made after detailed review of clinical findings, investigations, and angiographic evidence. Our understanding of IRVAN continues to evolve in the face of challenging presentations. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of IRVAN associated with rheumatoid arthritis.
    MeSH terms: Aneurysm/diagnosis; Arthritis, Rheumatoid/complications; Arthritis, Rheumatoid/diagnosis; Diagnosis, Differential; Female; Fundus Oculi; Humans; Macular Edema/diagnosis; Macular Edema/etiology; Middle Aged; Visual Acuity/physiology; Vitreous Hemorrhage/diagnosis; Vitreous Hemorrhage/etiology; Tomography, Optical Coherence; Hypertensive Retinopathy/diagnosis; Hypertensive Retinopathy/etiology
  6. Hasmuni Chew NH, Mohd Saat NZ, Wong JE, Lee ST, Singh-Povel CM, Khouw I, et al.
    Nutr Bull, 2024 Sep;49(3):294-313.
    PMID: 38845457 DOI: 10.1111/nbu.12683
    Early childhood is a critical developmental stage where established dietary patterns can impact lifelong health outcomes. This study investigates dietary patterns and their relationships with sociodemographic factors among Malaysian preschoolers. A total of 643 preschoolers of Malay, Indian, Chinese and other ethnicities participating in South East Asian Nutrition Surveys (SEANUTS II) were included. Dietary intake was assessed using a single triple-pass 24-h dietary recall method. Dietary patterns were derived using principal component analysis and their association with sociodemographic factors was determined using complex sampling logistic regressions. Five dietary patterns were identified: "healthy eating," "wholegrains and starchy vegetables," "high salt and sugar," "Western food," and "sugary drinks and legumes". Having older siblings was inversely associated with a "healthy eating" pattern (adjusted OR: 0.54, 95% CI: 0.33-0.87). Malay ethnicity was associated with higher odds of adhering to the "high salt and sugar" pattern (adjusted OR: 4.12, 95% CI: 2.20-7.75). Meanwhile, children living in urban areas (adjusted OR: 1.76, 95% CI: 1.03-3.01), those from middle-income families (adjusted OR: 3.20, 95% CI: 1.38-7.40) and whose fathers were overweight (adjusted OR: 2.79, 95% CI: 1.58-4.94) showed a higher association with "Western food" pattern. Conversely, children whose mothers had overweight were less likely to adhere to the "Western food" pattern (adjusted OR: 0.50, 95% CI: 0.30-0.83). Older age was significantly associated with a greater likelihood of the "sugary drinks and legumes" pattern (adjusted OR: 3.99, 95% CI: 1.75-9.06). There was no significant association between "wholegrains and starchy vegetables" pattern with sociodemographic characteristics (all p > 0.05). These findings suggest that ethnicity, age, residence area, having older siblings, parental weight status and household income level are associated with dietary patterns among multiethnic preschoolers in Malaysia. Thus, these sociodemographic characteristics should be considered when designing targeted dietary strategies and interventions for preschoolers.
    MeSH terms: Child, Preschool; Cross-Sectional Studies; Ethnic Groups/statistics & numerical data; Feeding Behavior/ethnology; Female; Humans; Malaysia/ethnology; Male; Nutrition Surveys; Socioeconomic Factors*; Vegetables; Diet, Western; Healthy Diet/ethnology; Healthy Diet/statistics & numerical data
  7. Lee ZC, Seow CE, Periyasamy P
    BMC Infect Dis, 2024 Aug 02;24(1):771.
    PMID: 39095695 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-024-09568-7
    BACKGROUND: Klebsiella pneumoniae invasive syndrome (KPIS) is characterized by primary pyogenic liver abscess associated with metastatic infections. Although rare, Klebsiella endocarditis carries a high mortality risk.

    CASE PRESENTATION: A 60-year-old lady with type II diabetes mellitus presented with fever, malaise, right hypochondriac pain and vomiting for two weeks. Ultrasound abdomen revealed a collection within liver, and distended gallbladder with echogenic debris within. 3 days after ultrasound guided pigtail drainage of gallbladder empyema, newly presence murmur detected. Pus, urine, and blood cultures obtained were positive for Klebsiella pneumonia. Echocardiogram exhibited oscillating mass attached to anterior mitral valve leaflet. After 6 weeks of intravenous ceftriaxone, follow-up echocardiogram and ultrasound showed complete resolution of mitral valve vegetation, hepatic and gallbladder collection.

    CONCLUSION: Concomitant extrahepatic infective endocarditis (IE) should raise concerns in daily practice for patients with Klebsiella pneumoniae liver abscesses, despite the rarity of Klebsiella endocarditis. In the absence of diagnostic suspicion, antibiotic treatment regimens may be shortened, and adverse effects from IE infection may ensue.

    MeSH terms: Empyema/drug therapy; Empyema/microbiology; Endocarditis, Bacterial/complications; Endocarditis, Bacterial/diagnosis; Endocarditis, Bacterial/drug therapy; Endocarditis, Bacterial/microbiology; Female; Gallbladder Diseases/complications; Gallbladder Diseases/microbiology; Humans; Middle Aged
  8. Li Y, Ramli DA
    Sci Rep, 2024 Aug 05;14(1):18082.
    PMID: 39103389 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-68216-x
    The precise separation of multicomponent signals encounters numerous challenges due to the complexity of signals and widespread interference. Synchrosqueezing Transform (SST) is one of the important technologies for improving the accurate separation of multicomponent signals, but it faces challenges in terms of the difficulty and effectiveness of squeezing. This paper introduces a multicomponent signal separation method based on innovative Fractional Synchrosqueezing Transform (FrSST). FrSST rearranges along the fractional frequency axis, improving the accuracy of time-frequency ridges and, consequently, enhancing the precision of multicomponent signal separation. In the signal reconstruction process, chirp multiplication and energy rearrangement compensate for chirp bases' effects, boosting energy concentration and reconstruction potential. Utilizing improved ridges from FrSST ensures effective signal reconstruction. Simulation comparisons demonstrate that, with varying SNRs from - 5 to 15 dB, the reconstructed components based on FrSST exhibit favorable approximation to the original signal components. Furthermore, as the sample size increases, the proposed algorithm shows satisfactory computational efficiency.
  9. Wong YK, Teoh SY
    J Chiropr Educ, 2024 Oct 23;38(2):148-153.
    PMID: 39177451 DOI: 10.7899/JCE-23-25
    OBJECTIVE: Evidence-based radiographic guidelines are used to justify the need for radiographs and prevent their overuse. This study aimed to assess whether 4th-year chiropractic interns at the International Medical University plan to use x-ray imaging in their future private practice in line with the principles taught throughout their chiropractic program and the evidence-based imaging guidelines.

    METHODS: A survey questionnaire was distributed to 74 final year chiropractic interns, with 62 completed responses. The questionnaire consisted of 8 case scenarios representing potential chiropractic patients. The interns were asked to decide whether to x-ray the patient or not, and which x-ray views to request if they chose to x-ray the patient.

    RESULTS: Results were compared with the gold standard using percentage agreement. The findings revealed that the chiropractic students adhered to the gold standard answers for 6 out of 8 cases. However, they did not perform well in selecting the correct x-ray views for the 3 cases where radiography was indicated by the gold standard.

    CONCLUSION: Results suggest that while the interns have a good understanding of when radiography is necessary, they may need additional training in selecting the appropriate x-ray views for each case.

  10. Ho KY, Gyanwali B, Dimayuga C, Eufemio EM, Bernardo E, Raju G, et al.
    BMJ Open, 2024 Oct 17;14(10):e090926.
    PMID: 39419619 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2024-090926
    OBJECTIVES: This study aims to determine the usage pattern, effectiveness and safety of oral tramadol 75 mg and dexketoprofen trometamol 25 mg fixed-dose combination (TRAM/DKP FDC) in the short-term treatment of moderate-to-severe acute pain in real-world clinical practice in Asia.

    DESIGN: Real-world, prospective, multicentre, observational, phase IV study.

    SETTING: 13 tertiary-care hospital sites across the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore.

    PARTICIPANTS: Adult patients aged 18-80 years prescribed TRAM/DKP FDC for the short-term (up to 5 days) treatment of moderate-to-severe acute pain.

    MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary endpoints were the proportion of patients prescribed TRAM/DKP FDC with different types of postsurgical and non-surgical treatments, and the average dosing frequency and duration of TRAM/DKP FDC treatment. Secondary endpoints were the proportion of patients achieving ≥30% pain reduction at 8 hours post the first dose (pain severity was assessed using the 11-point Numeric Pain Rating Scale); patient satisfaction at the end of treatment (based on a 5-point Patient Global Evaluation Scale (PGE)) and safety including the incidence of adverse drug reactions (ADRs).

    RESULTS: Among 599 patients (median age 44 years, 61.3% female) enrolled in this study, 68.61% (n=411) were postsurgical and 31.39% (n=188) were non-surgical patients. TRAM/DKP FDC was prescribed in a diverse group of postsurgical patients (eg, orthopaedic, general and cancer surgery) as well as in non-surgical conditions (eg, lower back pain and musculoskeletal pain). In the majority of patients, TRAM/DKP FDC was prescribed every 8 hours (65.94%) and for 5 days (78.80%). There was a significant reduction in pain intensity throughout the study and 65% of patients achieved ≥30% pain reduction from baseline at 8 hours post the first dose of TRAM/DKP FDC on day 1. 95.69% of patients were satisfied with the treatment (rated good, very good and excellent on the PGE scale). Overall, 13.9% of patients reported ADRs; most were mild to moderate in severity. The most common ADRs were nausea, vomiting and dizziness.

    CONCLUSION: This study showed that TRAM/DKP FDC was used in diverse types of postsurgical and non-surgical patients in the real-world setting in Asia. It effectively reduced pain and was well tolerated with a high level of patient satisfaction.

    MeSH terms: Administration, Oral; Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal/administration & dosage; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal/adverse effects; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal/therapeutic use; Asia; Drug Combinations; Female; Humans; Malaysia; Male; Middle Aged; Pain Measurement*; Pain, Postoperative/drug therapy; Philippines; Prospective Studies; Singapore; Thailand; Treatment Outcome; Patient Satisfaction/statistics & numerical data; Young Adult
  11. Sirkka O, Bindels J, Chatchatee P, Kosuwon P, Lee WS, SimaKachorn N, et al.
    Ann Nutr Metab, 2024;80(4):211-225.
    PMID: 38663357 DOI: 10.1159/000539037
    INTRODUCTION: The impact of young child formula (YCF) consumption on children's growth, particularly under suboptimal conditions, has scarcely been studied. In the current study, weight-for-age (WAZ), length-for-age (LAZ), and BMI-for-age (BAZ) z-score development was evaluated in children from five different countries (n = 668) who participated in a double-blind, randomized, controlled trial.

    METHODS: The children (1-3 years old) were randomized to one of two intervention YCFs (with presence or absence of prebiotics and n-3 LCPUFAs) during 52 weeks of intervention. Additional stratified analyses evaluated the growth patterns of underweight, overweight, or stunted children.

    RESULTS: No apparent differences in anthropometric measurements were observed between the intervention groups. In both YCF intervention groups, mean WAZ, LAZ and BAZ development was indicative of adequate growth during the intervention period. Stratified analyses showed stable WAZ and BAZ development among children with a healthy weight or overweight at baseline. Among underweight and stunted children, normalization in mean weight (∼1 SD) and length (∼0.8 SD) gain, respectively, was observed.

    CONCLUSION: The current study suggests that consumption of YCF, either or not containing prebiotics and n-3 LCPUFAs, is associated with adequate growth among young children. This association may depend on the child's baseline nutritional status. Future studies to assess the potential role of YCF in supporting adequate weight/length gain among children at risk for undernutrition are warranted.

    MeSH terms: Body Height; Body Weight; Child, Preschool; Double-Blind Method; Female; Humans; Infant; Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Male; Thinness/epidemiology; Body Mass Index; Infant Formula*; Overweight; Prebiotics
  12. Zhang Q, Huang X, Zhang Y, Chao Z, Zhou R, Hamid RA, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2024 Oct 22;14(1):24886.
    PMID: 39438628 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-76666-6
    Walking pace is a simple and functional form of exercise and a strong predictor of health, but little is known about its causal association with rheumatoid arthritis. This study aimed to investigate the causal effect of WP on the developing RA using Mendelian randomization analysis. The genetic variation associated with WP was selected as an instrumental variable from the latest genome-wide association studies. Summary-level data for the outcomes were obtained from the corresponding GWAS. The inverse-variance weighted method was used as the primary MR analysis. The results were further tested using a multivariable MR approach based on Bayesian model averaging. Confounders (BMI, SMK, HBP, TD) with close associations with RA were included in the analysis. An observational study with individual data from UK Biobank was performed to reinforce our findings. The MR results indicated the significant inverse associations of WP with the risk of RA (odds ratio (OR), 0.31; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.15, 0.62; p = 1.05 × 10 -3). After adjusting for the risk factors, the associations for WP and RA did not change substantially. Observational study results demonstrated the same effect of WP on reducing the risk of RA. The Mendelian randomization analysis and observational study provide evidence suggesting that walking pace is a protective factor for rheumatoid arthritis. Given its simple measurement, walking pace may be a pragmatic target for interventions.
    MeSH terms: Bayes Theorem; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Risk Factors; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; Genome-Wide Association Study*; Mendelian Randomization Analysis*; Protective Factors; Walking Speed
  13. Nur-Amalina N, Nur-Sabrina AM, Muhamad-Ali HAM, Mohammad-Sabri AR, Nor-Azlina AA, Basripuzi NH
    Trop Biomed, 2024 Dec 01;41(4):385-391.
    PMID: 39876493 DOI: 10.47665/tb.41.S.001
    Bovine anaplasmosis is a tick-borne disease in cattle which is mainly caused by Anaplasma marginale and Anaplasma centrale. It poses significant economic burdens and threat on livestock industries worldwide. This study aimed to identify Anaplasma spp. infecting the commercial Mafriwal cattle in Johor, Malaysia and investigate their phylogenetic relationship in the population. In this study, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the MSP4 gene for A. marginale and the 16s rRNA gene for A. centrale were performed. These assays were conducted on blood samples collected from 242 Mafriwal cattle. BLAST analysis and phylogenetic trees were constructed to analyze the genetic relationships between the Anaplasma spp. The results revealed 57.85% of the sampled population were infected with Anaplasma spp., 21.90% with A. marginale, 9.50% with A. centrale and 26.45% with both A. marginale and A. centrale. BLAST analysis showed 100% similarities between A. marginale sequences from this study and the sequence from a goat in Brazil. Similarly, A. centrale sequences were closely related to strains from tick vector, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus in Panama with 100% similarity. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed distinct clades for A. marginale and A. centrale, indicating genetic diversity and specific species differentiation. The findings highlight the endemicity of bovine anaplasmosis in Malaysian cattle populations and potential cross-border transmission routes. Moreover, this study provides the first report of A. centrale prevalence in Malaysia, emphasizing the importance of ongoing surveillance and management efforts. Understanding the genetic diversity and species differentiation of these pathogens is crucial for designing effective control strategies and vaccine development. In conclusion, this study enhances our understanding of the prevalence and genetic dynamics of bovine anaplasmosis among Mafriwal cattle in its largest population in Malaysia for better diagnosis and effective control measures.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Cattle; Malaysia/epidemiology; Phylogeny*; Polymerase Chain Reaction/veterinary
  14. Kazim AR, Low VL, Houssaini J, Tappe D, Heo CC
    Trop Biomed, 2024 Dec 01;41(4):392-398.
    PMID: 39876494 DOI: 10.47665/tb.41.S.002
    Ticks are obligate hematophagous arachnids that feed on both humans and animals. Despite the extensive research on detection of bacteria in ixodid ticks in Malaysia, there remains limited knowledge about the detection of protozoa in these ectoparasites, especially in those that feed on farm ruminants. In this study, 1,241 ticks belonging to four species (Rhipicephalus microplus, R. haemaphysaloides, Haemaphysalis bispinosa, and H. wellingtoni) were collected from 674 farm ruminants across Peninsular Malaysia. The ticks were pooled and subjected to DNA extraction, followed by protozoal screening using 18S rRNA gene polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Of the 130 tick pools tested, 15 were positive for Babesia (11.54%) and ten for Theileria (7.69%). No Hepatozoon protozoa were detected. All positive pools consisted solely of R. microplus ticks, with no protozoa found in the other three tick species. BLAST analyses revealed that the Babesia sequences were identical to Babesia bigemina, while the Theileria sequences closely resembled Theileria orientalis and Theileria sinensis. This paper presents the first nationwide screening of Babesia, Hepatozoon, and Theileria in ticks infesting farm ruminants from Peninsular Malaysia.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Cattle; Malaysia; Phylogeny; Ruminants/parasitology; Theileriasis/epidemiology; Theileriasis/parasitology; Tick Infestations/epidemiology; Tick Infestations/parasitology; Tick Infestations/veterinary; DNA, Protozoan/genetics; Polymerase Chain Reaction
  15. Mohd-Zahir NA, Mohd-Kamal FN, Sipin Q, Ammar-Qusyairi MH, Moktar MA, Low SY, et al.
    Trop Biomed, 2024 Dec 01;41(4):399-403.
    PMID: 39876495 DOI: 10.47665/tb.41.S.003
    Canine haemotrophic mycoplasmosis is caused by mycoplasma haemopathogens, which includes Mycoplasma haemocanis (Mhc) and Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum (CMhp). The Mhc and CMhp pose a health risk to dogs, particularly in immunocompromised and splenectomised dogs, as they lead to haemolytic anaemia. There is scarce information on the detection of Mycoplasma in dogs in Malaysia. Therefore, this study aims to detect the presence of Mycoplasma in the blood of shelter and pet dogs and identify associated risk factors in Malaysian dog populations. Blood samples from shelter dogs in Selangor (n = 71) and pet dogs in Johor Bahru (n = 169) were collected. Conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect Mycoplasma 16S rRNA. Overall, 21.7% of the tested samples were positive, with a higher prevalence among the shelter dogs (45.1%) than pet dogs (11.8%). The Mhc was the predominant species detected, with only one case of CMhp. Risk factors associated with Mycoplasma infection in shelter dogs included urban areas, and the presence of rodents, and wild animals, but no significant associations with tick infestations were detected. These findings necessitate the importance of Mycoplasma transmission dynamics among Malaysian dog populations to assist in the implementation of control measures.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Dogs; Female; Malaysia; Male; Risk Factors; Prevalence; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Pets/microbiology
  16. Peng TL, Yahya SNC, Mohamed M, Hamdan RH, Shean CS, Okene IA, et al.
    Trop Biomed, 2024 Dec 01;41(4):404-411.
    PMID: 39876496 DOI: 10.47665/tb.41.S.004
    Anaplasma species are obligate rickettsial intraerythrocytic pathogens that cause an important tick-borne disease of economic importance in livestock production in many countries. Anaplasma species have been detected from farm animals worldwide, there is a paucity of information on Anaplasma infections in goats from Malaysia. Thus, this study aimed to assess the infection rate and identify Anaplasma species and some selected risk factors in goats across selected districts in Kelantan, Malaysia. A total of 411 blood samples were collected from goats and analysed for Anaplasma species targeting the msp4 gene using conventional PCR and sequencing. The infection risk was determined by breed, age, management system and location. Our results indicate an overall infection rate of 30.9% for Anaplasma species detected. Interestingly, sequencing of selected amplicons revealed the presence of Anaplasma ovis and A. marginale. Data analysis revealed a marked statistically significant association between Anaplasma infection and some variables such as location (district), farm management system, breed, and age (P < 0.05). Specifically, goats raised on intensive management had the highest prevalence of 46.25% (37/80) compared to other management types. Also, with regards to district, goats raised in the coastal region had a higher prevalence of 39.23% (71/181) compared to those raised in inland region 24.35% (56/230). Regarding breed, goats that were of the pure breed had a higher prevalence of Anaplasma species infection 38.19% (97/254) compared to crossbreeds with a prevalence of 19.11% (30/157). Lastly, goats 3 years had the least prevalence 18.99% (34/179). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of A. marginale and A. ovis in goats from northeastern Peninsular Malaysia. The infected goats were clinically healthy; this revealed the role of goats as a potential reservoir for A. marginale and the presence of A. ovis in goats in Malaysia. Continuous efforts towards tick control must be sustained to ensure high productive yield and reduced disease burden associated with TBPs of goats in the study area.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Female; Goats*; Malaysia/epidemiology; Male; Risk Factors; Prevalence; Polymerase Chain Reaction/veterinary
  17. Amer MM, Soliman AM, Do T, Hang L, El-Sayed SAE, Jaroszewski J, et al.
    Trop Biomed, 2024 Dec 01;41(4):412-421.
    PMID: 39876497 DOI: 10.47665/tb.41.S.005
    In Egypt, knowledge about vector-borne bacterial pathogens in camels remains limited. To address this gap, 181 blood samples from adult one-humped camels (Camelus dromedarius) in the greater Cairo metropolitan area were collected from October 2021 to March 2022. Through PCR assays, four pathogens were detected, where Anaplasmataceae being the most common (54.7%), followed by hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. (29.3%), Rickettsia spp. (12.2%), and Coxiella burnetii (1.7%). Comparative sequence analysis revealed novel findings, including: 1) the identification of two distinct hemotropic Mycoplasma spp., one closely related to bovine Mycoplasma sp. (Mycoplasma wenyonii), and the other closely related to porcine Mycoplasma sp. (Candidatus Mycoplasma haemosuis); and 2) the detection of Anaplasma bovis and Anaplasma phagocytophilum. Additionally, Anaplasma platys, Rickettsia africae, and Coxiella burnetii were identified as well. It's worth noting that these vector-borne pathogens possess zoonotic potential, emphasizing the need for adopting a "One Health" approach in Egypt to safeguard the wellbeing of both humans and animals.
    MeSH terms: Anaplasmataceae/genetics; Anaplasmataceae/isolation & purification; Animals; Camels*; Egypt; Mycoplasma Infections/microbiology; Mycoplasma Infections/epidemiology; Mycoplasma Infections/veterinary; Polymerase Chain Reaction
  18. Samsudin N, Noordin R, Anuar NS, Rahumatullah A, Abdullah ADG, Husin A, et al.
    Trop Biomed, 2024 Dec 01;41(4):422-426.
    PMID: 39876498 DOI: 10.47665/tb.41.4.001
    Strongyloidiasis is a parasitic nematode infection mainly caused by Strongyloides stercoralis. Immunocompromised conditions, particularly cancer patients treated with chemotherapy and corticosteroids, have a significant risk of developing Strongyloides hyperinfection. The lack of a gold standard laboratory method to rule out this infection and the insensitivity of microscopic stool examination due to low and intermittent larvae output in stool contribute to the low detection rate of this infection. We present three cases of strongyloidiasis in adults with haematological malignancies and significant eosinophilia in the early course of their cancer. Two patients were diagnosed with a combination of serological and molecular tests, and one was diagnosed serologically. Ivermectin at 200 mcg/kg/day for two days was commenced for all patients; unfortunately, one patient succumbed.
    MeSH terms: Adult; Aged; Animals; Feces/parasitology; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Immunocompromised Host; Fatal Outcome
  19. Pechdee P, Boonsuya A, Arunsan P, Thanchonnang C, La N, Rattanapitoon NK, et al.
    Trop Biomed, 2024 Dec 01;41(4):427-437.
    PMID: 39876499 DOI: 10.47665/tb.41.4.002
    Opisthorchis viverrini poses a substantial risk for cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) in Thailand. Despite praziquantel (PZQ) remains the primary treatment for opisthorchiasis, its association with adverse effects and potential CCA development during prolonged treatment, particularly in cases of reinfection and chronic infection, underscores the imperative for alternative herbal interventions with anthelmintic potential. In this context, a prior study suggested the inhibitory effects of Allium sativum L. (garlic) on various protozoa and helminths, prompting the investigation of its efficacy against O. viverrini in this study. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the efficacy of garlic against O. viverrini. O. viverrini adult worms were exposed to varying concentrations of garlic crude extract (20, 30, and 40 mg/ml). As comparators, another set of adult worms was treated with PZQ (20 mg/ml) and Roswell Park Memorial Institute 1640 medium, serving as the positive and negative control groups. The quantification of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as markers of oxidative stress was executed using 2',7'-Dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate staining. Morphological damage of O. viverrini adult worms were evaluated through scanning electron microscopy. Additionally, motility assessment was conducted at various exposure times (0, 30 minutes, 1, 2, 3, 6, 12, and 24 hours) by estimating relative motility values and survival index. The results revealed significantly elevated ROS levels and distinctive morphological damage, characterized by swelling of microvilli and papillae in the garlic-treated groups. In contrast, the positive control group exhibited minor morphological damage, while the negative control group did not display such alterations. The reduction in movement and increased mortality were observed in the groups treated with garlic, as evidenced by the RM and SI values, in comparison to both the positive and negative control groups. These findings suggest that garlic extract possesses potent anthelmintic properties against O. viverrini adult worms and holds promise as an alternative therapeutic avenue for Opisthorchiasis.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Thailand; Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism
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