Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 26 in total

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  1. Hasebe F, Parquet MC, Pandey BD, Mathenge EG, Morita K, Balasubramaniam V, et al.
    J Med Virol, 2002 Jul;67(3):370-4.
    PMID: 12116030
    A reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was developed for the detection of Chikungunya virus infection. Based on the nonstructural protein 1 (nsP1) and glycoprotein E1 (E1) genes of Chikungunya, two primer sets were designed. Total RNA were extracted from the cell culture fluid of Aedes albopictus C6/36 cells inoculated with the S27 prototype virus, isolated in Tanzania in 1953, and the Malaysian strains (MALh0198, MALh0298, and MALh0398), isolated in Malaysia in 1998. For both sets of RNA samples, the expected 354- and 294-base pair (bp) cDNA fragments were amplified effectively from the nsP1 and E1 genes, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis was conducted for the Malaysian strain and other virus strains isolated from different regions in the world endemic for Chikungunya, using partial E1 gene sequence data. The Malaysian strains isolated during the epidemics of 1998 fell into a cluster with other members of the Asian genotype.
    Matched MeSH terms: Alphavirus Infections/epidemiology*
  2. Javelle E, Tiong TH, Leparc-Goffart I, Savini H, Simon F
    J Clin Virol, 2014 Apr;59(4):270-3.
    PMID: 24556566 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2014.01.011
    The re-emerging invalidating chikungunya disease has recently extended to temperate areas. Other alphaviruses can also present with febrile arthalgias. Dengue virus transmitted by the same species of mosquitoes may cocirculate, leading to dual infections and concurrent epidemics. Although these diseases share similar clinical features, their prognoses considerably differ. Prominent and prolonged articular disorders are more consistent with chikungunya virus, whereas haemorrhages make the gravity of dengue infection. Specific symptoms are required, especially when diagnostic tests are not available or performable at a large scale. Indeed, early clinical suspicion of a vector-borne disease is crucial to isolate the first cases in the course of an outbreak, and discrimination between arboviruses help to optimal management of patients. No specific chikungunya clinical sign has been yet reported. We highlight here the high prevalence (about 25%) of acute ear redness in infected people during the 2008 chikungunya outbreak in Jahor Bahru in Malaysia. Nine consenting patients are more precisely described. Ear chondritis could be sensitive diagnostic criterion of the acute stage of chikungunya, every physician - even in occidental non endemic areas - should be aware of.
    Matched MeSH terms: Alphavirus Infections/epidemiology*
  3. Ho K, Ang LW, Tan BH, Tang CS, Ooi PL, James L, et al.
    J Infect, 2011 Apr;62(4):263-70.
    PMID: 21315108 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2011.02.001
    OBJECTIVES: We conducted an epidemiological review of the chikungunya fever situation in Singapore and described the measures taken to prevent the chikungunya virus from becoming entrenched in the tropical city-state.
    METHODS: All laboratory-confirmed cases and outbreak investigation reports maintained by the Communicable Diseases Division, Ministry of Health, and Aedes mosquito surveillance data obtained by the National Environment Agency during the period 2006 and 2009 were reviewed and analysed.
    RESULTS: Sporadic cases were imported into Singapore until the first local transmission occurred in an urban area where Aedes aegypti was the predominant vector. Subsequent introduction of a mutant viral strain (A226V) in early 2008 resulted in the rapid spread to suburban and rural areas where Aedes albopictus was the primary vector. 1072 cases including 812 (75.7%) indigenous cases were reported. The main sources of importation were India and Malaysia. Foreign contract workers were identified as high-risk for indigenous infections.
    CONCLUSIONS: The disease was successfully brought under control through aggressive vector control measures directed at A. albopictus. Although the incidence has sharply declined since January 2009, a high degree of vigilance is maintained to prevent a recurrence of epidemic transmission which can occur even with a well-established nationwide mosquito control programme.
    Matched MeSH terms: Alphavirus Infections/epidemiology
  4. Yusoff AF, Mustafa AN, Husaain HM, Hamzah WM, Yusof AM, Harun R, et al.
    BMC Infect Dis, 2013 May 08;13:211.
    PMID: 23656634 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2334-13-211
    BACKGROUND: The aims of the study were to assess the risk factors in relation to cross border activities, exposure to mosquito bite and preventive measures taken.An outbreak of chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infection in Malaysia has been reported in Klang, Selangor (1998) and Bagan Panchor, Perak (2006). In 2009, CHIKV infection re-emerged in some states in Malaysia. It raises the possibilities that re-emergence is part of the epidemics in neighbouring countries or the disease is endemic in Malaysia. For this reason, A community-based case control study was carried out in the state of Kelantan.

    METHODS: Prospective case finding was performed from June to December 2009. Those who presented with signs and symptoms of CHIKV infection were investigated. We designed a case control study to assess the risk factors. Assessment consisted of answering questions, undergoing a medical examination, and being tested for the presence of IgM antibodies to CHIKV. Descriptive epidemiological studies were conducted by reviewing both the national surveillance and laboratory data. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to determine risk factors contributing to the illness. Cases were determined by positive to RT-PCR or serological for antibodies by IgM. CHIKV specificity was confirmed by DNA sequencing.

    RESULTS: There were 129 suspected cases and 176 controls. Among suspected cases, 54.4% were diagnosed to have CHIKV infection. Among the controls, 30.1% were found to be positive to serology for antibodies [IgM, 14.2% and IgG, 15.9%]. For analytic study and based on laboratory case definition, 95 were considered as cases and 123 as controls. Those who were positive to IgG were excluded. CHIKV infection affected all ages and mostly between 50-59 years old. Staying together in the same house with infected patients and working as rubber tappers were at a higher risk of infection. The usage of Mosquito coil insecticide had shown to be a significant protective factor. Most cases were treated as outpatient, only 7.5% needed hospitalization. The CHIKV infection was attributable to central/east African genotype CHIKV.

    CONCLUSIONS: In this study, cross border activity was not a significant risk factor although Thailand and Malaysia shared the same CHIKV genotype during the episode of infections.

    Matched MeSH terms: Alphavirus Infections/epidemiology*
  5. Sam IC, Chan YF, Chan SY, Loong SK, Chin HK, Hooi PS, et al.
    J Clin Virol, 2009 Oct;46(2):180-3.
    PMID: 19683467 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2009.07.016
    BACKGROUND: Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) of the Central/East African genotype has caused large outbreaks worldwide in recent years. In Malaysia, limited CHIKV outbreaks of the endemic Asian and imported Central/East African genotypes were reported in 1998 and 2006. Since April 2008, an unprecedented nationwide outbreak has affected Malaysia.
    OBJECTIVE: To study the molecular epidemiology of the current Malaysian CHIKV outbreak, and to evaluate cross-neutralisation activity of serum from infected patients against isolates of Asian and Central/East African genotypes.
    STUDY DESIGN: Serum samples were collected from 83 patients presenting in 2008, and tested with PCR for the E1 gene, virus isolation, and for IgM. Phylogenetic analysis was performed on partial E1 gene sequences of 837bp length. Convalescent serum from the current outbreak and Bagan Panchor outbreak (Asian genotype, 2006) were tested for cross-neutralising activity against representative strains from each outbreak.
    RESULTS: CHIKV was confirmed in 34 patients (41.0%). The current outbreak strain has the A226V mutation in the E1 structural protein, and grouped with Central/East African isolates from recent global outbreaks. Serum cross-neutralisation activity against both Central/East African and Asian genotypes was observed at titres from 40 to 1280.
    CONCLUSIONS: The CHIKV strain causing the largest Malaysian outbreak is of the Central/East African genotype. The presence of the A226V mutation, which enhances transmissibility of CHIKV by Aedes albopictus, may explain the extensive spread especially in rural areas. Serum cross-neutralisation of different genotypes may aid potential vaccines and limit the effect of future outbreaks.
    Matched MeSH terms: Alphavirus Infections/epidemiology
  6. Noridah O, Paranthaman V, Nayar SK, Masliza M, Ranjit K, Norizah I, et al.
    Med J Malaysia, 2007 Oct;62(4):323-8.
    PMID: 18551938 MyJurnal
    Chikungunya is an acute febrile illness caused by an alphavirus which is transmitted by infective Aedes mosquitoes. Two previous outbreaks of chikungunya in Malaysia were due to chikungunya virus of Asian genotype. The present outbreak involved two adjoining areas in the suburb of Ipoh city within the Kinta district of Perak, a state in the northern part of Peninsular Malaysia. Thirty seven residents in the main outbreak area and two patients in the secondary area were laboratory confirmed to be infected with the virus. The index case was a 44-year Indian man who visited Paramakudi, Tamil Naidu, India on 21st November 2006 and returned home on 30th of November 2006, and subsequently developed high fever and joint pain on the 3rd of December 2006. A number of chikungunya virus isolates were isolated from both patients and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes in the affected areas. Molecular study showed that the chikungunya virus causing the Kinta outbreak was of the Central/East African genotype which occurred for the first time in Malaysia.
    Matched MeSH terms: Alphavirus Infections/epidemiology*
  7. Mohd Zim MA, Sam IC, Omar SF, Chan YF, AbuBakar S, Kamarulzaman A
    J Clin Virol, 2013 Feb;56(2):141-5.
    PMID: 23201456 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2012.10.019
    Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) and dengue virus (DENV) co-circulate in areas endemic with the Aedes mosquito vectors. Both viruses cause similar illnesses which may be difficult to distinguish clinically. CHIKV is also associated with persistent arthralgia.
    Matched MeSH terms: Alphavirus Infections/epidemiology*
  8. Azami NA, Salleh SA, Shah SA, Neoh HM, Othman Z, Zakaria SZ, et al.
    BMC Infect Dis, 2013;13:67.
    PMID: 23379541 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2334-13-67
    In 1998, Malaysia experienced its first chikungunya virus (CHIKV) outbreak in the suburban areas followed by another two in 2006 (rural areas) and 2008 (urban areas), respectively. Nevertheless, there is still a lack of documented data regarding the magnitude of CHIKV exposure in the Malaysian population. The aim of this study was to determine the extent of chikungunya virus infection in healthy Malaysian adults residing in outbreak-free locations.
    Matched MeSH terms: Alphavirus Infections/epidemiology*
  9. Mizuno Y, Kato Y, Takeshita N, Ujiie M, Kobayashi T, Kanagawa S, et al.
    J Infect Chemother, 2011 Jun;17(3):419-23.
    PMID: 20862507 DOI: 10.1007/s10156-010-0124-y
    Chikungunya fever (CHIKF) is currently distributed in Africa and in South and Southeast Asia; outbreaks have occurred periodically in the region over the past 50 years. After a large outbreak had occurred in countries in the western Indian Ocean region in 2005, several countries reported cases of CHIKF from travelers who had visited affected areas. In Japan, there have been only 15 cases of CHIKF patients so far, according to the National Institute of Infectious Diseases. Therefore, to evaluate the clinical and radiological features associated with the disease, we describe 6 imported cases of CHIKF. All of the patients had had prolonged arthralgia on admission to our hospital, and diagnosis was confirmed with specific antibodies by using an IgM-capture enzyme-linked immunoassay and a plaque reduction neutralizing antibody assay. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of one patient revealed erosive arthritis and tenosynovitis during the convalescence stage. Clinicians should be aware of the late consequences of infection by the chikungunya virus (CHIKV) and recognize the possible association of subacute and chronic arthritis features. In addition, competent vectors of CHIKV, Aedes aegypti, can now be found in many temperate areas of the eastern and western hemispheres, including Japan. This fact raises concern that the virus could be introduced and become established in these areas. This necessitates an increased awareness of the disease, because imported cases are likely to contribute to the spread of CHIKV infection wherever the competent mosquito vectors are distributed.
    Matched MeSH terms: Alphavirus Infections/epidemiology
  10. Li YY, Liu H, Fu SH, Li XL, Guo XF, Li MH, et al.
    Infect Genet Evol, 2017 11;55:48-55.
    PMID: 28827175 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2017.08.016
    Getah virus (GETV) was first isolated in Malaysia in 1955. Since then, epidemics in horses and pigs caused by GETV have resulted in huge economic losses. At present, GETV has spread across Eurasia and Southeast Asia, including mainland China, Korea, Japan, Mongolia, and Russia. Data show that the Most Recent Common Ancestor (MRCA) of GETV existed about 145years ago (95% HPD: 75-244) and gradually evolved into four distinct evolutionary populations: Groups I-IV. The MRCA of GETVs in Group III, which includes all GETVs isolated from mosquitoes, pigs, horses, and other animals since the 1960s (from latitude 19°N to 60°N), existed about 51years ago (95% HPD: 51-72). Group III is responsible for most viral epidemics among domestic animals. An analysis of the GETV E2 protein sequence and structure revealed seven common amino acid mutation sites. These sites are responsible for the structural and electrostatic differences detected between widespread Group III isolates and the prototype strain MM2021. These differences may account for the recent geographical radiation of the virus. Considering the economic significance of GETV infection in pigs and horses, we recommend the implementation of strict viral screening and monitoring programs.
    Matched MeSH terms: Alphavirus Infections/epidemiology*
  11. Pulmanausahakul R, Roytrakul S, Auewarakul P, Smith DR
    Int J Infect Dis, 2011 Oct;15(10):e671-6.
    PMID: 21775183 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2011.06.002
    In the last few years, chikungunya has become a major problem in Southeast Asia, with large numbers of cases being reported in Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand. Much of the current epidemic of chikungunya in Southeast Asia is being driven by the emergence of a strain of chikungunya virus that originated in Africa and spread to islands in the Indian Ocean, as well as to India and Sri Lanka, and then onwards to Southeast Asia. There is currently no specific treatment for chikungunya and no vaccine is available for this disease. This review seeks to provide a short update on the reemergence of chikungunya in Southeast Asia and the prospects for control of this disease.
    Matched MeSH terms: Alphavirus Infections/epidemiology*
  12. Apandi Y, Lau SK, Izmawati N, Amal NM, Faudzi Y, Mansor W, et al.
    PMID: 21329313
    Malaysia experienced its first outbreak of chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infection in late 1998 in Klang District in Selangor; six years later the virus re-emerged in the state of Perak. All the CHIKV isolates in 1988 and 2006 shared high sequence similarities and belonged to the Asian genotype. In 2007 and 2008 CHIKV infection again reemerged but the genotype was the Central/East African genotype. This strain was found to be similar to the strains causing outbreaks in the India Ocean. In 2009, the strains circulating in Malaysia, including the state of Kelantan, based on the partial E1 gene, also belong to the Central/East African genotype.
    Matched MeSH terms: Alphavirus Infections/epidemiology
  13. Chem YK, Zainah S, Berendam SJ, Rogayah TA, Khairul AH, Chua KB
    Med J Malaysia, 2010 Mar;65(1):31-5.
    PMID: 21265245 MyJurnal
    Malaysia experienced the first outbreak of chikungunya (CHIK) in Klang in late 1998 due to CHIK virus of Asian genotype. The CHIK virus of Asian genotype reemerged causing outbreak in Bangan Panchor, Perak in March 2006. CHIK virus of Central/East African genotype was first detected from a patient who returned from India in August 2006. In December 2006, CHIK virus of Central/East African genotype was re-introduced into Malaysia from India and caused an outbreak in Kinta district, Perak but was successfully controlled following an early detection and institution of intensive vector control measures. In late April 2008, CHIK virus of Central/East African genotype was laboratory confirmed as the cause of CHIK outbreak in Johore which spread to other parts of Malaysia by August 2008. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 254-bp fragment of the virus envelope protein gene as the genetic marker showed that three different strains of CHIK virus of Central/East African genotype were introduced into Malaysia on three separate occasions from 2006 to 2008. The strain that was introduced into Johor state was responsible for its subsequent spread to other parts of Malaysia, inclusive of Sarawak.
    Matched MeSH terms: Alphavirus Infections/epidemiology
  14. Chew LP, Chua HH
    Med J Malaysia, 2009 Sep;64(3):220-2.
    PMID: 20527272
    In 2008, an outbreak of chikungunya infection occurred in Johor. We performed a retrospective review of all laboratory confirmed adult chikungunya cases admitted to Hospital Sultanah Aminah, Johor Bahru from April to August 2008, looking into clinical and laboratory features. A total of 18 laboratory confirmed cases of chikungunya were identified with patients presenting with fever, joint pain, rash and vomiting. Haemorrhagic signs were not seen. Lymphopenia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, raised liver enzymes and deranged coagulation profile were the prominent laboratory findings. We hope this study can help guide physician making a diagnosis of chikungunya against other arborviruses infection.
    Matched MeSH terms: Alphavirus Infections/epidemiology*
  15. Ayu SM, Lai LR, Chan YF, Hatim A, Hairi NN, Ayob A, et al.
    Am J Trop Med Hyg, 2010 Dec;83(6):1245-8.
    PMID: 21118929 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.2010.10-0279
    In 2006, an outbreak of Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) of the Asian genotype affected over 200 people in Bagan Panchor village in Malaysia. One year later, a post-outbreak survey was performed to determine attack rate, asymptomatic rate, and post-infection sequelae. Findings were compared with recent CHIKV outbreaks of the Central/East African genotype. A total of 180 residents were interviewed for acute symptoms and post-infection physical quality of life and depressive symptoms. Sera from 72 residents were tested for CHIKV neutralizing antibodies. The estimated attack rate was 55.6%, and 17.5% of infected residents were asymptomatic. Arthralgia was reported up to 3 months after infection, but there were no reports of long-term functional dependence or depression. Symptomatic and seropositive residents were significantly more likely to live in the area with the most dense housing and commercial activities. CHIKV had a high attack rate and considerable clinical impact during the Bagan Panchor outbreak.
    Matched MeSH terms: Alphavirus Infections/epidemiology
  16. Yamamoto K, Matumoto K, Lim CK, Moi ML, Kotaki A, Takasaki T
    Intern. Med., 2010;49(5):501-5.
    PMID: 20190493
    An adult Malaysian woman returned to Japan from Kuala Lumpur and had onset of dengue fever-like symptoms including high fever, malaise and arthritis in early January 2009. Serum obtained on the following day was tested at the National Institute of Infectious Diseases in Tokyo, where it was determined to be positive for chikungunya virus (CHIKV) RNA. IgM antibody against CHIKV was negative on January 6 and sero-converted to be positive on January 14, confirming a recent CHIKV infection. Except for arthralgia, all her symptoms resolved uneventfully within 10 days.
    Matched MeSH terms: Alphavirus Infections/epidemiology
  17. Kumarasamy V, Prathapa S, Zuridah H, Chem YK, Norizah I, Chua KB
    Med J Malaysia, 2006 Jun;61(2):221-5.
    PMID: 16898316 MyJurnal
    An outbreak of Chikugunya (CHIK) fever occurred among the fishing community in Bagan Pancor, Perak. The outbreak was laboratory confirmed within 48 hours after the receipt of the specimens. Fifty-three patients' serum samples were submitted for laboratory investigation and 47 (88.7%) were confirmed to be positive for CHIK infection by RT-PCR, and/or virus isolation, and/or in-house immunoflourescent test. RT-PCR and virus isolation were the tests of choice for patients with illness of four days or less and detection of CHIK specific IgM for those with more than four days of fever. The nucleic acid sequence based on the 354- and 294-bp of the nsP1 and E1 genes of the CHIK virus detected from pools of adults Aedes aegypti mosquitoes were identical to those CHIKV virus isolated from humans in the same locality. Phylogenetic analysis of the CHIK virus based on the 257 nts partial E1 gene indicates that Bagan Panchor's strain was closely related to the first CHIK virus isolated during the outbreak in Klang in 1998.
    Matched MeSH terms: Alphavirus Infections/epidemiology*
  18. Lam SK, Chua KB, Hooi PS, Rahimah MA, Kumari S, Tharmaratnam M, et al.
    PMID: 11944696
    Many countries neighboring Malaysia have reported human infections by chikungunya virus, a mosquito-borne togavirus belonging to the genus Alphavirus. However, although there is serological evidence of its presence in Malaysia, chikungunya virus has not been known to be associated with clinical illness in the country. An outbreak of chikungunya virus occurred in Klang, Malaysia, between December 1998 and February 1999. The majority of the cases were in adults and the clinical presentation was similar to classical chikungunya infections. Malaysia is heavily dependent on migrant workers from countries where chikungunya is endemic. It is speculated that the virus has been re-introduced into the country through the movement of these workers.
    Matched MeSH terms: Alphavirus Infections/epidemiology*
  19. Lam SK
    Asia Pac J Public Health, 2002;14(1):6-8.
    PMID: 12597511 DOI: 10.1177/101053950201400103
    Emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases have become a major global problem. Malaysia appears to be an epicenter for such infections and in recent years, several outbreaks have occurred resulting in loss of lives and economic hardships. In this paper, we discussed the outbreaks of leptospirosis, enterovirus 71 encephalitis, chikungunya polyarthritis and Nipah encephalitis and how a developing country such as Malaysia managed the situation with the help of international agencies and organisations. Many valuable lessons were learned and by sharing our experience, it is hoped that we will be in a better position to handle future outbreaks and prevent their spread to countries in the region.
    Matched MeSH terms: Alphavirus Infections/epidemiology
  20. Pongsiri P, Auksornkitti V, Theamboonlers A, Luplertlop N, Rianthavorn P, Poovorawan Y
    Trop Biomed, 2010 Aug;27(2):167-76.
    PMID: 20962712 MyJurnal
    The resurgence of Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) in the southern, northeastern and northern parts of Thailand, inflicting approximately 46,000 reported cases since October 2008 until December 2009, has raised public health concerns. In the present study, we characterized nearly complete genome sequences of four CHIKV isolates obtained from 2008 to 2009 outbreaks in Thailand. Phylogenetic analysis was performed to determine the relationships of the study viruses with previously reported isolates. Results showed that 2008-2009 Thailand isolates belonged to the East, Central and South African genotype and were most closely related to isolates detected in Malaysia and Singapore in 2008. This was in contrast to isolates from all previous outbreaks in Thailand which were caused by an Asian genotype. We describe several novel mutations in Thailand isolates that warrants further investigation on characterization of CHIKV from different parts of the country to better understand the molecular epidemiology of Chikungunya fever outbreaks in Thailand.
    Matched MeSH terms: Alphavirus Infections/epidemiology
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