Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 241 in total

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  1. Zin NNINM, Rahimi WNAWM, Bakar NA
    Malays J Med Sci, 2019 Nov;26(6):19-34.
    PMID: 31908584 MyJurnal DOI: 10.21315/mjms2019.26.6.3
    Parasitic diseases represent one of the causes for significant global economic, environmental and public health impacts. The efficacy of currently available anti-parasitic drugs has been threatened by the emergence of single drug- or multidrug-resistant parasite populations, vector threats and high cost of drug development. Therefore, the discovery of more potent anti-parasitic drugs coming from medicinal plants such as Quercus infectoria is seen as a major approach to tackle the problem. A systematic review was conducted to assess the efficacy of Q. infectoria in treating parasitic diseases both in vitro and in vivo due to the lack of such reviews on the anti-parasitic activities of this plant. This review consisted of intensive searches from three databases including PubMed, Science Direct and Scopus. Articles were selected throughout the years, limited to English language and fully documented. A total of 454 potential articles were identified, but only four articles were accepted to be evaluated based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Although there were insufficient pieces of evidence to account for the efficacy of Q. infectoria against the parasites, this plant appears to have anti-leishmanial, anti-blastocystis and anti-amoebic activities. More studies in vitro and in vivo are warranted to further validate the anti-parasitic efficacy of Q. infectoria.
    Matched MeSH terms: Parasites
  2. Audy JR
    Br Med J, 1954;1:960-962.
    Matched MeSH terms: Parasites
  3. Baharudin Omar, Raja M. Zuha Raja Kamal, Goh, Daniel Chuan Lee, Wan Omar Abdullah, Jeffery, John
    MyJurnal
    A four-month cross-sectional study found five species of parasitoids parasitizing puparia of filth flies breeding at the Taman Beringin landfill in Kepong and a poultry farm in Sungai Pelek, Sepang, Selangor. Effect of monthly rainfalls towards density of flies and percentage of parasitoids emerging from collected puparia were also analyzed. Spalangia sp. was the most common, consisting of Spalangia endius Walker, S. cameroni Perkins and S. gemina Boucek. Other parasitoids collected were Pachycrepoideus vindemmiae Rondani and Exoristobia phillipinensis Ashmead. The parasitized fly hosts were Musca domestica Linn. and Chrysomya megacephala Fabricius. S. endius was the most common parasitoid attacking M. domestica at both locations. M. domestica was the most common fly found at the Sg. Pelek poultry farm whereas C. megacephala was the most numerous at the Taman Beringin landfill. During heavy rainfall month of November 2003, density of flies were high whereas the emerging parasitoids were low at both landfill and poultry farm. The present study revealed the endemic presence of parasitoids especially S. endius in both poultry farm and garbage landfill and the potential of the parasitoid species in fly control in Malaysia.
    Matched MeSH terms: Parasites
  4. Field JW, Niven JC
    Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg, 1936;29:647-658.
    A comparison is made between atebrin-musonate and quinine bihydrochloride in the treatment of acute malaria. 286 cases of acute malaria due to Malayan strains of P. falciparum, P. vivax, and P. malariae, were treated in alternating sequence with one or other of these drugs. The rates at which the atebrin-musonate and the quinine case groups became trophozoite-free and fever-free are contrasted in a series of graphs. It is shown that there was a tendency for trophozoites to disappear from the peripheral blood and for temperatures to fall to normal somewhat earlier among cases treated with atebrin-musonate. No toxic effects of any importance were observed (but see footnote p. 657). Evidence is recorded which suggests that the minimal effective daily dose for an adult is 0·375 gramme (= atebrin 0·3 gramme). This dose when given either intramuscularly or intravenously on two successive days effected a rapid disappearance of parasites and fever. Intramuscular administration is regarded as the method of choice. It is noted that absorption of the drug from the muscles is very rapid, and that atebrin may be demonstrated in the urine within 10 minutes of an intramuscular injection of 0·3 gramme. A method of testing for the presence of atebrin in the urine which is sensitive to over one in a million is described. It was not possible to obtain precise data regarding the permanency of cure but an analysis of cases returning to hospital within 10 weeks of discharge suggests that relapses after atebrin-musonate treatment are probably fairly common.
    Matched MeSH terms: Parasites
  5. Yamada M, Shishito N, Nozawa Y, Uni S, Nishioka K, Nakaya T
    Trop Med Health, 2017;45:26.
    PMID: 29118653 DOI: 10.1186/s41182-017-0067-4
    Background: Dirofilaria ursi is a filarial nematode that parasitizes the subcutaneous tissues of the American black bear (Ursus americanus) and Japanese black bear (Ursus thiabetanus japonicus). D. ursi that has parasitized black bears has the potential to subsequently infect humans. In addition, extra-gastrointestinal anisakiasis is less common in Japan.

    Case presentation: We report a case of ventral subcutaneous anisakiasis and dorsal subcutaneous dirofilariasis that was acquired in Fukushima, in the northern part of Japan. The patient was an 83-year-old Japanese female, and subcutaneous parasitic granulomas were present on her left abdomen (near the navel) and left scapula. A pathological examination of the surgically dissected tissue sections from each region demonstrated eosinophilic granulomas containing different species of parasites. To enable the morphological and molecular identification of these parasites, DNA was extracted from paraffin-embedded sections using DEXPAT reagent, and the cytochrome oxidase 2 (COX2), internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1), 5.8S and ITS2 regions of the Anisakis larvae, and the 5S rRNA region of the male Dirofilaria were sequenced. The PCR products were examined and compared with DNA databases. Molecular analysis of the COX2 and 5S rRNA sequences of each worm revealed that the nematode found in the ventral region belonged to Anisakis simplex sensu stricto (s.s.) and the male Dirofilaria found in the dorsal region was classified as D. ursi.

    Conclusion: The present case showed a combined human case of D. ursi and A. simplex s.s. infections in subcutaneous tissues. The results of this study will contribute to the identification of unknown parasites in histological sections.
    Matched MeSH terms: Parasites
  6. Low SY, Lau SF, Ahmad NI, Sharma RSK, Rosli MZ, Mohd-Taib FS, et al.
    Zoonoses Public Health, 2023 Nov;70(7):636-646.
    PMID: 37403513 DOI: 10.1111/zph.13072
    Angiostrongylus malaysiensis is a potential zoonotic parasite, which reported to co-occur with A. cantonensis in human cerebrospinal fluid. It is a heteroxenous nematode that primarily develops through the early larval stages in gastropods and attains sexual maturity within rats. This study was conducted to determine the host species responsible for the reservoir of A. malaysiensis and investigate the risk factor for transmission among the hosts in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Sampling was conducted in six recreational parks. The rats were trapped alive using steel wire traps with bait, while the gastropods were collected by active searching. The rats were euthanized and dissected to collect any adult worms observed. The molecular detection of A. malaysiensis was performed by PCR on gastropod tissue samples. Biotic and landscape factors were recorded for risk factor analysis. In total, 82 rats and 330 gastropods were collected throughout the study. Overall, 3.64% of gastropods and 32.9% of rats were infected with A. malaysiensis. Rattus tiomanicus (Malayan wood rat) and Parmarion martensi (Yellow-shelled semi-slug) were found as important hosts for A. malaysiensis. Host species, sampling site and macrohabitat type are risk factors associated with the prevalence of A. malaysiensis infection in rats. For gastropods, host species and sampling site are risk factors that correlate with the parasite detection. In total, 128 adult A. malaysiensis were recovered from the infected rats. The mean intensity of infection with adult A. malaysiensis was 4.65 for Rattus rattus complex and 4.90 for R. tiomanicus. Adult worms were found in the pulmonary artery or right ventricle, while eggs and first-stage larvae were found in capillaries of the caudal lung lobe. Infected lungs showed extravasated red blood cells in the alveolar spaces. The pulmonary arteries in the infected lung lobe were thickened. Kepong Metropolitan Park is the hotspot area for A. malaysiensis in Kuala Lumpur. These results provide essential information for public health officials to develop targeted interventions to reduce the transmission of A. malaysiensis in urban areas, particularly in recreational parks.
    Matched MeSH terms: Parasites*
  7. Awosolu OB, Yahaya ZS, Farah Haziqah MT, Simon-Oke IA, Fakunle C
    Heliyon, 2021 Jan;7(1):e05975.
    PMID: 33521357 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e05975
    Background: Malaria is a severe global public health challenge that causes significant morbidity and mortality worldwide, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. This study was designed to determine the prevalence, parasite density, and risk factors associated with malaria infection transmission among residents of two urban communities of Ibadan, southwestern Nigeria.

    Materials and methods: A cross-sectional hospital-based study was carried out on 300 participants. Blood samples were obtained. Thick and thin blood films were prepared and viewed using the standard parasitological technique of microscopy. Moreover, data on sociodemographic and environmental variables were obtained using a pre-tested standard questionnaire.

    Results: Of the 300 participants examined, a total of 165 (55.0%) were found positive for Plasmodium falciparum with a mean (S.D) parasite density of 1814.70 (1829.117) parasite/μL of blood. The prevalence and parasite density of malaria infection vary significantly (P < 0.05) with age group. Children <5 years old were more likely to have malaria infection and high parasite densities than adults (p < 0.05). Similarly, in relation to gender, males significantly (P < 0.05) had a higher prevalence (60.2%) and mean (S.D) parasite density of malaria infection [2157.73 (1659.570) parasite/μL of blood] compared to females. Additionally, those without formal education had the highest prevalence (73.0%) and mean (S.D) parasite density of infection [2626.96 (2442.195) parasite/μL of blood]. The bivariate logistic regression analysis shows that age group 6-10 (Crude Odds Ratio, COR 0.066, 95% CI: 0.007-0.635), presence of streams/rivers (COR 0.225, 95% CI: 0.103-0.492), distance from streams/rivers within ≤1 km (COR 0.283, 95% CI: 0.122-0.654) and travel to rural area (COR 4.689, 95% CI: 2.430-9.049) were the significant risk factors.

    Conclusions: Malaria infection is prevalent in the study area and was greatly influenced by traveling activities from the rural areas to urban centers and vice versa. Multifaceted and integrated control strategy should be adopted. Health education on mosquito prevention and chemoprophylaxis before and during travel to rural areas are essential.

    Matched MeSH terms: Parasites
  8. Opitz HM, Jakob HJ, Wiensenhuetter E, Devi VV
    Avian Pathol, 1982;11(3):527-34.
    PMID: 18770216
    A myopathy associated with elongated intramuscular protozoan schizonts of uncertain classification was observed in chickens in commercial farms. Of 152 affected fowls originating from 21 flocks in 12 farms, 149 were 24 weeks of age or older and 136 were broiler breeder birds. Both sexes were affected. The disease was only observed during the months of October, November and December, 1976 and 1977. The monthly mortality rate in affected adult flocks rose by 0.5% to 4% and the egg production declined by 5% to 15% during this period. Most affected birds were in good body condition or overweight. Gross lesions were usually present in all skeletal muscles and the cardiac muscle. They resembled nutritional myopathy, sarcosporidiosis, leucocytozoonosis or haemorrhagic syndrome. Microscopically visible elongated schizonts were demonstrated in skeletal muscles and the cardiac muscle in 49 of 55 birds examined histologically. The possible aetiology with respect to known parasites of muscles in fowls is discussed.
    Matched MeSH terms: Parasites
  9. Freeman MA, Yanagida T, Kristmundsson À
    PeerJ, 2020;8:e9529.
    PMID: 32742799 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.9529
    Gastrointestinal myxosporean parasites from the genus Enteromyxum are known to cause severe disease, resulting in high mortalities in numerous species of cultured marine fishes globally. Originally described as Myxidium spp., they were transferred to a new genus, Enteromyxum, to emphasize their novel characteristics. Their retention in the family Myxidiidae at the time was warranted, but more comprehensive phylogenetic analyses have since demonstrated the need for a new family for these parasites. We discovered a novel Enteromyxum in wild fish from Malaysia and herein describe the fourth species in the genus and erect a new family, the Enteromyxidae n. fam., to accommodate them. Enteromyxum caesio n. sp. is described infecting the tissues of the stomach in the redbelly yellowtail fusilier, Caesio cuning, from Malaysia. The new species is distinct from all others in the genus, as the myxospores although morphologically similar, are significantly smaller in size. Furthermore, small subunit ribosomal DNA sequence data reveal that E. caesio is <84% similar to others in the genus, but collectively they form a robust and discrete clade, the Enteromyxidae n. fam., which is placed as a sister taxon to other histozoic marine myxosporeans. In addition, we describe, using transmission electron microscopy, the epicellular stages of Enteromyxum fugu and show a scanning electron micrograph of a mature myxospore of E. caesio detailing the otherwise indistinct sutural line, features of the polar capsules and spore valve ridges. The Enteromyxidae n. fam. is a commercially important group of parasites infecting the gastrointestinal tract of marine fishes and the histozoic species can cause the disease enteromyxosis in intensive finfish aquaculture facilities. Epicellular and sloughed histozoic stages are responsible for fish-to-fish transmission in net pen aquaculture systems but actinospores from an annelid host are thought to be necessary for transmission to fish in the wild.
    Matched MeSH terms: Parasites
  10. Das S, Tripathy S, Pramanik P, Saha B, Roy S
    Cytokine, 2021 08;144:155555.
    PMID: 33992538 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2021.155555
    Emergence and spread of resistant parasites to the newest chemotherapeutic anti-malarial agents are the biggest challenges against malaria control programs. Therefore, developing a novel effective treatment to reduce the overgrowing burden of multidrug resistant malaria is a pressing need. Herein, we have developed a biocompatible and biodegradable, non-toxic chitosan-tripolyphosphate-chloroquine (CS-TPP CQ) nanoparticle. CS-TPP CQ nanoparticles effectively kill the parasite through redox generation and induction of the pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in both sensitive and resistant parasite in vitro. The in vitro observations showed a strong inhibitory effect (p 
    Matched MeSH terms: Parasites/drug effects*; Parasites/metabolism
  11. Neesha Sundramoorthy, Khaiteri R., Jer Ming Low, Chan Soon Thim Darren
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Artemether and lumefantrine was registered as Riamet in Switzerland in 1999 and is commonly used in Keningau Hospital for managing uncomplicated malaria. Riamet works at the food vacoule of the malarial parasite, where they interfere with the conversion of heme into haemozoin. Case description: We report a case of Riamet induced prolonged corrected QT interval (QTc) in a 37 year old gentleman admitted for severe malaria (hypotension) with normal QTc of 420msc on presentation. Upon starting Riamet, he developed bradycardia and ECG showed sinus bradycardia with prolonged QTc of 551msec and no arrythmias. Echocardiography showed no structural heart abnormalities. All electrolytes were within normal range. He was monitored in cardiac care unit with decision to complete 6 doses of Riamet. Patient was started on Dopamine infusion which maintained his blood pressure and heart rate within normal range. 5 days post Riamet completion, his heart rate improved and dopamine infusion was tapered off and QTc normalized to 407msc. Discussion: The most common mechanism of drugs causing QT inter-val prolongation is by blocking the human ether-à-go-go related gene (hERG) potassium channel. Blockage of the hEGR channel lengthens ventricular re-polarization and duration of ventricular action potential which is reflected in ECG as prolonged QT interval. In the in-vitro whole cell patch clamp study, lumefantrine and its metabolite desbu-tyl-lumefantrine showed a concentration-dependent inhibition of the hERG current. The period of QTc prolongation was 3.5 to 4 days after the last dose of the standard 6 dose regimen. Conclusion: Riamet induced prolonged QTc is a very rare complication. A baseline electrocardiography is therefore imminent for every patient prior to initiation of this medication to avoid cardiac arrythmias.
    Matched MeSH terms: Parasites
  12. William T, Menon J
    Med J Malaysia, 2014 Aug;69 Suppl A:82-7.
    PMID: 25417955 MyJurnal
    One hundred and thirteen articles related to Malaria were found in a search through a database dedicated to indexing all original data relevant to medicine published in Malaysia between the years 2000-2013. Thirty eight articles were selected and reviewed on the basis of clinical relevance and future research implications. The epidemiology of malaria has undergone a significant change over the last decade with P. knowlesi, formerly a relatively unknown simian parasite rapidly becoming the most predominant malaria species to infect humans in Malaysia. The epidemiology, clinical features, diagnostic methods and treatment for P. knowlesi infection are described in these studies. In Malaysia, imported malaria from foreigners also poses a challenge. In view of these changes, new strategies on malaria control need to be devised and implemented, and treatment regimens need to be redefined to help Malaysia achieve the goal of malaria elimination by the year 2020.
    Matched MeSH terms: Parasites
  13. Martin MB, Tuah A, Muhamad JH, Bruce NL
    Zootaxa, 2022 Dec 16;5222(1):1-36.
    PMID: 37044544 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5222.1.1
    A checklist of parasitic cymothoids from Malaysian waters is presented based on available literature and material collected from 2010 to 2020. Most of the collected specimens were recorded from waters of Terengganu, east coast of Peninsular Malaysia (facing the South China Sea), whereas literature records were included from Sarawak, along the Miri coast of northwest Borneo. The checklist comprises 19 species in ten genera, seven of which are new records from Malaysia: Anilocra nemipteri Bruce, 1987; Ceratothoa barracuda Martin, Bruce & Nowak, 2015; Ceratothoa carinata (Bianconi, 1869); Cymothoa epimerica Avdeev, 1979; Elthusa sigani Bruce, 1990; Joryma engraulidis (Barnard, 1936) and Renocila richardsonae Williams & Bunkley-Williams, 1992. Eight new host records are based on collected specimens: Anilocra nemipteri was dorsally attached on Nemipterus nemurus (Bleeker, 1857), Nemipterus nematophorus (Bleeker, 1854), Nemipterus tambuloides (Bleeker, 1853) and Nemipterus thosaporni Russell, 1991 (family Nemipteridae); Ceratothoa carinata was found in the buccal cavity of Decapterus macrosoma Bleeker, 1851 (family Carangidae); Cymothoa eremita (Brunnich, 1783) was attached in the buccal cavity of Nemipterus tambuloides (Bleeker, 1853) and Nemipterus furcosus (Valenciennes, 1830); Elthusa sigani was found attached on the gills of Pterois russelli Bennett, 1831 (family Scorpaenidae), and Renocila richardsonae was attached on the caudal fin of Upeneus japonicus (Houttuyn, 1782) (family Mullidae). All cymothoid species listed here are known to have a Central Indo-Pacific distribution, with some ranging as far as the Western Indian Ocean. A cymothoid-host association is here listed from 28 fish families, with the most commonly reported from Carangidae (pompanos, jack mackerels, runners, scads), Engraulidae (anchovies), and Leiognathidae (ponyfishes, slipmouths). This paper is the first comprehensive review of both verified literature records and deposited specimens. A key for the family of Cymothoidae in Malaysian waters is given.
    Matched MeSH terms: Parasites*
  14. Sastraprawira SM, Abd Razak IH, Shahimi S, Pati S, Edinur HA, John AB, et al.
    Heliyon, 2020 Nov;6(11):e05370.
    PMID: 33204875 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e05370
    Peacock bass (Cichla spp.) originates from the Neotropical environments of Brazil and Venezuela but, through trade and smuggling for aquarium keeping, sport fishing and aquaculture, it is now an emerging concern. Yet, less is known for Cichla spp. distribution and its ability to invade new environments. Aimed to communicate on Cichla spp. ecology, biology and introduction schemes from Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar and also National Centre for Biotechnology Information, this review also contains management strategies for invading fish species. While Cichla spp. can displace native fish populations, this concern is explained using ecological functions, physiological demands, direct and secondary invasion, disease tolerance and parasite spillover. Briefly, Cichla spp. has rapid embryogenesis (72 h) and matures in short periods (11-12 months), giving it an advantage to colonize new environments. With a large appetite, this true piscivore gains territorial control over water bodies by making it their feeding and nursery grounds. Perceived as an emerging concern after becoming introduced, seal-off or sport fishing were used to manage Cichla spp. but, this practice is not sustainable for the entire ecosystem. Hence, we recommend bottom-up management that involves community participation because they interact with the fish and have knowledge about their environment.
    Matched MeSH terms: Parasites
  15. Kim JS
    Kisaengchunghak Chapchi, 1978 Jun;16(1):47-53.
    PMID: 12902783
    An ecologic study on Paragonimus in Malaysia was attempted from May to September 1967. Seven streams located in various directions and distances from Kuala Lumpur were surveyed for the study of intermediate hosts, snail and crab. One Malayan village and one aborigine village where infected crabs were found, and two tuberculosis hospitals in K.L. were surveyed for the study of human population. Intradermal tests along with sputum or stool examination to detect human infection by Paragonimus were employed. Wild animals, only a few, were shot in the vicinity of the aborigine village and several domestic cats from the Malayan village were bought. These animals were autopsied and examined for adult Paragonimus. Among five species of crab collected from the study areas, only two species, Potamon jahorenes and Parathelphusa maculata were found to be infected with Paragonimus. P. maculata seemed to be better crab host for the Paragonimus because this species had higher infection rate and metacercarial density than the other in the very same area. Three out of seven streams had infected crabs and the infection rate as well as the infection intensity varied from one stream to another. Only avilable snail in the streams was identified as Brotia costula. The infection rate of the snail was very low, six snails out of 11,898, which is about the same rate reported from other countries. Infected snail, however, had thousands of rediae uncountable containing about twelve microcercocercariae in each redia, sufficient enough to maintain the life cycle of the parasite even with only a few infected snail, the amplifier. This is the first confirmed report on the snail host of Paragonimus from Malaysia where the existence of Paragonimus had been reported in 1923. The first trial to study human population by means of intradermal test, sputum and/or stool examinations in Malaysia showed no evidence of human infection of Paragonimus. The number of animals, wild and domestic, examined for natural infection was too small to draw any statement. These examined animals were all negative for adult Paragonimus. Even though more extensive studies on wild animals and human population may be necessary for the definite conclusion, the facts that infected crabs from jungle stream where human contacts are extreamely rare, and also highly infected crabs from the area where none of humans or domestic animals were infected, strongly suggest the life cycle of Paragonimus in this area may be maintained by wild animal hosts rather than by human host. The morphology of all stages of the parasite, the pattern of penetrating glands, flame cells and excretroy bladder of cercaria, lancet shaped single cuticular spines and 6 branched ovary of adult worm obtained from experimentally infected cat, and the shape of egg including all measurements agree well with the characteristics of Paragonimus westermani.
    Matched MeSH terms: Parasites
  16. Ismail Elshahawy, Ashraf Elgoniemy
    Sains Malaysiana, 2018;47:9-18.
    The present study was designed to study the enteric parasites infection in domestic rabbits in Upper Egypt and its impact on their health. A total of 298 faecal samples were collected from different farms in Upper Egypt. Each faecal sample was screened for parasitic isolation during May 2011- October 2012. Furthermore, The Eimeria species from samples containing isolated and sporulated oocysts were morphologically identified under microscope. Additionally, the Sheather's sugar flotation and Modified Zeihl Neelsen techniques were used to detect the Cryptosporidium species oocyst. According to results of the present study, the overall enteric parasite infections in rabbits was 68.12%, with 5.7% samples were found to be positive for helminths (P. ambiguus) and 49% were found to harbour various species of protozoa (Eimeria spp. and Cryptosporidium oocysts). Influences of age, sex and breed on the prevalence were recorded. Also, there was strong significant seasonal trends in the prevalence of the recovered parasites. Eight species of Eimeria were detected. Concurrent infection with two to eight Eimeria species occurred most frequently. Cryptosporidium oocyst was detected in 45 rabbits (15.1%). To the best of author's knowledge, this the first report of E. piriformis and Cryptosporidium species in rabbits in Egypt. Histopathological changes were indicative of inflammatory reactions brought about by parasitic infection with Eimeria species and its consequent irritating effects on intestine. The current study showed the characteristics of the prevalence of rabbit enteric parasite infection in Egypt and provided relevant 'baseline' data for assessing the effectiveness of future control strategies against these parasites in Egypt.
    Matched MeSH terms: Parasites
  17. Abdul-Mutalib, N.A., Syafinaz, A.N., Sakai, K., Shirai, Y.
    MyJurnal
    Foodborne disease has been associated with microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, viruses and parasites. Most commonly, the outbreaks take place due to the ingestion of pathogenic bacteria like Salmonella Typhi, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Vibrio cholera, Campylobacter jejuni, and Listeria monocytogenes. The disease usually happens as a result of toxin secretion of the microorganisms in the intestinal tract of the infected person. Usually, the level of hygiene in the food premises reflect the quality of the food item, hence restaurant or stall with poor sanitary condition is said to be the contributor to food poisoning outbreak. In Malaysia, food poisoning cases are not rare because the hot and humid climate of this country is very suitable for the growth of the foodborne bacteria. The government is also implementing strict rules to ensure workers and owners of food premises prioritize the cleanliness of their working area. Training programme for food handlers can also help them to implement hygiene as a routine in a daily basis. A lot of studies have been done to reduce foodborne diseases. The results can give information about the types of microorganisms, and other components that affect their growth. The result is crucial to determine how the spread of foodborne bacteria can be controlled safely and the outbreak can be reduced.
    Matched MeSH terms: Parasites
  18. Martins J, Brijesh S
    J Ethnopharmacol, 2019 Oct 07.
    PMID: 31600560 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2019.112280
    ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Erythrina variegata, commonly referred to as 'tiger's claw' or 'Indian coral tree' and 'Parijata' in Sanskrit, belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is a plant native to the coast of India, China, Malaysia, East Africa, Northern Australia and distributed in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. In traditional medicine, 'Paribhadra' an Indian preparation, makes use of the leaves and bark of E. variegata to destroy pathogenic parasites and relieve joint pains. E. variegata is known to exhibit anxiolytic and anti-convulsant activities. Folkore medicine also suggests that E. variegata barks act on the central nervous system. However, there is a lack of data demonstrating this. The anti-depressant activity of E. variegata bark has not been reported in literature.

    AIM OF THE STUDY: Our study focuses on previously unreported anti-depressant activity of E. variegata bark ethanolic extract (EBE) and determination of its mechanism of action possibly through regulation of monoamine oxidase activity in mouse brain homogenates.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: EBE was characterized using standard protocols for phytochemical analysis, followed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. Anti-depressant activity of EBE (50, 100, 200 and 500 mg/kg) was evaluated in Swiss white albino mice using acute and chronic forced swim test (FST) models. Furthermore, the potential use of the extract as an adjunct to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), escitalopram, was evaluated using the chronic unpredictable mild stress test model wherein inhibitory effects on monoamine oxidase (MAO) A and B were assessed by spectrophotometric-chemical analysis in mouse whole brain homogenates.

    RESULTS: The extract showed significant reduction in immobility time periods in both acute (200 mg/kg) and chronic (100, 200 and 500 mg/kg) FST models. When used as an adjunct with escitalopram (15 mg/kg), the extract (100, 200 and 500 mg/kg) showed significantly greater inhibition of MAO-A and B activities when compared to escitalopram alone (30 mg/kg). Phytochemical analysis of EBE revealed presence of sugars, steroids, glycosides, alkaloids and tannins. LC-MS and GC-MS analysis identified components such as 2-amino-3-methyl-1-butanol, phenylethylamine, eriodictyol, daidzein and pomiferin, N-ethyl arachidonoyl amine, inosine diphosphate, trimipramine, granisetron, 3,4-dihydroxymandelic acid, ethyl ester, tri-TMS and dodecane, previously reported for their anti-depressant activity.

    CONCLUSIONS: The study thus demonstrated potential for use of the E. variegata bark ethanolic extract as an adjunct to currently available SSRI treatment. The study also identified components present in E. variegata bark ethanolic extract that may be responsible for its anti-depressant activity. Furthermore, the study thus confirms the traditional use of E. variegata barks in improving CNS function through its anti-depressant like activity.

    Matched MeSH terms: Parasites
  19. Quintana MDP, Ch'ng JH, Moll K, Zandian A, Nilsson P, Idris ZM, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2018 02 19;8(1):3262.
    PMID: 29459776 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-21026-4
    Naturally acquired antibodies to proteins expressed on the Plasmodium falciparum parasitized red blood cell (pRBC) surface steer the course of a malaria infection by reducing sequestration and stimulating phagocytosis of pRBC. Here we have studied a selection of proteins representing three different parasite gene families employing a well-characterized parasite with a severe malaria phenotype (FCR3S1.2). The presence of naturally acquired antibodies, impact on rosetting rate, surface reactivity and opsonization for phagocytosis in relation to different blood groups of the ABO system were assessed in a set of sera from children with mild or complicated malaria from an endemic area. We show that the naturally acquired immune responses, developed during malaria natural infection, have limited access to the pRBCs inside a blood group A rosette. The data also indicate that SURFIN4.2 may have a function at the pRBC surface, particularly during rosette formation, this role however needs to be further validated. Our results also indicate epitopes differentially recognized by rosette-disrupting antibodies on a peptide array. Antibodies towards parasite-derived proteins such as PfEMP1, RIFIN and SURFIN in combination with host factors, essentially the ABO blood group of a malaria patient, are suggested to determine the outcome of a malaria infection.
    Matched MeSH terms: Parasites
  20. Masri A, Abdelnasir S, Anwar A, Iqbal J, Numan A, Jagadish P, et al.
    Appl Microbiol Biotechnol, 2021 Apr;105(8):3315-3325.
    PMID: 33797573 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-021-11221-1
    BACKGROUND: Conducting polymer based nanocomposites are known to be effective against pathogens. Herein, we report the antimicrobial properties of multifunctional polypyrrole-cobalt oxide-silver nanocomposite (PPy-Co3O4-AgNPs) for the first time. Antibacterial activities were tested against multi-drug-resistant Gram-negative Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Gram-positive methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteria, while antiamoebic effects were assessed against opportunistic protist Acanthamoeba castellanii (A. castellanii).

    RESULTS: The ternary nanocomposite containing conducting polymer polypyrrole, cobalt oxide, and silver nanoparticles showed potent antimicrobial effects against these pathogens. The antibacterial assay showed that PPy-Co3O4-AgNPs exhibited significant bactericidal activity against neuropathogenic E. coli K1 at only 8 μg/mL as compared to individual components of the nanocomposite, whereas a 70 % inhibition of A. castellanii viability was observed at 50 μg/mL. Moreover, PPy-Co3O4-AgNPs were found to have minimal cytotoxicity against human keratinocytes HaCaT cells in vitro even at higher concentration (50 μg/mL), and also reduced the microbes-mediated cytopathogenicity against host cells.

    CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate that PPy-Co3O4-AgNPs hold promise in the development of novel antimicrobial nanomaterials for biomedical applications.

    KEY POINTS: •Synthesis of polypyrrole-cobalt oxide-silver (PPy-Co3O4-AgNPs) nanocomposite. •Antimicrobial activity of nanocomposite. •PPy-Co3O4-AgNPs hold promise for biomedical applications.

    Matched MeSH terms: Parasites*
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