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Fulltext Fungicidal effectiveness of super-oxidized solution in vitro: potential implications for wound care

Krishnen R, Muniandy S

Wounds, 2023 Aug;35(8):E243-E247.
PMID: 37643448 DOI: 10.25270/wnds/23017

INTRODUCTION: Drug-resistant fungal infections in chronic wounds represent a major clinical challenge to clinicians. Fungal infections delay wound healing by prolonging inflammation and encouraging biofilm formation, which protects microbes against host defenses and anti-infective medications. As such, interventions that prevent and control nosocomial fungal infections without interfering with the wound healing process are increasingly required. Although conventional antiseptics can effectively exert fungicidal effects, they also have adverse effects on human cells. SOS is a well-known bactericidal agent that enhances the wound healing process, especially for chronic wounds. However, few studies have evaluated the antimicrobial activity of SOS on fungi.
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate whether SOS exerts fungicidal activities against common fungal species.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: The efficacy of SOS was tested against 6 fungal species (Candida albicans, Candida auris, Candida tropicalis, Candida parapsilosis, Sporothrix schenckii, Trichophyton mentagrophytes) using an in vitro time-kill assay.
RESULTS: SOS achieved 99.9999% reduction of all tested fungi within 1 minute of exposure.
CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that SOS may be an effective tool for the prevention and control of fungal infections.

Matched MeSH terms: Anti-Bacterial Agents
Development and Characterization of Fusidic Acid-Loaded Alginate-Aloe vera Based Hydrogel Film

Dayoob M, Kee YWY, Bahrin WH, Alrimawi BH, Kumarasamy V, Subramaniyan V, et al.

J Vis Exp, 2024 Dec 13.
PMID: 39760405 DOI: 10.3791/67068

A new fusidic acid-loaded hydrogel film was prepared via the solvent casting technique using alginate and Aloe vera. The hydrogel films were optimized using different ratios of sodium alginate, Aloe vera, and glycerin. The films containing 10% glycerin (w/w of alginate) exhibited the best appearance. Incorporating Aloe vera influenced the thickness, swelling behavior, water vapor permeability, and drug release profile of the hydrogel films. Higher Aloe vera content resulted in thicker films (up to a certain ratio), increased swelling, reduced water vapor permeability, and a prolonged drug release of up to 93% over 12 h. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis confirmed the presence of key functional groups and the interaction between the hydrogel components. The study suggests that the combination of sodium alginate, Aloe vera, and glycerin can improve the mechanical properties and drug release profiles of hydrogel films, making them a promising option for enhanced topical drug delivery and wound healing applications.

Matched MeSH terms: Anti-Bacterial Agents/administration & dosage; Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacokinetics; Anti-Bacterial Agents/chemistry
Isolation of Extended Spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) Producing Bacteria from Urban Surface Waters in Malaysia

Tissera S, Lee SM

Malays J Med Sci, 2013 May;20(3):14-22.
PMID: 23966820

This was a preliminary study to test for the presence of multiple antibiotic-resistant extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) producing bacteria in Malaysian urban surface waters. Although the literature review revealed several published papers on clinical ESBL isolates in Malaysia, none were found on ESBL isolates obtained from local surface waters.

Matched MeSH terms: Anti-Bacterial Agents
Aquaculture requires special consideration in National Action Plans for Antimicrobial Resistance

Desbois AP, Brunton LA, Henriksson PJG, Luthman O, Troell M, Green DM

Sci Total Environ, 2025 Jan 01;958:177785.
PMID: 39644642 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.177785

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) demands collective action to reduce and mitigate its threats. The Quadripartite collaboration of the World Health Organization (WHO), Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) has led development and implementation of National Action Plans (NAPs) that describe approaches each country will take to tackle AMR. All antimicrobial users and sectors should be included, and the Quadripartite encourages a One Health approach. Aquaculture has received mixed coverage in NAPs: Here, we argue why aquaculture requires special consideration. Aquaculture is a diverse, global collection of industries and activities, with heterogeneity in systems and species greatly exceeding terrestrial food-animal production, with products traded internationally in huge volumes. Almost 6 % of global total antibiotic usage is estimated to be applied in aquaculture, with per-biomass quantities in some species exceeding usage in human and terrestrial food-animals. The watery nature of aquaculture interconnects it with other One Health compartments: humans, other animals and the wider environment. Rapid industry growth challenges relatively detached stakeholders such as regulators and NAP creators to remain abreast of changing practices, whilst support capabilities and capacity, e.g., health services, typically lag behind growing needs. To integrate aquaculture effectively into next-generation NAPs, ensuring policies cover the One Health spectrum, NAP creators need to recognise the diversity of aquaculture and initiate engagement across associated value chains, especially health service providers. Disentangling the industry can assist formulation of realistic policies for heterogenous contexts and identify pathways to implementation. Resource allocation must be appropriate and include relevant government departments, whilst improved ways to track and monitor AMR, including those international activities that impact AMR domestically, through suitable data collection are key to monitoring and evaluating policies. Better NAPs are crucial to addressing AMR and this coordinated global approach provides our best opportunity for success.

Matched MeSH terms: Anti-Bacterial Agents
Therapeutic drug monitoring of gentamicin: a 6-year follow-up audit

Ismail R, Haq AH, Azman M, Rahman AF

J Clin Pharm Ther, 1997 Feb;22(1):21-5.
PMID: 9292398

In 1984 a therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) service was established in Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM) and gentamicin concentrations were measured and used to design optimal regimens for the antibiotic. In this study we report on a 6-year follow-up audit since our first assessment of the service.

Matched MeSH terms: Anti-Bacterial Agents/administration & dosage; Anti-Bacterial Agents/adverse effects; Anti-Bacterial Agents/blood; Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use*
The production and characterisation of trichotoxin peptaibols, by Trichoderma asperellum

Chutrakul C, Alcocer M, Bailey K, Peberdy JF

Chem Biodivers, 2008 Sep;5(9):1694-706.
PMID: 18816522 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.200890158

Trichoderma spp. are regularly found as a constituent of the mycoflora of many soils and are noted for their antagonistic activity against bacteria and other fungi. This latter property is the basis for the widespread interest in their use in the biological control of soil-borne fungal plant pathogens. This antagonism is partly based on their ability to produce an impressive inventory of secondary metabolites. An important group of bioactive metabolites produced by Trichoderma spp. are the non-ribosomal peptides (NRPs), especially the peptaibols. A virulent antagonistic strain, T. asperellum, which had been used in biological control strategies in Malaysia and previously examined for mycolytic enzyme production, has been studied for its potential for peptaibol production. The present research demonstrated the ability of T. asperellum to produce at least two metabolites which were identified as acid trichotoxin 1704E (Ac-Aib-Gly-Aib-Leu-Aib-Gln-Aib-Aib-Aib-Ala-Ala-Aib-Pro-Leu-Aib-Iva-Glu-Vol) and neutral trichotoxin 1717A (Ac-Aib-Gly-Aib-Leu-Aib-Gln-Aib-Aib-Aib-Ala-Aib-Aib-Pro-Leu-Aib-Iva-Gln-Vol). Addition of free Aib to the culture medium enhanced the production of trichotoxins. Biological activity of these substances was investigated against Bacillus stearothermophilus. The general characteristics of peptaibols, also found in the trichotoxins, include the presence of high proportions of the uncommon amino acid Aib, the protection of the N- and C-termini by an acetyl group and reduction of the C-terminus to 2-amino alcohols, respectively, amphipathy and microheterogeneity.

Matched MeSH terms: Anti-Bacterial Agents/biosynthesis; Anti-Bacterial Agents/isolation & purification; Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology; Anti-Bacterial Agents/chemistry
Oritavancin - a new semisynthetic lipoglycopeptide agent to tackle the challenge of resistant gram positive pathogens

Das B, Sarkar C, Schachter J

Pak J Pharm Sci, 2013 Sep;26(5):1045-55.
PMID: 24035967

Natural glycopeptide antibiotics like vancomycin and teicoplanin have played a significant role in countering the threat posed by Gram-positive bacterial infections. The emergence of resistance to glycopeptides among enterococci and staphylococci has prompted the search for second-generation drugs of this class and semi-synthetic derivatives are currently under clinical trials. Antimicrobial resistance among Gram-positive organisms has been increasing steadily during the past several decades and the current development of antibiotics falls short of meeting the needs. Oritavancin (LY-333328 diphosphate), a promising novel second-generation semisynthetic lipoglycopeptide, has a mechanism of action similar to that of other glycopeptides. It has concentration-dependent activity against a variety of Gram-positive organisms specially methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-intermediate resistant Staphylococcus aureus (VISA), Streptococcus pneumoniae and vancomycin-resistant enterococcus. It is rapidly bactericidal against many species and in particular for enterococci where vancomycin and teicoplanin are only bacteriostatic even against susceptible strains. The pharmacokinetic profile of oritavancin has not been fully described; however, oritavancin has a long half-life of about 195.4 hours and is slowly eliminated by renal means. Oritavancin is not metabolized by the liver in animals. Oritavancin will most probably be prescribed as a once-daily dose and it demonstrates concentration-dependent bactericidal activity. Oritavancin has demonstrated preliminary safety and efficacy in Phase I and II clinical trials. In a Phase III clinical trial, oritavancin has achieved the primary efficacy end point in the treatment of complicated Gram-positive skin and skin-structure infections. To date, adverse events have been mild and limited; the most common being administration site complaints, headache, rhinitis, dry skin, pain, increases in liver transaminases and accumulation of free cholesterol and phospholipids in phagocytic (macrophages) and nonphagocytic (fibroblast) cells. Oritavancin appears to be a promising antimicrobial alternative to vancomycin (with additional activity against Staphylococcus and Enterococcus resistant to vancomycin) for the treatment of complicated Gram-positive skin and skin-structure infections. Additional clinical data are required to fully explore its use.

Matched MeSH terms: Anti-Bacterial Agents/administration & dosage; Anti-Bacterial Agents/adverse effects; Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacokinetics; Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use*; Anti-Bacterial Agents/chemistry
Should All Children Admitted with Community Acquired Pneumonia have Blood Cultures Taken? Authors' Reply

Nathan AM, de Bruyne JA

Indian J Pediatr, 2015 Jul;82(7):660-1.
PMID: 25514886 DOI: 10.1007/s12098-014-1640-z
Matched MeSH terms: Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use
Fulltext Antibiotics dispensing for URTIs by community pharmacists (CPs) and general medical practitioners in Penang, Malaysia: A comparative study using simulated patients (SPs)

Alabid AH, Ibrahim MI, Hassali MA

J Clin Diagn Res, 2014 Jan;8(1):119-23.
PMID: 24596741 DOI: 10.7860/JCDR/2014/6199.3923

BACKGROUND: In Malaysia, doctors in private clinics (often called dispensing doctors) are permitted to dispense medicines. This potentially may compromise rational dispensing of medicines in general and antibiotics in particular.
AIM: This study explored, assessed and compared dispensing of antibiotics between Community Pharmacist (CP) and General Practitioners (GPs) regarding symptomatic diagnosis, antibiotic categories, adherence to therapeutic doses and promotion of generic antibiotics.
METHOD: The study used trained Simulated Patients (SPs), who used a scenario of common cold symptoms at GP private clinics and community pharmacies to observe and explore the practice of antibiotics dispensing. The study was conducted within the period of May to September 2011 in Penang, Malaysia. The data was analysed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square and Fisher's Exact Tests at alpha level of 0.05.
RESULTS: GPs dispensed more antibiotics than CPs (p= 0.001) for common cold symptoms. They dispensed more Amoxicillin (n = 14, 35%) than CPs (n = 11, 11%) (p < 0.001) and more Tetracycline (n = 3, 7.5%) while no CP dispensed this category (p = 0.022). On the other hand, CPs (n = 11, 11%) suggested brand antibiotics where as GPs dispensed only generic antibiotics (p < 0.001). Generally GPs comply better with the symptomatic diagnosis standard e.g. when asking SPs about the symptoms they had, all GPs (n = 40, 100%) complied better with this standard. Despite that, they dispensed more antibiotics (n = 26, 65%) than CPs (n = 29, 29%) (p = 0.001). GPs (n = 22, 55%) also are better than CPs (n = 16, 16%) in adherence to therapeutic doses (p< 0.001).
CONCLUSION: Findings showed poor adherence to rational dispensing of antibiotics by both providers. Although, GPs adhere better to symptomatic diagnosis and therapeutic dosing of antibiotics than CPs, they unnecessarily prescribe and dispense more antibiotics for Upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) symptoms. Establishing prescription guidance and regulatory actions, especially for URTIs treatment, and separating of medication dispensing are seemed to be crucial steps for the reform.
KEYWORDS: Community pharmacists; Dispensing doctors; Dispensing separation; General practitioners; Simulated patients ligament

Matched MeSH terms: Anti-Bacterial Agents*
Fulltext A review on antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal activity of curcumin

Moghadamtousi SZ, Kadir HA, Hassandarvish P, Tajik H, Abubakar S, Zandi K

Biomed Res Int, 2014;2014:186864.
PMID: 24877064 DOI: 10.1155/2014/186864

Curcuma longa L. (Zingiberaceae family) and its polyphenolic compound curcumin have been subjected to a variety of antimicrobial investigations due to extensive traditional uses and low side effects. Antimicrobial activities for curcumin and rhizome extract of C. longa against different bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites have been reported. The promising results for antimicrobial activity of curcumin made it a good candidate to enhance the inhibitory effect of existing antimicrobial agents through synergism. Indeed, different investigations have been done to increase the antimicrobial activity of curcumin, including synthesis of different chemical derivatives to increase its water solubility as well ass cell up take of curcumin. This review aims to summarize previous antimicrobial studies of curcumin towards its application in the future studies as a natural antimicrobial agent.

Matched MeSH terms: Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology*
Fulltext Short chain N-acylhomoserine lactone production by clinical multidrug resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae strain CSG20

Ngeow YF, Cheng HJ, Chen JW, Yin WF, Chan KG

Sensors (Basel), 2013;13(11):15242-51.
PMID: 24284772 DOI: 10.3390/s131115242

Klebsiella pneumoniae is one of the most common Gram-negative bacterial pathogens in clinical practice. It is associated with a wide range of disorders, ranging from superficial skin and soft tissue infections to potentially fatal sepsis in the lungs and blood stream. Quorum sensing, or bacterial cell-cell communication, refers to population density-dependent gene expression modulation. Quorum sensing in Proteobacteria relies on the production and sensing of signaling molecules which are mostly N-acylhomoserine lactones. Here, we report the identification of a multidrug resistant clinical isolate, K. pneumoniae strain CSG20, using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry. We further confirmed quorum sensing activity in this strain with the use of high resolution tandem liquid chromatography quadrupole mass spectrometry and provided evidence K. pneumoniae strain CSG20 produced N-hexanoyl-homoserine lactone (C6-HSL). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the production of N-hexanoylhomoserine lactone (C6-HSL) in clinical isolate K. pneumoniae.

Matched MeSH terms: Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
Fulltext A cross sectional study of public knowledge and attitude towards antibiotics in Putrajaya, Malaysia

Lim KK, Teh CC

South Med Rev, 2012 Dec;5(2):26-33.
PMID: 23532680

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to assess public knowledge and attitudes regarding antibiotic utilization in Putrajaya, Malaysia.
METHODS: A self-administered questionnaire survey was conducted among public attending a local hospital. The four-part questionnaire collected responses on demographic characteristics, recent use of antibiotics, knowledge and attitude statements. Cronbach's alpha for knowledge and attitude statements were 0.68 and 0.74 respectively. Only questionnaires with complete responses were analysed. General linear modelling was used to identify demographic characteristics which contributed significantly to knowledge and attitude. Multiple logistic regression was used to determine the adjusted odds ratios of obtaining an inappropriate response for each knowledge and attitude statement. The relationship between antibiotic knowledge and attitude was examined using Pearson's correlation and correlation between related statements was performed using the Chi-square test. In all statistical analyses, a p-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
RESULTS: There was positive correlation (p<0.001) between mean knowledge (6.07±2.52) and attitude scores (5.59±1.67). Highest education level (p<0.001) and healthcare-related occupation (p=0.001) contributed significantly to knowledge. Gender (p=0.010), race (p=0.005), highest education level (p<0.001), employment status (p=0.016) and healthcare-related occupation (p=0.005) contributed significantly to attitude. The differences in score between demographic groups were small. Misconceptions that antibiotics would work on both bacterial and viral infections were reported. Approximately three quarters of respondents expected antibiotics for treatment of coughs and colds. Close to two thirds (60%) believed that taking antibiotics would improve recovery. Several demographic groups were identified as 'high risk' with respect to gaps in knowledge and attitude.
CONCLUSIONS: This study has identified important knowledge and attitude gaps as well as people 'at risk'. These findings would be useful in strategizing targeted antibiotic awareness campaigns and patient counselling.
KEYWORDS: Malaysia; antibiotic; attitude; knowledge; public; survey
Study site: outpatient pharmacy department of Putrajaya Hospital, Malaysia

Matched MeSH terms: Anti-Bacterial Agents*
Fulltext Concern about the efficacy of clarithromycin containing standard triple therapy in the eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection in Malaysia

Raj JM, Raj SM

Med J Malaysia, 2012 Oct;67(5):547.
PMID: 23770883
Matched MeSH terms: Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use
Fulltext Painful nodules on the fingers and toes

Loh KY

Aust Fam Physician, 2007 Jul;36(7):554.
PMID: 17619674

A 25 year old college student with a past history of congenital heart disease presented with high grade fever and palpitations. He complained of painful red nodules on his finger pulp and his toes.

Matched MeSH terms: Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use
Antibacterial activity of chitosan under physiological conditions

Mai-Ngam K, Chumningan P

Med J Malaysia, 2004 May;59 Suppl B:137-8.
PMID: 15468856
Matched MeSH terms: Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology*
Degradation of veterinary antibiotics and hormone during broiler manure composting

Ho YB, Zakaria MP, Latif PA, Saari N

Bioresour Technol, 2013 Mar;131:476-84.
PMID: 23384781 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2012.12.194

The fate of nine veterinary antibiotics and one hormone in broiler manure during 40 days of composting was investigated. Results showed that composting can significantly reduce the concentration of veterinary antibiotics and hormone in broiler manure, making application of the post-compost manure safer for soil application. More than 99% of the nine antibiotics and one hormone involved in this study were removed from the manure during 40 days of composting. The target antibiotics and hormone showed short half-life in broiler manure composting, ranging from 1.3 to 3.8 days. The relationship between the physico-chemical properties of soil, manure and manure compost and its veterinary antibiotic and hormone concentration was statistically evaluated by Pearson correlation matrix. The concentration of veterinary antibiotics and hormone in manure compost was suggested to be affected by physico-chemical properties such as pH, temperature, total organic carbon (TOC), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP) and metal contents.

Matched MeSH terms: Anti-Bacterial Agents/analysis*
Fulltext Antibiotic and shared decision-making preferences among adolescents in Malaysia

Ngadimon IW, Islahudin F, Hatah E, Mohamed Shah N, Makmor-Bakry M

Patient Prefer Adherence, 2015;9:665-73.
PMID: 25999702 DOI: 10.2147/PPA.S82844

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to establish baseline information on the current level of knowledge about, attitude toward, and experience with antibiotic usage, and preferences for shared decision making among adolescents in Malaysia.
METHODS: A cross-sectional survey, involving 1,105 respondents who were aged between 13 and 17 years and who lived in Malaysia, was conducted using a validated questionnaire. The survey assessed knowledge, attitude, and experience with regard to antibiotic usage, and adolescents' preferences for the style of shared decision-making process.
RESULTS: The majority (n=786 [71.13%]) of the respondents had a low level of knowledge, 296 (26.79%) had a moderate level of knowledge, and 23 (2.08%) had a high level of knowledge. Further, they demonstrated a slightly negative attitude mean score of 3.30±0.05 (range: 0-8 points) but a positive experience mean score of 2.90±0.029 (range: 0-4 points). There was a positive correlation between knowledge and attitude scores, with a higher knowledge level associated with a more positive attitude toward antibiotic usage (r=0.257, P<0.001). Higher knowledge scores were associated with a more negative experience with antibiotic usage (r=-0.83, P=0.006). When assessing preference in shared decision making, more adolescents preferred an active role (n=408 [37%]) compared with collaborative (n=360 [32.6%]) or passive (n=337 [30.5%]) (P=0.028) roles.
CONCLUSION: Current health care settings should involve adolescents in the decision-making process. Education packages can be introduced to improve adolescents' knowledge of and practice of taking antibiotics, as well as to encourage their participation in decision making, in an attempt to reduce misuse of antibiotics.
Study site: 14 secondary schools, Malaysia
KEYWORDS: antibiotic usage; attitude; experience; knowledge

Matched MeSH terms: Anti-Bacterial Agents*
An Integrated Systems Approach is Needed to Ensure the Sustainability of Antibiotic Effectiveness for Both Humans and Animals

So AD, Shah TA, Roach S, Ling Chee Y, Nachman KE

J Law Med Ethics, 2015;43 Suppl 3:38-45.
PMID: 26243242 DOI: 10.1111/jlme.12273

The growing demand for animal products and the widespread use of antibiotics in bringing food animals to market have heightened concerns over cross-species transmission of drug resistance. Both the biology and emerging epidemiology strongly support the need for global coordination in stemming the generation and propagation of resistance, and the patchwork of global and country-level regulations still leaves significant gaps. More importantly, discussing such a framework opens the door to taking modular steps towards solving these challenges - for example, beginning among targeted parties rather than all countries, tying accountability to financial and technical support, or taxing antibiotic use in animals to deter low-value usage of these drugs. An international agreement would allow integrating surveillance data collection, monitoring and enforcement, research into antibiotic alternatives and more sustainable approaches to agriculture, technical assistance and capacity building, and financing under the umbrella of a One Health approach.

Matched MeSH terms: Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology*
Fulltext Antibiotic resistance

Lim VK

Med J Malaysia, 1994 Dec;49(4):315-6.
PMID: 7674965
Matched MeSH terms: Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use
Screening for antibacterial agents in three species of sea cucumbers from coastal areas of Sabah

Ridzwan BH, Kaswandi MA, Azman Y, Fuad M

Gen. Pharmacol., 1995 Nov;26(7):1539-43.
PMID: 8690242

1. Three species of sea cucumbers found in the Sabah coastal areas were screened for the presence of antibacterial activity using three methods of extraction. Tests were conducted in vitro using the agar absorption method. 2. Both the lipid extract and the methanol-solvent extract from Holothuria atra, Holothuria scabra and Bohadshia argus were found to show no antibacterial activity. 3. Phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) from H. atra and B. argus, however, inhibited the growth of all gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. 4. Comparisons were also made between extracts from the outer layer of H. atra and its inner part, and it was found that the extract from the outer layer showed less bacterial growth inhibition property. 5. The bacterial growth inhibition property of the PBS extract from H. atra, however, is dependent on the extract's concentration. Bacterial growth inhibition was apparent after 48 hr incubation.

Matched MeSH terms: Anti-Bacterial Agents/analysis*

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