METHODS: This study aims to resolve the gut microbiome composition of S. syndactylus by using a fecal sample as DNA source, adapting high-throughput sequencing, and 16S rRNA as the targeted region.
RESULTS: A total of 1 272 903 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) reads were assigned to 22 phyla, 139 families, and 210 genera of microbes. The {Unknown Phylum} Bacteria-2 is the dominant phyla found across all samples. Meanwhile, {Unknown Phylum} Bacteria-2 and Firmicutes are genera that have the highest relative abundance found in the Siamang gut.
CONCLUSIONS: This study yields nonsignificance relationship between Siamang gut microbiome composition with these three factors: group, sex, and age.
METHOD: Electronic search (PubMed, Scopus and Google scholar) was conducted using the following search terms: "MRSA OR Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus AND Nigeria." Reference list of selected studies was scanned to identify more studies. Studies published between 2007 and 2017 that tested at least 30 non-duplicate S. aureus isolates were selected. An independent reviewer extracted data from the studies using a standardized form.
RESULTS: Twelve studies were included in this review. Overall, prevalence of MRSA infection increased from 18.3% (2009) to 42.3% (2013). The prevalence of MRSA infection was less than 50% in all the regions during the period under review. There was a decline in the prevalence of MRSA infection in the North-East (from 12.5% to 8.0%) between 2007 and 2012, and an increase in the South-West (from 20.2% to 47.4%) between 2006 and 2010. Wound, blood and urine specimens had the highest proportion of MRSA isolates. Non-susceptibility of MRSA strains to cotrimoxazole and tetracycline was greater than 85%.
CONCLUSION: Prevalence of MRSA infection in Nigeria is rising, albeit regional variations. Non-susceptibility to commonly prescribed, orally available and inexpensive antibiotics was high. Antimicrobial resistance surveillance system, infection control, and antimicrobial stewardship interventions are recommended.
RESULTS: Among the 253 cats included in this study, 12.3% of the whole blood samples tested positive for DCH. The detection rate was significantly higher in pet cats (16.6%, n = 24/145) compared to shelter cats (6.5%, n = 7/108). Liver tissues showed higher a DCH detection rate (14.9%, n = 13/87) compared to blood; 5 out of these 13 cats tested positive for DCH in their paired liver and blood samples. Serum alanine transaminase (ALT) was elevated (> 95 units/L) in 12 out of the 23 DCH-positive cats (52.2%, p = 0.012). Whole-genome sequence analysis revealed that the Malaysian DCH strain, with a genome size of 3184 bp, had 98.3% and 97.5% nucleotide identities to the Australian and Italian strains, respectively. The phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that the Malaysian DCH genome was clustered closely to the Australian strain, suggesting that they belong to the same geographically-determined genetic pool (Australasia).
CONCLUSIONS: This study provided insights into a Malaysian DCH strain that was detected from a liver tissue. Interestingly, pet cats or cats with elevated ALT were significantly more likely to be DCH positive. Cats with positive DCH detection from liver tissues may not necessarily have viraemia. The impact of this virus on inducing liver diseases in felines warrants further investigation.
METHODS: A total of 71 malaria microscopy positive blood samples collected in blood spots were obtained from the Sarawak State Health Department. Using 18s rRNA as the target gene, nested PCR and SYBR green I LAMP assay were performed following the DNA extraction. The colour changes of LAMP end products were observed by naked eyes.
RESULTS: LAMP assay demonstrated a detection limit of 10 copies/µL in comparison with 100 copies/µL nested PCR. Of 71 P. knowlesi blood samples collected, LAMP detected 69 microscopy-positive samples. LAMP exhibited higher sensitivity than nested PCR assay. The SYBR green I LAMP assay was 97.1% sensitive (95% CI 90.2-99.7%) and 100% specific (95% CI 83.2-100%). Without opening the cap, incorporation of SYBR green I into the inner cap of the tube enabled the direct visualization of results upon completion of amplification. The positives instantaneously turned green while the negatives remained orange.
CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that SYBR green I LAMP assay is a convenient diagnosis tool for the detection of P. knowlesi in remote settings.