Displaying publications 21 - 40 of 78 in total

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  1. Osman AY, Saharee AA, Jesse FF, Kadir AA
    Microb Pathog, 2018 Mar;116:318-327.
    PMID: 29412161 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2018.01.007
    Brucella melitensis is a major zoonotic pathogen in which lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is believed to play a major role in the diseases pathogenesis. To study the immunopathophysiological aspects, we established a mouse model experimentally infected with whole cell of B. melitensis and its lipopolysaccharide via subcutaneous route of exposure. Eighty four mice, BALB/c, both sexes with equal gender distribution and 6-8 weeks-old were randomly assigned into 3 groups. Group 1 (n = 36) were subcutaneoulsy inoculated with 0.4 mL 109 of B. melitensis while group 2 (n = 36) were subcutaneously challenged with 0.4 mL 109 of LPS. Group 3 (n = 12) was challenged subcuatneously with phosphate buffered saline and served as a control group. Animals were observed for clinical signs, haematological and histopathological analysis for a period of 24 days post-inoculation. Our results revealed that B. melitensis infected group demonstrated significant clinical signs and histopathological evidence than LPS infected group. However, both infected groups showed elevated levels of interleukins (IL-1β & IL6), antibody levels (IgM & IgG) as early as 3 days post-infection with predominance in LPS infected group. For hormone analysis, low levels of progesterone, estradiol and testosterone were observed in both B. melitensis and LPS challenged groups throughout the study period. Moreover, in B. melitensis infected groups, the organism was re-isolated from the organs and tissues of gastrointestinal, respiratory and reproductive systems; thereby confirming the possible transmission of the disease dynamics. Moreover, LPS stimulated significantly the innate and acquired immune system without significant systemic dysfunction suggesting the potentiality of the protective properties of this component as an alternative vaccine for brucellosis infection. This report is the first detailed investigation comparing the infection progression and host responses in relation to the immunopathophysiological aspects in mouse model after subcutaneous inoculation with B. melitensis and its lipopolysaccharide.
  2. Shaheen S, Khalid S, Siqqique R, Abbas M, Ifikhar T, Ijaz I, et al.
    Microb Pathog, 2023 Dec;185:106428.
    PMID: 37977480 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2023.106428
    In the present research project, the first report on comparative analysis of the taxonomical, biological and pharmacological potential of healthy and geminivirus infected Hibiscus rosa sinensis (L.) leaves of the family Malvaceae was done by using different micro and macroscopic techniques. First of all, leaves were characterized for Cotton leaf curl Multan virus (CLCuMuV) and its associated betasatellite (Cotton leaf curl Multan Betasatellite; CLCuMB). Different morphological parameters like shape and size of stem, leaves, seeds and roots, presence and absence of ligule, distance between nodes and internodes and type of inflorescence etc. were analyzed. CLCuMuV infected H. rosa-sinensis revealed systematic symptoms of infection like chlorosis of leaves, stunted growth, decrease in size of roots, shoots and distortion etc. Anatomical investigation was performed under light ad scanning electron microscope. Different anatomical features like length and shape of guard cells, subsidiary cells, presence or absence of stomata, secretory ducts and trichomes were examined. In both plant samples anomocytic types of stomata and elongated, non-glandular and pointed tip trichomes were present, but the size (especially length and width) of trichomes and other cells like epidermal, subsidiary, and guard cells were highest in virus infected plants likened to healthy one. In the antibacterial activity, the maximum antibacterial potentail was seen in methanolic extract of K. pneumonea while antifungal activity was shown by methanolic extract of A. solani. Plants interact with different biological entities according to environmental conditions continuously and evolved. These types of interactions induce changes positively and negatively on plant metabolism and metabolites production. Many plant viruses also attacked various host plants consequently alter their secondary metabolism. To overcome such virus infected plants produces many important and different types of secondary plant metabolites as a defense response. Subsequent analysis of this n-hexane plant extract using Gas chromatography mass spectroscopy technique revealed that Hibiscus eluted contained 10 main compounds in Healthy sample and 13 compounds in infected one. Presence of essential secondary metabolites were also analyzed by FTIR analysis. The present study provides a comprehensive and novel review on taxonomy (morphology, anatomy) and antimicrobial potential of both healthy and geminivirus infected H. rosa-sinensis.
  3. Yousuf FA, Rafiq S, Siddiqui R, Khan NA
    Microb Pathog, 2016 Apr;93:145-51.
    PMID: 26867478 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2016.02.002
    The completion of Escherichia coli K1 genome has identified several genomic islands that are present in meningitis-causing E. coli RS218 but absent in the non-pathogenic E. coli MG1655. In this study, the role of various genomic islands in E. coli K1 interactions with intestinal epithelial cells (Caco-2) and kidney epithelial cells (MA104) was determined. Using association assays, invasion assays, and intracellular survival assays, the findings revealed that the genomic island deletion mutants of RS218 related to P fimbriae, S fimbriae, F17-like fimbriae, non-fimbrial adhesins, Hek and hemagglutinin, protein secretion system (T1SS for hemolysin; T2SS; T5SS for antigen 43), Iro system and hmu system), invasins (CNF1, IbeA), toxins (α-hemolysin), K1 capsule biosynthesis, metabolism (d-serine catabolism, dihydroxyacetone, glycerol, and glyoxylate metabolism), prophage genes, showed reduced interactions with both cell types. Next, we determined the role of various genomic islands in E. coli K1 resistance to serum. When exposed to the normal human serum, the viability of the genomic island deletion mutants related to adhesins such as S fimbriae, P fimbriae, F17-like fimbriae, non-fimbrial adhesins, Hek and hemagglutinin, antigen 43 and T5SS for antigen 43, T2SS, and T1SS for hemolysin, Iro system and hmu system, prophage genes, metabolism (sugar metabolism and d-serine catabolism), K1 capsule biosynthesis, and invasins such as CNF1 was affected, suggesting their role in bacteremia. The characterization of these genomic islands should reveal mechanisms of E. coli K1 pathogenicity that could be of value as therapeutic targets.
  4. Baig AM, Khan NA
    Microb Pathog, 2015 Nov;88:48-51.
    PMID: 26276705 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2015.08.005
    Granulomatous amoebic encephalitis due to Acanthamoeba is a chronic disease that almost always results in death. Hematogenous spread is a pre-requisite followed by amoebae invasion of the blood-brain barrier to enter the central nervous system. Given the systemic nature of this infection, a significant latent period of several months before the appearance of clinical manifestations is puzzling. Based on reported cases, here we propose pathogenetic mechanisms that explain the above described latency of the disease.
  5. Lakhundi S, Siddiqui R, Khan NA
    Microb Pathog, 2017 Mar;104:97-109.
    PMID: 27998732 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2016.12.013
    Microbial keratitis is a sight-threatening ocular infection caused by bacteria, fungi, and protist pathogens. Epithelial defects and injuries are key predisposing factors making the eye susceptible to corneal pathogens. Among bacterial pathogens, the most common agents responsible for keratitis include Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus pneumonia and Serratia species. Fungal agents of corneal infections include both filamentous as well as yeast, including Fusarium, Aspergillus, Phaeohyphomycetes, Curvularia, Paecilomyces, Scedosporium and Candida species, while in protists, Acanthamoeba spp. are responsible for causing ocular disease. Clinical features include redness, pain, tearing, blur vision and inflammation but symptoms vary depending on the causative agent. The underlying molecular mechanisms associated with microbial pathogenesis include virulence factors as well as the host factors that aid in the progression of keratitis, resulting in damage to the ocular tissue. The treatment therefore should focus not only on the elimination of the culprit but also on the neutralization of virulence factors to minimize the damage, in addition to repairing the damaged tissue. A complete understanding of the pathogenesis of microbial keratitis will lead to the rational development of therapeutic interventions. This is a timely review of our current understanding of the advances made in this field in a comprehensible manner. Coupled with the recently available genome sequence information and high throughput genomics technology, and the availability of innovative approaches, this will stimulate interest in this field.
  6. Leong SS, Korel F, King JH
    Microb Pathog, 2023 Dec;185:106418.
    PMID: 37866551 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2023.106418
    "Fried rice syndrome" originated from the first exposure to a fried rice dish contaminated with Bacillus cereus. This review compiles available data on the prevalence of B. cereus outbreak cases that occurred between 1984 and 2019. The outcome of B. cereus illness varies dramatically depending on the pathogenic strain encounter and the host's immune system. B. cereus causes a self-limiting, diarrheal illness caused by heat-resistant enterotoxin proteins, and an emetic illness caused by the deadly toxin named cereulide. The toxins together with their extrinsic factors are discussed. The possibility of more contamination of B. cereus in protein-rich food has also been shown. Therefore, the aim of this review is to summarize the available data, focusing mainly on B. cereus physiology as the causative agent for "fried rice syndrome." This review emphasizes the prevalence of B. cereus in starchy food contamination and outbreak cases reported, the virulence of both enterotoxins and emetic toxins produced, and the possibility of contaminated in protein-rich food. The impact of emetic or enterotoxin-producing B. cereus on public health cannot be neglected. Thus, it is essential to constantly monitor for B. cereus contamination during food handling and hygiene practices for food product preparation.
  7. Cui YC, Wu Q, Teh SW, Peli A, Bu G, Qiu YS, et al.
    Microb Pathog, 2018 Sep;122:130-136.
    PMID: 29909241 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2018.06.021
    The recent global resurgence of arthritogenic alphaviruses, including Ross River, chikungunya, and dengue, highlights an urgency for the development of therapeutic strategies. Currently, dengue represents the most rapidly transmitting mosquito-borne viral disease worldwide. By contracting bone breaking diseases, patients experience devastating clinical manifestations involving muscle pain and bone loss. The bone self-repair and regeneration mechanisms can be damaged by the presence of viruses and bacteria. The rapid establishment of dengue epidemic and the severity of bacterial and viral infections affecting the bone stress the urgent need of developing effective interventions. Herein, we review current knowledge on bone breaking infections, covering both bacterial and mosquito-borne viral ones. The mechanisms exploited by these diseases to significantly affect the bone, including interferences with self-repair and regeneration routes, were discussed. In the final section, challenges for future research aimed to treat and prevent bacterial and mosquito-borne bone-breaking infections have been outlined.
  8. Farah N, Lim CW, Chin VK, Chong PP, Basir R, Yeo WWY, et al.
    Microb Pathog, 2024 Apr 27.
    PMID: 38685359 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2024.106665
    Fungal infections caused by Candida species pose a serious threat to humankind. Antibiotics abuse and the ability of Candida species to form biofilm have escalated the emergence of drug resistance in clinical settings and hence, rendered it more difficult to treat Candida-related diseases. Lethal effects of Candida infection are often due to inefficacy of antimicrobial treatments and failure of host immune response to clear infections. Previous studies have shown that a combination of riboflavin with UVA (riboflavin/UVA) light demonstrate candidacidal activity albeit its mechanism of actions remain elusive. Thus, this study sought to investigate antifungal and antibiofilm properties by combining riboflavin with UVA against Candida albicans and non-albicans Candida species. The MIC20 for the fluconazole and riboflavin/UVA against the Candida species tested was within the range of 0.125 to 2 μg/mL while the SMIC50 was 32 μg/mL. Present findings indicate that the inhibitory activities exerted by riboflavin/UVA towards planktonic cells are slightly less effective as compared to controls. However, the efficacy of the combination towards Candida species biofilms showed otherwise. Inhibitory effects exerted by riboflavin/UVA towards most of the tested Candida species biofilms points towards a variation in mode of action that could make it an ideal alternative therapeutic for biofilm-related infections.
  9. Rasool A, Imran Mir M, Zulfajri M, Hanafiah MM, Azeem Unnisa S, Mahboob M
    Microb Pathog, 2021 Jan;150:104734.
    PMID: 33429050 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2021.104734
    Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is an important plant in medicine. The Kashmir Valley (J&K, India) is one of the world's largest and finest saffron producing regions. However, over the past decade, there has been a strong declining trend in saffron production in this area. Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) are free living soil bacteria that have ability to colonize the surfaces of the roots and ability to boost plant growth and development either directly or indirectly. Using the efficient PGPR as a bio-inoculant is another sustainable agricultural practice to improve soil health, grain yield quality, and biodiversity conservation. In the present study, a total of 13 bacterial strains were isolated from rhizospheric soil of saffron during the flowering stage of the tubers and were evaluated for various plant growth promoting characteristics under in vitro conditions such as the solubilization of phosphate, production of indole acetic acid, siderophore, hydrocyanic acid, and ammonia production and antagonism by dual culture test against Sclerotium rolfsii and Fusarium oxysporum. All the isolates were further tested for the production of hydrolytic enzymes such as protease, lipase, amylase, cellulase, and chitinase. The maximum proportions of bacterial isolates were gram-negative bacilli. About 77% of the bacterial isolates showed IAA production, 46% exhibited phosphate solubilization, 46% siderophore, 61% HCN, 100% ammonia production, 69% isolates showed protease activity, 62% lipase, 46% amylase, 85% cellulase, and 39% showed chitinase activity. Three isolates viz., AIS-3, AIS-8 and AIS-10 were found to have the most plant growth properties and effectively control the growth of Sclerotium rolfsii and Fusarium oxysporum. The bacterial isolates were identified as Brevibacterium frigoritolerans (AIS-3), Alcaligenes faecalis subsp. Phenolicus (AIS-8) and Bacillus aryabhattai (AIS-10) respectively by 16S rRNA sequence analysis. Therefore, these isolated rhizobacterial strains could be a promising source of plant growth stimulants to increase cormlets growth and increase saffron production.
  10. Narayanan M, Srinivasan S, Gnanasekaran C, Ramachandran G, Chelliah CK, Rajivgandhi G, et al.
    Microb Pathog, 2024 Apr;189:106595.
    PMID: 38387848 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2024.106595
    Cymodocea serrulata mediated titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) were successfully synthesized. The XRD pattern and FTIR spectra demonstrated the crystalline structure of TiO2 NPs and the presence of phenols, flavonoids and alkaloids in the extract. Further SEM revealed that TiO2 NPs has uniform structure and spherical in shape with their size ranged from 58 to 117 nm. Antibacterial activity of TiO2 NPs against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Vibrio cholerae (V. cholerae), provided the zone of inhibition of 33.9 ± 1.7 and 36.3 ± 1.9 mm, respectively at 100 μg/mL concentration. MIC of TiO2 NPs against MRSA and V. cholerae showed 84% and 87% inhibition at 180 μg/mL and 160 μg/mL respectively. Subsequently, the sub-MIC of V. cholerae demonstrated minimal or no impact on bacterial growth at concentration of 42.5 μg/mL concentration. In addition, TiO2 NPs exhibited their ability to inhibit the biofilm forming V. cholerae which caused distinct morphological and intercellular damages analysed using CLSM and TEM. The antioxidant properties of TiO2 NPs were demonstrated through TAA and DPPH assays and exposed its scavenging activity with IC50 value of 36.42 and 68.85 μg/mL which denotes its valuable antioxidant properties with potential health benefits. Importantly, the brine shrimp based lethality experiment yielded a low cytotoxic effect with 13% mortality at 100 μg/mL. In conclusion, the multifaceted attributes of C. serrulata mediated TiO2 NPs encompassed the antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-biofilm inhibition effects with low cytotoxicity in nature were highlighted in this study and proved the bioderived TiO2 NPs could be used as a promising agent for biomedical applications.
  11. Gangathraprabhu B, Kannan S, Santhanam G, Suryadevara N, Maruthamuthu M
    Microb Pathog, 2020 Oct;147:104352.
    PMID: 32592823 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2020.104352
    Salmonellosis continues to remain a health problem as the causative organism Salmonella spp. developed resistance to many of the antibiotics. As per World Health Organization (WHO), it is estimated that enteric fever, accounts for almost 16 million cases annually and over 600,000 deaths worldwide. Recent data revealed that the multi-drug resistance (MDR) rate of enteric fever was as high as 70% in Asian countries, as compared with the overall reported incidence of 50%. Emergence of MDR typhoid fever demands the use of newer antibiotics which also not offer promising effect in recent days. Effective antimicrobial therapy is required to control morbidity and prevent death from typhoid fever. The studies on PhoP/Q regulation revealed it as a best-characterized transcriptional regulation; a two-component system required for Salmonella pathogenesis which controls the expression of more than 40 genes. The PhoP DNA binding proteins possess positively charged amino acids such as arginine, lysine and histidine which present in the DNA binding site. Prevention of PhoP binding in phoP box may ultimately prevent the expression of many regulatory mechanism which plays vital role in Salmonella virulence. Deepness study of PhoP protein and various mutation swots may offer effectual controlling of MDR Salmonella.
  12. Amal MNA, Ismail A, Saad MZ, Md Yasin IS, Nasruddin NS, Mastor SS, et al.
    Microb Pathog, 2019 Jun;131:47-52.
    PMID: 30940607 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2019.03.034
    This study determines the median lethal dose, and describes the clinico-pathological changes and disease development following Streptococcus agalactiae infection in Javanese medaka model. Javanese medakas were infected with S. agalactiae via intraperitoneal (IP) from 104 to 108 CFU/mL, and immersion (IM) route from 103 to 107 CFU/mL. The LD50-240h and clinico-pathological changes of the fish was determined until 240 h post infection (hpi). Next, the disease development was determined for 96 hpi in the fish following IP and IM infection at 103 CFU/mL and 104 CFU/mL, respectively. The LD50-240h of S. agalactiae in Javanese medaka was lower following IP injection (4.5 × 102 CFU/mL), compared to IM route (3.5 × 103 CFU/mL). The clinical signs included separating from the schooling group, swimming at the surface of water column, lethargy, erratic swimming pattern, corneal opacity and exophthalmia. Histopathological examinations revealed generalized congestion in almost all internal organs, particularly in liver and brain, while the kidney displayed tubular necrosis. Both IP and IM routes showed significant positive correlation (p 
  13. Barathan M, Riazalhosseini B, Iyadorai T, Vellasamy KM, Vadivelu J, Chang LY, et al.
    Microb Pathog, 2021 Dec;161(Pt A):105231.
    PMID: 34619310 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2021.105231
    The interplay of immune mediators is paramount to optimal host anti-viral immune responses, especially against chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Here, we investigated the dynamic changes in host immune responses in chronic HBV-infected individuals with and without liver cirrhosis by examining the signatures of apoptosis and plasma levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and cytotoxic proteins. A total of 40 chronic HBV patients with and without liver cirrhosis were studied for plasma levels of immune mediators, and signatures of apoptosis in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). The intracellular concentrations of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in patients with chronic HBV with liver cirrhosis was relatively higher as compared to chronic HBV patients. The onset of apoptosis was sustained due to ongoing liver inflammation in concert with plasma TNF-α and IL-6 levels. Plasma VEGF was upregulated among chronic HBV patients with liver cirrhosis, whereas CCL2, CCL5 and granzyme B levels were down-regulated. High levels of ROS, IL-6 and TNF-α correlated with ongoing inflammation among chronic HBV patients with liver cirrhosis, which likely attributed to the expression of biosignatures of apoptosis and activation in immune cells.
  14. Sam-On MFS, Mustafa S, Mohd Hashim A, Yusof MT, Zulkifly S, Malek AZA, et al.
    Microb Pathog, 2023 Aug;181:106161.
    PMID: 37207784 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2023.106161
    Bacillus velezensis FS26 is a bacterium from the genus Bacillus that has been proven as a potential probiotic in aquaculture with a good antagonistic effect on Aeromonas spp. and Vibrio spp. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) allows a comprehensive and in-depth analysis at the molecular level, and it is becoming an increasingly significant technique in aquaculture research. Although numerous probiotic genomes have been sequenced and investigated recently, there are minimal data on in silico analysis of B. velezensis as a probiotic bacterium isolated from aquaculture sources. Thus, this study aims to analyse the general genome characteristics and probiotic markers from the B. velezensis FS26 genome with secondary metabolites predicted against aquaculture pathogens. The B. velezensis FS26 genome (GenBank Accession: JAOPEO000000000) assembly proved to be of high quality, with eight contigs containing 3,926,371 bp and an average G + C content of 46.5%. According to antiSMASH analysis, five clusters of secondary metabolites from the B. velezensis FS26 genome showed 100% similarity. These clusters include Cluster 2 (bacilysin), Cluster 6 (bacillibactin), Cluster 7 (fengycin), Cluster 8 (bacillaene), and Cluster 9 (macrolactin H), which signify promising antibacterial, antifungal, and anticyanobacterial agents against pathogens in aquaculture. The probiotic markers of B. velezensis FS26 genome for adhesion capability in the hosts' intestine, as well as the acid and bile salt-tolerant genes, were also detected through the Prokaryotic Genome Annotation System (Prokka) annotation pipeline. These results are in agreement with our previous in vitro data, suggesting that the in silico investigation facilitates establishing B. velezensis FS26 as a beneficial probiotic for use in aquaculture.
  15. Marza AD, Jesse FF, Ahmed IM, Teik Chung EL, Ibrahim HH, Zamri-Saad M, et al.
    Microb Pathog, 2016 Apr;93:111-9.
    PMID: 26850845 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2016.01.025
    Haemorrhagic septicaemia (HS) is an acute, fatal, septicaemic disease of cattle and buffaloes caused by one of two specific serotypes of Pasteurella multocida B:2 and E:2 in Asian and African, respectively. It is well known that HS affect mainly the respiratory and digestive tracts. However, involvement of the nervous system in pathogenesis of HS has been reported in previous studies without details. In this study, nine buffalo calves of 8 months old were distributed into three groups. Animals of Group 1 and 2 were inoculated orally and subcutaneously with 10 ml of 1 × 10(12) cfu/ml of P. multocida B:2, respectively, while animals of Group 3 were inoculated orally with 10 ml of phosphate buffer saline as a control. All calves in Group 1 and Group 3 were euthanised after 504 h (21 day) post-infection, while calves in Group 2 had to euthanise after 12 h post-infection as they develop sever clinical signs of HS. Significant differences were found in Group 2 in the mean scores of clinical signs, gross and histopathological changes which mainly affect different anatomic regions of the nervous system. In addition, successful bacterial isolation of P. multocida B:2 were obtained from different sites of the nervous system. On the other hand, less sever, clinical, gross and histopathological changes were found in Group 1. These results provide for the first time strong evidence of involving of the nervous system in pathogenesis of HS, especially in the peracute stage of the disease.
  16. Marza AD, Jesse Abdullah FF, Ahmed IM, Teik Chung EL, Ibrahim HH, Zamri-Saad M, et al.
    Microb Pathog, 2017 Mar;104:340-347.
    PMID: 28126667 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2017.01.031
    Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of P. multocida B:2, a causative agent of haemorrhagic septicaemia (HS) in cattle and buffaloes, is considered as the main virulence factor and contribute in the pathogenesis of the disease. Recent studies provided evidences about the involvement of the nervous system in pathogenesis of HS. However, the role of P. multocida B:2 immunogens, especially the LPS is still uncovered. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate the role of P. multocida B:2 LPS to induce pathological changes in the nervous system. Nine eight-month-old, clinically healthy buffalo calves were used and distributed into three groups. Calves of Group 1 and 2 were inoculated orally and intravenously with 10 ml of LPS broth extract represent 1 × 10(12) cfu/ml of P. multocida B:2, respectively, while calves of Group 3 were inoculated orally with 10 ml of phosphate buffer saline as a control. Significant differences were found in the mean scores for clinical signs, post mortem and histopathological changes especially in Group 2, which mainly affect different anatomic regions of the nervous system, mainly the brain. On the other hand, lower scores have been recorded for clinical signs, gross and histopathological changes in Group 1. These results provide for the first time strong evidence about the ability of P. multocida B:2 LPS to cross the blood brain barrier and induce pathological changes in the nervous system of the affected buffalo calves.
  17. Bala JA, Balakrishnan KN, Abdullah AA, Mohamed R, Haron AW, Jesse FFA, et al.
    Microb Pathog, 2018 Jul;120:55-63.
    PMID: 29709684 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2018.04.057
    Orf disease is known to be enzootic among small ruminants in Asia, Africa, and some other parts of the world. The disease caused by orf virus is highly contagious among small ruminant species. Unfortunately, it has been neglected for decades because of the general belief that it only causes a self-limiting disease. On the other hand, in the past it has been reported to cause huge cumulative financial losses in livestock farming. Orf disease is characterized by localized proliferative and persistent skin nodule lesions that can be classified into three forms: generalized, labial and mammary or genitals. It can manifest as benign or malignant types. The later type of orf can remain persistent, often fatal and usually causes a serious outbreak among small ruminant population. Morbidity and mortality rates of orf are higher especially in newly infected kids and lambs. Application of antibiotics together with antipyretic and/or analgesic is highly recommended as a supportive disease management strategy for prevention of subsequent secondary microbial invasion. The presence of various exotic orf virus strains of different origin has been reported in many countries mostly due to poorly controlled cross-border virus transmission. There have been several efforts to develop orf virus vaccines and it was with variable success. The use of conventional vaccines to control orf is a debatable topic due to the concern of short term immunity development. Following re-infection in previously vaccinated animals, it is uncommon to observe the farms involved to experience rapid virus spread and disease outbreak. Meanwhile, cases of zoonosis from infected animals to animal handler are not uncommon. Despite failures to contain the spread of orf virus by the use of conventional vaccines, vaccination of animals with live orf virus is still considered as one of the best choice. The review herein described pertinent issues with regard to the development and use of potential effective vaccines as a control measure against orf virus infection.
  18. Rahman NA, Sharudin A, Diah S, Muharram SH
    Microb Pathog, 2017 Sep;110:352-358.
    PMID: 28711510 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2017.07.021
    INTRODUCTION: Pneumococcal infections have caused morbidity and mortality globally. Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococci) are commensal bacteria that colonize the nasopharynx, asymptomatically. From there, pneumococci can spread in the lungs causing pneumonia and disseminate in the bloodstream causing bacteremia (sepsis) and reach the brain leading to meningitis. Endothelial cells are one of the most important components of the blood-brain barrier that separates the blood from the brain and plays the first protective role against pneumococcal entry. Thus this study aimed to investigate on the ability of non-meningitis pneumococcal clinical strains to adhere and invade a brain endothelium model.

    METHODS: Two pneumococcal Brunei clinical strains were serotyped by multiplex PCR method using oligonucleotide sequences derived from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A validated immortalised mouse brain endothelial cell line (bEnd.3) was used as a brain endothelium model for the study of the pneumococcal breach of the blood-brain barrier using an adherence and invasion assay.

    RESULTS: Both of the pneumococcal clinical strains were found to be serotype 19F, a common circulating serotype in Southeast Asia and globally and possess the ability to adhere and invade the brain endothelial cells.

    CONCLUSION: In addition, this is the first report on the serotype identification of pneumococci in Brunei Darussalam and their application on a brain endothelium model. Further studies are required to understand the virulence capabilities of the clinical strains.

  19. Abdulshaheed AA, Hanafiah MM, Nawaz R, Muslim SN
    Microb Pathog, 2024 Feb;187:106534.
    PMID: 38184176 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2024.106534
    One of the most prevalent infectious diseases and a key driver of antibiotic prescriptions in pediatrics is urinary tract infection (UTI). Due to the emergence of more resistant uropathogenic bacterial and fungal strains, current treatments are no longer effective, necessitating the urgent development of novel antibacterial and antifungal drugs. In this study, the antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-biofilm capabilities of compounds, such as tannase (TN) and gallic acid (GA), which were produced from a novel natural source, Acinetobacter baumannii (AB11) bacteria, were assessed for the inactivation of uropathogenic microorganisms (UMs). Ammonium sulphate precipitation, ion exchange, high-performance liquid chromatography, and gel filtration were used to purify TN and GA that were isolated from A. baumannii. A 43.08 % pure TN with 1221.2 U/mg specific activity and 10.51 mg/mL GA was obtained. The antibacterial, antifungal and anti-biofilm activities of TN and GA were evaluated against UMs and compared to those of commercially available antibiotics including sulfamethoxazole (SXT), levofloxacin (LEV), ciprofloxacin (CIP), amikacin (Ak), and nitrofurantoin (F). The results showed that TN and GA were superior to commercial antibiotics in their ability to inactivate UMs and considerably reduced biofilms formation. Additionally, the GA emerges as the top substitute for currently available medications, demonstrating superior antibacterial and antibiofilm properties against all UMs evaluated in this study. The results of this investigation showed that A. baumannii-derived TN and GA could be utilized as an alternative medication to treat UTIs.
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