Displaying publications 381 - 400 of 676 in total

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  1. Role of coaggregation in the pathogenicity and prolonged colonisation of Vibrio cholerae
    Toh YS, Yeoh SL, Yap IKS, Teh CSJ, Win TT, Thong KL, et al.
    Med Microbiol Immunol, 2019 Dec;208(6):793-809.
    PMID: 31263955 DOI: 10.1007/s00430-019-00628-3
    Cholera is an acute diarrheal illness caused by the Gram-negative bacterium Vibrio cholerae. The pathogen is known for its ability to form biofilm that confers protection against harsh environmental condition and as part of the colonisation process during infection. Coaggregation is a process that facilitates the formation of biofilm. In a preliminary in vitro study, high coaggregation index and biofilm production were found between V. cholerae with human commensals namely Escherichia coli and Enterobacter cloacae. Building upon these results, the effects of coaggregation were further evaluated using adult BALB/c mouse model. The animal study showed no significant differences in mortality and fluid accumulation ratio between treatment groups infected with V. cholerae alone and those infected with coaggregation partnership (V. cholerae with E. coli or V. cholerae with E. cloacae). However, mild inflammation was detected in both partnering pairs. Higher density of V. cholerae was recovered from faecal samples of mice co-infected with E. coli and V. cholerae in comparison with other groups at 24 h post-infection. This partnership also elicited slightly higher levels of interleukin-5 (IL-5) and interleukin-10 (IL-10). Nonetheless, the involvement of autoinducer-2 (AI-2) as the signalling molecules in quorum sensing system is not evident in this study. Since E. coli is one of the common commensals, our result may suggest the involvement of commensals in cholera development.
    Matched MeSH terms: Vibrio cholerae/pathogenicity*
  2. Fulltext Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus in the last two years: Health care workers still at risk
    Al-Tawfiq JA, Memish ZA
    Am J Infect Control, 2019 10;47(10):1167-1170.
    PMID: 31128983 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2019.04.007
    BACKGROUND: An important emerging respiratory virus is the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). MERS-CoV had been associated with a high case fatality rate especially among severe cases.

    METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of reported MERS-CoV cases between December 2016 and January 2019, as retrieved from the World Health Organization. The aim of this study is to examine the epidemiology of reported cases and quantify the percentage of health care workers (HCWs) among reported cases.

    RESULTS: There were 403 reported cases with a majority being men (n = 300; 74.4%). These cases were reported from Lebanon, Malaysia, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and United Arab Emirates. HCWs represented 26% and comorbidities were reported among 71% of non-HCWs and 1.9% among HCWs (P < .0001). Camel exposure and camel milk ingestion were reported in 64% each, and the majority (97.8%) of those with camel exposures had camel milk ingestion. There were 58% primary cases and 42% were secondary cases. The case fatality rate was 16% among HCWs compared with 34% among other patients (P = .001). The mean age ± SD was 47.65 ± 16.28 for HCWs versus 54.23 ± 17.34 for non-HCWs (P = .001).

    CONCLUSIONS: MERS-CoV infection continues to have a high case fatality rate and a large proportion of patients were HCWs. Further understanding of the disease transmission and prevention mainly in health care settings are needed.

    Matched MeSH terms: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus/pathogenicity*
  3. Transcriptomic analysis of pepper plants provides insights into host responses to Fusarium solani infestation
    Lau ET, Khew CY, Hwang SS
    J Biotechnol, 2020 May 20;314-315:53-62.
    PMID: 32302654 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2020.03.014
    Black pepper is an important commodity crop in Malaysia that generates millions of annual revenue for the country. However, black pepper yield is affected by slow decline disease caused by a soil-borne fungus Fusarium solani. RNA sequencing transcriptomics approach has been employed in this study to explore the differential gene expression in susceptible Piper nigrum L. and resistant Piper colubrinum Link. Gene expression comparative analysis of the two pepper species has yielded 2,361 differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Among them, higher expression of 1,426 DEGs was detected in resistant plant. These DEGs practically demonstrated the major branches of plant-pathogen interaction pathway (Path: ko04626). We selected five groups of defence-related DEGs for downstream qRT-PCR analysis. Cf-9, the gene responsible for recognizing fungal avirulence protein activity was found inexpressible in susceptible plant. However, this gene exhibited promising expression in resistant plant. Inactivation of Cf-9 could be the factor that causes susceptible plant fail in recognition of F. solani and subsequently delay activation of adaptive response to fungal invasion. This vital study advance the understanding of pepper plant defence in response to F. solani and aid in identifying potential solution to manage slow decline disease in black pepper cultivation.
    Matched MeSH terms: Fusarium/pathogenicity
  4. Scavenger receptor B2 is a cellular receptor for enterovirus 71
    Yamayoshi S, Yamashita Y, Li J, Hanagata N, Minowa T, Takemura T, et al.
    Nat Med, 2009 Jul;15(7):798-801.
    PMID: 19543282 DOI: 10.1038/nm.1992
    Enterovirus 71 (EV71) belongs to human enterovirus species A of the genus Enterovirus within the family Picornaviridae. EV71, together with coxsackievirus A16 (CVA16), are most frequently associated with hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD). Although HFMD is considered a mild exanthematous infection, infections involving EV71, but not CVA16, can progress to severe neurological disease, including fatal encephalitis, aseptic meningitis and acute flaccid paralysis. In recent years, epidemic and sporadic outbreaks of neurovirulent EV71 infections have been reported in Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, Japan and China. Here, we show that human scavenger receptor class B, member 2 (SCARB2, also known as lysosomal integral membrane protein II or CD36b like-2) is a receptor for EV71. EV71 binds soluble SCARB2 or cells expressing SCARB2, and the binding is inhibited by an antibody to SCARB2. Expression of human SCARB2 enables normally unsusceptible cell lines to support EV71 propagation and develop cytopathic effects. EV71 infection is hampered by the antibody to SCARB2 and soluble SCARB2. SCARB2 also supports the infection of the milder pathogen CVA16. The identification of SCARB2 as an EV71 and CVA16 receptor contributes to a better understanding of the pathogenicity of these viruses.
    Matched MeSH terms: Enterovirus A, Human/pathogenicity*
  5. Fulltext Enhanced Pharmaceutically Active Compounds Productivity from Streptomyces SUK 25: Optimization, Characterization, Mechanism and Techno-Economic Analysis
    Al-Shaibani MM, Radin Mohamed RMS, Zin NM, Al-Gheethi A, Al-Sahari M, El Enshasy HA
    Molecules, 2021 Apr 25;26(9).
    PMID: 33923072 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26092510
    The present research aimed to enhance the pharmaceutically active compounds' (PhACs') productivity from Streptomyces SUK 25 in submerged fermentation using response surface methodology (RSM) as a tool for optimization. Besides, the characteristics and mechanism of PhACs against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus were determined. Further, the techno-economic analysis of PhACs production was estimated. The independent factors include the following: incubation time, pH, temperature, shaker rotation speed, the concentration of glucose, mannitol, and asparagine, although the responses were the dry weight of crude extracts, minimum inhibitory concentration, and inhibition zone and were determined by RSM. The PhACs were characterized using GC-MS and FTIR, while the mechanism of action was determined using gene ontology extracted from DNA microarray data. The results revealed that the best operating parameters for the dry mass crude extracts production were 8.20 mg/L, the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) value was 8.00 µg/mL, and an inhibition zone of 17.60 mm was determined after 12 days, pH 7, temperature 28 °C, shaker rotation speed 120 rpm, 1 g glucose /L, 3 g mannitol/L, and 0.5 g asparagine/L with R2 coefficient value of 0.70. The GC-MS and FTIR spectra confirmed the presence of 21 PhACs, and several functional groups were detected. The gene ontology revealed that 485 genes were upregulated and nine genes were downregulated. The specific and annual operation cost of the production of PhACs was U.S. Dollar (U.S.D) 48.61 per 100 mg compared to U.S.D 164.3/100 mg of the market price, indicating that it is economically cheaper than that at the market price.
    Matched MeSH terms: Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus/pathogenicity
  6. Heterogeneity of mycolactones produced by clinical isolates of Mycobacterium ulcerans: implications for virulence
    Mve-Obiang A, Lee RE, Portaels F, Small PL
    Infect Immun, 2003 Feb;71(2):774-83.
    PMID: 12540557
    Mycobacterium ulcerans is the causative agent of Buruli ulcer, a severe necrotizing skin disease endemic in tropical countries. Clinical evidence suggests that M. ulcerans isolates from Asia, Mexico, and Australia may be less virulent than isolates from Africa. In vivo studies suggest that mycolactone, a polyketide-derived macrolide toxin, plays a major role in the tissue destruction and immune suppression which occur in cases of Buruli ulcer. Mycolactones were extracted from 34 isolates of M. ulcerans representing strains from Africa, Malaysia, Asia, Australia, and Mexico. Thin-layer chromatography, mass spectroscopic analysis, and cytopathic assays of partially purified mycolactones from these isolates revealed that M. ulcerans produces a heterogeneous mixture of mycolactone variants. Mycolactone A/B, the most biologically active mycolactone species, was identified by mass spectroscopy as [M(+)Na](+) at m/z 765.5 in all cytotoxic isolates except for those from Mexico. Mycolactone C [M+Na](+) at m/z 726.3 was the dominant mycolactone species in eight Australian isolates, and mycolactone D [M+Na](+) m/z 781.2 was characteristic of two Asian strains. Mycolactone species are conserved within specific geographic areas, suggesting that there may be a correlation between mycolactone profile and virulence. In addition, the core lactone, [M+Na](+) m/z 447.4, was identified as a minor species, supporting the hypothesis that mycolactones are synthesized by two polyketide synthases. A cytopathic assay of the core lactone showed that this molecule is sufficient for cytotoxicity, although it is much less potent than the complete mycolactone.
    Matched MeSH terms: Mycobacterium ulcerans/pathogenicity*
  7. Fulltext Alkyl-Resorcinol Derivatives as Inhibitors of GDP-Mannose Pyrophosphorylase with Antileishmanial Activities
    Levaique H, Pamlard O, Apel C, Bignon J, Arriola M, Kuhner R, et al.
    Molecules, 2021 Mar 11;26(6).
    PMID: 33799883 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26061551
    Leishmaniasis is a vector-borne disease caused by the protozoan parasite Leishmania found in tropical and sub-tropical areas, affecting 12 million people around the world. Only few treatments are available against this disease and all of them present issues of toxicity and/or resistance. In this context, the development of new antileishmanial drugs specifically directed against a therapeutic target appears to be a promising strategy. The GDP-Mannose Pyrophosphorylase (GDP-MP) has been previously shown to be an attractive therapeutic target in Leishmania. In this study, a chemical library of 5000 compounds was screened on both L. infantum (LiGDP-MP) and human (hGDP-MP) GDP-MPs. From this screening, oncostemonol D was found to be active on both GDP-MPs at the micromolar level. Ten alkyl-resorcinol derivatives, of which oncostemonols E and J (2 and 3) were described for the first time from nature, were then evaluated on both enzymes as well as on L. infantum axenic and intramacrophage amastigotes. From this evaluation, compounds 1 and 3 inhibited both GDP-MPs at the micromolar level, and compound 9 displayed a three-times lower IC50 on LiGDP-MP, at 11 µM, than on hGDP-MP. As they displayed mild activities on the parasite, these compounds need to be further pharmacomodulated in order to improve their affinity and specificity to the target as well as their antileishmanial activity.
    Matched MeSH terms: Leishmania/pathogenicity
  8. Summary of avian influenza activity in Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australasia, 2002-2006
    Alexander DJ
    Avian Dis, 2007 Mar;51(1 Suppl):161-6.
    PMID: 17494548
    Between December 2003 and January 2004 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 infections of poultry were declared in China, Japan, South Korea, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Indonesia. In 2004 an outbreak was reported in Malaysia. In 2005 H5N1 outbreaks were recorded in poultry in Russia, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Romania, Turkey, and Ukraine, and virus was isolated from swans in Croatia. In 2004 HPAI H5N1 virus was isolated from smuggled eagles detected at the Brussels Airport and in 2005 imported caged birds held in quarantine in England. In 2006 HPAI was reported in poultry in Iraq, India, Azerbaijan, Pakistan, Myanmar, Afghanistan, and Israel in Asia; Albania, France, and Sweden in Europe; and Nigeria, Cameroon, and Niger in Africa; as well as in wild birds in some 24 countries across Asia and Europe. In 2003, over 25,000,000 birds were slaughtered because of 241 outbreaks of HPAI caused by virus of H7N7 subtype in the Netherlands. The virus spread into Belgium (eight outbreaks) and Germany (one outbreak). HPAI H5N2 virus was responsible for outbreaks in ostriches in South Africa during 2005. HPAI H7N3 virus was isolated in Pakistan in 2004. Low-pathogenicity avian influenza (LPAI) H5 or H7 viruses were isolated from poultry in Italy (H7N3 2002-2003; H5N2 2005), The Netherlands (H7N3 2002), France (H5N2 2003), Denmark (H5N7 2003), Taiwan (H5N2 2004), and Japan (H5N2 2005). Many isolations of LPAI viruses of other subtypes were reported from domestic and wild birds. Infections with H9N2 subtype viruses have been widespread across Asia during 2002-06.
    Matched MeSH terms: Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype/pathogenicity
  9. Quantitative Proteomics Analysis Revealed Compromised Chicken Dendritic Cells Function at Early Stage of Very Virulent Infectious Bursal Disease Virus Infection
    Yasmin AR, Omar AR, Farhanah MI, Hiscox AJ, Yeap SK
    Avian Dis, 2019 06 01;63(2):275-288.
    PMID: 31251527 DOI: 10.1637/11936-072418-Reg.1
    Chicken dendritic cells (DCs) have been demonstrated to be susceptible to infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV), a causative agent of acute and immunosuppressed disease in young chicks known as infectious bursal disease. Further functional characterization of IBDV-infected DCs of chickens is required to provide a better understanding on the influence of the virus on chicken bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BM-DCs) following very virulent (vv) IBDV infection. Membrane proteins of BM-DCs were extracted and the proteins were further denatured and reduced before performing labeling with isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation. The differential expression protein profiles were identified and quantified using liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry, and later validated using flow cytometry and real-time reverse transcriptase PCR. The analysis has identified 134 differentially regulated proteins from a total of 283 proteins (cutoff values of ≤0.67, ≥1.5, and ProtScore >1.3 at 95% confidence interval), which produced high-yield membrane fractions. The entry of vvIBDV into the plasma membrane of BM-DCs was observed at 3 hr postinfection by the disruption of several important protein molecule functions, namely apoptosis, RNA/DNA/protein synthesis, and transport and cellular organization, without the activation of proteins associated with signaling. At the later stage of infection, vvIBDV induced expression of several proteins, namely CD200 receptor 1-A, integrin alpha-5, HSP-90, cathepsin, lysosomal-associated membrane protein, and Ras-related proteins, which play crucial roles in signaling, apoptosis, stress response, and antigen processing as well as in secretion of danger-associated proteins. These findings collectively indicated that the chicken DCs are expressing various receptors regarded as potential targets for pathogen interaction during viral infection. Therefore, fundamental study of the interaction of DCs and IBDV will provide valuable information in understanding the role of professional antigen-presenting cells in chickens and their molecular interactions during IBDV infection and vaccination.
    Matched MeSH terms: Infectious bursal disease virus/pathogenicity
  10. The assimilation of different carbon sources in Candida albicans: Fitness and pathogenicity
    Lok B, Adam MAA, Kamal LZM, Chukwudi NA, Sandai R, Sandai D
    Med Mycol, 2021 Feb 04;59(2):115-125.
    PMID: 32944760 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myaa080
    Candida albicans is a commensal yeast commonly found on the skin and in the body. However, in immunocompromised individuals, the fungi could cause local and systemic infections. The carbon source available plays an important role in the establishment of C. albicans infections. The fungi's ability to assimilate a variety of carbon sources plays a vital role in its colonization, and by extension, its fitness and pathogenicity, as it often inhabits niches that are glucose-limited but rich in alternative carbon sources. A difference in carbon sources affect the growth and mating of C. albicans, which contributes to its pathogenicity as proliferation helps the fungi colonize its environment. The carbon source also affects its metabolism and signaling pathways, which are integral parts of the fungi's fitness and pathogenicity. As a big percentage of the carbon assimilated by C. albicans goes to cell wall biogenesis, the availability of different carbon sources will result in cell walls with variations in rigidity, adhesion, and surface hydrophobicity. In addition to the biofilm formation of the fungi, the carbon source also influences whether the fungi grow in yeast- or mycelial-form. Both forms play different roles in C. albicans's infection process. A better understanding of the role of the carbon sources in C. albicans's pathogenicity would contribute to more effective treatment solutions for fungal infections.
    Matched MeSH terms: Candida albicans/pathogenicity*
  11. Lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma, antigen-driven after all?
    Poppema S
    J Pathol, 2021 01;253(1):1-10.
    PMID: 33044742 DOI: 10.1002/path.5567
    Nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL) was suggested as an entity separate from other types of Hodgkin lymphoma 40 years ago and recognized in the WHO classification in 2001. Based on its relatively benign course with late distant relapses, relation with lymph node hyperplasia with progressively transformed germinal centers, presence of clonal immunoglobulin gene rearrangements with somatic hypermutations and ongoing mutations, and relation with a number of inherited defects affecting the immune system, it has been suspected that NLPHL might be antigen-driven. Recent evidence has shown that cases of IgD-positive NLPHL are associated with infection by Moraxella catarrhalis, a common bacterium in the upper respiratory tract and in lymph nodes. This review summarizes the evidence for NLPHL as a B-cell lymphoma involving follicular T-lymphocytes normally found in germinal centers, its molecular features and relation to inherited immune defects, and its relation and differential diagnosis from similar entities. Finally, it discusses the evidence that in many cases a watch and wait policy might be a viable initial management strategy. © 2020 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    Matched MeSH terms: Moraxella (Branhamella) catarrhalis/pathogenicity
  12. Fulltext PLGA nanoparticles loaded with Gallic acid- a constituent of Leea indica against Acanthamoeba triangularis
    Mahboob T, Nawaz M, de Lourdes Pereira M, Tian-Chye T, Samudi C, Sekaran SD, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2020 06 02;10(1):8954.
    PMID: 32488154 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-65728-0
    Acanthamoeba, a genus that contains at least 24 species of free-living protozoa, is ubiquitous in nature. Successful treatment of Acanthamoeba infections is always very difficult and not always effective. More effective drugs must be developed, and medicinal plants may have a pivotal part in the future of drug discovery. Our research focused on investigating the in vitro anti- acanthamoebic potential of Leea indica and its constituent gallic acid in different concentrations. Water and butanol fractions exhibited significant amoebicidal activity against trophozoites and cysts. Gallic acid (100 µg/mL) revealed 83% inhibition of trophozoites and 69% inhibition of cysts. The butanol fraction induced apoptosis in trophozoites, which was observed using tunnel assay. The cytotoxicity of the fractions and gallic acid was investigated against MRC-5 and no adverse effects were observed. Gallic acid was successfully loaded within poly (D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticles with 82.86% encapsulation efficiency, while gallic acid showed 98.24% in vitro release at 48 hours. Moreover, the gallic acid encapsulated in the PLGA nanoparticles exhibited 90% inhibition against trophozoites. In addition, gallic acid encapsulated nanoparticles showed reduced cytotoxicity towards MRC-5 compared to gallic acid, which evidenced that natural product nanoencapsulation in polymeric nanoparticles could play an important role in the delivery of natural products.
    Matched MeSH terms: Acanthamoeba/pathogenicity
  13. Fulltext Isolation and Characterization of Aquatic-Borne Klebsiella pneumoniae from Tropical Estuaries in Malaysia
    Barati A, Ghaderpour A, Chew LL, Bong CW, Thong KL, Chong VC, et al.
    Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2016 Apr 15;13(4):426.
    PMID: 27092516 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph13040426
    Klebsiella pneumoniae is an opportunistic pathogen that is responsible for causing nosocomial and community-acquired infections. Despite its common presence in soil and aquatic environments, the virulence potential of K. pneumoniae isolates of environmental origin is largely unknown. Hence, in this study, K. pneumoniae isolated from the estuarine waters and sediments of the Matang mangrove estuary were screened for potential virulence characteristics: antibiotic susceptibility, morphotype on Congo red agar, biofilm formation, presence of exopolysaccharide and capsule, possession of virulence genes (fimH, magA, ugE, wabG and rmpA) and their genomic fingerprints. A total of 55 strains of K. pneumoniae were isolated from both human-distributed sites (located along Sangga Besar River) and control sites (located along Selinsing River) where less human activity was observed, indicated that K. pneumoniae is ubiquitous in the environment. However, the detection of potentially virulent strains at the downstream of Kuala Sepetang village has suggested an anthropogenic contamination source. In conclusion, the findings from this study indicate that the Matang mangrove estuary could harbor potentially pathogenic K. pneumoniae with risk to public health. More studies are required to compare the environmental K. pneumoniae strains with the community-acquired K. pneumoniae strains.
    Matched MeSH terms: Klebsiella pneumoniae/pathogenicity
  14. Campylobacter concisus pathotypes are present at significant levels in patients with gastroenteritis
    Underwood AP, Kaakoush NO, Sodhi N, Merif J, Seah Lee W, Riordan SM, et al.
    J Med Microbiol, 2016 Mar;65(3):219-226.
    PMID: 26698172 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.000216
    Given that Campylobacter jejuni is recognized as the most common cause of bacterial gastroenteritis worldwide, recent findings showing comparable levels of Campylobacter concisus in patients with gastroenteritis would suggest that this bacterium is clinically important. The prevalence and abundance of Campylobacter concisus in stool samples collected from patients with acute gastroenteritis was examined using quantitative real-time PCR. The associated virulence determinants exotoxin 9 and zonula occludens toxin DNA were detected for Campylobacter concisus-infected samples using real-time PCR. Campylobacter concisus was detected at high prevalence in patients with gastroenteritis (49.7 %), higher than that observed for Campylobacter jejuni (∼5 %). The levels of Campylobacter concisus were putatively classified into clinically relevant and potentially transient subgroups based on a threshold developed using Campylobacter jejuni levels, as the highly sensitive real-time PCR probably detected transient passage of the bacterium from the oral cavity. A total of 18 % of patients were found to have clinically relevant levels of Campylobacter concisus, a significant number of which also had high levels of one of the virulence determinants. Of these patients, 78 % were found to have no other gastrointestinal pathogen identified in the stool, which strongly suggests a role for Campylobacter concisus in the aetiology of gastroenteritis in these patients. These results emphasize the need for diagnostic laboratories to employ identification protocols for emerging Campylobacter species. Clinical follow-up in patients presenting with high levels of Campylobacter concisus in the intestinal tract is needed, given that it has been associated with more chronic sequelae.
    Matched MeSH terms: Campylobacter/pathogenicity*
  15. Fulltext Oxyspiruriasis in zoo birds
    Vellayan S, Jeffery J, Oothuman P, Zahedi M, Krishnasamy M, Paramaswaran S, et al.
    Trop Biomed, 2012 Jun;29(2):304-7.
    PMID: 22735854 MyJurnal
    Oxyspiruriasis caused by the bird eyeworm, Oxyspirura mansoni, a thelaziid nematode, in three species of pheasants, 3 Chrysolophus pictus (golden pheasant), 7 Lophura nycthemera (silver pheasant) and 9 Phasianus colchicus (common pheasant) in Zoo Negara Malaysia are reported. Birds with the disease were treated with a solution of 0.5% iodine or 0.5% lysol. Antistress powder for 4 days in water and non-strep vitamin powder in water was also provided. Control measures included removal of the cockroach intermediate host, Pycnoscelus surinamensis (Surinam cockroach) from the vicinity of the birds. The golden pheasant is a new host for O. mansoni in peninsular Malaysia.
    Matched MeSH terms: Spirurida/pathogenicity*
  16. Fulltext Penicilliosis in lupus patients presenting with unresolved fever: a report of 2 cases and literature review
    Chong YB, Tan LP, Robinson S, Lim SK, Ng KP, Keng TC, et al.
    Trop Biomed, 2012 Jun;29(2):270-6.
    PMID: 22735849 MyJurnal
    Penicilliosis is a rare occurrence among non human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected patients. We report here two cases of Penicillium marneffei infection in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Both patients had a recent flare of lupus and were on immunosuppressive drugs when they presented with prolonged fever without an obvious foci of infection, unresponsive to broad-spectrum antibiotics. They were leucopaenic upon admission, with rapid deterioration during the course of the illness. Diagnosis of penicilliosis via fungal isolation from blood culture was delayed resulting in the late initiation of antifungal agents. While both patients ultimately recovered, the delay in diagnosis led to a prolonged hospital stay with increased morbidity. Clinicians should be aware of this uncommon but emerging fungal pathogen in SLE patients and maintain a high index of suspicion in diagnosing this potentially fatal but treatable disease.
    Matched MeSH terms: Penicillium/pathogenicity*
  17. Fulltext Whole-genome comparative analysis of Malaysian Burkholderia pseudomallei clinical isolates
    Ghazali AK, Eng SA, Khoo JS, Teoh S, Hoh CC, Nathan S
    Microb Genom, 2021 02;7(2).
    PMID: 33565959 DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.000527
    Burkholderia pseudomallei, a soil-dwelling Gram-negative bacterium, is the causative agent of the endemic tropical disease melioidosis. Clinical manifestations of B. pseudomallei infection range from acute or chronic localized infection in a single organ to fulminant septicaemia in multiple organs. The diverse clinical manifestations are attributed to various factors, including the genome plasticity across B. pseudomallei strains. We previously characterized B. pseudomallei strains isolated in Malaysia and noted different levels of virulence in model hosts. We hypothesized that the difference in virulence might be a result of variance at the genome level. In this study, we sequenced and assembled four Malaysian clinical B. pseudomallei isolates, UKMR15, UKMPMC2000, UKMD286 and UKMH10. Phylogenomic analysis showed that Malaysian subclades emerged from the Asian subclade, suggesting that the Malaysian strains originated from the Asian region. Interestingly, the low-virulence strain, UKMH10, was the most distantly related compared to the other Malaysian isolates. Genomic island (GI) prediction analysis identified a new island of 23 kb, GI9c, which is present in B. pseudomallei and Burkholderia mallei, but not Burkholderia thailandensis. Genes encoding known B. pseudomallei virulence factors were present across all four genomes, but comparative analysis of the total gene content across the Malaysian strains identified 104 genes that are absent in UKMH10. We propose that these genes may encode novel virulence factors, which may explain the reduced virulence of this strain. Further investigation on the identity and role of these 104 proteins may aid in understanding B. pseudomallei pathogenicity to guide the design of new therapeutics for treating melioidosis.
    Matched MeSH terms: Burkholderia pseudomallei/pathogenicity
  18. Fulltext Geographic distribution of Tick-borne encephalitis virus complex
    Im JH, Baek JH, Durey A, Kwon HY, Chung MH, Lee JS
    J Vector Borne Dis, 2020 1 1;57(1):14-22.
    PMID: 33818450 DOI: 10.4103/0972-9062.308794
    A comprehensive understanding of the geographic distribution of the tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) complex is necessary due to increasing transboundary movement and cross-reactivity of serological tests. This review was conducted to identify the geographic distribution of the TBEV complex, including TBE virus, Alkhurma haemorrhagic fever virus, Kyasanur forest disease virus, louping-ill virus, Omsk haemorrhagic fever virus, and Powassan virus. Published reports were identified using PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane library. In addition to TBEV complex case-related studies, seroprevalence studies were also retrieved to assess the risk of TBEV complex infection. Among 1406 search results, 314 articles met the inclusion criteria. The following countries, which are known to TBEV epidemic region, had conducted national surveillance studies: Austria, China, Czech, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Norway, Poland, Romania, Russia, Switzerland, Sweden, Slovenia, and Slovakia. There were also studies/reports on human TBEV infection from Belarus, Bulgaria, Croatia, France, Japan, Kyrgyzstan, Netherland, and Turkey. Seroprevalence studies were found in some areas far from the TBEV belt, specifically Malaysia, Comoros, Djibouti, and Kenya. Kyasanur forest disease virus was reported in southwestern India and Yunnan of China, the Powassan virus in the United States, Canada, and east Siberia, Alkhurma haemorrhagic fever virus in Saudi Arabia and east Egypt, and Louping-ill virus in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and east Siberia. In some areas, the distribution of the TBEV complex overlaps with that of other viruses, and caution is recommended during serologic diagnosis. The geographic distribution of the TBEV complex appears to be wide and overlap of the TBE virus complex with other viruses was observed in some areas. Knowledge of the geographical distribution of the TBEV complex could help avoid cross-reactivity during the serologic diagnosis of these viruses. Surveillance studies can implement effective control measures according to the distribution pattern of these viruses.
    Matched MeSH terms: Encephalitis Viruses, Tick-Borne/pathogenicity
  19. Comparative genomic provides insight into the virulence and genetic diversity of Vibrio parahaemolyticus associated with shrimp acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease
    Yu LH, Teh CSJ, Yap KP, Ung EH, Thong KL
    Infect Genet Evol, 2020 09;83:104347.
    PMID: 32360538 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2020.104347
    Acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (AHPND) is an important shrimp disease of economic importance which causes mass mortality of cultivated penaeid shrimps in Southeast Asian countries, Mexico and South America. This disease was originally caused by Vibrio parahaemolyticus (VPAHPND) which is reported to harbour a transferable plasmid carrying the virulent PirAB-like toxin genes (pirABvp). However, little is known about the pathogenicity of VPAHPND. To extend our understanding, comparative genomic analyses was performed in this study to identify the genetic differences and to understand the phylogenetic relationship of VPAHPND strains. Seven Vibrio parahaemolyticus strains (five VPAHPND strains and two non-VPAHPND strains) were sequenced and 31 draft genomes of V. parahaemolyticus were retrieved from NCBI database and incorporated into the genomic comparison to elucidate their genomic diversity. The study showed that the genome sizes of the VPAHPND strains were approximately 5 Mbp. Ten sequence types (STs) were identified among the VPAHPND strains using in silico-Multilocus Sequence Typing analysis (MLST) and ST 970 was the predominant ST. Phylogenetic analysis based on MLST and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) showed that the VPAHPND strains were genetically diverse. Based on the comparative genomic analysis, several functional proteins were identified from diiferent categories associated with virulence-related proteins, secretory proteins, conserved domain proteins, transporter proteins, and phage proteins. The CRISPR analysis showed that VPAHPND strains contained less number of CRISPRs elements than non-VPAHPND strains while six prophages regions were identified in the genomes, suggested the lack of CRISPR might promote prophage insertion. The genomic information in this study provide improved understanding of the virulence of these VPAHPND strains.
    Matched MeSH terms: Vibrio parahaemolyticus/pathogenicity*
  20. An overview of Acinetobacter baumannii pathogenesis: Motility, adherence and biofilm formation
    Mea HJ, Yong PVC, Wong EH
    Microbiol Res, 2021 Jun;247:126722.
    PMID: 33618061 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2021.126722
    The Gram-negative opportunistic pathogen Acinetobacter baumannii has gain notoriety in recent decades, primarily due to its propensity to cause nosocomial infections in critically ill patients. Its global spread, multi-drug resistance features and plethora of virulence factors make it a serious threat to public health worldwide. Though much effort has been expended in uncovering its successes, it continues to confound researchers due to its highly adaptive nature, mutating to meet the needs of a given environment. Its persistence in the clinical setting allows it to be in close proximity to a potential host, where contact can be made facilitating infection and colonization. In this article, we aim to provide a current overview of the bacterial virulence factors, specifically focusing on factors involved in the initial stages of infection, highlighting the role of adaptation facilitated by two-component systems and biofilm formation. Finally, the study of host-pathogen interactions using available animal models, their suitability, notable findings and some perspectives moving forward are also discussed.
    Matched MeSH terms: Acinetobacter baumannii/pathogenicity*
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