MyMedR

Displaying publications 421 - 440 of 695 in total

Abstract:

Sort:

Fulltext Molecular surveillance of methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) isolated over a one-year period from a Malaysian Teaching Hospital

Sapri HF, Ismail MAH, Sani NAM, Noordin A, Tan TL, Hussin S, et al.

Germs, 2020 Jun;10(2):104-111.
PMID: 32656107 DOI: 10.18683/germs.2020.1191

Introduction: We report the results of a molecular surveillance study carried out on methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) isolated in a one-year duration from Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz (HCTM), a tertiary hospital located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Methods: The first strain isolated from each MSSA infection in HCTM during the year 2009 was included into the study. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing and agr group typing were carried out for all strains; virulence gene (cna, seh, TSST-1 and PVL) typing results of the strains were obtained from a previous study. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) was done on selected strains from the orthopedic ward. Relationship(s) between different typing methods used in the study was investigated, where a p value of <0.05 indicated significant association between typing methods.
Results: A total of 880 MSSA strains were included into the study. The strains were generally susceptible to most antibiotics, with most of them carrying cna and agr-I (51.6%, n=454; 39.8%, n=350, respectively). A total of 17 PFGE pulsotypes were identified using an 80% similarity cut-off value, where the main pulsotype (pulsotype E) consisted of 24 isolates (23.5%). agr-III strains were found to be usually positive for both cna and seh (p<0.05). In addition, some PFGE pulsotypes were also characteristic of certain virulence genes or agr groups.
Conclusions: We did not identify a dominant MSSA clone circulating in HCTM in 2009. Nevertheless, results from this molecular surveillance will provide good baseline data for the hospital's second S. aureus surveillance planned for the year 2020.

Matched MeSH terms: Staphylococcus aureus
Fulltext The antimicrobial activities of fig (Ficus Carica L.) leaves extract against staphylococcus aureus and escherechia coli

Amirah Nadiah Ali, Mohd Syahmi Salleh, Ahmad Fahmi Harun, Muhamad Ashraf Rostam

International Journal of Allied Health Sciences, 2018;2(1):273-284.
MyJurnal

Increasing risk of antibiotic resistance of pathogenic bacteria has led to the exploration of alternative antibiotics derived from leaves of medicinal plants such as the fig (Ficus carica L.). The aim of this study was to determine the antimicrobial activity of the methanolic extract of fig leaves grown under Malaysian tropical environment against pathogenic bacteria linked to antibiotic resistance namely the Staphylococcus aureus and Escherechia coli. The methanolic extraction was performed by using soxhlet apparatus. The disc diffusion method was used to measure inhibition zone diameter on the Mueller-Hinton agar plate. Staphylococcus aureus displayed the highest diameter of inhibition zone against the extract at concentration of 900 mg/ml whilst Escherechia coli displayed the highest diameter of inhibition zone against both the 100% crude extract and 700 mg/ml, respectively. This study therefore highlighted the potential of developing alternative antibiotics derived from the methalonic extract of locally grown fig plant.

Matched MeSH terms: Staphylococcus aureus
Fulltext Morphological, Structural, Thermal, Permeability, and Antimicrobial Activity of PBS and PBS/TPS Films Incorporated with Biomaster-Silver for Food Packaging Application

Aziman N, Kian LK, Jawaid M, Sanny M, Alamery S

Polymers (Basel), 2021 Jan 27;13(3).
PMID: 33513665 DOI: 10.3390/polym13030391

The development of antimicrobial film for food packaging application had become the focus for researchers and scientists. This research aims to study the characteristics and antimicrobial activity of novel biofilms made of poly (butylene succinate) (PBS) and tapioca starch (TPS) added with 1.5% or 3% of Biomaster-silver (BM) particle. In morphological examination, the incorporation of 3% BM particle was considerably good in forming well-structured PBS film. Meanwhile, the functional groups analysis revealed the 3% BM particle was effectively interacted with PBS molecular chains. The flame retard behavior of BM metal particle also helped in enhancing the thermal stability for pure PBS and PBS/TPS films. The nucleating effect of BM particles had improved the films crystallinity. Small pore size features with high barrier property for gas permeability was obtained for BM filled PBS/TPS films. From antimicrobial analysis, the BM particles possessed antimicrobial activity against three bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella Typhimurium in which PBS/TPS 3% BM film exhibited strong antimicrobial activity against all tested bacteria, however, PBS/TPS 1.5% BM film exhibited strong antimicrobial activity against E. coli only. Hence, the incorporation of BM into PBS/TPS film could be a sustainable way for developing packaging films to preserve food products.

Matched MeSH terms: Staphylococcus aureus
Salmonella thyroid abscess-two case reports

Khoo KS, Koh PS, Ng KL

Gland Surg, 2020 Dec;9(6):2198-2203.
PMID: 33447571 DOI: 10.21037/gs-20-474

Acute suppurative thyroiditis account for <1% of thyroid diseases and is uncommon because of the gland's encapsulation, iodine-rich environment, good vascular supply and extensive lymphatic drainage. It has been reported in patients with underlying goiters, thyroid cancers and in immuno-compromised patients. The usual causative organisms are Staphylococci spp. and Streptococci spp. Rarer organisms include Klebsiella spp. and Salmonella spp. Due to its rarity (as there have been only 28 cases of Salmonella thyroid abscess being reported in the literature till 2020), only case reports are available to guide management. We report two cases of thyroid abscess due to Salmonella enteritidis in our institution that may herald the re-emergence of this uncommon infection of the thyroid gland and to raise awareness for all clinicians. Both patients presented with neck swelling, dysphagia and sepsis. Surgical intervention was warranted in both patients due to the severity of the disease and failed medical therapy. Recovery was uneventful following adequate surgical intervention and antibiotic therapy according to the culture and sensitivity report of the pathogen. This case report highlights that both patients were immunocompromised, and they contracted Salmonella thyroid abscess without any gastrointestinal involvement. Thus, a high index of suspicion for Salmonella thyroid abscess in immunocompromised patients can expedite the diagnosis and appropriate management can be commenced such as antibiotic therapy, percutaneous aspiration and surgical drainage in the event of failed medical therapy.

Matched MeSH terms: Staphylococcus
Fulltext Separation and identification of bromelain-generated antibacterial peptides from Actinopyga lecanora

Ghanbari R, Ebrahimpour A

Food Sci Biotechnol, 2018 Apr;27(2):591-598.
PMID: 30263784 DOI: 10.1007/s10068-017-0267-z

Actinopyga lecanora, as a rich protein source was hydrolysed to generate antibacterial bioactive peptides using different proteolytic enzymes. Bromelain hydrolysate, after 1 h hydrolysis, exhibited the highestantibacterial activities against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas sp., Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Two dimensional fractionation strategies, using a semi-preparative RP-HPLC and an isoelectric-focusing electrophoresis, were applied for peptide profiling. Furthermore, UPLC-QTOF-MS was used for peptides identification; 12 peptide sequences were successfully identified. The antibacterial activity of purified peptides from A. lecanora on P. aeruginosa, Pseudomonas sp., E. coli and S. aureus was investigated. These identified peptides exhibited growth inhibition against P. aeruginosa, Pseudomonas sp., E. coli and S. aureus with values ranging from 18.80 to 75.30%. These results revealed that the A. lecanora would be used as an economical protein source for the production of high value antibacterial bioactive peptides.

Matched MeSH terms: Staphylococcus aureus
The antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties of allicin against Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus - A therapeutic potential for denture stomatitis

Zainal M, Mohamad Zain N, Mohd Amin I, Ahmad VN

Saudi Dent J, 2021 Feb;33(2):105-111.
PMID: 33551624 DOI: 10.1016/j.sdentj.2020.01.008

The objective of this study is to determine the therapeutic efficacy of allicin against Candida albicans (C. albicans) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), the common etiological agents for denture stomatitis (DS). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MICs), minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFCs) of allicin were determined by the broth microdilution method followed by checkerboard microdilution method for a synergistic interaction between allicin + nystatin and allicin + CHX. The potential of allicin to eradicate C. albicans and S. aureus biofilms was assessed by treating biofilm formed on self- polymerized acrylic resin with allicin at a sub-MIC concentration for 5 min. The commercial denture cleanser (brand X) was used as a positive control. A Kruskal-Wallis test followed by the post-hoc Mann-Whitney U test was applied (SPSS 20.0), and the level of significance was set at P

Matched MeSH terms: Staphylococcus aureus
Fulltext Soy fermentation by indigenous oral probiotic Streptococcus spp. and its antimicrobial activity against oral pathogens

How, Y. H., Ewe, J. A., Song, K. P., Kuan, C. H., Kuan, C. S., Yeo, S. K.

International Food Research Journal, 2020;27(2):357-365.
MyJurnal

The present work aimed to determine the antagonistic effect of probiotic-fermented soy against oral pathogens. Indigenous oral probiotics (Streptococcus salivarius Taylor’s Univer- sity Collection Centre (TUCC) 1251, S. salivarius TUCC 1253, S. salivarius TUCC 1254, S. salivarius TUCC 1255, and S. orisratti TUCC 1253) were incorporated into soy fermentation at 37°C for 24 h. Growth characteristics, β-glucosidase activity, and total isoflavones content of Streptococcus strains following soy fermentation were analysed. Antimicrobial test of Streptococcus-fermented soy was carried out against oral pathogens Enterococcus faecalis American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) 700802, Streptococcus pyogenes ATCC 19615, and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923. Streptococcus strains showed a significant increase in growth following soy fermentation. S. salivarius TUCC 1253-fermented soy showed signif- icantly higher extracellular β-glucosidase activity and amount of aglycones. S. salivarius TUCC 1253-fermented soy showed antimicrobial effect against all oral tested pathogens in both aerobic and anaerobic conditions. These results showed that S. salivarius TUCC 1253-fermented soy could potentially be used as a preventive action or alternative treatment for oral infections.

Matched MeSH terms: Staphylococcus aureus
Antibacterial action of a heat-stable form of L-amino acid oxidase isolated from king cobra (Ophiophagus hannah) venom

Lee ML, Tan NH, Fung SY, Sekaran SD

Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol, 2011 Mar;153(2):237-42.
PMID: 21059402 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2010.11.001

The major l-amino acid oxidase (LAAO, EC 1.4.3.2) of king cobra (Ophiophagus hannah) venom is known to be an unusual form of snake venom LAAO as it possesses unique structural features and unusual thermal stability. The antibacterial effects of king cobra venom LAAO were tested against several strains of clinical isolates including Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Escherichia coli using broth microdilution assay. For comparison, the antibacterial effects of several antibiotics (cefotaxime, kanamycin, tetracycline, vancomycin and penicillin) were also examined using the same conditions. King cobra venom LAAO was very effective in inhibiting the two Gram-positive bacteria (S. aureus and S. epidermidis) tested, with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 0.78μg/mL (0.006μM) and 1.56μg/mL (0.012μM) against S. aureus and S. epidermidis, respectively. The MICs are comparable to the MICs of the antibiotics tested, on a weight basis. However, the LAAO was only moderately effective against three Gram-negative bacteria tested (P. aeruginosa, K. pneumoniae and E. coli), with MIC ranges from 25 to 50μg/mL (0.2-0.4μM). Catalase at the concentration of 1mg/mL abolished the antibacterial effect of LAAO, indicating that the antibacterial effect of the enzyme involves generation of hydrogen peroxide. Binding studies indicated that king cobra venom LAAO binds strongly to the Gram-positive S. aureus and S. epidermidis, but less strongly to the Gram-negative E. coli and P. aeruginosa, indicating that specific binding to bacteria is important for the potent antibacterial activity of the enzyme.

Matched MeSH terms: Staphylococcus aureus/drug effects; Staphylococcus epidermidis/drug effects
Fulltext Determination of antibacterial activity and minimum inhibitory concentration of larval extract of fly via resazurin-based turbidometric assay

Teh CH, Nazni WA, Nurulhusna AH, Norazah A, Lee HL

BMC Microbiol, 2017 Feb 16;17(1):36.
PMID: 28209130 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-017-0936-3

BACKGROUND: Antimicrobial resistance is currently a major global issue. As the rate of emergence of antimicrobial resistance has superseded the rate of discovery and introduction of new effective drugs, the medical arsenal now is experiencing shortage of effective drugs to combat diseases, particularly against diseases caused by the dreadful multidrug-resistant strains, such as the methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The ability of fly larvae to thrive in septic habitats has prompted us to determine the antibacterial activity and minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of larval extract of flies, namely Lucilia cuprina, Sarcophaga peregrina and Musca domestica against 4 pathogenic bacteria [Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli] via a simple and sensitive antibacterial assay, resazurin-based turbidometric (TB) assay as well as to demonstrate the preliminary chemical profile of larval extracts using gas chromatography-mass spectrophotometry (GC-MS).
RESULTS: The resazurin-based TB assay demonstrated that the L. cuprina larval extract was inhibitory against all tested bacteria, whilst the larval extract of S. peregrina and M. domestica were only inhibitory against the MRSA, with a MIC of 100 mg ml(-1). Subsequent sub-culture of aliquots revealed that the larval extract of L. cuprina was bactericidal against MRSA whilst the larval extracts of S. peregrina and M. domestica were bacteriostatic against MRSA. The GC-MS analysis had quantitatively identified 20 organic compounds (fatty acids or their derivatives, aromatic acid esters, glycosides and phenol) from the larval extract of L. cuprina; and 5 fatty acid derivatives with known antimicrobial activities from S. peregrina and M. domestica.
CONCLUSION: The resazurin-based turbidometric assay is a simple, reliable and feasible screening assay which evidently demonstrated the antibacterial activity of all fly larval extracts, primarily against the MRSA. The larval extract of L. cuprina exerted a broad spectrum antibacterial activity against all tested bacteria. The present study revealed probable development and use of novel and effective natural disinfectant(s) and antibacterial agent(s) from flies and efforts to screen more fly species for antibacterial activity using resazurin-based TB assay should be undertaken for initial screening for subsequent discovery and isolation of potential novel antimicrobial substances, particularly against the multi-drug resistant strains.

Matched MeSH terms: Staphylococcus aureus/drug effects; Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus/drug effects
Fulltext Antibacterial efficacy and drug-release behavior study of β-tricalcium phosphate micro-granules against staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli

Nor Hazliana Harun, Rabiatul Basria S.M.N. Mydin, Khairul Anuar Shariff, Nur Adila Rosdi, Davamunisvari Rames

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2020;16(3):202-206.
MyJurnal

Introduction: This study aims to investigate different residue sizes of β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) micro-granules as carriers to assess antibacterial activity and drug-control release behavior of ampicillin (AMP-) and antimycotic (AMC-). Incorporation of antibiotic into the β-TCP micro-granules and it sustain release behavior could be used as alternative solution to reduce the risk of osteomyelitis and bone infections risks. Methods: Three different residue sizes (less than 300 µm, 300 µm and 600 µm) were prepared and coated with antibiotics solution (20 µg/µl of ampi- cillin and 100X antimycotic solution) by using two methods; dip and stream coating. After 72 h, 1.5 mL of distilled water was added to the treated (β-TCP) micro-granules at two different pH value (5.0 and 7.4). The extracted solution was further analyzed by Kirby Bauer disc diffusion test and spectrophotometer assay. Results: The solution con- taining AMC-(β-TCP) micro-granules with the size of 300 µm residue produced the largest inhibition zones against Escherichia coli (E. coli). All residue sizes coated with AMP- showed no antibacterial activity against both strains; Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and E.coli. Additionally, the release behavior of AMC-(β-TCP) micro-granules was found not depending on the pH, but on the size of residue. Complete drug release was rapidly observed within 48
h. Conclusion: Based on this findings, it showed AMC-(β-TCP) micro-granules had an antibacterial activity against Gram-negative strain. Specifically, it can reduced the growth rate of E. coli and the rapid release behavior of AMC- (β-TCP) micro-granules help in minimizing the risk-infections in early stage of implantation.

Matched MeSH terms: Staphylococcus aureus
Fulltext Relationship between Routine Handling Practices with Potential Pathogenic Bacteria Isolated from Contact Lenses Among Students in UiTM Negeri Sembilan

Adam Zafdri Md Zali, Rashidah Iberahim

Journal of Academia Universiti Teknologi MARA Negeri Sembilan, 2021;9(1):106-116.
MyJurnal

Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus are types of bacteria known to cause bacterial keratitis. Pseudomonas aeruginosa causes bacterial keratitis by adhering to the surface of the contact lenses, when the P. aeruginosa are in contact with the eye, resulting in infectious keratitis. As for Staphylococcus aureus, when there is a predisposing factor such as wearing expired or extended use of contact lenses (contact lenses that can be used continually for up to one week even while sleeping) weaken the individual defences and leads to the development of bacterial keratitis. Both bacteria are capable to infect eye cornea and lead to bacterial keratitis through contact lenses wearer. The findings of this study provide information on the importance of routine practices in handling contact lenses to help reduce the incidence of bacterial keratitis caused by wear contact lenses in an individual. The side effect of wearing contact lenses such as redness of the eye and keratitis due to the infection by pathogenic bacteria which comes from the behavior and low hygiene level management of individual had led the study to create awareness to contact lenses wearer. In this study, 25 soft and hard contact lenses with purposed for colored or toric contact lenses were obtained among UiTM Negeri Sembilan students. The users required to answer the questionnaire form regarding the type, behavior, and routine practices of their contact lenses. Pathogenic bacteria were isolated using the cotton swab technique and cultured on nutrient broth. The streak technique was used to cultured bacteria from broth to nutrient agar, blood agar, and MacConkey agar. Later, the identification of bacteria was carried out using biochemical tests and microscopic observation. From the laboratory results, 84% of the tested contact lenses contained pathogenic bacteria on their surface. These findings concluded that the presences of pathogenic microorganisms on the contact lenses used closely related to the behavior in handling and hygenic practices level by the contact lenses users.

Matched MeSH terms: Staphylococcus aureus
Biosynthesis, Characterization and Biological Activities of Silver Nanoparticles from Pogostemon cablin Benth. Methanolic Leaf Extract

Qing S, Shoutian Q, Hongyan G, Ming Y, Swamy MK, Sinniah UR, et al.

J Nanosci Nanotechnol, 2019 07 01;19(7):4109-4115.
PMID: 30764978 DOI: 10.1166/jnn.2019.16282

This study reports the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using methanolic leaf extract of Pogostemon cablin Benth. (Patchouli) as a reducing agent, and their potent biological (antibacterial, antioxidant and anticancer) activities. The P. cablin extract when exposed to silver nitrate reduced silver ions to form crystalline AgNPs within 1 h of incubation at room-temperature. UV-visible spectra showed a sharp surface plasmon resonance (SPR) at around 430 nm for the biosynthesized AgNPs and the XRD pattern indicated the crystalline planes of the face centered cubic silver. The FE-SEM analysis revealed the occurrence of predominant spherical shaped AgNPs with a huge disparity in their particle size distribution with an average size of 25 nm, while, the FTIR data confirmed the bio-reduction and capping of AgNPs by several phytocompounds present in the methanolic leaf extract. AgNPs effectively inhibited the growth of all the tested human pathogenic bacterial strains (Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli), while, the methanolic leaf extract failed to inhibit the growth of S. aureus and P. aeruginosa. AgNPs showed the highest free radical scavenging activity (79.0 ± 0.76%) compared to methanolic leaf extract (68.3 ± 0.68%) at 100 μg/ml. Further, the cytotoxicity study using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) confirmed that AgNPs successfully inhibited the human colon adenocarcinoma cell line (HT-29) in a dose dependent manner. At higher concentrations (500 μg/ml), only 4% of cells survived after 72 hrs of exposure with IC50 value of 120 μg/ml. Thus, these findings offer a new source of biomolecules with diverse biological activities.

Matched MeSH terms: Staphylococcus aureus
Fulltext Lactococcus Lactis Strain A5 Producing Nisin-like Bacteriocin Active against Gram Positive and Negative Bacteria

Azhar NS, Md Zin NH, Hamid THTA

Trop Life Sci Res, 2017 Jul;28(2):107-118.
PMID: 28890764 MyJurnal DOI: 10.21315/tlsr2017.28.2.8

In this study, a Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strain was isolated on MRS medium from gastro-intestinal tissues of Broadhead catfish (Clarias macrocephalus). Out of 50 isolates, 25 isolates were found to be positive on lactose utilisation test and were identified to be gram positive cocci. Using disc diffusion methods, one out of 22 isolates, i.e., a strain A5 demonstrated inhibitions against three indicator organisms; Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella thyphimurium. Partial 16S rDNA sequencing identified isolate A5 as a member of Lactococcus lactis, with 100% DNA homology. Cell free supernatant fluid from Lactococcus lactis A5 showed inhibitory activities against both gram positive pathogens (Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus) and gram negative pathogens (Salmonella thyphimurium). Chloroform precipitated bacteriocin retained antagonistic activities in the presence of catalase and lysozyme; and was completely inactivated by Proteinase K treatment. The bacteriocin has a molecular weight of 3.4 kDa, based on SDS-PAGE analysis and the extract was heat stable at 37°C and 65°C, for 15 minutes. The antibacterial activity was suppressed with the addition of EDTA but was significantly increased with the addition of SDS, Triton X-100, Tween 20 and Tween 80. This bacteriocin belongs to class 1 bacteriocin, which was shown to have a nisin-like properties. This strain can be used as potential probiotics in animal or aquaculture feeding; and the bacteriocin it produces will be useful in food preservative.

Matched MeSH terms: Staphylococcus aureus
Fulltext The Antibacterial Activity of Dayak Onion (Eleutherine palmifolia (L.) Merr) towards Pathogenic Bacteria

Harlita TD, Oedjijono, Asnani A

Trop Life Sci Res, 2018 Jul;29(2):39-52.
PMID: 30112140 DOI: 10.21315/tlsr2018.29.2.4

Antibacterial activity of indigenous Dayak onion (Eleutherine palmifolia (L.) Merr) was investigated. The Dayak onion was solvent extracted with n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and ethanol 96% consecutively. Each extract was tested its antibacterial activity towards methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Bacillus cereus, Shigella sp., and Pseudomonas aeruginosa using disc diffusion method. The test results showed that the n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and ethanol 96% extracts positively inhibited the growth of MRSA, B. cereus, Shigella sp., and P. aeruginosa. The highest inhibition activity of each extract was obtained with 10 mg/mL of extract concentration; whereas the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of each extract was 2 mg/mL. Extract with the highest inhibition activity was ethyl acetate extract against B. cereus (139.58%). TLC evaluation of ethyl acetate extract showed four spots and bioautography indicated that ethyl acetate extract contained four types of compounds with inhibition activity against B. cereus, in which two compounds have higher antibacterial activity than the other two.

Matched MeSH terms: Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Fulltext Microbial safety of street vended and laboratory prepared dragon-fruit (pitaya) juices in Penang, Malaysia

International Food Research Journal, 2011;18(4):1509-1513.
MyJurnal

This study reports on the microbiological quality of fresh and laboratory prepared pitaya fruit juice compared this with those collected from street vendors in the Penang island of Malaysia. Additionally, the microbial growth patterns were monitored during extended storage for up to 7 days at 2 different temperature ranges (at 10°C and 25±1°C). Results revealed the presence and increase in the incidence of bacteria, yeasts and moulds in all the juice samples (fresh and stored). Except for Klebsiella pneumoniae all the other foodborne pathogens screened in this study such as: Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella sp. and generic Escherichia coli were absent. Our results highlights and stresses the need to employ proper hygienic conditions during harvesting and processing stages of pitaya fruit or their juices to improve the overall microbial quality to ensure adequate safety for consumers.

Matched MeSH terms: Staphylococcus aureus
Fulltext Identification and characterization of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from probiotic drinks in malaysia

Yap, Wei Boon, Rina Anak Sujang, Tan, Seng Toong

Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia, 2015;13(1):21-31.
MyJurnal

Many studies have shown that probiotic strains added to a number of probiotic products are not compatible to that of
claimed. It is thus of note to validate probiotic strains added to probiotic products. In this study, three probiotic drinks,
A, B and C, were cultured on MRS agar and the number of bacterial colonies was enumerated. The bacterial counts
recovered from A (9.3 ± 6.9 log CFU/ml) and C (9.0 ± 6.9 log CFU/ml) were signifi cantly higher than B (5.2 ± 3.5 log
CFU/ml) and achieved the minimal amount recommended for probiotic bacteria. All of the isolates appeared as gram
positive rods microscopically and were proven to be catalase negative. However, there were only A1, A2, B4 and C1 that
were highly tolerant to the gastrointestinal pH 3 to 6. The four isolates produced and secreted antimicrobial substances
which inhibited the growth of Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). C1 showed the greatest
growth inhibition by forming 17.50-mm and 17.85-mm inhibition zones against E. coli and S. aureus, respectively. The
16s rDNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis were performed to further identify the twelve isolates. The twelve isolates
were found to be Lactobacillus (L.), particularly L. casei and L. paracasei. However, the bacteria isolated from drink B
were incompatible to the labelled ones. In conclusion, probiotic drinks are possible to contain different bacterial counts
and probiotic strains from the labelled ones. These differences might affect health benefi ts rendered by probiotic strains
to consumers.

Matched MeSH terms: Staphylococcus aureus
Chemical compositions and antibacterial activity of the leaf and stem oils of Piper porphyrophyllum (Lindl.) N.E. Br

Salleh WM, Ahmad F, Sirat HM, Yen KH

EXCLI J, 2012;11:399-406.
PMID: 27418915

The essential oils obtained by hydrodistillation from the fresh leaf and stem of Piper porphyrophyllum N.E. Br. were analyzed by GC and GC/MS. Thirty four constituents were identified in the leaf oil, while thirty eight constituents were identified in the stems oil. The most abundant components in the leaf oil included bicyclogermacrene (14.7 %), α-copaene (13.2 %) and β-phellandrene (9.5 %) while sabinene (15.5 %), bicyclogermacrene (12.3 %) and α-copaene (8.1 %) were the main constituents in the stem oil. The evaluation of antibacterial activity by using micro-dilution method revealed that both oils were moderately active against all the Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis) and Gram-negative bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas putida and Escherichia coli) with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values in the range 125-1000 µg/ml.

Matched MeSH terms: Staphylococcus aureus
Fulltext Microbiological quality evaluation of goat milk collected from smallscale dairy farms in Penang Island, Malaysia

Suguna, M., Rajeev Bhat, Wan Nadiah, W. A.

International Food Research Journal, 2012;19(3):1241-1245.
MyJurnal

Microbiological qualities of fresh goat milk collected from two selected, popular dairy farms in Penang Island, Malaysia were evaluated, as a measure of food safety. Milk samples were screened for total plate counts, yeast and mould counts, psychrotrophic counts, Staphylococcus aureus, presumptive Escherichia coli, Coliforms and Klebsiella pneumoniae, which were in the range of (mean values) 4.2- 4.5, 4.2- 4.6, 3.1- 4.3, 2.7- 3.2, < 2- 4.6, 2.2- 4.0 and 4.1- 4.8 log CFU/ml, respectively in the two farms. Milk samples were also screened for the presence of selected foodborne pathogens such as Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella sp. Results
showed the presence of only Salmonella sp. (at 2.9 log CFU/ml) with the absence of Listeria monocytogenes. The outcome of this study assumes importance as the presence of microbial contaminants amounts indicates poor milk quality, which requires immediate consideration as it can pose serious health risk to consumers.

Matched MeSH terms: Staphylococcus aureus
Fulltext The prevalence of microbiological contamination in ready- to- eat food and factors affecting it in Melaka

Zaid, K., Jamal, H.H.

Malaysian Journal of Community Health, 2011;17(1):64-73.
MyJurnal

Background: A cross sectional study was carried out to determine the prevalence of microbiological contamination in ready- to-eat food and factors affecting it in Melaka from February 2008 till May 2008 in collaboration with the Food Safety and Quality Unit and District Health Offices in Melaka Tengah, Alor Gajah and Jasin.

Methods: A purposive sampling of 101 food premises was carried out and 202 ready- to-eat food samples were collected and analysed microbiologically using standard methods. A total of 202 food handlers were randomly selected for questionnaire interview while rectal and nasal swabs were taken from them to determine their healthy carrier status of pathogenic food bacteria.

Results: Results showed that the overall prevalence of microbiological contamination in ready- to-eat food was 35.1%, while prevalence by type of food was 42.0% for main dishes and 9.8% for staple food. The majority of the contaminations were due to coliforms (14.9%), total plate counts (12.4%) and Staphylococcus aureus (3.5%). The mean score for food premise inspection was 77.21 ± 10.32 and the prevalence of healthy carrier status of pathogenic food bacteria among the food handlers was 15.8%. The level of food handling practices among food handlers was influenced by sex (p=0.012) and formal training on food handling courses (p=0.009). There was a significant negative correlation between age and level of food handling practices among the food handlers (r = -0.163; p = 0.02). Poor food handling practices (p=0.02) and poor hygiene status among the food handlers (p

Matched MeSH terms: Staphylococcus aureus
An outbreak of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus in the neonatal intensive care unit - Seremban Hospital

Musa Mohd Nordin, Wong, Swee Lan

Malaysian Journal of Child Health, 1993;5(1):26-30.
MyJurnal

An outbreak of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Seremban Hospital is reported. The pattern of colonisation and infection with the MRSA was studied for the 1 year period between May 1987 till April 1988. There were few serious MRSA infections. The majority of patients were either colonised or superficially infected. The organism was resistant to all Penicillins, Gentamicin and most Cephalosporins. Netilmicin and Amikacin have shown good activity against MRSA.

Matched MeSH terms: Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Filters

Please provide feedback to Administrator (afdal@afpm.org.my)

External Links