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Fulltext Synthesis and Characterization of Nanohydroxyapatite-Gelatin Composite with Streptomycin as Antituberculosis Injectable Bone Substitute

Hikmawati D, Maulida HN, Putra AP, Budiatin AS, Syahrom A

Int J Biomater, 2019;2019:7179243.
PMID: 31341479 DOI: 10.1155/2019/7179243

The most effective treatment for spinal tuberculosis was by eliminating the tuberculosis bacteria and replacing the infected bone with the bone graft to induce the healing process. This study aims to synthesize and characterize nanohydroxyapatite-gelatin-based injectable bone substitute (IBS) with addition of streptomycin. The IBS was synthesized by mixing nanohydroxyapatite and 20 w/v% gelatin with ratio of 40:60, 45:55, 50:50, 55:45, 60:40, 65:35, 70:30, and 75:25 ratio and streptomycin addition as antibiotic agent. The mixture was added by hydroxypropyl methylcellulose as suspending agent. FTIR test showed that there was a chemical reaction occurring in the mixture, between the gelatin and streptomycin. The result of injectability test showed that the highest injectability of the IBS sample was 98.64% with the setting time between 30 minutes and four hours after injection on the HA scaffold that represents the bone cavity and coat the pore scaffold. The cytotoxicity test result showed that the IBS samples were nontoxic towards BHK-21 fibroblast cells and human hepatocyte cells since the viability cell was more than 50% with significant difference (p-value<0.05). The acidity of the IBS was stable and it was sensitive towards Staphylococcus aureus with significantly difference (p-value<0.05). The streptomycin release test showed that the streptomycin could be released from the IBS-injected bone scaffold with release of 2.5% after 4 hours. All the results mentioned showed that IBS was suitable as a candidate to be used in spinal tuberculosis case.

Matched MeSH terms: Staphylococcus aureus
Fulltext Gut Bacteria of Water Monitor Lizard (Varanus salvator) Are a Potential Source of Antibacterial Compound(s)

Akbar N, Siddiqui R, Sagathevan K, Iqbal M, Khan NA

Antibiotics (Basel), 2019 Sep 24;8(4).
PMID: 31554316 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics8040164

For the past few decades, there has been limited progress in the development of novel antibacterials. Previously, we postulated that the gut microbiota of animals residing in polluted environments are a forthcoming supply of antibacterials. Among various species, the water monitor lizard is an interesting species that feeds on organic waste and the carcass of wild animals. Gut microbiota of the water monitor lizard were sequestered, identified and cultivated in RPMI-1640 to produce conditioned medium (CM). Next, the antimicrobial properties of CM were evaluated versus a selection of Gram-negative (Escherichia coli K1, Serratia marcescens,Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella enterica and Klebsiella pneumoniae) and Gram-positive bacteria (Streptococcus pyogenes, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus cereus). CM were partially characterized by heat inactivation at 95°C for 10 min and tested against P. aeruginosa and S. pyogenes. CM were also tested against immortalized human keratinocytes (HaCaT) cells lines. The results demonstrated that gut microbiota isolated from water monitor lizard produced molecules with remarkable bactericidal activities. To determine the identity of the active molecules, CM were subjected to Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry. Several molecules were identified belonging to the classes of flavonoids, terpenoids, alkaloids, polyhydroxy alkaloids, polyacetylenes, bisphenols, amides, oxylipin and pyrazine derivatives with known broad-spectrum antimicrobial, anti-tumour, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic attributes. Furthermore, the detailed analysis of these molecules could lead us to develop effective therapeutic antibacterials.

Matched MeSH terms: Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Biocompatible chitin-encapsulated CdS quantum dots: Fabrication and antibacterial screening

Lim MJ, Shahri NNM, Taha H, Mahadi AH, Kusrini E, Lim JW, et al.

Carbohydr Polym, 2021 May 15;260:117806.
PMID: 33712152 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2021.117806

Chitin-encapsulated cadmium sulfide quantum dots (CdS@CTN QDs) were successfully synthesized from chitin and Cd(NO3)2 precursor using the colloidal chemistry method, toward the development of biocompatible and biodegradable QDs for biomedical applications. CdS@CTN QDs exhibited the nanocrystalline cubic CdS encapsulated by α-chitin. The average particle size of CdS@CTN QDs was estimated using empirical Henglein model to be 3.9 nm, while their crystallite size was predicted using Scherrer equation to be 4.3 nm, slightly larger compared to 3-mercaptopropionic acid-capped CdS QDs (3.2 and 3.6 nm, respectively). The mechanism of formation was interpreted based on the spectroscopic data and X-ray crystal structures of CdS@CTN QDs fabricated at different pH values and mass ratios of chitin to Cd(NO3)2 precursor. As an important step to explore potential biomolecular and biological applications of CdS@CTN QDs, their antibacterial activities were tested against four different bacterial strains; i.e. Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtillus, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Matched MeSH terms: Staphylococcus aureus
Fulltext Carriage of upper respiratory tract pathogens in rural communities of Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo

Morris DE, McNeil H, Hocknell RE, Anderson R, Tuck AC, Tricarico S, et al.

Pneumonia (Nathan), 2021 Apr 25;13(1):6.
PMID: 33894778 DOI: 10.1186/s41479-021-00084-9

INTRODUCTION: Pneumonia is a leading cause of death in Malaysia. Whilst many studies have reported the aetiology of pneumonia in Western countries, the epidemiology of pneumonia in Malaysia remains poorly understood. As carriage is a prerequisite for disease, we sought to improve our understanding of the carriage and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) of respiratory tract pathogens in Malaysia. The rural communities of Sarawak are an understudied part of the Malaysian population and were the focus of this study, allowing us to gain a better understanding of bacterial epidemiology in this population.
METHODS: A population-based survey of bacterial carriage was undertaken in participants of all ages from rural communities in Sarawak, Malaysia. Nasopharyngeal, nasal, mouth and oropharyngeal swabs were taken. Bacteria were isolated from each swab and identified by culture-based methods and antimicrobial susceptibility testing conducted by disk diffusion or E test.
RESULTS: 140 participants were recruited from five rural communities. Klebsiella pneumoniae was most commonly isolated from participants (30.0%), followed by Staphylococcus aureus (20.7%), Streptococcus pneumoniae (10.7%), Haemophilus influenzae (9.3%), Moraxella catarrhalis (6.4%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (6.4%) and Neisseria meningitidis (5.0%). Of the 21 S. pneumoniae isolated, 33.3 and 14.3% were serotypes included in the 13 valent PCV (PCV13) and 10 valent PCV (PCV10) respectively. 33.8% of all species were resistant to at least one antibiotic, however all bacterial species except S. pneumoniae were susceptible to at least one type of antibiotic.
CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this is the first bacterial carriage study undertaken in East Malaysia. We provide valuable and timely data regarding the epidemiology and AMR of respiratory pathogens commonly associated with pneumonia. Further surveillance in Malaysia is necessary to monitor changes in the carriage prevalence of upper respiratory tract pathogens and the emergence of AMR, particularly as PCV is added to the National Immunisation Programme (NIP).

Matched MeSH terms: Staphylococcus aureus
Fulltext Improved Bacteriostatic and Anticorrosion Effects of Polycaprolactone/Chitosan Coated Magnesium via Incorporation of Zinc Oxide

Bakhsheshi-Rad HR, Hamzah E, Ying WS, Razzaghi M, Sharif S, Ismail AF, et al.

Materials (Basel), 2021 Apr 12;14(8).
PMID: 33921460 DOI: 10.3390/ma14081930

Magnesium has been recognized as a groundbreaking biodegradable biomaterial for implant applications, but its use is limited because it degrades too quickly in physiological solutions. This paper describes the research on the influence of polycaprolactone (PCL)/chitosan (CS)/zinc oxide (ZnO) composite coating (PCL/CS/ZnO) on the corrosion resistance and antibacterial activity of magnesium. The PCL/CS film presented a porous structure with thickness of about 40-50 μm, while after incorporation of ZnO into the PCL/CS, a homogenous film without pores and defects was attained. The ZnO embedded in PCL/CS enhanced corrosion resistance by preventing corrosive ions diffusion in the magnesium substrate. The corrosion, antibacterial, and cell interaction mechanism of the PCL/CS/ZnO composite coating is discussed in this study. In vitro cell culture revealed that the PCL/CS coating with low loaded ZnO significantly improved cytocompatibility, but coatings with high loaded ZnO were able to induce some cytotoxicity osteoblastic cells. It was also found that enhanced antibacterial activity of the PCL/CS/ZnO coating against both Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) bacteria, while less significant antibacterial activity was detected for uncoated Mg and PCL/CS coating. Based on the results, the PCL/CS coatings loaded with low ZnO content may be recommended as a candidate material for biodegradable Mg-based orthopedic implant applications.

Matched MeSH terms: Staphylococcus aureus
Fulltext Structure Characterization and Biological Activity of 2-Arylbenzofurans from an Indonesian Plant, Sesbania grandiflora (L.) Pers

Noviany N, Samadi A, Yuliyan N, Hadi S, Aziz M, Purwitasari N, et al.

Phytochem Lett, 2020 Feb;35:211-215.
PMID: 32863985 DOI: 10.1016/j.phytol.2019.12.008

A new 2-arylbenzofuran, sesbagrandiflorain C (1), together with four known compounds, 2-(3,4-dihydroxy-2-methoxyphenyl)-4-hydroxy-6-methoxybenzofuran-3-carbaldehyde (2), 2-(4-hydroxy-2-methoxyphenyl)-5,6-dimethoxybenzofuran-3-carboxaldehyde (3), sesbagrandiflorain A (4) and sesbagrandiflorain B (5), have been isolated from the stem bark of an Indonesian plant, Sesbania grandiflora (L.) Pers. The chemical structure of compound 1 was elucidated by UV, IR, MS, and NMR spectroscopic techniques. The proton and carbon NMR resonances of 1 were also compared with the predicted chemical shifts obtained from DFT quantum mechanical calculations with Gaussian. None of the compounds showed antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Mycobacterium smegmatis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus in an agar diffusion assay. However, sesbagrandiflorains A (4) and B (5) exhibited moderate activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv. In addition, compounds 1 - 5 have moderate cytotoxicity against HeLa, HepG2, and MCF-7 cancer cell lines.

Matched MeSH terms: Staphylococcus aureus
Fulltext Comparative Efficacy of Selected Phytobiotics with Halquinol and Tetracycline on Gut Morphology, Ileal Digestibility, Cecal Microbiota Composition and Growth Performance in Broiler Chickens

Basit MA, Kadir AA, Loh TC, Abdul Aziz S, Salleh A, Zakaria ZA, et al.

Animals (Basel), 2020 Nov 19;10(11).
PMID: 33227911 DOI: 10.3390/ani10112150

The current experiment was designed to estimate the comparative efficacy of selected phytobiotics Persicaria odorata leaf meal (POLM) and Piper betle leaf meal (PBLM) with halquinol, and tetracycline in broiler chickens. The 150-day-old broiler chickens were randomly assigned to five dietary groups. The dietary supplementation groups were the basal diet (BD), which served as the negative control (NC), and BD + 0.2 g/kg tetracycline, which served as the positive control (PC); BD + 0.03 g/kg halquinol (HAL), BD + 8 g/kg POLM (Po8), and BD + 4 g/kg PBLM (Pb4) were the treatment groups. Growth performance, gut morphology, ileal digestibility, and cecal microbiota composition were measured. On day 21, the body weight gain (BWG) was enhanced (p < 0.05) in the broiler chickens fed on phytobiotics (Po8 and Pb4) relative to the NC group, however, on day 42 and in terms of overall growth performance, BWG was enhanced (p < 0.05 in diets (Po8, Pb4, HAL and PC) in comparison with the NC group. Conversely, feed conversion ratio (FCR) was recorded reduced (p < 0.05) in Pb4, Po8, HAL, and PC group in comparison with the NC group. Supplementation of phytobiotics (Po8 and Pb4), HAL and PC, positively improved the gut morphology compared to the NC group. Furthermore, the maximum (p < 0.05) villus height (VH) in duodenum and jejunum was observed in broilers fed on diet Pb4. Supplementation of phytobiotics, HAL and PC, improved (p < 0.05) the digestibility of dry matter (DM) (except for HAL), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), and ash compared to the NC group. Dietary supplementation of phytobiotics (Po8 and Pb4), HAL and PC, significantly reduced the E. coli, Salmonella, and Staphylococcus aureus (except for HAL) counts compared to the NC group. However, supplementation of Pb4 resulted in significantly decreased total anaerobic bacteria and Clostridium spp. counts compared to the NC group. In addition, supplementation of phytobiotics significantly increased the Lactobacillus count compared to HAL, PC, and NC groups. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of phytobiotics improved the gut morphology, positively modulated and maintained the dynamics of cecal microbiota with enhanced nutrient digestibility, thus, increased the growth performance. Based on current results, phytobiotics could be used as an alternative to AGPs for sustainable broiler chicken production.

Matched MeSH terms: Staphylococcus aureus
Development of chitosan edible film incorporated with Chrysanthemum morifolium essential oil

Tan LF, Elaine E, Pui LP, Nyam KL, Yusof YA

Acta Sci Pol Technol Aliment, 2021 1 16;20(1):55-66.
PMID: 33449520 DOI: 10.17306/J.AFS.0771

BACKGROUND: Biodegradable food packaging has improved in quality with recent research incorporating natural extracts for functionality purposes. This research aims to develop chitosan film with Chrysanthemum morifolium essential oil to improve the shelf life of fresh raw chicken and beef.
METHODS: 1.5% (w/v) chitosan films with Chrysanthemum morifolium essential oil (0% to 6% (v/v)) were produced through homogenization, the casting of a film solution in a petri dish and convection drying. The edible film was evaluated in terms of its physical (color, thickness, water vapor permeability), mechanical (puncture strength, tensile strength, elongation at break) and chemical properties (antioxidant assay, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR)).
RESULTS: With an increasing concentration of Chrysanthemum morifolium in the chitosan film, the test values of physical properties such as tensile strength, puncture force, and elongation at break declined significantly. However, the thickness, water permeability, and color profile (L*, a*, b*) values of the chitosan film increased. Similarly, the scavenging effect of antioxidant assay increased (from 4.97% to 18.63%) with a rise in Chrysanthemum morifolium concentration. 2%, 3%, and 4% of Chrysanthemum morifolium in the chitosan film showed a significant inhibition zone ranging from 2.67 mm to 3.82 mm against Staphylococcus aureus, a spoilage bacterium that is commonly found in chicken and beef products. The storage and pH tests showed that 4% of Chrysanthemum morifolium in the film maintained pH level (safe to consume), and the shelf life was extended from 3 days to 5 days of meat storage.
CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that the incorporation of 4% (v/v) Chrysanthemum morifolium extract into 1.5% (w/v) chitosan film extends the storage duration of raw meat products noticeably by reducing Staphylococcus aureus activity. Therefore, it increases the quality of the edible film as an environmentally friendly food packaging material so that it can act as a substitute for the use of plastic bags. Future studies will be conducted on improving the tensile strength of the edible film to increase the feasibility of using it in the food industry. In addition, the microstructure and surface morphology of the edible film can be further determined.

Matched MeSH terms: Staphylococcus aureus
Fulltext Characterization of phenolics and biological activities of different solvent extracts from Withania somnifera fruit

Tabassam, Q., Mehmood, T., Anwar, F., Saari, N., Qadir, R.

International Food Research Journal, 2020;27(5):915-924.
MyJurnal

The present work studies the profiling of phenolic bioactive and in vitro biological (anticancer, antioxidant, and antimicrobial) activities of different solvent extracts from Withania
somnifera fruit. Anticancer activity was performed using potato-disc assay and Agrobacterium tumefaciens. While antibacterial and antifungal evaluation was done by using disc diffusion method against bacterial (Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermidis, Escherichia coli, and
Klebsiella pneumonia) and fungal (Aspergillus flavus and Fusarium oxysporum) strains.
Among different extraction solvents used, n-hexane extract exhibited the highest inhibition of
tumour initiation (64%), whereas ethyl acetate (15%) was the lowest by using potato-disc
assay. Highest total phenolic and total flavonoid contents were noted for methanolic (69.10
GAE mg/g DW%) and n-hexane (29.45 CE mg/g DW%) extracts, respectively. For antioxidant potential, 2,2,1-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging (IC50) and reducing power EC50 were noted to be superior (0.6 and 2.0 mg/mL, respectively) for n-hexane
extract. All the tested extracts showed considerable antibacterial and antifungal activity with
the highest growth inhibition zones for K. pneumoniae (31.70 mm) and A. flavus (27.09 mm)
were shown by n-hexane extract. High Performance Liquid Chromatographic (HPLC) analysis of individual phenolics (gallic acid, 2,288.48 mg/kg) indicated the highest contents of these
compounds in n-hexane extract, which might explain the potent biological activities of this
extract. Our findings revealed that the bioactive present in the tested fruit had significant
potential as anticancer, antibacterial, and antifungal agents. Further studies are needed to
elucidate the mechanism of actions of isolated bioactive against specific diseases such as
cancer, especially in the case of n-hexane fraction.

Matched MeSH terms: Staphylococcus aureus
Fulltext Screening of pathogenic bacteria from sea cucumber Acaudina molpadioides in Pulau Langkawi, Kedah

Abigail Li Yen Lew, Nurzafirah Mazlan, Siti Marwanis Anua, Thung Tze Young

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2020;16(3):42-46.
MyJurnal

Introduction: The outbreaks of foodborne diseases have been linked to the consumption of contaminated seafood. This research aims to screen the bacteria from the sea cucumbers Acaudina molpadioides collected from Pulau Langkawi. Methods: A total of 22 sea cucumber samples were collected randomly from Pulau Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia. The samples were isolated and identified for the presence of bacteria using the conventional culture-based method. Presumptive bacteria colonies were subjected to various biochemical and antimicrobial susceptibility tests. Results: There were no bacterial growth in Hektoen Enteric (HE) agar and Thiosulphate-Citrate-Bile Salt (TCBS) agar. Positive samples were isolated from MacConkey (MAC) agar with 6 samples were Staphylococcus spp. (27.27%), 14 samples were Proteus spp. (63.63%) and 2 samples were Bacillus spp. (9.01%). Among these isolates, highest resistance was found against Ampicillin (45%) followed by Tetracycline (40%). Conclusion: The results indicate that the sea cucumbers Acaudina molpadioides were contaminated with potential bacteria. There is a need for adequate consumer protection measures.

Matched MeSH terms: Staphylococcus
Fulltext Gut Bacteria of Rattus rattus (Rat) Produce Broad-Spectrum Antibacterial Lipopeptides

Akbar N, Siddiqui R, Iqbal M, Sagathevan K, Kim KS, Habib F, et al.

ACS Omega, 2021 May 11;6(18):12261-12273.
PMID: 34056379 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.1c01137

Among several animals, Rattus rattus (rat) lives in polluted environments and feeds on organic waste/small invertebrates, suggesting the presence of inherent mechanisms to thwart infections. In this study, we isolated gut bacteria of rats for their antibacterial activities. Using antibacterial assays, the findings showed that the conditioned media from selected bacteria exhibited bactericidal activities against Gram-negative (Escherichia coli K1, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Serratia marcescens, and Salmonella enterica) and Gram-positive (Bacillus cereus, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus pyogenes) pathogenic bacteria. The conditioned media retained their antibacterial properties upon heat treatment at boiling temperature for 10 min. Using MTT assays, the conditioned media showed minimal cytotoxic effects against human keratinocyte cells. Active conditioned media were subjected to tandem mass spectrometry, and the results showed that conditioned media from Bacillus subtilis produced a large repertoire of surfactin and iturin A (lipopeptides) molecules. To our knowledge, this is the first report of isolation of lipopeptides from bacteria isolated from the rat gut. In short, these findings are important and provide a platform to develop effective antibacterial drugs.

Matched MeSH terms: Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Fulltext Functional Properties of Antimicrobial Neem Leaves Extract Based Macroalgae Biofilms for Potential Use as Active Dry Packaging Applications

Oyekanmi AA, Kumar USU, H P S AK, Olaiya NG, Amirul AA, Rahman AA, et al.

Polymers (Basel), 2021 May 20;13(10).
PMID: 34065404 DOI: 10.3390/polym13101664

Antimicrobial irradiated seaweed-neem biocomposite films were synthesized in this study. The storage functional properties of the films were investigated. Characterization of the prepared films was conducted using SEM, FT-IR, contact angle, and antimicrobial test. The macroscopic and microscopic including the analysis of the functional group and the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry test revealed the main active constituents present in the neem extract, which was used an essential component of the fabricated films. Neem leaves' extracts with 5% w/w concentration were incorporated into the matrix of seaweed biopolymer and the seaweed-neem bio-composite film were irradiated with different dosages of gamma radiation (0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 kGy). The tensile, thermal, and the antimicrobial properties of the films were studied. The results revealed that the irradiated films exhibited improved functional properties compared to the control film at 1.5 kGy radiation dosage. The tensile strength, tensile modulus, and toughness exhibited by the films increased, while the elongation of the irradiated bio-composite film decreased compared to the control film. The morphology of the irradiated films demonstrated a smoother surface compared to the control and provided surface intermolecular interaction of the neem-seaweed matrix. The film indicated an optimum storage stability under ambient conditions and demonstrated no significant changes in the visual appearance. However, an increase in the moisture content was exhibited by the film, and the hydrophobic properties was retained until nine months of the storage period. The study of the films antimicrobial activities against Staphylococcus aureus (SA), and Bacillus subtilis (BS) indicated improved resistance to bacterial activities after the incorporation of neem leaves extract and gamma irradiation. The fabricated irradiated seaweed-neem bio-composite film could be used as an excellent sustainable packaging material due to its effective storage stability.

Matched MeSH terms: Staphylococcus aureus
Fulltext Antibacterial Activity of the Epidermal Mucus of Barbodes everetti

JIAZHEN LIM, YANG LEE, BADIOZAMAN SULAIMAN, LESLEY MAURICE BILUNG, YEE LING CHONG

Trends in Undergraduate Research, 2018;1(1):0-0.
MyJurnal

The epidermal mucus of fish contains antimicrobial agents that act as biological defence against disease. This study aims to identify antibacterial activity and protein concentration of epidermal mucus of Barbodes everetti, a Bornean endemic freshwater fish. The epidermal mucus was extracted with 3% acetic acid, 0.85% sodium chloride and crude solvents. The mucus activity against eight strains of human pathogenic bacteria, including Bacillus cereus ATCC 33019, Escherichia coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 7644, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, Salmonella braenderup ATCC BAA 664, Salmonella typhimurium, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25933, and Vibrio cholerae, were tested. The acetic acid mucus extract of B. everetti was able to inhibit five strains of bacteria and show no activity toward E. coli O157:H7, B. cereus ATCC 33019 and L. monocytogenes ATCC 7644. Moreover, the highest protein concentration was quantified in crude extract, followed by aqueous and acetic acid extracts. This study provides a preliminary knowledge on the activity of epidermal mucus of B. everetti towards five out of the eight human pathogens tested, therefore it may contain potential sources of novel antibacterial components which could be further extracted for the production of natural antibiotics towards human-related pathogenic bacteria.

Matched MeSH terms: Staphylococcus aureus
Fulltext Isolation of a pigment-producing strain of Staphylococcus kloosii from the respiratory tree of Holothuria (Mertensiothuria) leucospilota (Brandt 1835) from Malaysian waters

Kamarul Rahim Kamarudin, Nurziana Ngah, Haziyamin Abdul Hamid, Deny Susanti

Trop Life Sci Res, 2013;24(1):85-100.
MyJurnal

Staphylococcus kloosii, an orange pigment-producing bacterium, was isolated from the respiratory tree of Holothuria (Mertensiothuria) leucospilota (Brandt 1835) from Teluk Nipah, Pangkor Island, Perak, Malaysia. This report is the first documentation of this Gram-positive strain, referred to as Strain 68 in Malaysia. A partial 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequence of the mesophilic strain has been registered with GenBank (National Center for Biotechnology Information, US National Library of Medicine) with accession number JX102547. Phylogenetic analysis using the neighbour-joining method further supported the identification of Strain 68 as S. kloosii. The circular strain produced orange pigments on tryptone glucose yeast extract agar (TGYEA) and in nutrient broth (NB) at approximately pH 7. The visible spectra of ethanolic and methanolic pigment extracts of the bacterial strain were considered identical with λmax at 426, 447 and 475 nm and λmax at 426, 445 and 473 nm, respectively. Both visible spectra resemble the visible spectra of lutein, which is a commercial carotenoid; however, further analyses are required to confirm the identity of this pigment. The methanolic extracts of the intracellular pigments comprised at least three pigment compounds: an orange pigment compound (major compound), a yellow pigment compound (the least polar) and a pink pigment compound (the most polar). These findings are the first documentation of the pigment composition of S. kloosii as no such record could be found to date.

Matched MeSH terms: Staphylococcus
Characterisation of secondary metabolites from Rhinacanthus nasutus L (Kurz) for the identification of novel antibacterial leads

Sheikh HM, Reshi NA

Trop Biomed, 2020 Sep 01;37(3):812-821.
PMID: 33612794 DOI: 10.47665/tb.37.3.812

The bioactivity of R. nasutus leaf extracts was assessed on Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Enterobacter aerogenes, Proteus mirabilis, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Crude chloroform, petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, ethanol and methanol extracts were screened by disc diffusion method. Promising crude extract was further subjected to the column fractionation followed by the screening of the antibacterial activity of individual fractions. Biologically active pure fraction was subjected to the advanced analytical studies like HPLC, LC-MS, IR and NMR for characterisation of the bioactive compound. Ethanolic extract exhibited the maximum antibacterial activity against Klebsiella pneumoniae with the maximum of 35±0.42 mm zone of inhibition. The biologically potent column fraction from ethanol extract with 40±0.42 mm zone of inhibition upon subject to the HPLC, LC-MS, IR and NMR revealed that the active compound is rhinacanthin-C, a naphthoquinone.

Matched MeSH terms: Staphylococcus aureus
Culturable pathogenic bacteria in ticks parasitizing farm animals and rodents in Malaysia

Loong SK, Lim FS, Khoo JJ, Lee HY, Suntharalingam C, Ishak SN, et al.

Trop Biomed, 2020 Sep 01;37(3):803-811.
PMID: 33612793 DOI: 10.47665/tb.37.3.803

Ticks are vectors of bacteria, protozoa and viruses capable of causing serious and life threatening diseases in humans and animals. Disease transmission occurs through the transfer of pathogen from tick bites to susceptible humans or animals. Most commonly known tick-borne pathogens are obligate intracellular microorganisms but little is known on the prevalence of culturable pathogenic bacteria from ticks capable of growth on artificial nutrient media. One hundred and forty seven ticks originating from dairy cattle, goats and rodents were collected from nine selected sites in Peninsular Malaysia. The culture of surfacesterilized tick homogenates revealed the isolation of various pathogenic bacteria including, Staphylococcus sp., Corynebacterium sp., Rothia sp., Enterococcus faecalis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli and Bacillus sp. and its derived genera. These pathogens are among those that affect humans and animals. Findings from this study suggest that in addition to the regular intracellular pathogens, ticks could also harbor extracellular pathogenic bacteria. Further studies, hence, would be needed to determine if these extracellular pathogens could contribute to human or animal infection.

Matched MeSH terms: Staphylococcus
Evaluation of bactericidal and virucidal activity of novel disinfectant Aaride AGT-1 compared to other commercially available disinfectants against hospital-acquired infections (HAIs)

Jindal HM, Chandramathi S, Sekaran SD, Suresh K

Trop Biomed, 2020 Sep 01;37(3):626-636.
PMID: 33612777 DOI: 10.47665/tb.37.3.626

Hand hygiene is the topmost crucial procedure to prevent hospital-acquired infections. Choosing an effective hand disinfectant is necessary in enforcing good hand hygiene practice especially in hospital settings. The aim of the study was to investigate the efficacy of Aaride AGT-1 as a hand disinfectant for the inhibition of pathogenic microorganisms' transmission among both patients and personnel in the health care system compared to other commercially available disinfectants. In the present study, a new hand disinfectant Aaride AGT-1 was tested against several bacterial and viral pathogens to evaluate its antimicrobial activity profile. The results revealed that Aaride AGT-1 displayed the highest antibacterial activity against five pathogenic bacteria including MRSA when compared to other commercially available hand sanitizers. Aaride AGT-1 showed the lowest percentage needed to inhibit the growth of bacterial pathogens. In addition, results obtained from time killing assay revealed that Aaride AGT-1 demonstrated the best killing kinetics, by eradicating the bacterial cells rapidly within 0.5 min with 6 log reduction (>99.99% killing). Also, Aaride AGT1 was able to reduce 100% plaque formed by three viruses namely HSV-1, HSV-2 and EV-71. In conclusion, Aaride AGT-1 is capable of killing wide-spectrum of pathogens including bacteria and viruses compared to other common disinfectants used in hospital settings. Aaride AGT-1's ability to kill both bacteria and viruses contributes as valuable addition to the hand disinfection portfolio.

Matched MeSH terms: Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Development, characterization and pharmacokinetics of mupirocin-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) for intravascular administration

Alcantara KP, Zulfakar MH, Castillo AL

Int J Pharm, 2019 Nov 25;571:118705.
PMID: 31536765 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2019.118705

Mupirocin is a promising broad-spectrum antibiotic that is effective in treating MRSA infections. However, due to its rapid elimination and hydrolysis following injection and high protein binding, current therapeutic use is limited to topical administration. Nanotechnology-driven innovations provide hope for patients and practitioners in overcoming the problem of drug degradation by encapsulation. The objective of this research is to develop and characterize Mupirocin-Loaded Nanostructured Lipid Carriers (M-NLC) for intravascular administration. The MNLC was produced by a combination of high shear homogenization and high pressure homogenization of solid (cetyl palmitate) and liquid (caprylic/caprylic acid) biocompatible lipids in 5 different ratios. The mean particle size, polydispersity index (PDI) and the zeta potential (ZP) of the MNLC formulations were between 99.8 and 235 nm, PDI lower than 0.164, ZP from -25.96 to -19.53 and pH ranging from 6.28-6.49. The MNLC formulation also enhances the anti-bacterial activity of mupirocin. All formulation showed sustained drug release and good physical characteristics for three months storage under 25 °C. It also revealed that the MNLC 1 is safe at 250 mg/kg dose in rats. The MNLC 1 also showed a significant increase in plasma concentration in rabbits following IV administration thus, demonstrating an enhancement on its pharmacokinetic profile as compared to free mupirocin.

Matched MeSH terms: Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Fulltext Food safety issues in recent Flood 2006-2007 in Johore

Daud, A.R., Thayalan, R., Farhatun Najmi, M.G.

Malaysian Journal of Community Health, 2009;15(3):55-59.
MyJurnal

Background and Objective : Johor was affected by the worst flood in 100 years in December 2006 and again in January 2007. The concern that improper sanitary facilities and contaminated water supply at relief centres would result in contaminated food made monitoring of food hygiene vital. The objective of this paper is to describe food hygiene surveillance activities carried out in flood relief centres and flood affected areas and the challenges faced in carrying out these activities.
Methodology : The food hygiene surveillance activities were carried out by the Assistant Environmental Health Officers (AEHO) in the districts. Among the surveillance activities carried out are inspection of food preparation areas in relief centres, inspection of food premises in flood affected areas and food sampling. Premise inspections were carried out using a specific inspection format. Food samples taken were sent to Public Health Laboratory, Johor Bahru for microbiological analysis. Anti typhoid vaccination for food handlers were also carried out. Apart from that, observations made by the health teams were alsotaken into account.
Results : A total of 3,159 food preparation areas in relief centres were inspected. During the same period, a total of 2,317 food premises in flood affected areas were inspected as soon these premises started operating after the floods. Inspections showed that 69 food preparation areas in relief centres and 181 food premises in flood affected areas had unsatisfactory hygiene. A total of 1,566 holding samples were taken and 425 samples were sent to the laboratory for analysis. Forty-six of the samples analysed were found to be positive for pathogenic bacteria such as e. coli, staphylococcus aureus and salmonella.
Conclusion : The health personnel from the Johor Health Department in various districts carried out an excellent job in ensuring food safety during the floods. There were no outbreaks of food poisoning. However analysis of food samples taken during the floods did show the presence of pathogenic organisms but probably their numbers were not high enough to cause any food poisoning. The promotion and enforcement of food hygiene requirements should be carried out continuously to ensure that every individual understands the need for hygiene and food safety during disaster situation such as flood.

Matched MeSH terms: Staphylococcus aureus
Fulltext Screening of selected Malaysian plants against several food borne pathogen bacteria

International Food Research Journal, 2011;18(3):1195-1201.
MyJurnal

This study was conducted to evaluate antimicrobial properties of ethanolic extracts of the leaves of Nephelium lappaceum, Curcuma longa, Cinnamomun cassia, Durio zibethinus, Vitex trifolia, Amaranthus tricolor, Syzygium samarangense and Manihot esculenta. Antibacterial properties of the extracts were studied against fifteen strains of different gram positive and gram negative pathogenic bacteria, including Bacillus cereus, Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Vibrio para, and Escherichia coli using the agar disk diffusion method. Among the tested extracts, only Amaranthus tricolor exhibited specific inhibition of one of the tested bacteria; Bacillus cereus. Using the microdilution method, its minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value was determined to be 20 mg/mL.

Matched MeSH terms: Staphylococcus aureus

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