Displaying publications 61 - 80 of 2160 in total

Abstract:
Sort:
  1. Fulltext Actinobacteria from Greenwich island and Dee island: isolation, diversity and distribution
    Pek, Lim Chu, Chai, Hoon Khoo, Yoke, Kqueen Cheah
    Life Sciences, Medicine and Biomedicine, 2017;1(1):1-17.
    MyJurnal
    Actinobacteria from underexplored and unusual environments have gained significant attention for their capability in producing novel bioactive molecules of diverse chemical entities. Streptomyces is the most prolific Actinobacteria in producing useful molecules. Rapid decline effectiveness of existing antibiotics in the treatment of infections are caused by the emergence of multidrug-resistant pathogens. Intensive efforts are urgently required in isolating non-Streptomyces or rare Actinobacteria and understanding of their distribution in the harsh environment for new drug discovery. In this study, pretreatment of soil samples with 1.5% phenol was used for the selective isolation of Actinobacteria from Dee Island and Greenwich Island. A high number of non-Streptomyces (69.4%) or rare Actinobacteria was significantly recovered despite the Streptomyces (30.6%), including the genera Micromonospora, Micrococcus, Kocuria, Dermacoccus, Brachybacterium, Brevibacterium, Rhodococcus, Microbacterium and Rothia. Reduced diversity and shift of distribution were observed at the elevated level of soil pH. The members of genera Streptomyces, Micromonospora and Micrococcus were found to distribute and tolerate to a relatively high pH level of soil (pH 9.4-9.5), and could potentially be alkaliphilic Actinobacteria. The phylogenetic analysis had revealed some potentially new taxa members of the genera Micromonospora, Micrococcus and Rhodococcus. Principal Component Analysis of soil samples was used to uncover the factors that underlie the diversity of culturable Actinobacteria. Water availability in soil was examined as the principal factor that shaped the diversity of the Actinobacteria, by providing a dynamic source for microbial interactions and elevated diversity of Actinobacteria.
    Matched MeSH terms: Anti-Bacterial Agents
  2. Fulltext Antimicrobial drug resistance of Staphylococcus aureus in dairy products
    Sasidharan S, Prema B, Yoga LL
    Asian Pac J Trop Biomed, 2011 Apr;1(2):130-2.
    PMID: 23569742 DOI: 10.1016/S2221-1691(11)60010-5
    To evaluate the prevalence of multidrug resistant Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) in dairy products.
    Matched MeSH terms: Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology*
  3. Epidemiology of adenovirus respiratory infections among hospitalized children in Seremban, Malaysia
    Foong Ng K, Kee Tan K, Hong Ng B, Nair P, Ying Gan W
    Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg, 2015 Jul;109(7):433-9.
    PMID: 26038572 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trv042
    There is scarcity of data regarding epidemiology and clinical aspects of human adenovirus acute respiratory infection (ARI) among children in developing countries.
    Matched MeSH terms: Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use
  4. Mycoplasma hominis, Ureaplasma urealyticum and Chlamydia trachomatis Respiratory Colonization in Malaysian Preterm Infants
    Ng KF, Kee Tan K, Chok MC, Zamil Mohd Muzzamil N, Choo P, Paramasivam U, et al.
    J Trop Pediatr, 2017 Dec 01;63(6):447-453.
    PMID: 28334949 DOI: 10.1093/tropej/fmx011
    This prospective observational study aims to determine the incidence, predictors and clinical features of Mycoplasma hominis (MH), Ureaplasma urealyticum (UU) and Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) respiratory colonization in infants <37 weeks of gestation. A total of 200 preterm newborns admitted to a tertiary center in Malaysia between 2013 and 2015 for increased breathing effort had their respiratory secretions tested for these bacteria by polymerase chain reaction. Fifteen of the 200 (7.5%) infants were detected to have these organisms in their respiratory tracts. Preterm prelabor rupture of membrane was associated with positive detection (odds ratio: 3.7; 95% confidence interval: 1.2-11.3). Seventy-three of the 200 (36.5%) infants were given macrolide for presumed infection but only 4.1% (3 of 73) were positive for these organisms. The incidence of UU respiratory colonization among preterm infants in our center is lower than other published reports, while the frequency of MH and CT isolation is comparable with many studies. There should be judicious use of empirical antibiotics for presumed UU, MH and CT infection in preterm infants.
    Matched MeSH terms: Anti-Bacterial Agents
  5. Synthesis and anti-microbial potencies of 1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-3-alkylimidazolium chloride ionic liquids: microbial viabilities at different ionic liquids concentrations
    Hossain MI, El-Harbawi M, Alitheen NB, Noaman YA, Lévêque JM, Yin CY
    Ecotoxicol Environ Saf, 2013 Jan;87:65-9.
    PMID: 23107478 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2012.09.020
    Three 1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-3-alkylimidazolium chloride room temperature ionic liquids (ILs) [2OHimC(n)][Cl]; (n=0, 1, 4) have been synthesized from the appropriate imidazole precursors and characterized by IR and NMR spectroscopies and elemental analysis. Their anti-microbial activities were investigated using the well-diffusion method. The viabilities of Escherichia coli, Aeromonas hydrophila, Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella enterica as a function of IL concentrations were studied. The minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and EC₅₀ values for the present ILs were within the concentration range from 60 to 125 mM and 23 to 73 mM. The anti-microbial potencies of the present ILs were compared to a standard antibiotic, gentamicin. The finding affords additional perspective on the level of ILs toxicity to aquatic lifeforms and yet, this characteristic can be readily harnessed to detect microbial growth and activity.
    Matched MeSH terms: Anti-Bacterial Agents/chemical synthesis*; Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology*; Anti-Bacterial Agents/chemistry
  6. Synthesis and anti-microbial activity of hydroxylammonium ionic liquids
    Ismail Hossain M, El-Harbawi M, Noaman YA, Bustam MA, Alitheen NB, Affandi NA, et al.
    Chemosphere, 2011 Jun;84(1):101-4.
    PMID: 21421256 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2011.02.048
    Eight hydroxylammonium-based room temperature ionic liquids (ILs) have been synthesized by acid-base neutralization of ethanolamines with organic acids. The ILs were characterized by infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopies and elemental analysis. Their anti-microbial activities were determined using the well-diffusion method. All eight ILs were toxic to Staphylococcus aureus, while 2-hydroxyethylammonium lactate and 2-hydroxy-N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-N-methylethanaminium acetate showed high anti-microbial activity against a wide range of human pathogens.
    Matched MeSH terms: Anti-Bacterial Agents/chemical synthesis; Anti-Bacterial Agents/toxicity*
  7. Combination of essential oils and antibiotics reduce antibiotic resistance in plasmid-conferred multidrug resistant bacteria
    Yap PS, Lim SH, Hu CP, Yiap BC
    Phytomedicine, 2013 Jun 15;20(8-9):710-3.
    PMID: 23537749 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2013.02.013
    In this study we investigated the relationship between several selected commercially available essential oils and beta-lactam antibiotics on their antibacterial effect against multidrug resistant bacteria. The antibacterial activity of essential oils and antibiotics was assessed using broth microdilution. The combined effects between essential oils of cinnamon bark, lavender, marjoram, tea tree, peppermint and ampicillin, piperacillin, cefazolin, cefuroxime, carbenicillin, ceftazidime, meropenem, were evaluated by means of the checkerboard method against beta-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli. In the latter assays, fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) values were calculated to characterize interaction between the combinations. Substantial susceptibility of the bacteria toward natural antibiotics and a considerable reduction in the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of the antibiotics were noted in some paired combinations of antibiotics and essential oils. Out of 35 antibiotic-essential oil pairs tested, four of them showed synergistic effect (FIC≤0.5) and 31 pairs showed no interaction (FIC>0.5-4.0). The preliminary results obtained highlighted the occurrence of a pronounced synergistic relationship between piperacillin/cinnamon bark oil, piperacillin/lavender oil, piperacillin/peppermint oil as well as meropenem/peppermint oil against two of the three bacteria under study with a FIC index in the range 0.26-0.5. The finding highlighted the potential of peppermint, cinnamon bark and lavender essential oils being as antibiotic resistance modifying agent. Reduced usage of antibiotics could be employed as a treatment strategy to decrease the adverse effects and possibly to reverse the beta-lactam antibiotic resistance.
    Matched MeSH terms: Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology*
  8. Fulltext Thalassemia major is a major risk factor for pediatric melioidosis in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
    Fong SM, Wong KJ, Fukushima M, Yeo TW
    Clin Infect Dis, 2015 Jun 15;60(12):1802-7.
    PMID: 25767257 DOI: 10.1093/cid/civ189
    Melioidosis is an important cause of community-acquired infection in Southeast Asia and northern Australia. Studies from endemic countries have demonstrated differences in the epidemiology and clinical features among children diagnosed with melioidosis. This suggests that local data are needed to determine the risk factors and outcome in specific areas.
    Matched MeSH terms: Anti-Bacterial Agents
  9. Fulltext Genome sequence of Acinetobacter baumannii AC12, a polymyxin-resistant strain isolated from Terengganu, Malaysia
    Gan HM, Lean SS, Suhaili Z, Thong KL, Yeo CC
    J Bacteriol, 2012 Nov;194(21):5979-80.
    PMID: 23045494 DOI: 10.1128/JB.01466-12
    Acinetobacter baumannii is a major cause of nosocomial infection worldwide. We report the draft genome sequence of A. baumannii AC12, a multidrug-resistant nosocomial strain with additional resistance to carbapenems and polymyxin. The genome data will provide insights into the genetic basis of antimicrobial resistance and its adaptive mechanism.
    Matched MeSH terms: Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
  10. Prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibilities of Acinetobacter baumannii and non-baumannii Acinetobacters from Terengganu, Malaysia and their carriage of carbapenemase genes
    Mohd Rani F, A Rahman NI, Ismail S, Abdullah FH, Othman N, Alattraqchi AG, et al.
    J Med Microbiol, 2018 Nov;67(11):1538-1543.
    PMID: 30251951 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.000844
    A total of 153 non-repeat Acinetobacter spp. clinical isolates obtained in 2015 from Hospital Sultanah Nur Zahirah (HSNZ) in Terengganu, Malaysia, were characterized. Identification of the isolates at species level was performed by ribosomal DNA restriction analysis (ARDRA) followed by sequencing of the rpoB gene. The majority of the isolates (n=128; 83.7 %) were A. baumannii while the rest were identified as A. nosocomialis (n=16), A. calcoaceticus (n=5), A. soli (n=2), A. berezeniae (n=1) and A. variabilis (n=1). Multidrug resistance (MDR) was most prevalent in A. baumannnii (66.4 %) whereas only one non-baumannii isolate (A. nosocomialis) was MDR. The blaOXA-23 gene was the predominant acquired carbapenemase gene (56.2 %) and was significantly associated (P<0.001) with carbapenem resistance. However, no significant association was found for carbapenem resistance and isolates that contained the ISAba1-blaOXA-51 configuration.
    Matched MeSH terms: Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
  11. Fulltext Small, Enigmatic Plasmids of the Nosocomial Pathogen, Acinetobacter baumannii: Good, Bad, Who Knows?
    Lean SS, Yeo CC
    Front Microbiol, 2017;8:1547.
    PMID: 28861061 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.01547
    Acinetobacter baumannii is a Gram-negative nosocomial pathogen that has become a serious healthcare concern within a span of two decades due to its ability to rapidly acquire resistance to all classes of antimicrobial compounds. One of the key features of the A. baumannii genome is an open pan genome with a plethora of plasmids, transposons, integrons, and genomic islands, all of which play important roles in the evolution and success of this clinical pathogen, particularly in the acquisition of multidrug resistance determinants. An interesting genetic feature seen in majority of A. baumannii genomes analyzed is the presence of small plasmids that usually ranged from 2 to 10 kb in size, some of which harbor antibiotic resistance genes and homologs of plasmid mobilization genes. These plasmids are often overlooked when compared to their larger, conjugative counterparts that harbor multiple antibiotic resistance genes and transposable elements. In this mini-review, we will examine our current knowledge of these small A. baumannii plasmids and look into their genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships. Some of these plasmids, such as the Rep-3 superfamily group and the pRAY-type, which has no recognizable replicase genes, are quite widespread among diverse A. baumannii clinical isolates worldwide, hinting at their usefulness to the lifestyle of this pathogen. Other small plasmids especially those from the Rep-1 superfamily are truly enigmatic, encoding only hypothetical proteins of unknown function, leading to the question of whether these small plasmids are "good" or "bad" to their host A. baumannii.
    Matched MeSH terms: Anti-Bacterial Agents
  12. Fulltext Comparative genomic analysis of clinical Acinetobacter nosocomialis isolates from Terengganu, Malaysia led to the discovery of a novel tetracycline-resistant plasmid
    Mohd Rani F, Lean SS, A Rahman NI, Ismail S, Alattraqchi AG, Amonov M, et al.
    J Glob Antimicrob Resist, 2022 Dec;31:104-109.
    PMID: 36049733 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgar.2022.08.019
    OBJECTIVES: To analyse the genome sequences of four archival Acinetobacter nosocomialis clinical isolates (designated AC13, AC15, AC21 and AC25) obtained from Terengganu, Malaysia in 2011 to determine their genetic relatedness and basis of antimicrobial resistance.

    METHODS: Antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of the A. nosocomialis isolates were determined by disk diffusion. Genome sequencing was performed using the Illumina NextSeq platform.

    RESULTS: The four A. nosocomialis isolates were cefotaxime resistant whereas three isolates (namely, AC13, AC15 and AC25) were tetracycline resistant. The carriage of the blaADC-255-encoded cephalosporinase gene is likely responsible for cefotaxime resistance in all four isolates. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the three tetracycline-resistant isolates were closely related, with an average nucleotide identity of 99.9%, suggestive of nosocomial spread, whereas AC21 had an average nucleotide identity of 97.9% when compared to these three isolates. The tetracycline-resistant isolates harboured two plasmids: a 13476 bp Rep3-family plasmid of the GR17 group designated pAC13-1, which encodes the tetA(39) tetracycline-resistance gene, and pAC13-2, a 4872 bp cryptic PriCT-1-family plasmid of a new Acinetobacter plasmid group, GR60. The tetA(39) gene was in a 2 001 bp fragment flanked by XerC/XerD recombination sites characteristic of a mobile pdif module. Both plasmids also harboured mobilisation/transfer-related genes.

    CONCLUSIONS: Genome sequencing of A. nosocomialis isolates led to the discovery of two novel plasmids, one of which encodes the tetA(39) tetracycline-resistant gene in a mobile pdif module. The high degree of genetic relatedness among the three tetracycline-resistant A. nosocomialis isolates is indicative of nosocomial transmission.

    Matched MeSH terms: Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology; Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use
  13. Fulltext Whole genome sequencing of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus clinical isolates from Terengganu, Malaysia, indicates the predominance of the EMRSA-15 (ST22-SCCmec IV) clone
    Che Hamzah AM, Chew CH, Al-Trad EI, Puah SM, Chua KH, A Rahman NI, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2024 Feb 12;14(1):3485.
    PMID: 38347106 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-54182-x
    Despite the importance of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) as a priority nosocomial pathogen, the genome sequences of Malaysian MRSA isolates are currently limited to a small pool of samples. Here, we present the genome sequence analyses of 88 clinical MRSA isolates obtained from the main tertiary hospital in Terengganu, Malaysia in 2016-2020, to obtain in-depth insights into their characteristics. The EMRSA-15 (ST22-SCCmec IV) clone of the clonal complex 22 (CC22) lineage was predominant with a total of 61 (69.3%) isolates. Earlier reports from other Malaysian hospitals indicated the predominance of the ST239 clone, but only two (2.3%) isolates were identified in this study. Two Indian-origin clones, the Bengal Bay clone ST772-SCCmec V (n = 2) and ST672 (n = 10) were also detected, with most of the ST672 isolates obtained in 2020 (n = 7). Two new STs were found, with one isolate each, and were designated ST7879 and ST7883. From the core genome phylogenetic tree, the HSNZ MRSA isolates could be grouped into seven clades. Antimicrobial phenotype-genotype concordance was high (> 95%), indicating the accuracy of WGS in predicting most resistances. Majority of the MRSA isolates were found to harbor more than 10 virulence genes, demonstrating their pathogenic nature.
    Matched MeSH terms: Anti-Bacterial Agents
  14. 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: Anti-Bacterial Agents
  15. Chemical compositions and biological activities of the essential oils of Beilschmiedia madang Blume (Lauraceae)
    Salleh WM, Ahmad F, Yen KH
    Arch Pharm Res, 2015 Apr;38(4):485-93.
    PMID: 25098422 DOI: 10.1007/s12272-014-0460-z
    The present study aimed to examine the chemical compositions of the essential oils of Beilschmiedia madang and their antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, anticholinesterase and anti-tyrosinase activities. The major constituents of the essential oils of leaf and bark of B. madang were δ-cadinene (17.0 and 20.5 %), β-caryophyllene (10.3 and 6.7 %), α-cubebene (11.3 and 15.6 %), and α-cadinol (5.8 and 10.6 %). The essential oils were screened for their antioxidant activities using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical, β-carotene/linoleic acid bleaching, and total phenolic content. The bark oil showed the highest β-carotene/linoleic acid bleaching (90.3 % ± 0.2) and DPPH radical scavenging (IC50 212.0 µg/mL), while the highest phenolic content was exhibited by the leaf oil (94.5 % ± 0.3 mg GA/g). The antibacterial and antifungal activities were investigated by the disc diffusion and micro dilution method. The leaf and bark oils showed moderate activity towards Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value 125 µg/mL. For antifungal assay, the bark oil showed strong activity towards Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus fumigatus with MIC value 62.5 µg/mL. Anticholinesterase and anti-tyrosinase activities were evaluated against Ellman method and mushroom tyrosinase, respectively. The results showed that leaf oil gave significant percentage inhibition (I%: acetylcholinesterase 55.2 %, butyrylcholinesterase 60.4 %, tyrosinase 53.1 %).
    Matched MeSH terms: Anti-Bacterial Agents/isolation & purification; Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology; Anti-Bacterial Agents/chemistry
  16. Rare occurrence of polymyxin B-induced hyperpigmentation in a child with ventriculitis
    Fitzrol DN, Ang SY, Suhaimi A, Yeap TB
    BMJ Case Rep, 2023 Apr 11;16(4).
    PMID: 37041040 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2022-253959
    Polymyxin B (PB) is a polypeptide bactericidal antibiotic that is commonly used for extensively drug-resistant (XDR) microorganisms such as Acinetobacter baumanii and Klebsiella pneumoniae It can be administered intravenously or intrathecally. Common side effects are nephrotoxicity, neurotoxicity, pruritus and skin hyperpigmentation (SH). The latter is an uncommon adverse reaction of intravenously administered PB. We report a rare occurrence of PB-induced SH secondary to intrathecal administration of PB in a child with A. baumanii XDR ventriculitis. We describe the management of him and a brief review of PB.
    Matched MeSH terms: Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use
  17. Fulltext Genotypic variations of virulent genes in Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus faecalis isolated from three hospitals in Malaysia
    Al-Talib H, Zuraina N, Kamarudin B, Yean CY
    Adv Clin Exp Med, 2015 Jan-Feb;24(1):121-7.
    PMID: 25923096 DOI: 10.17219/acem/38162
    The genus Enterococcus is of increasing significance as a cause of nosocomial infections, and this trend is exacerbated by the development of antibiotic resistance.
    Matched MeSH terms: Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use
  18. Fulltext Molecular evidence of cholera outbreak caused by a toxigenic Vibrio cholerae O1 El tor variant strain in Kelantan, Malaysia
    Ang GY, Yu CY, Balqis K, Elina HT, Azura H, Hani MH, et al.
    J Clin Microbiol, 2010 Nov;48(11):3963-9.
    PMID: 20826646 DOI: 10.1128/JCM.01086-10
    A total of 20 Vibrio cholerae isolates were recovered for investigation from a cholera outbreak in Kelantan, Malaysia, that occurred between November and December 2009. All isolates were biochemically characterized as V. cholerae serogroup O1 Ogawa of the El Tor biotype. They were found to be resistant to multiple antibiotics, including tetracycline, erythromycin, sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim, streptomycin, penicillin G, and polymyxin B, with 35% of the isolates being resistant to ampicillin. All isolates were sensitive to ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, chloramphenicol, gentamicin, and kanamycin. Multiplex PCR analysis confirmed the biochemical identification and revealed the presence of virulence genes, viz., ace, zot, and ctxA, in all of the isolates. Interestingly, the sequencing of the ctxB gene showed that the outbreak strain harbored the classical cholera toxin gene and therefore belongs to the newly assigned El Tor variant biotype. Clonal analysis by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis demonstrated that a single clone of a V. cholerae strain was responsible for this outbreak. Thus, we present the first molecular evidence that the toxigenic V. cholerae O1 El Tor variant has invaded Malaysia, highlighting the need for continuous monitoring to facilitate early interventions against any potential epidemic by this biotype.
    Matched MeSH terms: Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
  19. Fulltext A review on the effects of probiotics and antibiotics towards Clostridium difficile infections
    Hazirah, A., Loong, Y.Y., Rushdan, A.A., Rukman, A.H., Yazid, M.M.
    Pertanika Journal of Science & Technology, 2013;21(2):293-302.
    MyJurnal
    Clostridium difficile can cause severe diseases with significant morbidity and mortality in infected patients.
    The rate of Clostridium difficile infection is high in North America and European countries. Metronidazole
    and vancomycin have been recommended as the treatments of choice since 1990s. Recurrent infection
    due to Clostridium difficile is common after several days of antibiotic administration. Probiotics have
    been used in these patients as an adjunct treatment with some successful findings. However, a detailed
    investigation on the use of probiotic for infected patients is still needed, particularly for its real efficacy.
    Matched MeSH terms: Anti-Bacterial Agents
  20. Patient Factors in Inappropriate Antibiotic Prescribing for Upper Respiratory Tract Infection in the Emergency Department
    Ahmad A, Nor J, Abdullah AA, Tuan Kamauzaman TH, Yazid MB
    Malays J Med Sci, 2021 Apr;28(2):72-83.
    PMID: 33958962 DOI: 10.21315/mjms2021.28.2.7
    Background: Emergency departments (EDs) are frequently misused for non-emergency cases such as upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs). Flooding of these cases may contribute to inappropriate antibiotic prescribing. The aim of this study was to determine the patient factors associated with inappropriate antibiotic prescribing for URTIs in the EDs.

    Methods: This cross-sectional study involved patients over age 3 years old who presented with URTI to the green zone of the ED of a tertiary hospital on the east coast of Malaysia in 2018-2019. Convenient sampling was done. The patients were categorised into two groups according to their McIsaac scores: positive (≥ 2) or negative (< 2). Antibiotics given to the negative McIsaac group were considered inappropriate.

    Results: A total of 261 cases were included - 127 with positive and 134 with negative McIsaac scores. The most common symptoms were fever and cough. About 29% had inappropriate antibiotic prescribing with a high rate for amoxycillin. Duration of symptoms of one day or less (OR 18.5; 95% CI: 1.65, 207.10; P = 0.018), presence of chills (OR 4.36; 95% CI: 1.13, 16.88; P = 0.033) and diagnosis of acute tonsillitis (OR 5.26; 95% CI: 1.76, 15.72; P = 0.003) were significantly associated with inappropriate antibiotic prescription.

    Conclusion: Factors influencing inappropriate antibiotic prescribing should be pointed out to emergency doctors to reduce its incidence.

    Matched MeSH terms: Anti-Bacterial Agents
Related Terms
Filters
Contact Us

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

External Links