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  1. Zermane A, Tohir MZM, Baharudin MR, Yusoff HM
    J Safety Res, 2023 Jun;85:492-506.
    PMID: 37330899 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsr.2023.05.003
    INTRODUCTION: Falling from heights can be a serious and potentially life-threatening hazard. In Malaysia, falls from heights are one of the leading causes of workplace accidents and fatalities. The Malaysian Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) reported that the year 2021 recorded an alarmingly high number of fatalities, of which the majority of the injuries were due to falls from heights.

    OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to understand the relationship between the different variables associated with fatal falls from heights, which will help identify potential areas to work on to prevent these types of injuries.

    METHODS: The study analyzed 3,321 fatal falls from height accidents from 2010 to 2020 DOSH data. Data were cleaned and normalized to extract relevant information for analysis, with agreement on variables and reliability achieved through independent sampling.

    RESULTS: This study found that general workers were the most vulnerable category to fatal falls, with a 32% yearly average, whereas supervisors were the least vulnerable, with 4%. Roofers recorded a yearly fatal falls average of 15.5%, followed by electricians with 12%. Cramer's V results ranged from negligible, weak, and strong correlations; strong to moderate correlation between the dates of injuries and the factors used in this study, whereas the direct and root causes recorded a weak to negligible correlation with the rest of the variables.

    CONCLUSIONS: This study provided a better understanding of the working conditions of the Malaysian construction industry. By analyzing fall injury patterns and uncovering the factors, direct and root causes relationship with other variables, it was clear how severe the Malaysian workplace conditions were.

    PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: This study will help better understand fatal fall injuries in the Malaysian construction industry and help develop prevention measures based on the uncovered patterns and associations.

    Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia/epidemiology
  2. Noni V, Tan CS
    BMC Vet Res, 2023 Apr 20;19(1):66.
    PMID: 37081458 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-023-03619-y
    BACKGROUND: Plasmodium, Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon are three mainly studied blood parasites known to cause malarial and pseudomalarial infections in avian worldwide. Although Sarawak is a biodiversity hotspot, molecular data on blood parasite diversity in birds are absent. The objective of the study is to determine the prevalence of blood parasite in Asian Glossy Starlings (AGS), an urban bird with high population density in Sarawak and to elucidate the phylogenetic relationship with other blood parasite.

    METHODS: Twenty-nine carcasses of juvenile AGS that were succumbed to death due to window collision were collected around the vicinity of Universiti Malaysia Sarawak. Nested-multiplex and nested PCR targeting the Cytochrome B gene were used to detect Plasmodium and Haemoproteus, and Leucocytozoon respectively. Two primer sets were used for Haemoproteus detection to increase detection sensitivity, with one being a genus-specific primer.

    RESULTS: Fourteen samples (prevalence rate: 48.28%) were found positive for avian Plasmodium. Phylogenetic analysis divided our sequences into five lineages, pFANTAIL01, pCOLL4, pACCBAD01, pALPSIS01 and pALPSIS02, with two lineages being novel. No Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon was found in this study. However, Haemoproteus-specific primer used amplified our Plasmodium samples, making the primer non-specific to Haemoproteus only.

    CONCLUSION: This is the first blood parasite detection study on AGS using carcasses and blood clot as sample source in Sarawak. Due to the scarcity of longer sequences from regions with high genetic plasticity, usage of genus-specific primers should be validated with sequencing to ensure correct prevalence interpretation.

    Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia/epidemiology
  3. Rowland R, Chia RCJ, Liew VK
    PLoS One, 2023;18(1):e0277252.
    PMID: 36719865 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0277252
    This paper examines the impact of non-pharmaceutical intervention by government on stock market return as well as volatility. Using daily Malaysian equity data from January 28, 2020 to May 31, 2022, the regression analysis with bootstrapping technique reveals that the government's response in combating the deadly virus through Stringency index has shown a positive direct effect on both stock market returns and volatility, and indirect negative effect on stock market returns. The study revealed that international travel restriction and cancelling public events are the major contributors to the growth of volatility when estimated for Malaysia stock market index. On the one hand, heterogenous impact is expected from the perspective of different sectors when the individual social distancing measures were taken into account in determining stock return and volatility. Apart from that, the robustness check for the main findings remains intact in majority of the regression models after incorporating daily COVID-19 death rate, log (daily vaccination) and day-of-the-week effect as additional control variable in alternative.
    Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia/epidemiology
  4. Mohamad Muhit AM, Sy-Cherng Woon L, Nik Mhd Nor NS, Sidi H, Mohd Kalok AH, Kampan NC, et al.
    Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2022 Nov 23;19(23).
    PMID: 36497627 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192315545
    BACKGROUND: Sexual dysfunction is a major issue among gynaecological cancer survivors. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of sexual dysfunction among survivors of gynaecological cancer in Malaysia and to determine its risk factors.

    METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted of 116 married women with gynaecological cancer who attended the gynaeoncology and oncology clinics at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC). Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected. Sexual dysfunction was measured using the Malay Version Female Sexual Function Index (MVFSFI). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to determine the risk factors of female sexual dysfunction.

    RESULTS: The prevalence of sexual dysfunction among gynaecological cancer survivors was 60% (70 out of 116). Sexual dissatisfaction was the most prevalent domain of sexual dysfunction at 68.1%. Sexual dysfunction was significantly associated with low education levels (Primary level, AOR = 4.92, 95% CI: 1.12-21.63; secondary level, AOR = 4.06, 95% CI: 1.14-14.44). Non-Malays were significantly more likely to have sexual dysfunction compared with Malays (AOR = 3.57, 95% CI: 1.16-11.06). In terms of treatment, combinations of surgery and radiotherapy (AOR = 4.66, 95% CI: 1.01-21.47) as well as surgery and chemoradiation (AOR = 5.77, 95% CI: 1.20-27.85) were considered.

    CONCLUSIONS: Gynaecological cancer survivors with lower education levels, non-Malay ethnicity, and receiving treatment combinations of surgery and radiotherapy or surgery and chemoradiation have a higher risk of sexual dysfunction. A holistic approach in managing the various sociocultural and clinical issues is required to prevent sexual dysfunction among these patients.

    Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia/epidemiology
  5. Joo LK, Sazali MF, Goroh M, Zefong AC, Maluda MCM, Avoi R, et al.
    BMC Health Serv Res, 2022 Dec 17;22(1):1541.
    PMID: 36528610 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-08920-4
    BACKGROUND: Healthcare workers (HCWs) is the high-risk group for COVID-19 infection due to increased workplace exposure. However, evidence of the disease burden and factors associated with severe COVID-19 infection among HCWs is limited. Therefore, this article aims to describe the prevalence of severe COVID-19 disease among HCWs in Sabah, Malaysia, and to determine the factors associated with severe COVID-19 infection.

    METHOD: A retrospective cross-sectional study was carried out by assessing the data of COVID-19-infected HCWs in Sabah, Malaysia, from 1st March 2021 until 30th September 2021. Logistic regression analysis was used in this study.

    RESULTS: Three thousand and forty HCWs were diagnosed with COVID-19 from 1st March 2021 until 30th September 2021. Of the 3040 HCWs, 2948 (97.0%) HCWs were mild, whereas 92 (3.0%) were severe. The multivariate logistic regression model showed that severe COVID-19 among HCWs in Sabah was associated with those do not receive any COVID-19 vaccination (aOR 6.061, 95% CI 3.408 - 10.780), underlying co-morbidity (aOR 3.335, 95% CI 2.183 - 5.096), and female (aOR 1.833, 95% CI 1.090 - 3.081).

    CONCLUSION: HCWs should strictly adhere to preventive measures, including vaccination, personal protective equipment, and early referral to a physician upon identifying severe COVID-19 infection. Early screening and aggressive co-morbidity treatment among HCWs are essential for public health practitioners to prevent severe COVID-19 disease. Regardless of co-morbidity status, HCWs should stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccination, including booster doses.

    Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia/epidemiology
  6. Phang P, Ling CY, Liew SH, Razak FA, Wiwatanapataphee B
    Sci Rep, 2024 Nov 11;14(1):27562.
    PMID: 39528569 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-79002-0
    The nonlinear progression of COVID-19 positive cases, their fluctuations, the correlations in amplitudes and phases across different regions, along with seasonality or periodicity, pose challenges to thoroughly examining the data for revealing similarities or detecting anomalous trajectories. To address this, we conducted a nonlinear time series analysis combining wavelet and persistent homology to detect the qualitative properties underlying COVID-19 daily infection numbers at the state level from the pandemic's onset to June 2024 in Malaysia. The first phase involved investigating the evolution of daily confirmed cases by state in the time-frequency domain using wavelets. Subsequently, a topological feature-based time series clustering is performed by reconstructing a higher-dimensional phase space through a delay embedding method. Our findings reveal a prominent 7-day periodicity in case numbers from mid-2021 to the end of 2022. The state-wise daily cases are moderately correlated in both amplitudes and phases during the Delta and Omicron waves. Biweekly averaged data significantly enhances the detection of topological loops associated with these waves. Selangor demonstrates unique case trajectories, while Pahang shows the highest similarity with other states. This methodological framework provides a more detailed understanding of epidemiological time series data, offering valuable insights for preparing for future public health crises.
    Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia/epidemiology
  7. Fornace KM, Topazian HM, Routledge I, Asyraf S, Jelip J, Lindblade KA, et al.
    Nat Commun, 2023 Jun 01;14(1):2945.
    PMID: 37263994 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38476-8
    Reported incidence of the zoonotic malaria Plasmodium knowlesi has markedly increased across Southeast Asia and threatens malaria elimination. Nonzoonotic transmission of P. knowlesi has been experimentally demonstrated, but it remains unknown whether nonzoonotic transmission is contributing to increases in P. knowlesi cases. Here, we adapt model-based inference methods to estimate RC, individual case reproductive numbers, for P. knowlesi, P. falciparum and P. vivax human cases in Malaysia from 2012-2020 (n = 32,635). Best fitting models for P. knowlesi showed subcritical transmission (RC  1) was estimated historically for P. falciparum and P. vivax, with declines in RC estimates observed over time consistent with local elimination. Together, this suggests sustained nonzoonotic P. knowlesi transmission is highly unlikely and that new approaches are urgently needed to control spillover risks.
    Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia/epidemiology
  8. Br J Dermatol, 2023 Sep 15;189(4):e73.
    PMID: 37713514 DOI: 10.1093/bjd/ljad292
    Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia/epidemiology
  9. Zakaria N, Zakaria NH, Bin Abdul Rassip MNA, Lee KY
    BMJ Open, 2022 Oct 10;12(10):e064687.
    PMID: 36216421 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-064687
    OBJECTIVE: This national-level study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of burnout, as well as the coping strategies among nurses in the Ministry of Health (MOH) Malaysia.

    DESIGN: Using a complex sampling design, a two-stage stratified cluster sampling was performed to recruit MOH nurses between August and November 2019.

    SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: A total of 2428 nurses from 32 hospitals and 28 district health offices answered the questionnaires based on Maslach Burnout Inventory for Human Services and Brief COPE. Complex sampling analysis was applied.

    OUTCOME MEASURES: The outcome of interest was the prevalence of burnout and its three domains of emotional exhaustion (EE), depersonalisation (DP) and low personal accomplishment. ORs using 95% CIs were calculated. Significant factors at the univariate level were entered into the multivariate logistic regression to identify independent predictors of burnout.

    RESULTS: One in four (24.4%) nurses experienced burnout. Younger, single, and childless nurses had a higher prevalence of burnout. Shift working nurses were 1.6 times more likely to develop burnout. Those who performed >6 night shifts per month were 1.5 times more predisposed to burnout (95% CI 1.01 to 2.36; p<0.05). While encountering traumatic events at work led to 4.2 times (95% CI 2.31, 7.63; p<0.05) higher risk of burnout, those who received post-traumatic psychological support were better protected. The use of dysfunctional coping strategies was detrimental as it was positively correlated with EE and DP.

    CONCLUSION: Addressing modifiable stressors of burnout at individual and institutional levels identified in this study can be potentially beneficial in reducing burnout and its undesirable effects among nurses. Interventions that promote positive coping strategies should be implemented. Organisational-driven efforts must target the improvement of work schedules for nurses and the establishment of a structured debriefing service for post-trauma counselling.

    Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia/epidemiology
  10. Ismail AK, Abd Hamid MNH, Ariff NA, Frederic Ng VER, Goh WC, Abdul Samat NS, et al.
    PLoS Negl Trop Dis, 2023 Jan;17(1):e0010983.
    PMID: 36598885 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010983
    Pit vipers from the genus Tropidolaemus are identified as one of the common causes of snake bite from venomous species in Malaysia. All Tropidolaemus species bite cases referred to the Remote Envenomation Consultation Services (RECS) between 2015-2021 were included. A total of 4,718 snake-related injuries cases consulted to RECS with 310 (6.6%) involved Tropidolaemus species; of these 190 (61.3%) were T. subannulatus and 120 (38.7%) T. wagleri. All the T. subannulatus cases occurred in Sabah and Sarawak while all cases of T. wagleri occurred in Peninsular Malaysia. The majority of patients were male (74.8%) and adults between 18-59 years old (61.2%). The upper limb (56.6%) was the most frequent anatomical region involved. Most cases were non-occupationally related (75.4%). Bites from both species caused local pain (77.1%) and swelling (27.2%). Most patients complained of mild pain (48.0%). Paracetamol (40.0%) was the most common analgesic prescribed. Antivenom was not indicated in all cases. Two patients were given antivenom inappropriately before RECS consultation. Most patients (54.7%) needed hospital observation for less than 24 hours. No deaths occurred in the group studied.
    Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia/epidemiology
  11. Wan Ibrahim WH, Thong JZ, Lo MC, Mohamad AA, Ching JL
    J Emerg Manag, 2023;21(5):469-479.
    PMID: 37932948 DOI: 10.5055/jem.0777
    In Sarawak, Malaysia, several exceptional safety precautions and measures were adopted to prevent the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic from spreading. Individuals' attitudes and opinions have impact on their obedience toward control procedures. Sarawak residents' attitudes and opinions toward COVID-19 were investigated in the present study. An online questionnaire developed using Google Forms was completed by 1,462 residents from all 12 divisions in Sarawak. The findings show that most Sarawak residents have positive attitudes and opinions about current standard operating procedures (SOPs) toward COVID-19. More than half of the respondents stand unbiased for the effectiveness of these SOPs, while most respondents have a neutral standpoint regarding the current law enforcement. The partial least square regression results found using the WarpPLS 7.0 software indicate that Sarawak residents' attitudes, opinions about current SOPs, and their effectiveness are significantly linked to practices for the prevention of COVID-19 outbreak, whereas these residents' opinions about current law enforcement were observed to have no significant relationship with proper practices for measures.
    Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia/epidemiology
  12. Klappenbach R, Lartigue B, Beauchamp M, Boietti B, Santero M, Bosque L, et al.
    Arch Osteoporos, 2023 Apr 17;18(1):51.
    PMID: 37067611 DOI: 10.1007/s11657-023-01241-x
    PURPOSE: The study aims to identify, describe, and organize the currently available evidence regarding hip fracture (HF) registries in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

    METHODS: We conducted a scoping review adhering to PRISMA-ScR guidelines. We searched MEDLINE (PubMed), Google Scholar, Global Index Medicus, websites related to HF, and study references for eligible studies. Two reviewers independently performed the study selection and data extraction, including studies describing the use of individual patient records with the aim to improve the quality of care in older people with HF in LMICs.

    RESULTS: A total of 222 abstracts were screened, 59 full-text articles were reviewed, and 10 studies regarding 3 registries were included in the analysis. Malaysia and Mexico implemented a HF registry in public hospitals whereas Argentina implemented a registry in the private setting. The Mexican registry, the most recent one, is the only one that publishes annual reports. There was significant variability in data fields between registries, particularly in functional evaluation and follow-up. The Ministry of Health finances the Malaysian registry, while Argentinian and Mexican registries founding was unclear.

    CONCLUSION: The adoption of HF registries in LMICs is scarce. The few experiences show promising results but higher support is required to develop more registries. Long-term sustainability remains a challenge.

    Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia/epidemiology
  13. Al-Hussein WA, Li W, Por LY, Ku CS, Alredany WHD, Leesri T, et al.
    Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2022 Sep 07;19(18).
    PMID: 36141497 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191811224
    The spread of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 resulted in unprecedented worldwide countermeasures such as lockdowns and suspensions of all retail, recreational, and religious activities for the majority of 2020. Nonetheless, no adequate scientific data have been provided thus far about the impact of COVID-19 on driving behavior and road safety, especially in Malaysia. This study examined the effect of COVID-19 on driving behavior using naturalistic driving data. This was accomplished by comparing the driving behaviors of the same drivers in three periods: before COVID-19 lockdown, during COVID-19 lockdown, and after COVID-19 lockdown. Thirty people were previously recruited in 2019 to drive an instrumental vehicle on a 25 km route while recording their driving data such as speed, acceleration, deceleration, distance to vehicle ahead, and steering. The data acquisition system incorporated various sensors such as an OBDII reader, a lidar, two ultrasonic sensors, an IMU, and a GPS. The same individuals were contacted again in 2020 to drive the same vehicle on the same route in order to capture their driving behavior during the COVID-19 lockdown. Participants were approached once again in 2022 to repeat the procedure in order to capture their driving behavior after the COVID-19 lockdown. Such valuable and trustworthy data enable the assessment of changes in driving behavior throughout the three time periods. Results showed that drivers committed more violations during the COVID-19 lockdown, with young drivers in particular being most affected by the traffic restrictions, driving significantly faster and performing more aggressive steering behaviors during the COVID-19 lockdown than any other time. Furthermore, the locations where the most speeding offenses were committed are highlighted in order to provide lawmakers with guidance on how to improve traffic safety in those areas, in addition to various recommendations on how to manage traffic during future lockdowns.
    Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia/epidemiology
  14. Ng JW, Chong ETJ, Tan YA, Lee HG, Chan LL, Lee QZ, et al.
    PMID: 35206404 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19042216
    More than 1.75 million COVID-19 infections and 16 thousand associated deaths have been reported in Malaysia. A meta-analysis on the prevalence of COVID-19 in different clinical stages before the National COVID-19 Vaccination Program in Malaysia is still lacking. To address this, the disease severity of a total of 215 admitted COVID-19 patients was initially recorded in the early phase of this study, and the data were later pooled into a meta-analysis with the aim of providing insight into the prevalence of COVID-19 in 5 different clinical stages during the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia. We have conducted a systematic literature search using PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and two preprint databases (bioRxiv and medRxiv) for relevant studies with specified inclusion and exclusion criteria. The quality assessment for the included studies was performed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. The heterogeneity was examined with an I2 index and a Q-test. Funnel plots and Egger's tests were performed to determine publication bias in this meta-analysis. Overall, 5 studies with 6375 patients were included, and the pooled prevalence rates in this meta-analysis were calculated using a random-effect model. The highest prevalence of COVID-19 in Malaysia was observed in Stage 2 cases (32.0%), followed by Stage 1 (27.8%), Stage 3 (17.1%), Stage 4 (7.6%), and Stage 5 (3.4%). About two-thirds of the number of cases have at least one morbidity, with the highest percentage of hypertension (66.7%), obesity (55.5%), or diabetes mellitus (33.3%) in Stage 5 patients. In conclusion, this meta-analysis suggested a high prevalence of COVID-19 occurred in Stage 2. The prevalence rate in Stage 5 appeared to be the lowest among COVID-19 patients before implementing the vaccination program in Malaysia. These meta-analysis data are critically useful for designing screening and vaccination programs and improving disease management in the country.
    Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia/epidemiology
  15. Hasan SI, Kaai SC, Amer Nordin AS, Mohd Hairi F, Danaee M, Yee A, et al.
    PMID: 35270727 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19053035
    Increasing quitting among smokers is essential to reduce the population burden of smoking-related diseases. Smokers' intentions to quit smoking are among the strongest predictors of future quit attempts. It is therefore important to understand factors associated with intentions to quit, and this is particularly important in low- and middle-income countries, where there have been few studies on quit intentions. The present study was conducted to identify factors associated with quit intentions among smokers in Malaysia. Data came from the 2020 International Tobacco Control (ITC) Malaysia Survey, a self-administered online survey of 1047 adult (18+) Malaysian smokers. Smokers who reported that they planned to quit smoking in the next month, within the next six months, or sometime beyond six months were classified as having intentions to quit smoking. Factors associated with quit intentions were examined by using multivariable logistic regression. Most smokers (85.2%) intended to quit smoking. Smokers were more likely to have quit intentions if they were of Malay ethnicity vs. other ethnicities (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.82, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.03-3.20), of moderate (AOR = 2.11, 95% CI = 1.12-3.99) or high level of education vs. low level of education (AOR = 1.97, 95% CI = 1.04-3.75), if they had ever tried to quit smoking vs. no quit attempt (AOR = 8.81, 95% CI = 5.09-15.27), if they received advice to quit from a healthcare provider vs. not receiving any quit advice (AOR = 3.78, 95% CI = 1.62-8.83), and if they reported worrying about future health because of smoking (AOR = 3.11, 95% CI = 1.35-7.15 (a little worried/moderately worried vs. not worried); AOR = 7.35, 95% CI = 2.47-21.83 (very worried vs. not worried)). The factors associated with intentions to quit smoking among Malaysian smokers were consistent with those identified in other countries. A better understanding of the factors influencing intentions to quit can strengthen existing cessation programs and guide the development of more effective smoking-cessation programs in Malaysia.
    Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia/epidemiology
  16. Benacer D, Thong KL, Verasahib KB, Galloway RL, Hartskeerl RA, Lewis JW, et al.
    Asia Pac J Public Health, 2016 05;28(4):290-302.
    PMID: 27044535 DOI: 10.1177/1010539516640350
    The history and epidemiology of human leptospirosis in Malaysia from 1925 to 2012 are described. Previous studies have demonstrated that leptospirosis is an endemic disease in Malaysia occurring in both urban and rural locations. The number of cases has risen dramatically since the Ministry of Health Malaysia highlighted leptospirosis as a notifiable disease in 2010, with reported cases increasing from 248 cases in 2004 to 3604 in 2012. The incidence of infection among the population suggests that occupation, sex, age, ethnic background, water recreational activities, and sporting events are risk factors. A robust surveillance system is now in place to monitor temporal and spatial changes in the incidence and prevalence of infection and to identify risk areas and disease behavior. Despite extensive studies over the past decade, there is a still a need to describe local serovars in host carriers and the human population, with the view to develop an effective vaccine against leptospirosis.
    Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia/epidemiology
  17. Tay YW, Lim JL, Tan AH, Annuar AA, Lim SY
    Ann Acad Med Singap, 2021 04;50(4):353-355.
    PMID: 33990826 DOI: 10.47102/annals-acadmedsg.2020508
    Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia/epidemiology
  18. Loong SK, Abd-Majid MA, Teoh BT, Cheh MJ, Khor CS, Chao CC, et al.
    Am J Trop Med Hyg, 2022 Aug 17;107(2):397-400.
    PMID: 35895409 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.20-0656
    In recent years, the number of leptospirosis cases, including the number of deaths, has exponentially increased in Malaysia. From June 2016 to February 2018, blood samples of 321 febrile patients with the presumptive diagnosis of dengue-like illness were examined for possible exposure to Leptospira. Two hundred fifty-five blood samples were tested as negative for dengue. Seminested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and IgM ELISA for leptospirosis were performed. From the samples, an overall prevalence for leptospirosis based on PCR of 4.7% (12/255) was obtained. Eighteen percent (46/255) were positive for anti-Leptospira IgM antibodies. The genome sequences of six of 12 Leptospira PCR-positive samples showed > 97.0% similarity to Leptospira interrogans. One patient's sample consisted of Leptospira and chikungunya virus, suggesting a coinfection. Findings from the study suggest that leptospirosis is prevalent among dengue-negative febrile patients in Malaysia.
    Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia/epidemiology
  19. Utap MS, Ng CJ, Lee YK, Kiyu A
    Asia Pac J Public Health, 2024 Mar;36(2-3):219-224.
    PMID: 38258742 DOI: 10.1177/10105395241227507
    In Malaysia, despite achieving leprosy-elimination status in 1994, leprosy remains a public health issue among the indigenous Penan community in Sarawak. This study aimed to determine the prevalence trend and clinical profile of leprosy among the Penans in rural Baram, Sarawak, Malaysia. A retrospective records review was conducted on 10-year (2008-2018) time trend of annual prevalence rate and 5-year (2013-2018) Penan leprosy patient clinical profile. Out of the 257 new cases of leprosy reported in Sarawak, 42.8% were Penans, and 72.7% were from Baram. The annual Penan ethnic-specific prevalence rate ranged from 2.08 to 35.5/10 000. Forty-six cases were analyzed for clinical profile: There were more males, active case detection, and multibacillary leprosy. The prevalence trend of leprosy among the Penans in rural Baram exceeded recommended elimination targets. Majority of the cases were detected through active case detection, but cases were detected late. Interventions are needed to improve early diagnosis and detection to achieve elimination of leprosy.
    Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia/epidemiology
  20. Baharin J, Sahari NS, Lim SM
    Electron Physician, 2014;6(3):863-7.
    PMID: 25763159 DOI: 10.14661/2014.863-867
    Rhabdomyolysis is a serious but rare side effect of Lamivudine treatment. Therefore, appropriate biochemical monitoring should be undertaken when it is used in the treatment of hepatitis B. This paper presents a case of Lamivudine-associated rhabdomyolysis in a 31-year-old man with congenital heart disease and hepatitis B. Three days after starting Lamivudine, the patient developed myalgia. Significant muscle tenderness and swelling of the upper and lower limbs was discovered during a physical examination. Creatine kinase was markedly raised. Lamivudine-induced rhabdomyolysis was suspected and the drug was discontinued. Symptoms and creatine kinase activity improved within four days of Lamivudine cessation and hydration. Early identification of Lamivudine-induced rhabdomyolysis is key in preventing this potentially fatal drug reaction; withdrawal of Lamivudine may contribute to complete remission of rhabdomyolysis.
    Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia; Malaysia/ethnology
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