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Enterovirus 71: the virus, its infections and outbreaks

Ho M

J Microbiol Immunol Infect, 2000 Dec;33(4):205-16.
PMID: 11269363

Enterovirus 71 (EV71) was first recognized in 1974. Since then it has been implicated in 13 small and large outbreaks world-wide. Large outbreaks of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD), mostly benign, occurred in Japan in 1973 and 1978. Four outbreaks with brain stem encephalitis and significant numbers of deaths occurred in Bulgaria and Hungary in the late 1970's and in Malaysia and Taiwan in 1997 and 1998 respectively. During the latter two epidemics, pulmonary edema and hemorrhage often leading to quick deaths in children aged from 0.5 to 3 years old was first recognized. In Taiwan 78 deaths and over 100,000 cases of HFMD occurred. Coxsackie A16 cocirculated with EV 71, without however, causing any severe illnesses. The transmission of EV 71 was related to number of siblings in a household, rural residence and contact with cases of HFMD. Genotype analyses show that genotypes have changed with time in the United States and Japan. Recent isolates from Japan are similar to the isolates from Malaysia and Taiwan in 1997 and 1998, respectively. Even though genotype analysis has not identified specific sequences responsible for neurovirulence, the strains causing brain stem encephalitis and pulmonary edema in the Far East are similar and have arisen since 1997. Seroepidemiological studies in Taiwan suggest that children aged from 0.5 to 4 years old are most susceptible while the rest of the population are over 50% immune. Theoretically there is a pool of such susceptible subjects every few years. In prevention for another major outbreak, a simple, inactivated Salk type vaccine should be immediately prepared and made available.

Matched MeSH terms: Seroepidemiologic Studies
Fulltext Toxocara seroprevalence and childhood asthma among Malaysian children

Chan PW, Anuar AK, Fong MY, Debruyne JA, Ibrahim J

Pediatr Int, 2001 Aug;43(4):350-3.
PMID: 11472577 DOI: 10.1046/j.1442-200X.2001.01421.x

BACKGROUND: The larva of Toxocara spp., a common animal roundworm, may infect non-compatible hosts, causing a profound immunological reaction with marked eosinophil and IgE responses, not unlike in atopy. In this study, we determined the seroprevalence of Toxocara exposure in 66 asthmatic and 58 non-asthmatic children.
METHODS: Exposure to Toxocara was determined by examining the serum samples of the children for specific IgG antibodies to L2 Toxocara larvae, using a commercially available diagnostic kit.
RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the mean age, sex, social class, residence type and presence of domestic pets at home between the two children groups. Children with bronchial asthma were observed to have higher Toxocara seropositivity than that of the non-asthmatic controls (21.2 vs 8.6%, P=0.047).
CONCLUSION: The observed relationship between exposure to Toxocara infection and bronchial asthma in Malaysian children warrants further evaluation. An understanding of any possible contribution to the pathogenesis of childhood asthma provides a potential avenue for prevention.
Study site: Paediatric Asthma clinic, University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Matched MeSH terms: Seroepidemiologic Studies
Fulltext The prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen and anti-HCV antibody in paediatric oncology patients in Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia

Menon BS, Aiyar S

Med J Malaysia, 1997 Dec;52(4):331-4.
PMID: 10968109

This study examined the prevalence of hepatitis B and C markers in 55 paediatric oncology patients who had completed treatment at the Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia in Kota Baru. All these children had received blood products and had been treated between 1985-1996. Forty seven per cent of patients were positive for hepatitis B or C. Twenty nine per cent were positive for hepatitis C and twenty two per cent were HBsAg positive. Two children were positive for both and none were HIV positive. Four children had an elevated ALT level and one child had jaundice and hepatomegaly. Some children were marker-positive despite immunization and screening of blood.

Matched MeSH terms: Seroepidemiologic Studies
Rickettsial infection in five remote Orang Ulu villages in upper Rejang River, Sarawak, Malaysia

Sagin DD, Ismail G, Nasian LM, Jok JJ, Pang EK

Southeast Asian J. Trop. Med. Public Health, 2000 Dec;31(4):733-5.
PMID: 11414421

People in 5 Orang Ulu villages in Sarawak, Malaysia were tested for rickettsial infection by Weil-Felix reaction and by indirect immunoperoxidase reaction. Of those surveyed 9.6% were positive for typhus. Of the positives, 3.8% were positive for tick typhus (7/11), scrub typhus (4/11) or endemic typhus (1/11). The incidence of typhus was higher among semi-nomadic Penans compared with the settled Kayans.

Matched MeSH terms: Seroepidemiologic Studies
Fulltext Seroepidemiology of toxoplasmosis among HIV-infected patients and healthy blood donors

Nissapatorn V, Kamarulzaman A, Init I, Tan LH, Rohela M, Norliza A, et al.

Med J Malaysia, 2002 Sep;57(3):304-10.
PMID: 12440270 MyJurnal

A cross-sectional study was carried out in University of Malaya Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur. Blood samples from 100 HIV-infected patients and 203 Healthy Blood Donors (HBD) were collected and anti-Toxoplasma antibodies were detected by using conventional ELISA. The seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in HIV/AIDS and Healthy Blood Donors were found to be 21% and 28.1% respectively. There was no significant association between the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis and various possible risk factors i.e. contact with cat, consumption of undercooked meat and history of blood transfusion in both groups. No significant differences between Toxoplasma seroprevalence in HIV/AIDS and Healthy Blood Donors in association with presence of single or multiple risk factors were found. The mean CD4 count among HIV/AIDS patients in this study was 202.23 cell/cumm. There was no significant association between CD4 count and seropositivity for Toxoplasma antibodies in HIV/AIDS patients.

Matched MeSH terms: Seroepidemiologic Studies
Fulltext Serological evidence of natural infection of wild rodents (Rattus spp and Tupaia glis) with rickettsiae in Malaysia

Tay ST, Kaewanee S, Ho TM, Rohani MY, Devi S

Southeast Asian J. Trop. Med. Public Health, 1998 Sep;29(3):560-2.
PMID: 10437957
Matched MeSH terms: Seroepidemiologic Studies
Fulltext Hepatitis A virus: declining seroprevalence in children and adolescents in Southeast Asia

Kunasol P, Cooksley G, Chan VF, Isahak I, John J, Loleka S, et al.

Southeast Asian J. Trop. Med. Public Health, 1998 Jun;29(2):255-62.
PMID: 9886108

The prevalence of hepatitis A virus (HAV) in a country largely reflects its standards of hygiene and socioeconomic conditions. Countries which undergo socioeconomic development show major change in HAV prevalence from high to low endemicity, and this is largely reflected in patterns of age-related seroprevalence. This paper presents age-related HAV seroprevalence patterns of SE Asian countries, and highlights how these patterns have changed over recent decades. Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia have experienced a decline in childhood and adolescent HAV seroprevalence, typical of countries which undergo socioeconomic development. By contrast, India has remained a country of high endemicity, with almost universal seroconversion in childhood. The Philippines and Vietnam show age-related seroprevalence patterns typical of high to moderate endemicity, while Indonesia shows significant regional variation in HAV seroprevalence. Populations within countries which exhibit major improvements in endemicity and age related HAV seroprevalence patterns are at risk of HAV epidemics, and a paradoxical increase in incidence tends to occur as seroconversion shifts from children to adults. The residents of these countries, a significant number of whom are at-risk, would benefit from a program of vaccination, as would non-infected individuals visiting high-risk areas.

Matched MeSH terms: Seroepidemiologic Studies
Prevalence of Toxocara canis antibody among children with bronchial asthma in Klang Hospital, Malaysia

Hakim SL, Thadasavanth M, Shamilah RH, Yogeswari S

Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg, 1998 2 17;91(5):528.
PMID: 9463657 DOI: 10.1016/s0035-9203(97)90010-9
Matched MeSH terms: Seroepidemiologic Studies
Fulltext Poliomyelitis and measles serosurvey in northern Malaysia

Saraswathy TS, Sinniah M, Lee WS, Lye MS, Choo KE, Jusoh H

Southeast Asian J. Trop. Med. Public Health, 1994 Sep;25(3):565-8.
PMID: 7777927

In 1990 the Institute for Medical Research carried out a serosurvey in the state of Kelantan to study the age stratified immune prevalence rates for measles and poliomyelitis. Our findings indicate that 981 out of 1,097 (89%) of the population screened had measles antibodies and more than 90% (366 out of 400) had antibodies to all three serotypes of poliovirus. The susceptible group for measles was infants below one year of age, of whom 53.3% (8/15) did not have measles antibody. Of 400 subjects, 125 (31.3%) who were either incompletely vaccinated or had not been vaccinated against poliomyelitis, had polio neutralizing antibodies to all three poliovirus serotypes, suggesting herd immunity in the population. No high risk age group could be identified for poliomyelitis.

Matched MeSH terms: Seroepidemiologic Studies
Prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen and antibody among health care employees in Negri Sembilan, Malaysia, 1989

Tan TC, Vadivale M, Ong CN

Asia Pac J Public Health, 1992;6(3):134-9.
PMID: 1342800 DOI: 10.1177/101053959200600303

This study was based on a hepatitis B screening program conducted in one of the states in Malaysia in 1989. The majority (84.6%) of the 2986 health employees were screened. One quarter (25%) was found to have serological markers for the Hepatitis B Virus (HBV); 2.1% had Hepatitis B surface Antigen (HBsAg) and 22.8% had antibody to the Hepatitis B surface Antigen (anti-HBs). The occurrence of HBsAg was higher in ethnic Chinese (6.3%) compared to Malays (1.8%) and Indians (0.9%), even when analyzed by sex, but not with age, type of institution and geographical locality. The distribution of anti-HBs was higher with ethnic Chinese (41.6%), male sex (27.2%) and age. There was a wide variation of the prevalence of serological markers among occupations and increased relative risks of HBsAg were found among medical assistants (RR3.7; 95% CI 1.4-9.1) and laboratory staff (RR 3.2; 95% CI 1-8.8), and that of anti-HBs among medical assistants (RR 2.8; 95% CI 1.8-3.7). The variations of HBsAg among occupations by type of institutions was marginal while that of anti-HBs was higher among attendants and midwives in hospitals, medical assistants in health departments, and assistant nurses and dentists in dental centers. The patterns of distribution of serological markers of HBV among health staff reflect the situation in the community with high endemicity and resemble specific occupational factors noted in previous studies in the West.
Publication year is 1992-1993

Matched MeSH terms: Seroepidemiologic Studies
Ethnic distribution of Chlamydophila pneumoniae antibodies in a Malaysian population and possible correlation with coronary heart disease

Naidu BR, Ngeow YF, Pang T

Eur J Epidemiol, 2003;18(2):135-7.
PMID: 12733835

Chlamydophila pneumoniae, an important respiratory pathogen causing lower respiratory tract infections, has also been implicated in coronary heart disease (CHD). This study reports a cross-sectional, demographic, serological analysis of the prevalence of Chlamydophila pneumoniae antibodies in a multiracial Malaysian population. Generally, Malaysian Indians had the highest degree of seropositivity (58%) followed by the Chinese (54%) and the Malays (32%), results which were statistically significant (CI: 95%; p < 0.01). Interestingly, this trend was also reflected in the study group consisting of patients with acute myocardial infarctions (AMI) and chronic CHD. Again, the Indians were more frequently seropositive (65%), with more than 50% having IgG titres > or = 128. Comparatively, the Chinese and Malays showed 51 and 17% seropositivity respectively. These results were also statistically significant (CI: 95%; p < 0.01). Malaysian Indians are more commonly afflicted with CHD. A variety of factors have been suggested to explain this prevalence including diet, social habits, genetics and the possible role of infectious agents. This study notes an interesting association between this pattern of racial prevalence and the possible role of C. pneumoniae infections as a contributory/predisposing factor in the development of cardiovascular disease.

Matched MeSH terms: Seroepidemiologic Studies
Seroprevalence of brucellosis among farmers and veterinary technical staff in peninsular Malaysia

Bamaiyi PH, L. Hassan, S. Khairani-Bejo, M. Zainalabidin, M. Ramlan, A. Adzhar, et al.

Sains Malaysiana, 2017;46:933-943.

A study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with brucellosis in farmers, veterinary technical staff and other volunteers in Peninsular Malaysia using the One Health concept. A cross sectional study design was employed to sample a population of farmers and Veterinary technical staff on a volunteer basis. The Brucella Coombs test was used to elucidate the seroprevalence of brucellosis in the sampled population and the associated factors and predictors for brucellosis. The seroprevalence of brucellosis among farmers and non-farmers (veterinary technical staff and others) of 446 people studied was 1.35% (95% CI=0.28-2.42). Occupation, age and drinking unpasteurized milk were significant risk factors for brucellosis using multivariate logistic regression at 90% confidence level. The odds of having brucellosis increased by 7.19 times in farmers compared to non-farmers (90% CI=1.16, 44.71), it increased 7.16 times in individuals 40 years and below compared with those above 40 years old (90% CI=1.16, 44.41) and 4.45 times among those who drink unpasteurized milk compared to those who do not (90% CI= 1.03, 19.15). This study highlights the current state of human brucellosis in Malaysia among those groups that are occupationally at risk. A nationwide health education of the occupationally exposed population especially farmers may decrease the incidence of the infection and support the on-going eradication efforts of brucellosis in Malaysia.

Matched MeSH terms: Seroepidemiologic Studies
Hepatitis B seroepidemiology and booster vaccination in pre-clinical medical students in a Malaysian university

Othman SN, Zainol Rashid Z, Abdul Wahab A, Abdul Samat MN, Ding CH, Ali UK

Malays J Pathol, 2018 Dec;40(3):295-302.
PMID: 30580360

INTRODUCTION: Infant hepatitis B vaccination was introduced into the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) in Malaysia in 1989. This study aimed to investigate seroprevalence of hepatitis B among UKM pre-clinical medical students, born between 1991 and 1995, and had their infant vaccination more than 20 years ago.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective, cross-sectional study involving 352 students, comprising 109 (31.0%) males and 243 (69.0%) females. Blood specimens were tested for anti-HBs, where levels of ≥10 mIU/mL was considered reactive and protective. Students with non-reactive levels were given a 20 μg HBV vaccine booster. Anti-HBs levels were tested six weeks after the first booster dose. Those with anti-HBs <10 mIU/mL were then given another two booster doses, at least one month apart. Anti-HBs levels were tested six weeks after the third dose.
RESULTS: Ninety-seven students (27.6%) had anti-HBs ranging from 10 to >1000 mIU/mL while 255 (72.4%) had anti-HBs <10 mIU/mL. After one booster dose, 208 (59.1%) mounted anti-HBs ≥10 mIU/mL. Among the remaining 47 (13.3%), all except two students (0.6%) responded following completion of three vaccination doses. They were negative for HBsAg and anti-HBcore antibody, thus regarded as non-responders.
CONCLUSIONS: Anti-HBs levels waned after 20 years post-vaccination, where more than 70% were within non-reactive levels. For healthcare workers, a booster dose followed by documenting anti-HBs levels of ≥10 mIU/mL may be recommended, to guide the management of post-exposure prophylaxis. Pre-booster anti-HBs testing may not be indicated. Serological surveillance is important in long-term assessment of HBV vaccination programs. No HBV carrier was detected.

Matched MeSH terms: Seroepidemiologic Studies
Fulltext Serological assessment of the establishment of herd immunity against measles in a health district in Malaysia

Hazlina Y, Marlindawati MA, Shamsuddin K

BMC Infect Dis, 2016 Dec 08;16(1):740.
PMID: 27931192

BACKGROUND: Malaysia still faces challenges optimizing resources to effectively eliminate measles through high immunization and herd immunity, with sporadic outbreaks of measles as evidence. The objective of this study is to determine the age-specific positive measles antibodies seroprevalence used for assessing the establishment of herd immunity against measles in different age groups. This is useful for identifying vulnerable age groups requiring supplementary immunization.

METHODS: A seroprevalence study was conducted among respondents aged 6-9 years, 15-24 years and 45-54 years attending government health clinics in Seremban between September 2014 and January 2015. A total of 1541 measles IgG antibody status were determined using ELISA technique (NovaTec Immundiagnostica GMBH) and assessment of establishment of herd immunity was based on indicators developed by Plans. Data on socio-demographic background as well as medical and medication history were also gathered.

RESULTS: Seropositive rate for all respondents were 87% (95% CI 85-89), while the rest had either indeterminate [6% (95% CI 5-7)] or negative titre [7% (95% CI 6-8)]. None of the factors analyzed except for age were significant predictors of positive measles antibodies. Seropositive rate differed by age with the highest rate seen in adults (94%; CI 92-96), followed by children (90%; 95% CI 87-94) and adolescents, and young adults (74%; 95% CI 70-78). Based on Plans' indicators, herd immunity was established in adults and children, but not in adolescents and young adults.

CONCLUSIONS: To tackle the most susceptible group in the present study, it is advisable to give booster vaccination to secondary school students and freshmen who enter colleges and universities in Malaysia.

Matched MeSH terms: Seroepidemiologic Studies
Low seroprevalence rates of Zika virus in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Sam IC, Montoya M, Chua CL, Chan YF, Pastor A, Harris E

Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg, 2019 11 01;113(11):678-684.
PMID: 31294807 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trz056

BACKGROUND: Zika virus (ZIKV) is believed to be endemic in Southeast Asia. However, there have been few Zika cases reported to date in Malaysia, which could be due to high pre-existing levels of population immunity.
METHODS: To determine Zika virus (ZIKV) seroprevalence in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 1085 serum samples from 2012, 2014-2015 and 2017 were screened for anti-ZIKV antibodies using a ZIKV NS1 blockade-of-binding assay. Reactive samples were confirmed using neutralization assays against ZIKV and the four dengue virus (DENV) serotypes. A sample was possible ZIKV seropositive with a ZIKV 50% neutralization (NT50) titre ≥20. A sample was probable ZIKV seropositive if, in addition, all DENV NT50 titres were <20 or the ZIKV NT50 titre was >4-fold greater than the highest DENV NT50 titre.
RESULTS: We found low rates of possible ZIKV seropositivity (3.3% [95% confidence interval {CI} 2.4 to 4.6]) and probable ZIKV seropositivity (0.6% [95% CI 0.3 to 1.4]). Possible ZIKV seropositivity was independently associated with increasing age (odds ratio [OR] 1.04 [95% CI 1.02 to 1.06], p<0.0001) and male gender (OR 3.5 [95% CI 1.5 to 8.6], p=0.005).
CONCLUSIONS: The low ZIKV seroprevalence rate, a proxy for population immunity, does not explain the low incidence of Zika in dengue-hyperendemic Kuala Lumpur. Other factors, such as the possible protective effects of pre-existing flavivirus antibodies or reduced transmission by local mosquito vectors, should be explored. Kuala Lumpur is at high risk of a large-scale Zika epidemic.

Matched MeSH terms: Seroepidemiologic Studies
Fulltext An association of Orf virus infection among sheep and goats with herd health programme in Terengganu state, eastern region of the peninsular Malaysia

Bala JA, Balakrishnan KN, Abdullah AA, Adamu L, Noorzahari MSB, May LK, et al.

BMC Vet Res, 2019 Jul 18;15(1):250.
PMID: 31319873 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-019-1999-1

BACKGROUND: Orf virus causes a scabby skin lesions which decreases productivity in small ruminants. The unknown status of this disease in the eastern region of Peninsular Malaysia warrants a study to determine sero-prevalence of orf with regards to farmers' compliance level towards the Herd Health Program (HHP) programme.
RESULTS: Out of 504 animals, 115 were positive for Orf-virus antibodies. An overall prevalence rate of 22.8% indicated a high prevalence of orf disease in this region. It was observed that 25.1% (92/367) of goats were positive and 16.8% (23/137) of sheep sero-converted for Orf virus antibody. Several factors were measured for their possible association with prevalence of Orf virus infection. The prevalence was higher in LY farm, JC breed, kid and female animals, and in the presence of disease lesion. Chi-square analysis showed a significant association of three risk factors which are species, age and sex of the animals (P 0.05). Farms surveyed usually practised intensive management system, keeping animals in the shade at all time, due to limited availability of suitable land as a free-range grazing area. An interview with small holder farmers revealed a lack of awareness of the main goals of herd health programme. An overall compliance level of 42.7% was observed for all HHP parameters. Among the 14 main components of HHP modules, animal identification had recorded highest compliance level (84.62%) while milking management recorded the least compliance (- 82.69%). That explained why there was a high sporadic prevalence of Orf infection in this region.
CONCLUSION: Good herd health supervision is a rehearsal target to prevent an outbreak and the spread of diseases thus reduces economic losses among farmers. Therefore, a good herd health programme should be in place, in order to prevent and control disease transmission as well as to improve herd immunity.

Matched MeSH terms: Seroepidemiologic Studies
Fulltext Hepatitis C infection and detection of antibodies, RNA and genotypes among female healthcare workers in Baghdad

Waqar, A.K., Nik Shamsidah N.I., Nor Aini M.N., Waqar, Abd Alqahar Al –Kubaisy

JUMMEC, 2018;21(1):14-20.
MyJurnal

Background: Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) is a major public health problem worldwide. About 130- 200 million people
are infected with HCV worldwide leading to 500,000 deaths annually (WHO 2014). Healthcare workers (HCWs)
have played an important role in the transmission of HCV infection, either as victims or as sources of infection.
Objectives: To determine the prevalence of HCV, antibodies (Abs) RNA and genotypes among the female HCWs
in Baghdad and to identify whether HCWs were infective or only infected.
Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 1001 women attending 17 health care centres in
Baghdad, Iraq, was carried out. Information on type and duration of their occupation was obtained. HCV Abs
(anti-HCV) were tested using a third generation enzyme immunoassay (EIA-3) and immunoblot assay (Lia
Tek-111). Molecular analysis using RT-PCR and DNA enzyme immunoassay (DEIA) for HCV-RNA and genotype
detections were carried out for 63 serum samples.
Results: Only 160/1001 (15.98%) were HCWs. Anti-HCV and HCV- RNA seroprevalence were significantly higher
(6.37%, p=0.0057, 88.83%, p= 0.011 respectively) among HCWs than non HCWs. HCWs were at a significantly
higher risk of exposure to HCV infection (OR=2.75, 95% C.I. =1.31-5.79). There was no significant association
between HCV genotypes and the HCWs. HCV-4 showed higher expression (62.5%) among HCWs.
Conclusion: Female HCWs were infective and infected with HCV, thus there is a need for medical equipment
to be sterilized and cleaned thoroughly.

Matched MeSH terms: Seroepidemiologic Studies
Fulltext Seroprevalence of enterically transmitted Hepatitis in North West India

Rekha Bachhiwal, Rajni Sharma, Pooja Gupta, Jyotsna Shukla

Journal of Clinical and Health Sciences, 2016;1:29-32.

To ascertain the seroprevalence of enterically transmitted Hepatitis A (HAV) and Hepatitis E (HEV) in cases with acute/subacute hepatitis attending a tertiary care hospital in North West India. Methods: A total of 2936 cases were examined for the presence of current infection with HAV and HEV, determined by demonstration of HAV-IgM and HEV-IgM antibodies using ELISA. Results: Overall seroprevalence for enterically transmitted hepatitis was found to be 24.89%. HAV IgM was present in 7.35% and HEV IgM was present in 17.54% of total cases. HAV infection was predominantly found in pediatric age group while HEV infection was mostly seen among adults. Male preponderance was noted. Enteric hepatitis cases occurred throughout the year. No definitive seasonal pattern was observed. Conclusion: Our data demonstrated high seropositivity of enterically transmitted hepatitis indicating the need for improvement in personal and public hygiene, and development of HEV vaccine

Matched MeSH terms: Seroepidemiologic Studies
Fulltext Seroprevalence and Risk Factors of Toxoplasma gondii in Ruminant Meats from Wet Markets in Klang Valley and Abattoirs in Selangor, Malaysia

Abdul Hamid N, Sadiq MB, Ramanoon SZ, Mansor R, Watanabe M, Md Isa NM, et al.

Animals (Basel), 2020 Jul 06;10(7).
PMID: 32640507 DOI: 10.3390/ani10071139

(1) Background: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of T. gondii in meats of cattle, goat and sheep from wet markets in Klang Valley, and abattoirs in Selangor, Malaysia; (2) Methods: A total of 192 meat samples were purchased from 51 wet markets in six districts in Klang Valley (Gombak, Klang, Kuala Lumpur, Hulu Langat, Petaling and Putrajaya). Meanwhile, a total of 200 diaphragm samples were collected from two government abattoirs located in Shah Alam and Banting, Selangor. All meat juices from samples were subjected to an indirect-ELISA kit for the presence of T. gondii IgG antibodies. Furthermore, all 184 meat samples of goat and sheep were subjected to conventional nested PCR (B1 genes) for the detection of T. gondii DNA; (3) Results: T. gondii antibodies were detected in 25% (n = 98/392) of the samples with seroprevalence of 9.1% (19/208, CI: 5.9%-13.8%) in cattle meat; 54.7% (41/75, 95% CI: 43.5%-65.4%) in goat meat and 34.9% (38/109, CI: 26.6%-44.2%) in sheep meat. No T. gondii DNA was detected in any of the meat samples of goat and sheep. T. gondii seropositivity in wet market samples was higher in goat (OR = 37.1 CI 12.4-110.3) and sheep meat (OR 9.03 CI: 3.28-24.8) compared to cattle meat (OR = 1.0) At univariate level, meat from non-licensed abattoirs (OR = 6.0 CI: 2.9-12.3) and female animals (OR = 6.7; CI 1.9-22.6) had higher risks of being seropositive for T. gondii antibodies than licensed abattoirs and male animals, respectively. (4) Conclusions: This is the first report of seroprevalence of T. gondii in ruminant meats for human consumption in Malaysia. The findings signified high exposure of meat samples from wet markets to T. gondii and the need for control measures to reduce the likelihood of infection when such raw or undercooked meats are consumed.

Matched MeSH terms: Seroepidemiologic Studies
Fulltext A systematic review: public health policies on Zika infection surveillance for Malaysia

Chin Mun Wong, Rozita Hod, Mohd Rohaizat Hassan, Sazaly Abu Bakar

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2019;15(106):3-3.
MyJurnal

Introduction: Zika infection was declared as Public Health Emergency of International Concern since year 2015. Despite of no new reported case via National Surveillance System for flavivirus, an underestimated seroprevalence might occur as the country contributes to the Asian lineage of the virus. Methods: Systematic literature search using PICO framework and PRISMA checklist across four databases for articles published from year 2013-2018 yielded 189 results, 37 articles accepted by titles following criteria were subjected to abstract screening, leaving 8 articles with clear risk proceed to full text analysis using Cochrane checklist and GRADE assessment. Results: There were four high quality articles and four low quality articles based on biases in studies. Blood product management and vac-cination are strategies strongly recommended to be implemented as Zika response while vector control and family planning are public health measures to be proposed as policy if feasible. Successful factors to improve Zika surveil-lance and management includes developing algorithm for blood product management, anti-Zika vaccine research, algorithm for new-born screening, participation of policy makers, healthcare capacity building, raising healthcare and public awareness on the infection, international funding, utilization of technology in data management and bio-logical control of vector. Conclusion: Implementation of Zika response as policy is timely, should be evidence-based and follow guidelines from WHO / CDC / FDA US after cost-effectiveness evaluation for Malaysia setting.

Matched MeSH terms: Seroepidemiologic Studies

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