Displaying publications 101 - 120 of 231 in total

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  1. Bizini, Fionna Vincent
    MyJurnal
    Fascioliasis is a major parasitic disease caused by the liver flukes, Fasciola hepatica and Fasciola gigantica in Malaysia. On 31st May 2016, three cases of fasciolasis among humans were notified in Tuaran involving two localities.
    Matched MeSH terms: Communicable Diseases
  2. Bellini WJ, Harcourt BH, Bowden N, Rota PA
    J Neurovirol, 2005 Oct;11(5):481-7.
    PMID: 16287690
    Nipah virus is a recently emergent paramyxovirus that is capable of causing severe disease in both humans and animals. The first outbreak of Nipah virus occurred in Malaysia and Singapore in 1999 and, more recently, outbreaks were detected in Bangladesh. In humans, Nipah virus causes febrile encephalitis with respiratory syndrome that has a high mortality rate. The reservoir for Nipah virus is believed to be fruit bats, and humans are infected by contact with infected bats or by contact with an intermediate animal host such as pigs. Person to person spread of the virus has also been described. Nipah virus retains many of the genetic and biologic properties found in other paramyxoviruses, though it also has several unique characteristics. However, the virologic characteristics that allow the virus to cause severe disease over a broad host range, and the epidemiologic, environmental and virologic features that favor transmission to humans are unknown. This review summarizes what is known about the virology, epidemiology, pathology, diagnosis and control of this novel pathogen.
    Matched MeSH terms: Communicable Diseases, Emerging/diagnosis*; Communicable Diseases, Emerging/epidemiology*; Communicable Diseases, Emerging/virology*
  3. Chin AZ, Maluda MCM, Jelip J, Jeffree MSB, Culleton R, Ahmed K
    J Physiol Anthropol, 2020 Nov 23;39(1):36.
    PMID: 33228775 DOI: 10.1186/s40101-020-00247-5
    BACKGROUND: Malaria is a major public-health problem, with over 40% of the world's population (more than 3.3 billion people) at risk from the disease. Malaysia has committed to eliminate indigenous human malaria transmission by 2020. The objective of this descriptive study is to understand the epidemiology of malaria in Malaysia from 2000 through 2018 and to highlight the threat posed by zoonotic malaria to the National Malaria Elimination Strategic Plan.

    METHODS: Malaria is a notifiable infection in Malaysia. The data used in this study were extracted from the Disease Control Division, Ministry of Health Malaysia, contributed by the hospitals and health clinics throughout Malaysia. The population data used in this study was extracted from the Department of Statistics Malaysia. Data analyses were performed using Microsoft Excel. Data used for mapping are available at EPSG:4326 WGS84 CRS (Coordinate Reference System). Shapefile was obtained from igismap. Mapping and plotting of the map were performed using QGIS.

    RESULTS: Between 2000 and 2007, human malaria contributed 100% of reported malaria and 18-46 deaths per year in Malaysia. Between 2008 and 2017, indigenous malaria cases decreased from 6071 to 85 (98.6% reduction), while during the same period, zoonotic Plasmodium knowlesi cases increased from 376 to 3614 cases (an 861% increase). The year 2018 marked the first year that Malaysia did not report any indigenous cases of malaria caused by human malaria parasites. However, there was an increasing trend of P. knowlesi cases, with a total of 4131 cases reported in that year. Although the increased incidence of P. knowlesi cases can be attributed to various factors including improved diagnostic capacity, reduction in human malaria cases, and increase in awareness of P. knowlesi, more than 50% of P. knowlesi cases were associated with agriculture and plantation activities, with a large remainder proportion linked to forest-related activities.

    CONCLUSIONS: Malaysia has entered the elimination phase of malaria control. Zoonotic malaria, however, is increasing exponentially and becoming a significant public health problem. Improved inter-sectoral collaboration is required in order to develop a more integrated effort to control zoonotic malaria. Local political commitment and the provision of technical support from the World Health Organization will help to create focused and concerted efforts towards ensuring the success of the National Malaria Elimination Strategic Plan.

    Matched MeSH terms: Communicable Diseases, Emerging
  4. Chuang YY, Huang YC
    Int J Antimicrob Agents, 2015 Apr;45(4):334-40.
    PMID: 25593014 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2014.12.007
    In addition to being a human pathogen, Staphylococcus aureus causes an array of infections in economically important livestock animals, particularly pigs. In Asia, there have been few reports on livestock-associated meticillin-resistant S. aureus (LA-MRSA), mostly from developed countries, with very few data available from resource-limited countries, not because of low prevalence but probably due to a shortage of diagnostic facilities. Unlike the wide spread of sequence type 398 (ST398) LA-MRSA in European countries and North America, ST9 predominates in most Asian countries. The prevalence of LA-MRSA among pigs in Asian countries varied widely (0.9-42.5%). The prevalence may vary by geographic location, age of pigs and sampling methodologies. Among pig farmers, the prevalence of nasal MRSA colonisation varied from 5.5% in Malaysia to 15% in China and 19.2% in Taiwan. Although most LA-MRSA isolates in Asia are of the same ST, molecular characteristics are not all the same. Dominant isolates in China were characterised as spa type t899-SCCmec III and t899-SCCmec IVb or V for isolates in Hong Kong, and t899-untypeable SCCmec for Taiwan. Dominant isolates in Malaysia were spa type t4358-SCCmec V and t337-SCCmec IX for isolates in Thailand. In addition, MRSA ST221 was reported in Japan and MRSA ST398 was isolated from commercial pigs in South Korea. Attention should be paid because pigs could become an important reservoir for MRSA and spread them to humans, as observed in many countries. There is a potential risk from the livestock reservoir to community and hospitals.
    Matched MeSH terms: Communicable Diseases, Emerging/microbiology; Communicable Diseases, Emerging/epidemiology*; Communicable Diseases, Emerging/veterinary*
  5. Mohtar, A., Neefa Bibi, B., Badri, Y.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction : Mersing, a district in north-east Johore was also affected by the recent worst flood in 100 years that striked Johore. Orang Asli settlements were among the worst affected by the flood in Mersing due to their location along the river. For Kg. Peta, not only flooded, the communications as well as the access roads were also tarnished. This settlement situated very deep interior about 100 km from Mersing town and next to Endau- Rompin National Park. Besides the distance, the geography and the communication issues make the flood operation even more difficult. Even then, the welfare of this minority group was never been neglected. Our Medical and Health Teams made a move in but unfortunately were also been trapped in between the flood waves.
    Methodology : It was a qualitative finding. The data for this report were collected from various means. Some data were collected through informal interview among the staffs that being trapped, head villager and the dwellers, local head departments of government and non-government organizations. Others were from the relevant photographs, formal flood returns as well as through the observation.
    Finding : The existence of very good involvement, cooperation and coordination from various agencies was the main factor that ensures all the villagers of Kg. Peta received our services despite of many difficulties or challenges. During this disaster, no outbreak of infectious disease or death from the settlement was reported. The welfare and the needs of all who affected and those involved in the flood operation were taken care off. Therefore, we believed that without good support and cooperation from others, we will not be able to deliver our services and their welfare especially when health was concerned will be deprived. The objectives of this write up were to share our experience in managing flood in very remote area and to show the importance of good integration between agencies in disaster management.
    Matched MeSH terms: Communicable Diseases
  6. Rozhan, S., Jamsiah, M., Rahimah, A., Ang, K.T.
    MyJurnal
    Background: The COMBI concept is a novel approach by the WHO to control communicable diseases which are influenced by community behaviour. The Ministry of Health is currently evaluating its use against dengue in selected areas throughout Malaysia. COMBI doctrine differs from previous dengue campaigns. It acknowledges that the factors contributing to dengue proliferation may differ between areas. Factors for a given area are analysed, then a single precise behavioural goal to overcome those problems is formulated. To inculcate this behavioural change, the target community is subjected to an intensive campaign using Integrated Marketing Communication techniques adapted from the advertisingindustry, particularly involving volunteers from the community itself.
    Methodology: In Selangor the pilot project was implemented in Section 3 and Section 4 of Bandar Baru Bangi, in the district of Hulu Langat. Here, Aedes breeding was found to occur mainly in water containers of semi permanent nature (eg. ‘kolah’, aquatic plant jars, flower pot bases etc). A total of 172 volunteers were recruited to disperse the message of “Suluh – Suluh, Basuh - Basuh” whilst distributing leaflets and flashlights to 2666 homes. Residents were instructed to illuminate such water containers twice weekly and scrub any containers found to contain larvae. The program commenced on 23/5/2004 and lasted 16 weeks.
    Results : During this period, the initial Aedes Index of 5 was reduced to 0.96 while combined cases of Dengue Fever / Dengue Haemorraghic Fever in Sections 3 and 4 reported to the Hulu Langat District Health Office also dropped to 1 (unconfirmed).
    Conclusion : The COMBI approach in Hulu Langat successfully demonstrated that correct problem identification synergized with community engagement can potentially reduce Aedes proliferationand dengue morbidity.
    Matched MeSH terms: Communicable Diseases
  7. Chai WL, Yong CK, Ngeow WC
    Ann Dent, 2003;10(1):22-26.
    MyJurnal
    Most prosthetic joint infections originate from wound contamination or haematogenous seeding from distant sites of infection. Bacteraemia may follow dental treatment but there is little evidence of it related to prosthetic joint infection. Nevertheless, controversy continues with regards to the effect of dental treatment in patients with prosthetic joints. This article reviews current English literature regarding the use of antibiotic prophylaxis in the dental management of patients with prosthetic joints. Routine antibiotic prophylaxis is not recommended for every patient with prosthetic joints when receiving dental treatments. However, antibiotic prophylaxis may be prescribed for high-risk groups with predisposing factors to infection when undergoing dental treatment with high risk of bacteraemia.
    Matched MeSH terms: Communicable Diseases
  8. Lee, E.L.
    MyJurnal
    Vaccines, used appropriately and efficiently, have changed the landscape of infectious diseases. Poliomyelitis is almost completely eliminated globally. In many industrialised countries, there has been over 99 percent reduction in incidence of diphtheria, tetanus, measles, mumps, rubella, Haemophilus in-fluenzae b meningitis and over 97 percent reduction in whooping cough.',2Unlike anti-biotics, most vaccines have remained equally effective despite years of continuous usage.
    Matched MeSH terms: Communicable Diseases
  9. Aisyah Mohamed Rehan, Hanisah Ujang, Siti Marhamah Drahaman, Nor Azurah Mat Akhir, Noraslinda Muhamad Bunnor, Mohd Firdaus Raih
    MyJurnal
    Burkholderia pseudomallei is the causative agent of melioidosis, an
    infectious disease endemic in Southeast Asia and northern Australia. Cases have been
    reported in Pahang, Johor Bahru and Kedah. The disease is difficult to combat as B.
    pseudomallei has shown resistance to various antibiotics and much is still not understood
    about its pathogenicity. It is suggested that investigating the bacterium hypothetical
    proteins may provide potential new targets for the development of antimicrobials. The
    gene of interest in this study, BPSL2774, encoding BPSL2774 hypothetical protein, is a
    target gene that was predicted as essential using transposon-directed insertion site
    sequencing technique (TraDIS). We aimed to express and purify soluble GST-tagged
    BPSL2774 protein at sufficient concentration for future functional assays. (Copied from article).
    Matched MeSH terms: Communicable Diseases
  10. Mansharan Kaur Chaincel Singh
    MyJurnal
    Amoebiasis is a parasitic infection caused by the
    intestinal protozoan Entamoeba histolytica, most
    prevalent in developing countries. It results in 40,000 to
    100,000 deaths each year from amoebic colitis and extra
    intestinal infections. Amoebic liver abscess (ALA)
    is the most common extra intestinal site of infection
    with an incidence of between 3% and 9% of all cases of
    amoebiasis. Ultrasound which has a sensitivity of more
    than 90% for detecting ALA is highly recommended
    as an initial investigation followed by serological
    demonstration of circulating antibodies specific to
    Entamoeba histolytica.
    Matched MeSH terms: Communicable Diseases
  11. Milne JJC
    Med J Malaya, 1948;2:161-73.
    This is an interesting piece of Colonial history, compiled, one presumes, from official reports. It cannot satisfactorily be summarized. The author deals with his subject under various heads: hospitals, health legislation, dangerous infectious diseases, prevailing diseases, beriberi, fever and malaria, dysentery, and diarrhoea, influenza and enteric fever. In a table are given the numbers of cases of smallpox, cholera, plague, beriberi, dysentery, diarfhoea and fevers reported each year from 1890 to 1939. The only one of these to show steady reduction is beriberi, which began to decline from figures over 2,000 per annum before the 1914-18 war to 69-444 per annum from 1930 to 1939. Plague was never common and neither cholera nor smallpox was responsible for large numbers of cases. The author does not give any systematic accounts of the outstanding investigations made during the period, but rather quotes opinions expressed by Government servants, medical or lay, in their reports. Charles Wilcocks.
    Matched MeSH terms: Communicable Diseases
  12. Cicero A, Meyer D, Shearer MP, AbuBakar S, Bernard K, Carus WS, et al.
    Emerg Infect Dis, 2019 May;25(5).
    PMID: 31002062 DOI: 10.3201/eid2505.181659
    A strategic multilateral dialogue related to biosecurity risks in Southeast Asia, established in 2014, now includes participants from Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, and the United States. This dialogue is conducted at the nonministerial level, enabling participants to engage without the constraints of operating in their official capacities. Participants reflect on mechanisms to detect, mitigate, and respond to biosecurity risks and highlight biosecurity issues for national leadership. Participants have also identified factors to improve regional and global biosecurity, including improved engagement and collaboration across relevant ministries and agencies, sustainable funding for biosecurity programs, enhanced information sharing for communicable diseases, and increased engagement in international biosecurity forums.
    Matched MeSH terms: Communicable Diseases
  13. Chee YC, Chee YN
    IDCases, 2018;11:51-52.
    PMID: 29349040 DOI: 10.1016/j.idcr.2018.01.001
    Burkholderia pseudomallei is recognized to cause severe and fatal infections. Most of the infections caused by this facultative intracellular gram-negative bacterium are pneumonia, soft tissue, genito-urinary and central nervous system infection. We report an unusual case of primary prostatic abscess complicated by perianal abscess caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei. Melioidosis related anorectal infections have not been previously reported in the literature.
    Matched MeSH terms: Communicable Diseases
  14. Cantlay JC, Ingram DJ, Meredith AL
    Ecohealth, 2017 Jun;14(2):361-388.
    PMID: 28332127 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-017-1229-x
    The overhunting of wildlife for food and commercial gain presents a major threat to biodiversity in tropical forests and poses health risks to humans from contact with wild animals. Using a recent survey of wildlife offered at wild meat markets in Malaysia as a basis, we review the literature to determine the potential zoonotic infection risks from hunting, butchering and consuming the species offered. We also determine which taxa potentially host the highest number of pathogens and discuss the significant disease risks from traded wildlife, considering how cultural practices influence zoonotic transmission. We identify 51 zoonotic pathogens (16 viruses, 19 bacteria and 16 parasites) potentially hosted by wildlife and describe the human health risks. The Suidae and the Cervidae families potentially host the highest number of pathogens. We conclude that there are substantial gaps in our knowledge of zoonotic pathogens and recommend performing microbial food safety risk assessments to assess the hazards of wild meat consumption. Overall, there may be considerable zoonotic risks to people involved in the hunting, butchering or consumption of wild meat in Southeast Asia, and these should be considered in public health strategies.
    Matched MeSH terms: Communicable Diseases
  15. Wong KT, Grosjean I, Brisson C, Blanquier B, Fevre-Montange M, Bernard A, et al.
    Am J Pathol, 2003 Nov;163(5):2127-37.
    PMID: 14578210 DOI: 10.1016/S0002-9440(10)63569-9
    A predominantly pig-to-human zoonotic infection caused by the novel Nipah virus emerged recently to cause severe morbidity and mortality in both animals and man. Human autopsy studies showed the pathogenesis to be related to systemic vasculitis that led to widespread thrombotic occlusion and microinfarction in most major organs especially in the central nervous system. There was also evidence of extravascular parenchymal infection, particularly near damaged vessels (Wong KT, Shieh WJ, Kumar S, Norain K, Abdullah W, Guarner J, Goldsmith CS, Chua KB, Lam SK, Tan CT, Goh KJ, Chong HT, Jusoh R, Rollin PE, Ksiazek TG, Zaki SR, Nipah Virus Pathology Working Group: Nipah virus infection: Pathology and pathogenesis of an emerging paramyxoviral zoonosis. Am J Pathol 2002, 161:2153-2167). We describe here a golden hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) model that appears to reproduce the pathology and pathogenesis of acute human Nipah infection. Hamsters infected by intranasal or intraperitoneal routes died within 9 to 29 days or 5 to 9 days, respectively. Pathological lesions were most severe and extensive in the hamster brain. Vasculitis, thrombosis, and more rarely, multinucleated endothelial syncytia, were found in blood vessels of multiple organs. Viral antigen and RNA were localized in both vascular and extravascular tissues including neurons, lung, kidney, and spleen, as demonstrated by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization, respectively. Paramyxoviral-type nucleocapsids were identified in neurons and in vessel walls. At the terminal stage of infection, virus and/or viral RNA could be recovered from most solid organs and urine, but not from serum. The golden hamster is proposed as a suitable model for further studies including pathogenesis studies, anti-viral drug testing, and vaccine development against acute Nipah infection.
    Matched MeSH terms: Communicable Diseases, Emerging/mortality; Communicable Diseases, Emerging/pathology; Communicable Diseases, Emerging/virology
  16. Sharma V, Kaushik S, Kumar R, Yadav JP, Kaushik S
    Rev Med Virol, 2019 Jan;29(1):e2010.
    PMID: 30251294 DOI: 10.1002/rmv.2010
    Since emergence of the Nipah virus (NiV) in 1998 from Malaysia, the NiV virus has reappeared on different occasions causing severe infections in human population associated with high rate of mortality. NiV has been placed along with Hendra virus in genus Henipavirus of family Paramyxoviridae. Fruit bats (Genus Pteropus) are known to be natural host and reservoir of NiV. During the outbreaks from Malaysia and Singapore, the roles of pigs as intermediate host were confirmed. The infection transmitted from bats to pigs and subsequently from pigs to humans. Severe encephalitis was reported in NiV infection often associated with neurological disorders. First NiV outbreak in India occurred in Siliguri district of West Bengal in 2001, where direct transmission of the NiV virus from bats-to-human and human-to-human was reported in contrast to the role of pigs in the Malaysian NiV outbreak. Regular NiV outbreaks have been reported from Bangladesh since 2001 to 2015. The latest outbreak of NiV has been recorded in May, 2018 from Kerala, India which resulted in the death of 17 individuals. Due to lack of vaccines and effective antivirals, Nipah encephalitis poses a great threat to public health. Routine surveillance studies in the infected areas can be useful in detecting early signs of infection and help in containment of these outbreaks.
    Matched MeSH terms: Communicable Diseases, Emerging/epidemiology; Communicable Diseases, Emerging/veterinary; Communicable Diseases, Emerging/virology
  17. Abd Wahab F, Abdullah S, Abdullah JM, Jaafar H, Md Noor SS, Wan Mohammad WMZ, et al.
    Malays J Med Sci, 2016 Nov;23(6):25-34.
    PMID: 28090176 MyJurnal DOI: 10.21315/mjms2016.23.6.3
    Ranking as the most communicable disease killer worldwide, tuberculosis, has accounted with a total of 9.6 million new tuberculosis cases with 1.5 million tuberculosis-related deaths reported globally in 2014. Tuberculosis has remain as an occupational hazard for healthcare workers since 1920s and due to several tuberculosis outbreaks in healthcare settings in the early 1990s, the concern about the transmission to both patients and healthcare workers has been raised. Healthcare workers have two to three folds greater the risk of active tuberculosis than the general population. Several studies on knowledge, attitude and practices on tuberculosis among healthcare workers worldwide have revealed that majority of the participated healthcare workers had good knowledge on tuberculosis. Most of the healthcare workers from South India and South Africa also reported to have positive attitude whereas a study in Thailand reported that most of the healthcare providers have negative attitude towards tuberculosis patients. Nevertheless, majority of the healthcare workers have low level of practice on tuberculosis prevention. An improved communication between healthcare workers and the patients as well as their families is the key to better therapeutic outcomes with good knowledge, attitude and preventive practice towards tuberculosis.
    Matched MeSH terms: Communicable Diseases
  18. Fornace KM, Drakeley CJ, William T, Espino F, Cox J
    Trends Parasitol, 2014 Nov;30(11):514-9.
    PMID: 25443854 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2014.09.001
    The potential applications of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), or drones, have generated intense interest across many fields. UAVs offer the potential to collect detailed spatial information in real time at relatively low cost and are being used increasingly in conservation and ecological research. Within infectious disease epidemiology and public health research, UAVs can provide spatially and temporally accurate data critical to understanding the linkages between disease transmission and environmental factors. Using UAVs avoids many of the limitations associated with satellite data (e.g., long repeat times, cloud contamination, low spatial resolution). However, the practicalities of using UAVs for field research limit their use to specific applications and settings. UAVs fill a niche but do not replace existing remote-sensing methods.
    Matched MeSH terms: Communicable Diseases/epidemiology*
  19. Lim BN, Tye GJ, Choong YS, Ong EB, Ismail A, Lim TS
    Biotechnol Lett, 2014 Dec;36(12):2381-92.
    PMID: 25214212 DOI: 10.1007/s10529-014-1635-x
    Antibodies have been used efficiently for the treatment and diagnosis of many diseases. Recombinant antibody technology allows the generation of fully human antibodies. Phage display is the gold standard for the production of human antibodies in vitro. To generate monoclonal antibodies by phage display, the generation of antibody libraries is crucial. Antibody libraries are classified according to the source where the antibody gene sequences were obtained. The most useful library for infectious diseases is the immunized library. Immunized libraries would allow better and selective enrichment of antibodies against disease antigens. The antibodies generated from these libraries can be translated for both diagnostic and therapeutic applications. This review focuses on the generation of immunized antibody libraries and the potential applications of the antibodies derived from these libraries.
    Matched MeSH terms: Communicable Diseases/therapy*
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