Giardiasis Amongst The Orang Asli School Children At Pos Titom, Pahang, Malaysia / Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia

Giardia intestinalis is among the protozoa that is commonly found in the human fecal samples throughout the world. Theprevalence of infection is higher among people living in developing countries than developed countries. One hundredand eleven Orang Asli children at Pos Titom, Pahang participated in this study. The prevalence study was conducted inaccordance to gender, age groups and the diagnostic techniques employed. Fecal samples were collected and examinedfor the presence of G. intestinalis using three diagnostic techniques ie; the direct fecal smear, formalin-ether concentrationand the trichrome staining technique. The overall prevalence of G. intestinalis infection among Orang Asli children at PosTitom was 23.42%. The infection was higher among females (25%) as compared to males (21.57%) eventhough it wasnot statistically significant (p > 0.05). In terms of age groups, no positive case was observed among preschoolers whoseage were below seven-years while the school aged children (7 to 12-years old) showed 24.53% infection. The trichromestaining technique was the most sensitive with a detection rate of 22.52% followed by the formalin-ether concentrationtechnique with a detection of 19.82% whilst the direct smear technique only detected 12.61% of cases. The prevalenceof giardiasis amongst the Orang Asli children at Pos Titom, Pahang was still high despite various efforts made andimprovements in basic infrastructural facilities undertaken for their community. The health care status and personalhygiene of Orang Asli children remains poor and needs to be further improved.

Identification of Gram Positive and Negative Bacteria Microflora Isolated from Hot Water Spring in Bentong, Pahang / Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia

A study on the isolation and identification of bacterial flora from hot spring was carried out from Bentong hot springwater, Pahang. In general, many of the bacteria identified from the hot spring were from Bacillus sp. due to its abilityto adapt to high temperature mainly by forming endospore. The objective of this study was to identify bacteria otherthan Bacillus sp. that were able to survive this hot spring. Three hot spring pools were identified as A, B and C. Thetemperatures were ranging from 36°C to 52°C and their pH values were between 7.88-8.65. The result shows thattwo species of Gram positive cocci and three species of Gram negatives were isolated. The two Gram positives wereStreptococcus sp. and Staphylococcus sp. The three species of Gram negative rods were identified as Pseudomonas sp.,Klebsiella sp. and Proteus sp. In conclusion, non-sporulating species of bacteria other than Bacillus sp. have adaptedto survive in hot spring

Parasitic Infections Among Renal Transplant Recipients in Kuala Lumpur Hospital / Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia

@#One hundred seventy-one patients suffering from chronic renal diseases at Kuala Lumpur Hospital participated in a crosssectionalstudy with purposive sampling to ascertain prevalence rates of Cryptosporidium parvum (C. parvum), Giardiaintestinalis (G. intestinalis), Blastocystis hominis (B. hominis) and Strongyloides stercoralis (S. stercoralis). The patientswere divided into 2 groups: post-transplant group (138 patients) and pre-transplant group (33 patients). In this study, theparasite infection is linked to the aspects of race, gender, renal patient’s group and the postrenal transplantation period.Immunofluorescence staining was performed on fecal slides for the detection of C. parvum oocysts and G. intestinalis cysts.Sand charcoal culture technique was also used to detect the presence of S. strongyloides in fecal samples. The findingsshowed that the prevalence of C. parvum, G. intestinalis dan B. hominis among post-transplant patients was 18.1%,10.9% and 22.5%, respectively but none of the pretransplant patient was infected. Meanwhile, both patient groups werefree of S. stercoralis infection. Furthermore, there was no significant association between post-transplantation periodand pattern in prevalence of the studied parasites, however, it was noted that the prevalence rates of C. parvum and G.intestinalis had declined after 6 months post transplantation.

Prevalence Study of Candidiasis by Conventional Pap Smear at Sarawak General Hospital, Malaysia / Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia

This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of candidiasis among women of 20 to 59 years of age at Sarawak General Hospital by examining the conventional Pap smear. The prevalence of this infection was studied among the five main ethnic groups comprising of Iban, Chinese, Malay, Bidayuh and Orang Ulu. Microscopic screening of 300 conventional Pap smears which had been processed and stained with the Papanicolaou staining method was conducted. Based on the information provided in the Pap smear screening form, the clinical manifestations were observed which may provide some indications on the type of infection. The details of the clinical manifestations were very important because in an infection or inflammation, Pap smears would usually demonstrate the cyto-morphological changes of the epithelial cells. The age factor among the different ethnics also plays important role in the assessment of the infection frequency. Candida sp. was detected in 12.7% of the specimens. The infection occurred in all ethnic groups as well as in all age groups. All cases presented with clinical signs and symptoms. The results of this study revealed the importance of undergoing Pap smear screening for candidiasis detection besides screening for the early detection of cervical cancer

The Presence of Heterogeneous Vancomycin-Intermediate Staphylococcus aureus (heteroVISA) in a Major MalaysianHospital

This study was conducted to detect the presence of heterogenous vancomycin-intermediate Staphylococcus aureus (heteroVISA) among MRSA isolates in a major hospital. Forty-three MRSA isolates with vancomycin MIC 2 μg/ml collected in 2009 was screened for heteroVISA using Etest Glycopeptide Resistance Detection (GRD) and confirmed by population analysis profile-area under curve method. The genetic relatedness of heteroVISA strains with other MRSA was examined by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) method. Two isolates were shown to be heteroVISA and derived from the same clone. This showed that heteroVISA strains were already present among our local strains since 2009 and were genetically related to other susceptible strains.

The discrimination of d-tartrate positive and d-tartrate negative S. enterica subsp. enterica serovar Paratyphi B isolated in Malaysia by phenotypic and genotypic methods

Serotyping is not suffi cient to differentiate between Salmonella species that cause paratyphoid fever from the strains that cause milder gastroenteritis as these organisms share the same serotype Salmonella Paratyphi B (S. Paratyphi B). Strains causing paratyphoid fever do not ferment d-tartrate and this key feature was used in this study to determine the prevalence of these strains among the collection of S. Paratyphi B strains isolated from patients in Malaysia. A total of 105 isolates of S. Paratyphi B were discriminated into d-tartrate positive (dT+) and d-tartrate negative (dT-) variants by two lead acetate test protocols and multiplex PCR. The lead acetate test protocol 1 differed from protocol 2 by a lower inoculum size and different incubation conditions while the multiplex PCR utilized 2 sets of primers targeting the ATG start codon of the gene STM3356. Lead acetate protocol 1 discriminated 97.1% of the isolates as S. Paratyphi B dT+ and 2.9% as dT- while test protocol 2 discriminated all the isolates as S. Paratyphi B dT+. The multiplex PCR test identifi ed all 105 isolates as S. Paratyphi B dT+ strains. The concordance of the lead acetate test relative to that of multiplex PCR was 97.7% and 100% for protocol 1 and 2 respectively. This study showed that S. Paratyphi B dT+ is a common causative agent of gastroenteritis in Malaysia while paratyphoid fever appears to be relatively uncommon. Multiplex PCR was shown to be a simpler, more rapid and reliable method to discriminate S. Paratyphi B than the phenotypic lead acetate test.

Identification of Bacterial Flora other than Bacillus sp. from Bentong Hot Spring in Pahang, Malaysia / Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia

A study on the isolation and identification of bacterial flora from hot spring was carried out using water from Bentong hot spring in Pahang. In general most of the bacteria identified from the hot springs were from Bacillus sp. This was due to its ability to adapt to high temperature mainly by forming endospore. The objective of this study was to identify bacteria other than Bacillus that were able to survive in hot springs. Three hot spring pools were identified (A,B and C) with temperatures ranging from 36°C to 52°C and pH values between 7.88-8.65. This study has succesfully isolated two species of Gram positive cocci and three species of Gram negative bacilli. The two Gram positives were Streptococcus sp. and Staphylococcus sp. The three species of Gram negative rods were unidentified and were denoted as X, XI and XII.

Prevalence of Bacterial Vaginosis from Examination of Conventional Pap Smears at Sarawak / Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia

This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of bacterial vaginosis among women of age 20 to 59 years at Sarawak General Hospital by examining the conventional Pap smear. The prevalence of this infection was studied among the five main ethnic groups comprising the Iban, Chinese, Malay, Bidayuh and Orang Ulu. Microscopic screening of 300 conventional Pap smears which had been processed and stained with the Papanicolaou staining method was conducted. Based on the information provided in the Pap smear screening form, the clinical manifestations were observed which may provide some indications on the type of infection. The details of the clinical manifestations were very important because in an infection or inflammation, Pap smears would usually demonstrate changes on the cyto-morphology of the epithelial cells. The age factor among the different ethnics also played important role in the assessment of the infection frequency. Bacterial vaginosis was detected in 79.7% (239/300) of cases. The infection occurred in all ethnic groups and the infections were more frequently seen among the 20 to 39 years age group. Majority of the cases (93.9%) presented with clinical signs and symptoms. The results of this study revealed the importance of undergoing a Pap smear screening for bacterial vaginosis detection besides screening for the early detection of cervical cancer

Trichuriasis among Orang Asli Children at Pos Lenjang, Pahang, Malaysia / Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia

A cross-sectional study was conducted in February 2006 to determine the prevalence of Trichuris trichiura infection among Orang Asli (Aborigine) children at Pos Lenjang, Pahang. A total of 71 faecal samples were collected from the children (40 girls and 31 boys) aged between 1-12 years. The samples were examined for the presence of Trichuris trichiura ova using direct smear and formalin-ether concentration techniques. The result revealed that the overall prevalence of Trichuris trichiura infection was 43.7%. The infection was higher in males (51.6%) compared to females (37.5%), though not statistically significant (p > 0.05). According to age group, the school-aged children had higher prevalence of infection (56.8%) than preschool children (29.4%) (p < 0.05). Low socioeconomic status, large family size, poor environmental sanitation and poor personal hygiene are possible contributing factors that increase the prevalence of infection among the Orang Asli children at Pos Lenjang. In 31 samples positive for Trichuris trichiura, a detection rate of 100% was obtained using formalin-ether concentration, compared to 25.8% with direct smear technique. Thus, it is recommended that both techniques be performed in routine faecal examination for a more accurate diagnosis.

Prevalence Study of Trichomonas vaginalis by Conventional Pap Smear at Sarawak General Hospital, Malaysia / Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia

This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of Trichomonas vaginalis among women of age 20 to 59 years at Sarawak General Hospital by examining the conventional Pap smear. The prevalence of this infection was studied among the five main ethnic groups comprising the Iban, Chinese, Malay, Bidayuh and Orang Ulu. Microscopic screening of 300 conventional Pap smears which had been processed and stained with the Papanicolaou staining method was conducted. Based on the information provided in the Pap smear screening form, the clinical manifestations were observed which may provide some indications on the kind of infection. The details of the clinical manifestations were very important because in an infection or inflammation, Pap smears would usually demonstrate changes on the cyto-morphology of the epithelial cells. The age factor among the different ethnics also played important role in the assessment of the infection frequency. Trichomonas vaginalis was detected in 7.7% (23/300) of the specimens. This infection occurred in all ethnic groups and the infections were more frequently seen among 20 to 29 years age group. All the cases presented with clinical signs and symptoms. The results of this study revealed the importance of undergoing Pap smear screening for Trichomonas vaginalis infection detection besides screening for the early detection of cervical cancer.

In vitro Antiplasmodial Activity and Cytotoxicity of Ten Plants Used as Traditional Medicine in Malaysia / Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia

Dichloromethane and methanolic extracts of each plant were tested for their antiplasmodial activity on chloroquineresistant strain of Plasmodium falciparum (FCB strain), based on lactate dehydrogenase activity. Cytotoxicity was assessed with the MTT test on MRC-5 human diploid embryonic lung cells. Most extracts of ten selected plants used in Malay traditional medicine in Malaysia had activity in vitro. This supports continued investigations of traditional medicine in the search for new antimalarial agent. The compounds responsible for the observed antiplasmodial effects are under investigation.

Cysticidal Effect of Chlorine Against Environmental and Clinical Isolates of Acanthamoeba / Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia

Acanthamoeba is a free-living amoeba that has been identified to cause Acanthamoeba keratitis and granulomatous amoebic encephalitis. Their physiological characteristics can be related to pathogenic potential which have a medical importance. This study was carried out to investigate the value of minimum cysticidal concentration of chlorine against them. Acanthamoeba strains tested were from clinical isolates from hospitals (HSB 1, HKL 48 and HKL 95) and environmental isolates (PHS 2, PHS 11 and PHS 15). The minimum cysticidal concentration of chlorine was determined by dilution process using 12 wells microtitre plate starting with 2500 ppm. 100 μl cyst suspensions standardized at 105/ml were pipetted into all wells and incubated overnight at 30°C. Cysts were then washed using Page saline and cultured on non nutrient agar overlaid with Escherichia coli. The presence of trophozoites was then observed. The lowest concentration able to prevent trophozoites formation was noted as the minimum cysticidal concentration. Minimum cysticidal concentration test showed the same concentration of 156 ppm (156 μg/ml) chlorine solution was needed to kill all cysts of Acanthamoeba isolates. This indicates that the physiological traits of environmental and clinical isolates are the same. Isolates from the environmental specimens are also able to show the pathogenic potential similar to clinical specimens, thus capable of causing disease to human.

Survivability of Acanthamoeba Strains Isolated from Clinical and Environmental Specimens During Axenization / Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia

Acanthamoeba is a free living protozoa that can cause keratitis and granulomatous amoebic encephalitis. Physiological characteristics of this amoeba are found to have a medical importance in which it can be related to the pathogenicity potential of the organism. This study was carried out to investigate the physiological characteristics of survivability during axenization. Six Acanthamoeba strains from three clinical isolates (HSB 1, HKL 48 and HKL 95) and three environmental isolates (PHS 2, PHS 11 and PHS 15) were used in this study. Axenization test was done by treating cysts with hydrochloric acid (3%) and Page saline containing Gentamicin (100 μg/ml). Cysts were then cultured into PYG enrich media, incubated at 30oC and the presence and proliferation of trophozoites of Acanthamoeba were observed. This study showed that PHS 15, HSB 1, HKL 48 and HKL 95 could be axenized but they have poor proliferation rate in PYG enrich media. The result showed that the difference between both clinical and environmental isolates was observed in two strains; PHS 2 and PHS 11. This indicates that there is a possibility that the physiological traits of strains from both isolates are the same and strains from the environment are able to show the pathogenic potential and capable of causing infection to human.

Isolation of Acanthamoeba spp. from Aquatic Environment / Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia

This study was carried out to isolate Acanthamoeba spp. from various aquatic environments in Peninsular Malaysia. A total of 160 samples were collected with 140 samples using direct swab method and 20 samples using water collection method with 500 ml sterile Schott bottle. The swab samples were taken from water tap (50), sink (50), and swimming pool (40) while the water samples were from seawater. Swab samples were inoculated directly onto non-nutrient agar (NNA) seeded with heat-killed Escherichia coli using aseptic technique. Water samples were first filtered through a 0.45μm pore size membrane before the membrane was transferred aseptically onto NNA plate seeded with heat-killed E. coli. All plates were incubated at 30°C and examined daily for the presence of Acanthamoeba spp. up to 14 days after incubation before being declared negative. Overall, 20% samples were positive for the presence of Acanthamoeba. Positive isolation of Acanthamoeba spp. from sink and swimming pool were 20% and 30%, respectively. All three groups of Acanthamoeba genus in cyst form could be found from the collected samples.

Temperature Tolerance of Clinical and Environmental isolates of Acanthamoeba spp / Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia

Acanthamoeba is a free living protozoa that can cause keratitis and granulomatous amoebic encephalitis. Physiological characteristics of this amoeba are found to have a medical importance and related to the pathogenic potential of the organism. This study was carried out to investigate the physiological characteristic from the aspect of temperature tolerance. Six Acanthamoeba strains from three clinical isolates (HSB 1, HKL 48 and HKL 95) and three environmental isolates (PHS 2, PHS 11 and PHS 15) were used in this study. Test was done by culturing cysts at 30°C, 37°C and 42oC for two weeks and the ability of cysts to change to trophozoites were observed. The result showed all strain was able to change to trophozoites at 30°C and 37oC. However, no trophozoites were observed at 42oC. This indicate that there is a similarity in the physiological trait of strains from both isolates are the same and strains from the environment are able to show the pathogenic potential thus capable of causing infection to human.

Keberkesanan Antibiotik Titisan Mata Neomycin, Gentamycin & Ciprofloxacin Terhadap Sista Acanthamoeba spp / Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia

if not treated. This study was therefore performed to evaluate the effectiveness of eyedrop antibiotics on eight Acanthamoeba spp. isolates, of which four were clinical isolates and the remaining four from the environment. Three different eyedrop antibiotics (neomycin, ciprofloxacin and gentamicin) currently available in the market and ready for use were tested. Cyst suspension from all strains were tested against eyedrop antibiotics, respectively. After 48 hours of incubation period, the solutions were filtered and the filtered membranes were put onto non-nutrient agar lawn with E. coli. Bab 3 The plates were examined daily for Acanthamoeba trophozoites under inverted microscope until day 14. Neomycin, ciprofloxacin and gentamicin were found to be effective against Acanthamoeba spp. cysts for all test strains.

Giardiasis Among Orang Asli Children at Pos Lenjang, Pahang / Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia

Giardia intestinalis is a cosmopolitan parasite and the infection is widely distributed worldwide especially in the developing countries with poor sanitation and lack of potable water. Seventy one Orang Asli children from Pos Lenjang, Pahang participated in this study and stool specimens were collected and examined for G. intestinalis using three diagnostic techniques ie; Direct fecal smear, Formalin-ether concentration and Trichrome staining. The prevalence of G. intestinalis infection among the Orang Asli children in Pos Lenjang, Pahang was as high as 43.7%. According to gender, the prevalence was almost similar between the female and male children with 45.0% and 41.9%, respectively. The infection was more prevalent in school going children (48.6%) as compared to the pre-school children (38.2%).

Entamoeba histolytica Infection Among Aborigines at Pos Lenjang, Pahang / Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia

Entamoeba histolytica infection is widespread worldwide and higher prevalence is usually seen among the indigenous under priviledged people living in the tropics and subtropics. Seventy one Orang Asli children from Pos Lenjang, Pahang participated in this study and were grouped according to age and gender. Faecal samples were collected and examined for the presence of Entamoeba histolytica using 3 different diagnostic techniques namely the direct faecal smear, formalin ether concentration and trichrome staining.The prevalence of Entamoeba histolytica infection among the Orang Asli children at Pos Lenjang, Pahang was high at 22.5%. According to gender, female children showed higher prevalence (32.5%) compared to male at only 9.7%. Infection was also apparently higher among the school going children at 32.4% compared to preschool children (11.8%). The high prevalence of Entamoeba histolytica infection amongst the Orang Asli children at Pos Lenjang is related to several factors including low socioeconomic status, lack of basic amenities, culture, and poor knowledge on healthy life practice.