Characterization of biofilm formation by Escherichia coli: An in vitro study

Objective: The purpose of the present study was to characterize the effects of medium, optical density (OD), andincubation time on biofilm formation by Escherichia coli in brain heart infusion (BHI) and Luria-Bertani broth(LB). Methods: The main procedure involved fixing the bacterial film with 95% ethanol, staining with 0.1% crystalviolet, releasing the bound dye with 33% glacial acetic acid, and measuring the OD of the solution at 570 nm using amicroplate reader. Results: It was found that 3 and 5 days of incubation are critical for biofilm formation as indicatedby the OD values of 0.55–0.35 and 0.70–0.39 in BHI and LB, respectively, at OD 0.05. Similarly, pattern in resultswas noted for OD 0.1 in both media BHI and LB. Conclusion: It is confirmed that 3 days (72 h) are required forobtaining effective biofilm formation in both BHI and LB at 37°C at OD 0.05 and 0.1.

Knowledge, Attitude, Practices Related To Dengue Fever Among Rural Population In Terengganu, Malaysia

Aedes mosquito-borne Dengue morbidity is predominantly high in the tropics and subtropics regions. Dengue is also a public health problem in Malaysia since the first epidemic in 1973. Reducing the vector population and personal protection still plays an important role in dengue prevention and control. With the information of community’s dengue knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP), the authorities could construct evidence-based, community- empowered vector control program. Upon the understanding of the value of baseline data, a cross-sectional study was carried out in dengue hotspot areas in Seberang Takir using universal sampling. The study results showed that 54.6% of the population had high level of knowledge, 18.6% had good attitude and 91.7% were performing good practices against Dengue infection. After adjusting confounding variables, age and educational levels of respondents, knowledge as well as attitude were found to be significant associated factors for having good practice against Dengue. The study findings provide the need for further information to undertake a holistic approach which is in need of community participation and cooperation.