Bayesian evaluation of three serological tests for the diagnosis of bovine brucellosis in Bangladesh.

We evaluated the performance of three serological tests - an immunoglobulin G indirect enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA), a Rose Bengal test and a slow agglutination test (SAT) - for the diagnosis of bovine brucellosis in Bangladesh. Cattle sera (n = 1360) sourced from Mymensingh district (MD) and a Government owned dairy farm (GF) were tested in parallel. We used a Bayesian latent class model that adjusted for the conditional dependence among the three tests and assumed constant diagnostic accuracy of the three tests in both populations. The sensitivity and specificity of the three tests varied from 84.6% to 93.7%, respectively. The true prevalences of bovine brucellosis in MD and the GF were 0.6% and 20.4%, respectively. Parallel interpretation of iELISA and SAT yielded the highest negative predictive values: 99.9% in MD and 99.6% in the GF; whereas serial interpretation of both iELISA and SAT produced the highest positive predictive value (PPV): 99.9% in the GF and also high PPV (98.9%) in MD. We recommend the use of both iELISA and SAT together and serial interpretation for culling and parallel interpretation for import decisions. Removal of brucellosis positive cattle will contribute to the control of brucellosis as a public health risk in Bangladesh.

Scoping Renal Cell Carcinoma in the Rectal and Anal Canal: A Literature Review.

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a common tumor of the kidneys that can often metastasize to other organs, including the lungs, brain, bones, and adrenal glands. However, colon involvement is less common, with metastasis to the rectum and anal canal being an extremely rare phenomenon. The present study describes patients with renal cell carcinoma metastasizing to this unusual location in the gastrointestinal tract (GI).

Losartan-induced Pancreatitis.

Drug-induced acute pancreatitis (DIAP) is a rare gastrointestinal condition but well-known in the medical literature. The medications have been classified into four subgroups (Classes I-IV) depending upon the propensity of the cases discussed in the literature, interval time period between drug initiation to pancreatitis, and reaction to the drug with reintroduction. Our clinical case is one such example where losartan was described as the agent of recurrent pancreatitis after excluding all other possible causes with laboratory and imaging studies.

A randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial of a multi-strain probiotic formulation (Bio-Kult®) in the management of diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Accumulating evidence supports the view that an imbalance of gut bacteria contributes to IBS, and that increasing the mass of beneficial species may reduce the numbers of pathogenic bacteria and help alleviate symptoms. METHODS: In this double-blind trial 400 adult patients with moderate-to-severe symptomatic diarrhea-predominant IBS (IBS-D) were randomized to treatment with the multi-strain probiotic Bio-Kult® (14 different bacterial strains) or placebo for 16 weeks. The change in severity and frequency of abdominal pain was the primary outcome measure. RESULTS: Probiotic treatment significantly improved the severity of abdominal pain in patients with IBS-D. A 69% reduction for probiotic versus 47% for placebo (p < 0.001) equates to a 145 point reduction on the IBS-severity scoring system (IBS-SSS). The proportion of patients who rated their symptoms as moderate-to-severe was reduced from 100% at baseline to 14% for the multi-strain probiotic at follow-up (month 5) versus 48% for placebo (p < 0.001). Also, the number of bowel motions per day from month 2 onwards was significantly reduced in the probiotic group compared with the placebo group (p < 0.05). In addition to relieving symptoms, the probiotic markedly improved all dimensions of quality of life in the 34-item IBS-Quality of Life (IBS-QoL) questionnaire. No serious adverse events were reported. CONCLUSIONS: The multi-strain probiotic was associated with significant improvement in symptoms in patients with IBS-D and was well-tolerated. These results suggest that probiotics confer a benefit in IBS-D patients which deserves further investigation. TRIAL REGISTRATION: [Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03251625 ; retrospectively registered on August 9, 2017].

Environmental factors and dam characteristics associated with insulin sensitivity and insulin secretion in newborn Holstein calves.

The objective of the present retrospective cohort study was to evaluate potential associations between environmental factors and dam characteristics, including level of milk production during gestation, and insulin traits in newborn Holstein calves. Birth weight and gestational age of the calves at delivery were determined. On the next day, heart girth, wither height and diagonal length of both the calves and their dams were measured. Parity, body condition score and age at calving were recorded for all dams. For the cows, days open before last gestation, lactation length (LL), length of dry period (DP) and calving interval were also calculated. The magnitude and shape of the lactation curve both quantified using the MilkBot model based on monthly milk weights, were used to calculate the amount of milk produced during gestation. Using the same procedure, cumulative milk production from conception to drying off (MGEST) was calculated. A blood sample was collected from all calves (n=481; 169 born to heifers and 312 born to cows) at least 5 h after a milk meal on day 3 of life to measure basal glucose and insulin levels. In addition, an intravenous glucose-stimulated insulin secretion test was performed in a subset of the calves (n=316). After descriptive analysis, generalized linear mixed models were used to identify factors that were significantly associated with the major insulin traits (Insb, basal insulin level; QUICKI, quantitative insulin sensitivity check index; AIR, acute insulin response; DI, disposition index) of the newborn calves. The overall average birth weight of the calves was 42.7 ± 5.92 kg. The insulin traits were significantly associated with gender and season of birth when data of all calves were analyzed. In addition, the insulin traits in calves born to cows were significantly associated with MGEST, DP and LL. The Insb was estimated to be higher in calves born to the cows having passed a higher MGEST (P=0.076) and longer DP (P=0.034). The QUICKI was estimated to be lower in calves born to the cows having passed a higher MGEST (P=0.030) and longer DP (P=0.058). Moreover, the AIR (P=0.009) and DI (P=0.049) were estimated to be lower in male compared with female calves. Furthermore, the AIR (P=0.036) and DI (P=0.039) were estimated to be lower in calves born to cows having passed a longer LL. The decisive effects of MGEST, DP and LL in cows on the insulin traits of their calves may provide a basis for developing managerial interventions to improve metabolic health of the offspring.

Improving estimates of trophic shift (Δδ(trophic)) for diet reconstruction studies using enzyme activities.

For diet reconstruction studies using stable isotopes, accurate estimates of trophic shift (Δδtrophic) are necessary to get reliable results. Several factors have been identified which affect the trophic shift. The goal of the present experiment was to test whether measurements of the activities of enzymes could improve the accuracy of estimation of trophic shift in fish. Forty-eight Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) were fed under controlled conditions with two diets differing in their protein content (21 and 41%) each at four different levels (4, 8, 12 and 16gkg(-0.8)d(-1)). At the end of the feeding experiment, proximate composition, whole body δ(13)C and δ(15)N as well as the activities of enzymes involved in anabolism and catabolism were measured. Step-wise regression specified contributing variables for Δδ(15)N (malic enzyme, aspartate aminotransferase and protein content) and Δδ(13)Clipid-free material (aspartate aminotransferase and protein content). Explained variation by using the significant main effects was about 70% for Δδ(15)N and Δδ(13)Clipid-free material, respectively. The results of the present study indicate that enzyme activities are suitable indicators to improve estimates of trophic shift.

Factors affecting the first service conception rate of cows in smallholder dairy farms in Bangladesh.

The successful outcome of an insemination is a combination of both male and female fertility-linked factors. We investigated the first service conception rate of cows at artificial insemination (AI) in the smallholder dairy farms in Bangladesh. Frozen straws were prepared from ejaculates of Bos indicus (n = 7) and Bos indicus × Bos taurus (n = 7) AI bulls. Fertility was determined from 6101 first services in cows that were performed by 18 technicians in four regions between April 2004 and March 2005. Pregnancy was diagnosed by rectal palpation between 60 and 90 days post-insemination. The Asian version of Artificial Insemination Database Application (AIDA ASIA) was used for bulls-, cows- and AI-related data recording, and later retrieved for analysis. The mean ± SD number of inseminations performed from individual bulls and their conception rates were 436.0 ± 21.6 and 50.7 ± 1.9%, respectively. Logistic regression demonstrated body condition scores (BCS), heat detection signs, months of AI and their interactions had greatest effects (odds ratios: 1.24-16.65, p < 0.04-0.001) on first service conception rate in cows. Fertility differed (p < 0.02-0.001) between the regions, previous calving months, months of AI, BCS, parity and heat detection signs of cows. Inseminations based on mounting activity (n = 2352), genital discharge (n = 3263) and restlessness and/or other signs (n = 486) yielded a conception rate of 53.6%, 48.8% and 50.1%, respectively (p < 0.05). Conception rate between technicians ranged between 43.4% and 58.6% (p < 0.05). The days interval from calving to first service (overall mean ± SD = 153.4 ± 80.6) had relationship (p < 0.001) with BCS, months of previous calving and parity of the cows. Fertility at AI in smallholder farms can be improved by training farmers on nutrition and reproductive management of the cows.

Bangladesh anthrax outbreaks are probably caused by contaminated livestock feed.

In Bangladesh from 1 July to 30 September 2010 there were 104 animal cases of anthrax and 607 associated human cases. This investigation was conducted in Sirajganj district in December 2010, on eight farms where animal cases had occurred. Bacillus anthracis was recovered from soil samples and turbinate bones on six farms. Canonical single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis showed that all the isolates belonged to the major lineage A, sublineage A.Br.001/002 of China and South East Asia while a multilocus variable-number tandem-repeat (VNTR) analysis (MLVA) with 15 VNTRs demonstrated three unique genotypes. The single nucleotide repeat (SNR) analyses showed two SNR types in 97 out of 99 isolates; nevertheless, due to its higher discriminatory power the presence of two isolates with different SNR-type polymorphisms were detected within two MLVA genotypes. The epidemic occurred during the monsoon season, a time of extensive flooding, suggesting that the source was contaminated feed, not grazing, which is supported by the genetic variance.

Study of mechanical effects on the quality of fish feed during different stages of manufacturing.

Successful aquaculture highly depends on ensuring the quality feed which mostly depends on the proper feedstuffs selection and the manufacturing process. This study was undertaken to monitor the deviation of protein level and the mechanical effects on different biofactors viz. protein, moisture, ash, crude lipid and fiber in feed during manufacture. Samples were collected at randomly and batch wise from the prominent feed industry during the production period. Samples were collected from two different production level viz. 'Final Mixer' and 'Finished Feed' and third other sample was prepared as 'Control Mixer' on the dry basis. All the samples were analyzed by using proper analytical procedure in the laboratory of fish nutrition. The percentage of protein content was 17.9 in control mixer and 18.46 in final mixer which finally decreased to 17.03% in finished feed. In control mixer ash content was 25.74 and 23.1% in final mixer which increased in finished feed to 24.68%. Lipid content increased in finished feed (6.1%) rather than the final mixer (5.95%) and the control mixer (3.75%). However, crude fiber content decreased from control mixer to finished feed thoroughly. Crude fiber content in control mixer was 7.4% which decreased to 6.86 and 6.56% in final mixer and finished feed respectively. Again a relation may be drawn between the moisture content and ash and lipid content with crude fiber. By this study it was observed quality of feed is highly influenced by quality machine.

Growth and production performance of monosex tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fed with homemade feed in earthen mini ponds.

Field experiment was conducted to evaluate the growth performance of monosex tilapia using homemade feed with Peninsula Group fish meal and commercially available feed with local fish meal in earthen mini ponds from June-September 2010. Three ponds (T1) were supplied with prepared feed and the other three ponds (T2) with commercially available fish feed. Fish were fed at the rate of 10% of their body weight for the first thirty days then gradually reduced to 6% for the next ten days, 2% for the next ten days and 3% for remaining days. The temperature were ranged from 31.5-33.0 degrees C, DO from 5.5-15 mg L(-1) in T1 and 6.5-14 mg L(-1) in T2, pH from 7.1-8.0 in T1 and 7.1-7.7 in T2, alkalinity from 105-160 mg L(-1) inT1 and 100-145 mg L(-1) in T2, nitrate was 0.06 mg L(-1) in both treatments and ammonia from 0.02 and 0.04 mg L(-1) in T1 and T2, respectively. The results of the present study showed that the best weight gain was observed as 123.48 g in T1 than T2 (111.82 g). The Specific Growth Rate (SGR) was recorded 3.09 and 2.97 and the Food Conversion Ratio (FCR) was 1.51 and 1.40 in T1 and T2, respectively. There was significant (p < 0.05) variation among the survival rate (%) of fishes which were 75.55 and 90.37% in T1 and T2, respectively. The fish productions were 19076 and 16312.11 kg ha(-1) in T1 and T2. The highest net profit (Taka/ha/70 days) of Tk. 15, 83,213 was obtained with T1 So, the prepared feed showed better performance with monosex tilapia in compared with commercial fish feed with local fish meal.

Diurnal variation in LH and temporal relationships between oscillations in LH and progesterone during the luteal phase in heifers.

Diurnal variation in progesterone and LH during the luteal phase and the temporal relationships between oscillations of the two hormones were studied in 10 heifers by collection of blood samples at 0100, 0700, 1300, and 1900 h each day, beginning on Day 1 (Day 0 = ovulation). Concentration of LH on Days 5-9, but not on Days 10-14, was lower (P < 0.05) at 0700 h (0.25 ± 0.02 ng/mL) than at each of the other three hours (combined, 0.32 ± 0.02 ng/mL). An oscillation was defined as an uninterrupted increase and decrease in concentrations. The number of LH oscillations/heifer with the peak at 1900 h (6.1 ± 0.7) throughout the luteal phase was greater (P < 0.01) than for each of the other hours (combined, 4.0 ± 0.2). Diurnal variation in progesterone was not detected. Only statistically defined LH oscillations were used to determine the temporal association between the peak of an LH oscillation and various components of a progesterone oscillation. On Days 5-14, the frequency of the peak of an LH oscillation occurring at the same hour as the peak of a progesterone oscillation (26/48, 54%) was greater (P < 0.0001) than at the progesterone nadir (3/48, 6%). The frequency of the LH peak occurring during increasing (11/34, 32%) and decreasing (8/25, 32%) progesterone concentrations was intermediate (P < 0.05). Results indicated the following: 1) diurnal variation occurred in LH as determined by concentration and by the hour of the peak of an oscillation; and 2) LH oscillations were temporally and positively related to progesterone oscillations.

Stimulation of the largest subordinate follicle by intrafollicular treatment with insulin-like growth factor 1 is associated with inhibition of the dominant follicle in heifers.

The effect of intrafollicular treatment of the second-largest follicle (F2) with insulin-like growth factor (IGF) 1 on the largest follicle (F1) and F2 was studied in heifers. Treatment of F2 was done when F1 reached >or=8.2 mm (expected beginning of follicle deviation; Day 0 or Hour 0). In each of two experiments, three groups (n = 6 or 7 heifers/group) were used: controls, F2 treated with vehicle and F2 treated with IGF1. The IGF1 treatment consisted of 200 microg of recombinant human IGF1 (pharmacological dose) in 20 microL of vehicle. In Experiment 1, the hypothesis that treatment of F2 with IGF1 has a stimulatory effect on F2 was supported by a greater (P < 0.05) incidence of F2 dominance (>or=10 mm) in the IGF1 group (71%) than in the other two groups (8%), and a greater (P < 0.02) growth rate of F2 on Days 0-2. Unexpectedly, treatment of F2 with IGF1 had an inhibitory effect on F1, as indicated by a reduced (P < 0.03) growth rate of F1 during Days 0-1 and Days 0-4 and a lesser (P < 0.05) maximum diameter of F1 in the IGF1 group. In Experiment 2, the hypothesis of an inhibitory effect on F1 when F2 was treated with IGF1 was supported by a lesser (P < 0.04) increase in diameter of F1 and a lesser (P < 0.04) percentage of follicle wall with power-Doppler signals of blood flow between Hours 0 and 14 in the IGF1 group. Circulating concentrations of FSH and LH were not altered significantly in either experiment. In conclusion, treatment of F2 with IGF1 at the expected beginning of deviation had a stimulatory effect on F2, but an inhibitory effect on F1.

Detection of hepatitis E virus RNA and genotype in Bangladesh.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Hepatitis E virus (HEV) in Bangladesh has not been adequately documented. We report HEV RNA and genotype detection in Bangladesh. METHODS: In total, 82 samples were used; 36 sporadic acute hepatitis (AH), 12 fulminant hepatitis (FH), 14 chronic liver disease (CLD) and 20 from an apparently healthy population (HP) positive for both immunoglobulin (Ig) M and IgG specific anti-HEV antibodies (anti-HEV). The male/female ratio was 61/21, ages 12-67 (mean 30.4) years. RNA was extracted, transcribed to cDNA and amplified in nt 6345-6490 (ORF2) of HEV. Nucleic and amino acid sequences were determined. Homology comparison between Bangladesh clones and other representative HEV clones and phylogenetic tree analyses were done. Relations between HEV RNA-positivity and clinical factors were analyzed. RESULTS: HEV RNA was positive in 9/36 (25.0%) of AH cases, 4/12 (33.3%) FH, 3/14 (21.4%) CLD and 0/20 (0%) HP samples; total 16/82 (19.5%). Four factors correlated significantly with HEV RNA-positivity (Mann-Whitney U test); alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (P = 0.0229), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (P = 0.0448), and titers of IgG (P = 0.0208) and IgM (P = 0.0095) specific anti-HEV. The 16 HEV clones were divided mainly into two groups, A and B, including six different cDNA sub-groups. CONCLUSION: HEV RNA was found in sporadic AH and FH and sub-clinical CLD cases, but not in HP. HEV RNA-positivity was significantly related to values of ALT and AST and titers of IgG and IgM specific anti-HEV, with IgM specific anti-HEV showing the most significant relationship. All clones were genotype I, which is prevalent in South Asia.

Crossbred bull selection for bigger scrotum and shorter age at puberty with potentials for better quality semen.

Shortening age at puberty of crossbred breeding bull is an important issue in the tropics. This study aimed at selecting crossbred bulls at earliest possible age with bigger scrotum and potential for donating quality semen. One hundred and 31 pre-joining crossbred bulls of Central Artificial Insemination Laboratory, Saver, Dhaka were examined. The bulls being trained by seeing semen collection from mature bulls were allowed ejaculation into the artificial vagina at homosexual mount during a 20 min time at three occasions, every three months. Eighty one of 131 bulls produced at least one ejaculate during the study and their mean +/- SD age and scrotal circumference (SC) were 20.3 +/- 4.7 months and 28.2 +/-2.7 cm, respectively. Bulls' body weight, body condition score (BCS) and SC influenced the attainment of their puberty (p < 0.05). Bull's body weight had positive effects on scrotal circumference and ejaculate volume (p < 0.05). Scrotal circumference positively influenced the percentages of normal spermatozoa (p < 0.05). Scrotal skin-fold thickness negatively influenced the proportion of spermatozoa with normal head (p < 0.05). Based on age at first ejaculate and SC, 29.6% bulls (n = 24) were selected by cluster analysis. Selected bulls had mean +/- SD age 17.9 +/- 2.2 months, body weight 287.3 +/-48.6 kg, SC 30.5 +/- 1.5 cm, ejaculate volume 3.4 +/- 1.3 ml, sperm motility 50.8 +/- 17.2%, total spermatozoa per ejaculate 2541.9 +/- 1699.2 million and normal spermatozoa 81.5 +/-14.5%. The selected pubertal bull group was different from the unselected pubertal bulls at MANOVA (p < 0.0001). About 30% of pubertal crossbred bulls can be selected with shorter age and larger scrotum at puberty under conditions prevailed in Bangladesh.

Methods for conducting an economic opportunity survey in smallholder dairy farms.

A form was developed for on-farm use to collect data on dairy cow inventory, animals born, died, and sold, milk consumed and sold, and feedstuffs. Using these data, ten herd management indices are calculated in a spreadsheet. These data are gathered from multiple farms in an area and are summarized to develop herd target or benchmark values. Economic opportunities for achieving target performance at the individual farm level are calculated for five of the indices. This Economic Opportunity Survey has been used to develop regional performance benchmarks and to help individual farmers identify areas for improvement and opportunities for future intervention.

Participatory rural appraisal to identify needs and prospects of market-oriented dairy industries in Bangladesh.

We assessed resources, challenges and prospects of the dairy industries in four districts of Bangladesh (Mymensingh, Satkhira, Chittagong and Sirajganj) with the participation of 8 to 12 dairy farm families in each district. We used ten participatory rural appraisal (PRA) tools, namely social mapping, semistructured interview, activity profiles, seasonal calendar, pie charts, mobility diagram, matrix ranking, preference ranking and scoring, system analysis diagram and focus group discussion in 57 PRA sessions from September through October 2002. Dairying contributed more to family income (63 to 74%) and utilized a smaller portion of land than did crops. Twenty seven to 49% of cattle feed is rice straw. Only Sirajganj and Chittagong had limited, periodic grazing facilities. Fodder (Napier; Pennisetum purpureum) cultivation was practiced in Sirajganj and Satkhira. Fodder availability increased milk production and decreased disease occurrence. Friesian crossbred cows were ranked best as dairy cattle. The present utilization of veterinary and AI services was ranked highly. Farmers outside the milk union desired milk purchasing centres as the most required service in the future. They identified veterinary and AI services as inadequate and desired significant improvements. The PRA tools effectively identified resources, constraints, opportunities and farmers' perspectives related to the dairy industries in Bangladesh.

Radioimmunoassay of milk progesterone as a tool for fertility control in smallholder dairy farms.

This study focused on the use of radioimmunoassay of progesterone in milk for the diagnosis of post-partum ovarian cyclicity and accurate detection of oestrus and non-pregnancy in cows in the artificial insemination (AI) programme in Bangladesh. In Investigation 1, milk samples were collected on day 0 (day of AI), day 9-13 and day 21-24 from 444 milking cows of various breeds presented for the first postpartum insemination by 413 farmers living at 182 villages/regions in Mymensingh District from 6 AI centres and sub-centres. Each cow was then examined three times after each AI until it stopped returning to oestrus. Sixty to 90 days after the last AI, the cows were examined per rectum to confirm the pregnancy. Milk progesterone data on day 21-24 contributed to a clear diagnosis with respect to non-pregnancy in 100% cows, indicating a possible use of this progesterone assay for identifying non-pregnant cows in AI programmes. In Investigation 2, milk progesterone was monitored two times in a month with a 10-day interval in 88 cows. The samples were taken between 10 days after calving and the first detected oestrus, followed by two more samples 10 days apart. The proportion of cows accurately detected in oestrus was 30%. Another 30% were stated to be in oestrus when they were not (false positive) and 40% were not detected when they were in oestrus (false negative). The mean intervals between calving and oestrus and between calving luteal activity were 40 to 362 days (median=120, n=82) and 34 to 398 (median=111, n=64) days, respectively. The body condition scores at calving and at the initiation of luteal activity influenced the interval between calving and luteal activity (p < 0.05). Cows suckled twice daily initiated luteal activity earlier than their counterparts suckled several times daily (p < 0.05). Determination of progesterone in milk on day 21-24 is a good means for detecting non-pregnant cows.

A survey to identify economic opportunities for smallholder dairy farms in Bangladesh.

Identified economic opportunities for planning interventions greatly increase farmers' compliance with an extension programme. We investigated opportunities for interventions to increase dairy farmers' income in four areas of Bangladesh, including the districts of Mymensingh, Khulna-Satkhira, Sirajgonj-Pabna and Chittagong. The data were collected from 1440 dairy farms at a one-day visit and were summarized as the difference between management targets and each herd's calculated management indices. The average number of lactating cows, feed cost as a percentage of income from milk, milk sold as percentage of milk produced, lactating cows as a percentage of mature cows, and lactating cows as a percentage of total cattle varied from 1.5 to 3.4, from 52.5% to 92.1%, from 78.7% to 92.6%, from 81.9% to 86.7% and from 34.3% to 37.7%, respectively. The average age at first calving, calf production interval, lactation length, and milk production were 35.0-44.3 months, 14.0-17.6 months, 249-286 days and 3.5-7.2 litres, respectively, depending on the locality. The average cost for producing 100 litres of milk was 18.9-35.1 US dollars. The production cost increased when daily milk production per cow decreased (r2 = 0.43-0.55). Management improvements directed towards increasing average milk production per cow per day, increasing lactation length, decreasing age to first calving, and decreasing calf production interval could expect to yield an average income increase up to a range of 676.3-1730.6 US dollars depending on the milk-producing area.

Laboratory acute flaccid paralysis surveillance in Malaysia: a decade of commitment to the WHO global polio eradication initiative.

The Institute for Medical Research, Malaysia, was designated the National Reference Laboratory for Poliomyelitis Eradication (NRLPE) in 1992. Since then, our Polio Laboratory has collaborated actively with the Disease Control Division, Ministry of Health (MOH), Malaysia and WHO towards achieving polio eradication. Since 1992, the NRLPE has investigated 1,063 stool specimens from 641 acute flaccidparalysis (AFP) cases. One hundred and one enteroviruses were isolated from these specimens. Positive cell cultures were confirmed by microneutralization assay using standard WHO antisera. All enterovirus isolates were sent to the Victorian Infectious Disease Reference Laboratory in Melbourne, Australia, for further identification and poliovirus intratypic differentiation. Thirty-one out of these 101 virus isolates (30%) were polioviruses (PV) and the remaining 70 (70%) were non-polio enteroviruses (NPEV) which included coxsackie B viruses, echoviruses and enterovirus 71. Three of the poliovirus isolates were wild-type polioviruses isolated in 1992 which were the last wild-type polioviruses isolated in Malaysia. The rest were vaccine-related Sabin-like strains. Monthly reports of the virological investigation of AFP cases are sent to WHO and to the MOH, AFP control committee. The NRLPE continues to play an integral role in AFP surveillance and is committed to the WHO's goal of global polio eradication by the year 2005.

Hepatitis e virus infection in fulminant hepatitis patients and an apparently healthy population in Bangladesh.

This is the first study comparing hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection in Bangladesh in fulminant hepatitis (FH) patients presumed to have a viral cause and in the apparently healthy population. Sera from 22 FH patients were analyzed for antibodies to hepatitis A virus (HAV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C and D viruses, and HEV and for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). Anti-HEV immunoglobulin M (IgM) was detected in the sera of 63.6% of patients, whereas 35.7% were positive for HBsAg. A high prevalence of HEV infection (83.3%) was noted in the HBV carriers. Serum samples from 273 apparently healthy individuals were tested for antibodies to HAV and HEV. Anti-HEV IgM was detected in 7.3% of the samples. The seroprevalence of HAV differed from that of HEV in the same population because all samples were negative for anti-HAV IgM. These data indicate that HEV infection is highly endemic in Bangladesh.