A nested PCR assay was used to determine the viral RNA and proviral DNA status of naturally infec... more A nested PCR assay was used to determine the viral RNA and proviral DNA status of naturally infected cats. Selected samples that were FeLV-positive by PCR were subjected to sequencing, phylogenetic analysis, and motifs search. Of the 39 samples that were positive for FeLV p27 antigen, 87.2% (34/39) were confirmed positive with nested PCR. FeLV proviral DNA was detected in 38 (97.3%) of p27-antigen negative samples. Malaysian FeLV isolates are found to be highly similar with a homology of 91% to 100%. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that Malaysian FeLV isolates divided into two clusters, with a majority (86.2%) sharing similarity with FeLV-K01803 and fewer isolates (13.8%) with FeLV-GM1 strain. Different enhancer motifs including NF-GMa, Krox-20/WT1I-del2, BAF1, AP-2, TBP, TFIIF-beta, TRF, and TFIID are found to occur either in single, duplicate, triplicate, or sets of 5 in different positions within the U3-LTR-gag region. The present result confirms the occurrence of FeLV viral RNA a...
Epidemiology of melioidosis is poorly understood because its occurrence is influenced by complex ... more Epidemiology of melioidosis is poorly understood because its occurrence is influenced by complex interaction of environmental, climatic, physicochemical and host factors. We investigated the potential risk factors for exposure to Burkholderia pseudomallei in small ruminants farms in Peninsular Malaysia. Melioidosis-positive (n=33) and negative (n=27) farms were selected and visited for interviews and environmental samples collection. The characteristics and putative disease risk factors were compared between the case and the control farms using Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis. The multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that the odds of melioidosis were significantly higher in farms that had bush clearing around farms (odds ratio [OR]=6.61, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.12-38.84, p=0.037), in farms with B. pseudomallei present in the soil (OR=6.23, 95%CI=1.03-37.68, p=0.046), in farms that have other animal species present (OR=7.96, 95%CI=1.14-55.99, p=0.037) and in farms that had flooding or waterlogging conditions (OR=11.95, 95%CI=1.39-102.6, p=0.024) when compared to the odds of the disease in farms that did not have the above conditions. The odds of the disease in farms that treated their soils with lime were significantly lower (OR=0.028, 95%CI=0.003-0.29, p=0.003) compared to the odds in those that did not. The risk factors for exposure to B. pseudomallei highlighted above may have contributed to the occurrence of melioidosis in animals in the study farms. Information from the study may be helpful in planning control measures against melioidosis and have improved understanding of the epidemiology of the disease in livestock farms. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Apart from occasional reports of clinical disease affecting horses, there is no information about... more Apart from occasional reports of clinical disease affecting horses, there is no information about Trypanosoma evansi in horses in Peninsula Malaysia. Thus, a cross-sectional study was conducted in eight states in Peninsula Malaysia to determine the active presence of T. evansi in horses. A total of 527 blood samples were obtained and examined by haematocrit centrifugation technique (HCT), Giemsa-stained thin blood smear (GSS), morphometric measurements, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and cloning of PCR products. The results showed an overall parasitological prevalence of 0.57% (3/527, CI: 1.6-0.19%) with both HCT and GSS. Morphometric study revealed the mean total length of the trypanosomes including the free flagellum was 27.94 ± 2.63 μm. PCR successfully amplified a trypanosome specific 257 bp in 1.14% of samples (6/527, CI: 2.4-0.52%) and was confirmed by nucleotide sequences. The mean packed cell volume (PCV) for the positive cases detected by HCT was lower (23% ± 7.00) compare...
Bovine lungworm Dictyocaulus viviparus is highly endemic in temperate regions. However, the occur... more Bovine lungworm Dictyocaulus viviparus is highly endemic in temperate regions. However, the occurrence of the lungworm has not been reported in any South East Asian country. The main aim of the present study was to detect the presence of lungworm in cattle in peninsular Malaysia and to examine the morphology of the parasite. A cross-sectional study was carried out in which 602 animals from four large scale government cattle farms and one dairy smallholder farm were sampled. In addition, 283 lungs from 11 abattoirs around the country were examined. Faecal samples were examined using the Baermann technique while post-mortem examination was performed on the lungs. Approximately 5% of faecal samples and 1% of lungs were positive for lungworm. Based on the morphology of adult lungworm, eggs and first stage larvae, Malaysian bovine lungworms were D. viviparus.
A total of 204 rodents comprising 14 host species from four different habitats were examined. Nin... more A total of 204 rodents comprising 14 host species from four different habitats were examined. Nine rodent species were trapped from the forest and another five species were trapped from the coastal, rice field and urban habitats. Rattus rattus diardii (67%) was the predominant rodent species examined. Fifty six (47.3%) rodents and shrews were found to be infested with at least one of the 20 species of ectoparasite recovered. Mites belonging to the family Trombiculidae were the predominant ectoparasite species recovered. Ticks belonging to the family Ixodidae were recovered mainly from the forest dwelling rodents. Polyplax spinulosa and Hoplopleura pacifica were the common lice species found infesting the urban rodents. Xenopsylla cheopis was the only flea species recovered. The following ecto-parasites have been incriminated as important vectors or as mechanical carriers for the transmission of zoonotic diseases: Ixodes granulatus, Dermacentor sp. Haemaphysalis sp., Amblyomma sp. As...
Brucellosis has been in South East Asia for many generations
affecting both man and animals and r... more Brucellosis has been in South East Asia for many generations affecting both man and animals and responsible for massive economic losses. The threat to the economy and to public health from this zoonotic disease is so great to ignore. Over the years there have been many attempts to control and possibly eradicate this infection but these efforts have not fully yielded the desired results due to many factors mentioned in this paper. Eradication, though expensive, actually saves a lot of economic resources when properly implemented. In this review, the past and current situation of brucellosis in South East Asia is explored with particular reference to Malaysia and challenges to the full eradication of the infection are elucidated. Keywords: Brucellosis, Southeast Asia, Malaysia, perspective, update. zoonoses
Brucella melitensis in goats in Peninsular Malaysia. Using serosurveillance data of the last deca... more Brucella melitensis in goats in Peninsular Malaysia. Using serosurveillance data of the last decade (2000–2009) involving 119,799 goats and 3555 farms, the seroprevalence of brucellosis among goats was 0.91% (95% CI = 0.86–0.96) and among farms was 7.09% (95% CI = 6.27–7.98). The odds of brucellosis was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the later part of the decade, in larger herd size and among the states located in the peninsula as compared to eastern Malaysia. The infection was detected throughout Malaysia but at generally low seroprevalences with states like Perlis that border neighbouring countries having higher seroprevalence of brucellosis than other non-border states.
Bovine brucellosis was first reported in Peninsular Malaysia in 1950. A subsequent survey conduct... more Bovine brucellosis was first reported in Peninsular Malaysia in 1950. A subsequent survey conducted in the country revealed that the disease was widespread. Current knowledge on the potential risk factors for brucellosis occurrence on cattle farms in Malaysia is lacking. Therefore, we conducted a case-control study to identify the potential herd-level risk factors for bovine brucellosis occurrence in four states in the country, namely Kelantan, Pahang, Selangor and Negeri Sembilan. Thirty-five cases and 36 controls of herds were selected where data on farm management, biosecurity, medical history and public health were collected. Multivariable logistic regression identified that Brucella seropositive herds were more likely to; have some interaction with wildlife (OR 8.9, 95% CI = 1.59-50.05); originated from farms where multiple species such as buffalo/others (OR 41.8, 95% CI = 3.94-443.19) and goat/sheep (OR 8.9, 95%Cl = 1.10-71.83) were reared, practice extensive production system (OR 13.6, 95% CI 1.31-140.24) and have had episodes of abortion in the past (OR 51.8, 95% CI = 4.54-590.90) when compared to seronegative herds. Considering the lack of information on the epidemiology of bovine brucellosis in peninsular Malaysia and absence of information on preventing the inception or spread of the disease, this report could contribute to the on-going area-wise national brucellosis eradication program.
Following a series of H5N1 cases in chickens and birds in a few states in Malaysia, there was muc... more Following a series of H5N1 cases in chickens and birds in a few states in Malaysia, there was much interest in the influenza A viruses subtypes that circulate among the local pig populations. Pigs may act as a mixing vessel for avian and mammal influenza viruses, resulting in new reassorted viruses. This study investigated the presence of antibodies against influenza H1N1 and H3N2 viruses in pigs from Peninsular Malaysia using Herdcheck Swine Influenza H1N1 and H3N2 Antibody Test Kits. At the same time, the presence of influenza virus was examined from the nasal swabs of seropositive pigs by virus isolation and real time RT-PCR. The list of pig farms was obtained from the headquarters of the Department of Veterinary Services, Malaysia, and pig herds were selected randomly from six of 11 states in Peninsular Malaysia. A total of 727 serum and nasal swab samples were collected from 4- to 6-month-old pigs between May and August 2005. By ELISA, the seroprevalences of swine influenza H1N1 and H3N2 among pigs were 12.2% and 12.1% respectively. Seropositivity for either of the virus subtypes was detected in less than half of the 41 sampled farms (41.4%). Combination of both subtypes was detected in 4% of all pigs and in 22% of sampled farms. However, no virus or viral nucleic acid was detected from nasal samples. This study identified that the seropositivity of pigs to H1N1 and H3N2 based on ELISA was significantly associated with factors such as size of farm, importation or purchase of pigs, proximity of farm to other pig farms and the presence of mammalian pets within the farm.
Caprine brucellosis is a bacterial zoonotic infection affecting goats especially in developing co... more Caprine brucellosis is a bacterial zoonotic infection affecting goats especially in developing countries all over the world. In Malaysia, the risk factors associated with this infection in farms have not been studied. A case–control study was carried out in goat farms in four states of Malaysia to elucidate the risk factors associated with the infection on the farms using structured questionnaires and face-to-face interviews. Results indicate that the introduction of new animals (OR= 5.25; 90 % CI=1.46, 18.88), younger age category of farms (OR=5.53; 90 % CI=1.09, 21.66), and farms with single breed of goats (OR=8.50; 90 % CI=1.27, 41.97) were significant risk factors for brucellosis. In order to control brucellosis or possibly eradicate it in goat farms, these factors need to be dealt with. Enforcing stringent importation protocols or complete ban of goat importation from brucellosis endemic countries will help reduce risk of introducing new infection into the country. Keywords Case–control . Brucella melitensis . Risk factors . Goats . Farms . Malaysia
Collection of biological samples from pteropid bats requires chemical restraint of the bats to mi... more Collection of biological samples from pteropid bats requires chemical restraint of the bats to minimize risks to humans and stress to the bat. The effectiveness of an intravenous combination of ketamine and xylazine for short-term restraint of wild-caught variable flying foxes (Pteropus hypomelanus) in a field situation was evaluated. Eight adult male variable flying foxes were injected intravenously with 0.1 ml of ketamine and xylaxine containing 5 mg of ketamine and 1 mg of xylazine. The mean induction time was 80 +/- 20 sec, and mean immobilization time was 26 +/- 10 min. The ketamine-xylazine combination used in this study produced effective short-term immobilization of wild variable flying foxes for the collection of biological samples.
This study determined the risk factors and characteristics of vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (V... more This study determined the risk factors and characteristics of vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE) among individuals working with animals in Malaysia. Targeted cross-sectional studies accompanied with laboratory analysis for the identification and characterization of resistance and virulence genes and with genotype of VRE were performed. VRE were detected in 9·4% (95% CI: 6·46-13·12) of the sampled populations. Enterococcus faecium, Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus gallinarum were isolated, and vanA was detected in 70% of the isolates. Enterococcus faecalis with vanB was obtained from one foreign poultry worker. At least one virulence gene was detected in &amp;amp;gt;50% of Ent. faecium and Ent. faecalis isolates. The esp and gelE genes were common among Ent. faecium (58·3%) and Ent. faecalis (78%), respectively. The VRE species showed diverse RAPD profiles with some clustering of strains based on the individual&amp;amp;#39;s background. However, the risk factors found to be significantly associated with the prevalence of VRE were age (OR: 5·39, 95% CI: 1·98-14·61) and previous hospitalization (OR: 4·06, 95% CI: 1·33-12·35). VRE species isolated from individuals in this study have high level of vancomycin resistance, were genetically diverse and possessed the virulence traits. Age of individuals and history of hospitalization rather than occupational background determined VRE colonization. This study provides comprehensive findings on the epidemiological and molecular features of VRE among healthy individuals working with animals.
International Journal of Infectious Diseases, 2008
Background: Nipah virus emerged in Malaysia in 1998 and caused 42% mortality in human and the sub... more Background: Nipah virus emerged in Malaysia in 1998 and caused 42% mortality in human and the subsequent culling of 1.1 million pigs. Previous serological and viral isolation studies found evidences that bats of the genus Pteropus (flying foxes) is the natural reservoir host for the virus. However, the geographical distribution and the risk factors involved in Nipah virus in flying foxes in Malaysia have not been described. Information regarding the spatial extent of viral distribution and potential risk factors would lead to further understanding about the natural history of the disease. In addition, information regarding critical risk factors in viral infection can serve to enhance the control of infection in the future. In our study, two hypotheses were proposed: 1. Nipah virus is endemic and is circulating in pteropid bats throughout Peninsular Malaysia. 2. Occurrence of Nipah virus in flying fox is seasonal, and is related to reproductive season.
A nested PCR assay was used to determine the viral RNA and proviral DNA status of naturally infec... more A nested PCR assay was used to determine the viral RNA and proviral DNA status of naturally infected cats. Selected samples that were FeLV-positive by PCR were subjected to sequencing, phylogenetic analysis, and motifs search. Of the 39 samples that were positive for FeLV p27 antigen, 87.2% (34/39) were confirmed positive with nested PCR. FeLV proviral DNA was detected in 38 (97.3%) of p27-antigen negative samples. Malaysian FeLV isolates are found to be highly similar with a homology of 91% to 100%. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that Malaysian FeLV isolates divided into two clusters, with a majority (86.2%) sharing similarity with FeLV-K01803 and fewer isolates (13.8%) with FeLV-GM1 strain. Different enhancer motifs including NF-GMa, Krox-20/WT1I-del2, BAF1, AP-2, TBP, TFIIF-beta, TRF, and TFIID are found to occur either in single, duplicate, triplicate, or sets of 5 in different positions within the U3-LTR-gag region. The present result confirms the occurrence of FeLV viral RNA a...
Epidemiology of melioidosis is poorly understood because its occurrence is influenced by complex ... more Epidemiology of melioidosis is poorly understood because its occurrence is influenced by complex interaction of environmental, climatic, physicochemical and host factors. We investigated the potential risk factors for exposure to Burkholderia pseudomallei in small ruminants farms in Peninsular Malaysia. Melioidosis-positive (n=33) and negative (n=27) farms were selected and visited for interviews and environmental samples collection. The characteristics and putative disease risk factors were compared between the case and the control farms using Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis. The multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that the odds of melioidosis were significantly higher in farms that had bush clearing around farms (odds ratio [OR]=6.61, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.12-38.84, p=0.037), in farms with B. pseudomallei present in the soil (OR=6.23, 95%CI=1.03-37.68, p=0.046), in farms that have other animal species present (OR=7.96, 95%CI=1.14-55.99, p=0.037) and in farms that had flooding or waterlogging conditions (OR=11.95, 95%CI=1.39-102.6, p=0.024) when compared to the odds of the disease in farms that did not have the above conditions. The odds of the disease in farms that treated their soils with lime were significantly lower (OR=0.028, 95%CI=0.003-0.29, p=0.003) compared to the odds in those that did not. The risk factors for exposure to B. pseudomallei highlighted above may have contributed to the occurrence of melioidosis in animals in the study farms. Information from the study may be helpful in planning control measures against melioidosis and have improved understanding of the epidemiology of the disease in livestock farms. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Apart from occasional reports of clinical disease affecting horses, there is no information about... more Apart from occasional reports of clinical disease affecting horses, there is no information about Trypanosoma evansi in horses in Peninsula Malaysia. Thus, a cross-sectional study was conducted in eight states in Peninsula Malaysia to determine the active presence of T. evansi in horses. A total of 527 blood samples were obtained and examined by haematocrit centrifugation technique (HCT), Giemsa-stained thin blood smear (GSS), morphometric measurements, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and cloning of PCR products. The results showed an overall parasitological prevalence of 0.57% (3/527, CI: 1.6-0.19%) with both HCT and GSS. Morphometric study revealed the mean total length of the trypanosomes including the free flagellum was 27.94 ± 2.63 μm. PCR successfully amplified a trypanosome specific 257 bp in 1.14% of samples (6/527, CI: 2.4-0.52%) and was confirmed by nucleotide sequences. The mean packed cell volume (PCV) for the positive cases detected by HCT was lower (23% ± 7.00) compare...
Bovine lungworm Dictyocaulus viviparus is highly endemic in temperate regions. However, the occur... more Bovine lungworm Dictyocaulus viviparus is highly endemic in temperate regions. However, the occurrence of the lungworm has not been reported in any South East Asian country. The main aim of the present study was to detect the presence of lungworm in cattle in peninsular Malaysia and to examine the morphology of the parasite. A cross-sectional study was carried out in which 602 animals from four large scale government cattle farms and one dairy smallholder farm were sampled. In addition, 283 lungs from 11 abattoirs around the country were examined. Faecal samples were examined using the Baermann technique while post-mortem examination was performed on the lungs. Approximately 5% of faecal samples and 1% of lungs were positive for lungworm. Based on the morphology of adult lungworm, eggs and first stage larvae, Malaysian bovine lungworms were D. viviparus.
A total of 204 rodents comprising 14 host species from four different habitats were examined. Nin... more A total of 204 rodents comprising 14 host species from four different habitats were examined. Nine rodent species were trapped from the forest and another five species were trapped from the coastal, rice field and urban habitats. Rattus rattus diardii (67%) was the predominant rodent species examined. Fifty six (47.3%) rodents and shrews were found to be infested with at least one of the 20 species of ectoparasite recovered. Mites belonging to the family Trombiculidae were the predominant ectoparasite species recovered. Ticks belonging to the family Ixodidae were recovered mainly from the forest dwelling rodents. Polyplax spinulosa and Hoplopleura pacifica were the common lice species found infesting the urban rodents. Xenopsylla cheopis was the only flea species recovered. The following ecto-parasites have been incriminated as important vectors or as mechanical carriers for the transmission of zoonotic diseases: Ixodes granulatus, Dermacentor sp. Haemaphysalis sp., Amblyomma sp. As...
Brucellosis has been in South East Asia for many generations
affecting both man and animals and r... more Brucellosis has been in South East Asia for many generations affecting both man and animals and responsible for massive economic losses. The threat to the economy and to public health from this zoonotic disease is so great to ignore. Over the years there have been many attempts to control and possibly eradicate this infection but these efforts have not fully yielded the desired results due to many factors mentioned in this paper. Eradication, though expensive, actually saves a lot of economic resources when properly implemented. In this review, the past and current situation of brucellosis in South East Asia is explored with particular reference to Malaysia and challenges to the full eradication of the infection are elucidated. Keywords: Brucellosis, Southeast Asia, Malaysia, perspective, update. zoonoses
Brucella melitensis in goats in Peninsular Malaysia. Using serosurveillance data of the last deca... more Brucella melitensis in goats in Peninsular Malaysia. Using serosurveillance data of the last decade (2000–2009) involving 119,799 goats and 3555 farms, the seroprevalence of brucellosis among goats was 0.91% (95% CI = 0.86–0.96) and among farms was 7.09% (95% CI = 6.27–7.98). The odds of brucellosis was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the later part of the decade, in larger herd size and among the states located in the peninsula as compared to eastern Malaysia. The infection was detected throughout Malaysia but at generally low seroprevalences with states like Perlis that border neighbouring countries having higher seroprevalence of brucellosis than other non-border states.
Bovine brucellosis was first reported in Peninsular Malaysia in 1950. A subsequent survey conduct... more Bovine brucellosis was first reported in Peninsular Malaysia in 1950. A subsequent survey conducted in the country revealed that the disease was widespread. Current knowledge on the potential risk factors for brucellosis occurrence on cattle farms in Malaysia is lacking. Therefore, we conducted a case-control study to identify the potential herd-level risk factors for bovine brucellosis occurrence in four states in the country, namely Kelantan, Pahang, Selangor and Negeri Sembilan. Thirty-five cases and 36 controls of herds were selected where data on farm management, biosecurity, medical history and public health were collected. Multivariable logistic regression identified that Brucella seropositive herds were more likely to; have some interaction with wildlife (OR 8.9, 95% CI = 1.59-50.05); originated from farms where multiple species such as buffalo/others (OR 41.8, 95% CI = 3.94-443.19) and goat/sheep (OR 8.9, 95%Cl = 1.10-71.83) were reared, practice extensive production system (OR 13.6, 95% CI 1.31-140.24) and have had episodes of abortion in the past (OR 51.8, 95% CI = 4.54-590.90) when compared to seronegative herds. Considering the lack of information on the epidemiology of bovine brucellosis in peninsular Malaysia and absence of information on preventing the inception or spread of the disease, this report could contribute to the on-going area-wise national brucellosis eradication program.
Following a series of H5N1 cases in chickens and birds in a few states in Malaysia, there was muc... more Following a series of H5N1 cases in chickens and birds in a few states in Malaysia, there was much interest in the influenza A viruses subtypes that circulate among the local pig populations. Pigs may act as a mixing vessel for avian and mammal influenza viruses, resulting in new reassorted viruses. This study investigated the presence of antibodies against influenza H1N1 and H3N2 viruses in pigs from Peninsular Malaysia using Herdcheck Swine Influenza H1N1 and H3N2 Antibody Test Kits. At the same time, the presence of influenza virus was examined from the nasal swabs of seropositive pigs by virus isolation and real time RT-PCR. The list of pig farms was obtained from the headquarters of the Department of Veterinary Services, Malaysia, and pig herds were selected randomly from six of 11 states in Peninsular Malaysia. A total of 727 serum and nasal swab samples were collected from 4- to 6-month-old pigs between May and August 2005. By ELISA, the seroprevalences of swine influenza H1N1 and H3N2 among pigs were 12.2% and 12.1% respectively. Seropositivity for either of the virus subtypes was detected in less than half of the 41 sampled farms (41.4%). Combination of both subtypes was detected in 4% of all pigs and in 22% of sampled farms. However, no virus or viral nucleic acid was detected from nasal samples. This study identified that the seropositivity of pigs to H1N1 and H3N2 based on ELISA was significantly associated with factors such as size of farm, importation or purchase of pigs, proximity of farm to other pig farms and the presence of mammalian pets within the farm.
Caprine brucellosis is a bacterial zoonotic infection affecting goats especially in developing co... more Caprine brucellosis is a bacterial zoonotic infection affecting goats especially in developing countries all over the world. In Malaysia, the risk factors associated with this infection in farms have not been studied. A case–control study was carried out in goat farms in four states of Malaysia to elucidate the risk factors associated with the infection on the farms using structured questionnaires and face-to-face interviews. Results indicate that the introduction of new animals (OR= 5.25; 90 % CI=1.46, 18.88), younger age category of farms (OR=5.53; 90 % CI=1.09, 21.66), and farms with single breed of goats (OR=8.50; 90 % CI=1.27, 41.97) were significant risk factors for brucellosis. In order to control brucellosis or possibly eradicate it in goat farms, these factors need to be dealt with. Enforcing stringent importation protocols or complete ban of goat importation from brucellosis endemic countries will help reduce risk of introducing new infection into the country. Keywords Case–control . Brucella melitensis . Risk factors . Goats . Farms . Malaysia
Collection of biological samples from pteropid bats requires chemical restraint of the bats to mi... more Collection of biological samples from pteropid bats requires chemical restraint of the bats to minimize risks to humans and stress to the bat. The effectiveness of an intravenous combination of ketamine and xylazine for short-term restraint of wild-caught variable flying foxes (Pteropus hypomelanus) in a field situation was evaluated. Eight adult male variable flying foxes were injected intravenously with 0.1 ml of ketamine and xylaxine containing 5 mg of ketamine and 1 mg of xylazine. The mean induction time was 80 +/- 20 sec, and mean immobilization time was 26 +/- 10 min. The ketamine-xylazine combination used in this study produced effective short-term immobilization of wild variable flying foxes for the collection of biological samples.
This study determined the risk factors and characteristics of vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (V... more This study determined the risk factors and characteristics of vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE) among individuals working with animals in Malaysia. Targeted cross-sectional studies accompanied with laboratory analysis for the identification and characterization of resistance and virulence genes and with genotype of VRE were performed. VRE were detected in 9·4% (95% CI: 6·46-13·12) of the sampled populations. Enterococcus faecium, Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus gallinarum were isolated, and vanA was detected in 70% of the isolates. Enterococcus faecalis with vanB was obtained from one foreign poultry worker. At least one virulence gene was detected in &amp;amp;gt;50% of Ent. faecium and Ent. faecalis isolates. The esp and gelE genes were common among Ent. faecium (58·3%) and Ent. faecalis (78%), respectively. The VRE species showed diverse RAPD profiles with some clustering of strains based on the individual&amp;amp;#39;s background. However, the risk factors found to be significantly associated with the prevalence of VRE were age (OR: 5·39, 95% CI: 1·98-14·61) and previous hospitalization (OR: 4·06, 95% CI: 1·33-12·35). VRE species isolated from individuals in this study have high level of vancomycin resistance, were genetically diverse and possessed the virulence traits. Age of individuals and history of hospitalization rather than occupational background determined VRE colonization. This study provides comprehensive findings on the epidemiological and molecular features of VRE among healthy individuals working with animals.
International Journal of Infectious Diseases, 2008
Background: Nipah virus emerged in Malaysia in 1998 and caused 42% mortality in human and the sub... more Background: Nipah virus emerged in Malaysia in 1998 and caused 42% mortality in human and the subsequent culling of 1.1 million pigs. Previous serological and viral isolation studies found evidences that bats of the genus Pteropus (flying foxes) is the natural reservoir host for the virus. However, the geographical distribution and the risk factors involved in Nipah virus in flying foxes in Malaysia have not been described. Information regarding the spatial extent of viral distribution and potential risk factors would lead to further understanding about the natural history of the disease. In addition, information regarding critical risk factors in viral infection can serve to enhance the control of infection in the future. In our study, two hypotheses were proposed: 1. Nipah virus is endemic and is circulating in pteropid bats throughout Peninsular Malaysia. 2. Occurrence of Nipah virus in flying fox is seasonal, and is related to reproductive season.
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Papers by Latiffah Hassan
affecting both man and animals and responsible for massive economic losses. The threat to the economy and to public health from this zoonotic disease is so great to ignore. Over the years there have been many attempts to control and possibly eradicate this infection but these efforts have not fully yielded the desired results due to many factors mentioned in this paper. Eradication, though expensive, actually saves a lot of economic resources when properly implemented. In this review, the past and current situation of brucellosis in South East Asia is explored with particular reference to Malaysia and
challenges to the full eradication of the infection are elucidated.
Keywords: Brucellosis, Southeast Asia, Malaysia, perspective, update.
zoonoses
the decade, in larger herd size and among the states located in the peninsula as compared to eastern Malaysia. The infection was detected throughout Malaysia but at generally low
seroprevalences with states like Perlis that border neighbouring countries having higher seroprevalence of brucellosis than other non-border states.
Results indicate that the introduction of new animals (OR=
5.25; 90 % CI=1.46, 18.88), younger age category of farms
(OR=5.53; 90 % CI=1.09, 21.66), and farms with single breed of goats (OR=8.50; 90 % CI=1.27, 41.97) were significant
risk factors for brucellosis. In order to control brucellosis or possibly eradicate it in goat farms, these factors need to be
dealt with. Enforcing stringent importation protocols or
complete ban of goat importation from brucellosis endemic
countries will help reduce risk of introducing new infection
into the country.
Keywords Case–control . Brucella melitensis . Risk factors . Goats . Farms . Malaysia
affecting both man and animals and responsible for massive economic losses. The threat to the economy and to public health from this zoonotic disease is so great to ignore. Over the years there have been many attempts to control and possibly eradicate this infection but these efforts have not fully yielded the desired results due to many factors mentioned in this paper. Eradication, though expensive, actually saves a lot of economic resources when properly implemented. In this review, the past and current situation of brucellosis in South East Asia is explored with particular reference to Malaysia and
challenges to the full eradication of the infection are elucidated.
Keywords: Brucellosis, Southeast Asia, Malaysia, perspective, update.
zoonoses
the decade, in larger herd size and among the states located in the peninsula as compared to eastern Malaysia. The infection was detected throughout Malaysia but at generally low
seroprevalences with states like Perlis that border neighbouring countries having higher seroprevalence of brucellosis than other non-border states.
Results indicate that the introduction of new animals (OR=
5.25; 90 % CI=1.46, 18.88), younger age category of farms
(OR=5.53; 90 % CI=1.09, 21.66), and farms with single breed of goats (OR=8.50; 90 % CI=1.27, 41.97) were significant
risk factors for brucellosis. In order to control brucellosis or possibly eradicate it in goat farms, these factors need to be
dealt with. Enforcing stringent importation protocols or
complete ban of goat importation from brucellosis endemic
countries will help reduce risk of introducing new infection
into the country.
Keywords Case–control . Brucella melitensis . Risk factors . Goats . Farms . Malaysia