Papers by Ryan V . Labana
https://www.preprints.org/, 2020
The state of community lock-down due to COVID-19 pandemic caused restricted movements of people. ... more The state of community lock-down due to COVID-19 pandemic caused restricted movements of people. There are existing evidence of the negative impact of quarantine and isolation to the mental health of a person in different contexts. A scoping review of literature using Google Scholar was conducted to discover records about the public mental health while in a community quarantine due to COVID-19 pandemic. A methodological approach suggested by Arksey and O'Malley was utilized. It comprised (a) identifying the research questions, (b) identifying relevant literatures, (c) selecting literature, (d) charting the extracted data, and (e) summarizing, analyzing, and reporting the results. As of April 17, 2020, there were only 4 original articles found that discuss psychosocial aspect of the COVID-19 crisis. After an online survey, they present evidence that (1) there is an outward change in the people's behavior toward self-care during the pandemic and (2) trusting the community governing bodies can minimize the level of anxiety and stress. Other literatures found are original articles in preprint (n=8), letters, commentaries, editorial (n=6), review paper (n=4), and WHO guideline (n=1). It is evident that the psychosocial aspect of COVID-19 crisis needs more attention from the scholars and a large research gap can be lessened trough expansion of online platforms.
International Journal of Health Policy and Management, 2020
Mass Drug Administration (MDA) of albendazole is being implemented in the Philippines to eliminat... more Mass Drug Administration (MDA) of albendazole is being implemented in the Philippines to eliminate soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) among school-age children (SAC). The first round of MDA for the school year 2019-2020 was suspended in the province of Surigao del Norte due to a reported death of a student after deworming. It was broadcasted on a national television and the story was then posted on Facebook. We used structured and simple nature of social media research to study public perception of the MDA program after the controversial issue in the Philippines. The news story was assessed, and the Facebook comments were analyzed. A large portion of the Facebook comments expressed a declining trust of the Filipinos toward MDA. The negative impact could be attributed to the public-initiated discussion and sharing of comments with no solid evidence in Facebook. This study showed a possible threat to the successful implementation of the program if not properly managed. The Department of Health (DOH) should be able to cope with the developing landscape of public perception during the era of social media.
Journal of Public Health Policy, 2019
We used a qualitative cross-sectional study in 20 elementary schools in an area of Cagayan Valley... more We used a qualitative cross-sectional study in 20 elementary schools in an area of Cagayan Valley, Philippines where soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) is endemic, to analyze the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats for three intervention components for STH control: mass drug administration (MDA), health education, and sanitation. School teachers and staff generally perceived MDA to be a well-delivered program, but opportunities exist to strengthen other control strategies: health education and school rules on hygiene and sanitation at school. Complete and consistent monitoring of program impact and the availability of up-to-date reports on prevalence of the infection can guide teachers’ efforts to promote interventions for STH elimination.
International Annals of Science, 2019
This short review provides an overview regarding the research findings on the occurrence of Crypt... more This short review provides an overview regarding the research findings on the occurrence of Cryptosporidium in the Philippines. It seeks to set conjecture about its possible role on the increasing waterborne disease incidences in the country. Intensive search of journal articles was done among major databases, online. The first report of Cryptosporidium infection in the country was in 1985. Past more than 30 years, Cryptosporidium is not yet well-understood in the Philippines, but an increasing research interest has been observed among Filipinos in the past few years. Recently, waterborne transmission of the infection appeared in the studies to be more potent than zoonotic and person-to-person transmissions. An improvement on the detection methods was also observed, giving an improved knowledge on the molecular diversity of Cryptosporidium in the country. Despite these improvements, the paucity of the data regarding the impact of Cryptosporidium to the public health in the Philippines is still apparent. One Health approach is recommended to fully understand the interconnections between human, animal, and environment as reservoirs of the infective stage of the parasite. Dedication of the researchers in understanding their geographical distribution, molecular diversity, and environmental and climatic behaviour will eventually uncover the public health implications of Cryptosporidium in the country.
Epidemiology and Health, 2018
OBJECTIVES: For the first time, Boliwong, an indigenous community in the Philippines, was surveye... more OBJECTIVES: For the first time, Boliwong, an indigenous community in the Philippines, was surveyed for the prevalence of
Cryptosporidium from April to December 2017.
METHODS: Cryptosporidium oocysts were detected in samples from the river, creek, and water pumps via immunomagnetic
separation techniques, and from human and animal concentrated faecal samples using the modified Ziehl-Neelsen technique.
RESULTS: Seven of the 24 water samples (29.2%) were positive for Cryptosporidium, with the highest concentration (0.8
oocyst/L) detected in the creek. Of 35 fecal samples from different animal groups, 8 (21.6%) were positive for Cryptosporidium
oocysts. The highest intensity of oocyst shedding was detected in dogs (χ2
=8.00). Of the 137 human fecal samples, 39 (28.5%)
were infected with Cryptosporidium. In this study, 3 risk factors were found to be associated with infection: (1) location (crude
odds ratio [cOR], 16.39; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.11 to 127.41; p=0.008), (2) drinking water from the natural spring (cOR,
0.29; 95% CI, 0.11 to 0.82; p<0.05), and (3) using an open pit as a sanitary toilet facility (cOR, 2.44; 95% CI, 1.14 to 5.20; p<0.05).
When the cOR was adjusted, using an open pit as a sanitary toilet facility remained a significant risk factor of infection (adjusted
OR, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.19 to 0.90; p<0.05).
CONCLUSIONS: There is a potentially emerging Cryptosporidium zoonosis in Boliwong, Lagawe, Philippines. It is recommended that the toilet facilities and the water system in the community be rehabilitated to avoid any possible disease outbreak. Health
education is also needed in the community to maintain proper hygiene and sanitation practices.
The assemblage of the plankton in freshwater system has significant impact on the productivity of... more The assemblage of the plankton in freshwater system has significant impact on the productivity of the lake. This study assessed the community characteristics of the phytoplankton and zooplankton in Laguna de Bay and their possible association. Chlorophyceae that includes species Surirella angusta (AR=0.163), Biddulphia hyalina (AR=0.527), and Pediastrum duplex meyen (AR=0.018) dominated the whole plankton community. It is followed by Copepods (AR=0.267) which represents zooplankton community. Shannon diversity index (H’ = 1.779) implied that the over-all diversity of the plankton community is highly represented by the total species in the study area. An environment impact assessment on the lake is recommended to ascertain the extent of the anthropogenic effects on the lake trophic state.
Philippines has a big mass of land areas, one of its major problems and concerns is the tremendou... more Philippines has a big mass of land areas, one of its major problems and concerns is the tremendously increasing of contaminants into the environment that cause harm or discomfort to humans or other living organisms, or that damage the environment, pollution itself. And one of those typical types of pollution that we are currently encountering is the Air pollution. An important focus of research has been on the role of urban vegetation in the formation and degradation of air pollutants in cities. The study will use an improvised particle filter to collect air-pollution particles. The improvised apparatus will easily provide quick and precise results on the study given since it will able to collect an enough amount of dust particle using itself. And for the researchers to determine the rate of dust particles being collected the study will be using a legend. Using the statistical treatment called Chi-Square, the researchers able to identified the results 2.363095953, and using 0.05 level of significance, the given result was + 2.78. Therefore, this attempt to understand the effects of air pollutants in the whole humanity denote that higher rate of Air quality index is too dangerous to us.
Conference Presentations by Ryan V . Labana
Infections by intestinal parasites are considered as one of the major health concerns in developi... more Infections by intestinal parasites are considered as one of the major health concerns in developing countries afflicting different groups of people including food handlers and food vendors and are linked to poor personal hygiene and sanitation. This raises public health issues as food vendors and handlers may potentially become agents for the fecal-oral transmission of intestinal parasitic infections to consumers. This study focused on determining the prevalence of intestinal parasites among slaughter house workers and food vendors and examined their personal and food hygiene practices. A small-scale survey was conducted and selected a total of 91 slaughter house workers and food vendors from different areas in Metro Manila. Microscopic examination of the fecal samples collected was done following standard procedures by the World Health Organization (WHO) thru direct smear, formalin-ethyl acetate sedimentation and staining methods. Participants were also interviewed on their food and personal hygiene practices using a questionnaire. The overall prevalence of parasitic infection was 90% with helminthic predominating protozoan infections. Eight (8) different intestinal parasites were identified: Entamoeba histolytica/Entamoeba dispar (15.6%), Balantidium coli (8.4%), Giardia lamblia (4.2%), Ascaris lumbricoides (30%), Trichuris trichiura (14.9%), Ancyclostoma duodenale/ Necator americanus (2.3%). Taenia spp. (2.4%), and Enterobius vermicularis (2.9%). Other amoeba-like protozoans (19.2%) were also observed suggestive of exposure to fecal materials. Based on the results obtained, there is high levels of parasitic infections among slaughter house workers and food vendors. Raising awareness on proper food handling, improved personal hygiene and sanitation is needed to prevent further transmission of parasites to the public.
A s water pollution is one of the key health issues in the Philippines, parasitological and bacte... more A s water pollution is one of the key health issues in the Philippines, parasitological and bacteriological surveys were made on various water systems in the Philippines with the hope of assisting policy makers in coming up with environmental health programs for the region. A total of thirty three water samples were examined for the presence of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia spp. using an immunomagnetic separation method and fluorescence microscopy. Likewise, Acanthamoeba and Naegleria were tested through microscopy examination and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results of the parasitological analysis revealed that twelve samples were positive for Cryptosporidium spp. (36.4%); 17 (45.5%) for Giardia spp., 13 (33.3%) for Acanthamoeba and 5 (18.2%) for Naegleria spp. The occurrence of Giardia in the water samples was positively correlated with nitrite (r=0.736, p<0.01) as well as nitrate concentration (r=0.502, p<0.01). These findings may serve as baseline surveillance data for parasitic contamination in various water systems in the Philippines. Likewise, the occurrence of multidrug resistant bacteria (defined as resistance to at least three antibiotics) in selected river systems was also investigated. The resistance profile of the 27 bacterial isolates from Pampanga River, 8 isolates from Estero de San Miguel and 9 isolates from Pasig River were determined against five to ten antibiotics using the Kirby Bauer disk diffusion method. Results showed that all the 37 out of 44 isolates (20 from Pampanga; all 8 from Estero de San Miguel and all 9 from Pasig River) were resistant to at least three antibiotics. In this study, 9 thermotolerant multiple drug resistant (MDR) bacterial isolates were identified. Further investigation has to be made as to how these MDR had been introduced into these bodies of water which may place the public at great risk.
While there has been a number of literatures suggesting the direct positive effects of increasing... more While there has been a number of literatures suggesting the direct positive effects of increasing temperature on bacterial
density, there has been scarcity of data, however, describing how temperature may impact the efficacy of antibiotics.
In this study, the effect of rising temperatures brought about by global warming on the antibiotic susceptibility pattern of
bacteria isolated from the surface water of Pasig River, Philippines was investigated. Nine bacterial isolates belonging to three
families namely: Aeromonadaceae (Aeromonas sobria (3), Aeromonas veronii (1) and Aeromonas caviae (1)); Enterococcaceae
(Enterococcus gallinarum (1)); and Enterobacteriaceae (Klebsiella oxytoca (2) and Citobacter sedlakii (1)) were tested for their
activities against six antibiotics namely: Gentamicin (10 μg), Chloramphenicol (30 μg), Tetracyline (30 μg), Erythromycin (15
μg), Vancomycin (30 μg) and Bacitracin (10 units) using Kirby Bauer disk diffusion method at varying incubation temperature
(37o
C, 39o
C, 42o
C and 45o
C). Bacterial density at the time of sampling was also determined. The mean heterotrophic plate
count was estimated at 3.7029×104
CFU/ml. All the nine bacterial isolates were found to be multiple drug resistant (MDR)
(55.6% being triresistant while 44.4% being tetraresistant). It is surprising to note that all the nine isolates were able to tolerate
high temperature exposure and that all of them exhibited resistance to erythromycin, vancomycin and bacitracin. Out of the
nine isolates, eight (88.9%) and seven (77.8%) were sensitive to gentamicin and chloramphenicol, respectively, suggesting
that these were still effective in killing these bacteria. A very high positive correlation (r=0.868, p=0.001) between antibiotics
and zones of inhibition across varying temperatures was noted. These data may suggest possible beneficial effect of increasing
temperature on the activity of some antibiotics against bacteria. Further, it implies that thermotolerant MDR bacterial strains
have gone through the river water system which may pose potential threat to the public.
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Papers by Ryan V . Labana
Cryptosporidium from April to December 2017.
METHODS: Cryptosporidium oocysts were detected in samples from the river, creek, and water pumps via immunomagnetic
separation techniques, and from human and animal concentrated faecal samples using the modified Ziehl-Neelsen technique.
RESULTS: Seven of the 24 water samples (29.2%) were positive for Cryptosporidium, with the highest concentration (0.8
oocyst/L) detected in the creek. Of 35 fecal samples from different animal groups, 8 (21.6%) were positive for Cryptosporidium
oocysts. The highest intensity of oocyst shedding was detected in dogs (χ2
=8.00). Of the 137 human fecal samples, 39 (28.5%)
were infected with Cryptosporidium. In this study, 3 risk factors were found to be associated with infection: (1) location (crude
odds ratio [cOR], 16.39; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.11 to 127.41; p=0.008), (2) drinking water from the natural spring (cOR,
0.29; 95% CI, 0.11 to 0.82; p<0.05), and (3) using an open pit as a sanitary toilet facility (cOR, 2.44; 95% CI, 1.14 to 5.20; p<0.05).
When the cOR was adjusted, using an open pit as a sanitary toilet facility remained a significant risk factor of infection (adjusted
OR, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.19 to 0.90; p<0.05).
CONCLUSIONS: There is a potentially emerging Cryptosporidium zoonosis in Boliwong, Lagawe, Philippines. It is recommended that the toilet facilities and the water system in the community be rehabilitated to avoid any possible disease outbreak. Health
education is also needed in the community to maintain proper hygiene and sanitation practices.
Conference Presentations by Ryan V . Labana
density, there has been scarcity of data, however, describing how temperature may impact the efficacy of antibiotics.
In this study, the effect of rising temperatures brought about by global warming on the antibiotic susceptibility pattern of
bacteria isolated from the surface water of Pasig River, Philippines was investigated. Nine bacterial isolates belonging to three
families namely: Aeromonadaceae (Aeromonas sobria (3), Aeromonas veronii (1) and Aeromonas caviae (1)); Enterococcaceae
(Enterococcus gallinarum (1)); and Enterobacteriaceae (Klebsiella oxytoca (2) and Citobacter sedlakii (1)) were tested for their
activities against six antibiotics namely: Gentamicin (10 μg), Chloramphenicol (30 μg), Tetracyline (30 μg), Erythromycin (15
μg), Vancomycin (30 μg) and Bacitracin (10 units) using Kirby Bauer disk diffusion method at varying incubation temperature
(37o
C, 39o
C, 42o
C and 45o
C). Bacterial density at the time of sampling was also determined. The mean heterotrophic plate
count was estimated at 3.7029×104
CFU/ml. All the nine bacterial isolates were found to be multiple drug resistant (MDR)
(55.6% being triresistant while 44.4% being tetraresistant). It is surprising to note that all the nine isolates were able to tolerate
high temperature exposure and that all of them exhibited resistance to erythromycin, vancomycin and bacitracin. Out of the
nine isolates, eight (88.9%) and seven (77.8%) were sensitive to gentamicin and chloramphenicol, respectively, suggesting
that these were still effective in killing these bacteria. A very high positive correlation (r=0.868, p=0.001) between antibiotics
and zones of inhibition across varying temperatures was noted. These data may suggest possible beneficial effect of increasing
temperature on the activity of some antibiotics against bacteria. Further, it implies that thermotolerant MDR bacterial strains
have gone through the river water system which may pose potential threat to the public.
Cryptosporidium from April to December 2017.
METHODS: Cryptosporidium oocysts were detected in samples from the river, creek, and water pumps via immunomagnetic
separation techniques, and from human and animal concentrated faecal samples using the modified Ziehl-Neelsen technique.
RESULTS: Seven of the 24 water samples (29.2%) were positive for Cryptosporidium, with the highest concentration (0.8
oocyst/L) detected in the creek. Of 35 fecal samples from different animal groups, 8 (21.6%) were positive for Cryptosporidium
oocysts. The highest intensity of oocyst shedding was detected in dogs (χ2
=8.00). Of the 137 human fecal samples, 39 (28.5%)
were infected with Cryptosporidium. In this study, 3 risk factors were found to be associated with infection: (1) location (crude
odds ratio [cOR], 16.39; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.11 to 127.41; p=0.008), (2) drinking water from the natural spring (cOR,
0.29; 95% CI, 0.11 to 0.82; p<0.05), and (3) using an open pit as a sanitary toilet facility (cOR, 2.44; 95% CI, 1.14 to 5.20; p<0.05).
When the cOR was adjusted, using an open pit as a sanitary toilet facility remained a significant risk factor of infection (adjusted
OR, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.19 to 0.90; p<0.05).
CONCLUSIONS: There is a potentially emerging Cryptosporidium zoonosis in Boliwong, Lagawe, Philippines. It is recommended that the toilet facilities and the water system in the community be rehabilitated to avoid any possible disease outbreak. Health
education is also needed in the community to maintain proper hygiene and sanitation practices.
density, there has been scarcity of data, however, describing how temperature may impact the efficacy of antibiotics.
In this study, the effect of rising temperatures brought about by global warming on the antibiotic susceptibility pattern of
bacteria isolated from the surface water of Pasig River, Philippines was investigated. Nine bacterial isolates belonging to three
families namely: Aeromonadaceae (Aeromonas sobria (3), Aeromonas veronii (1) and Aeromonas caviae (1)); Enterococcaceae
(Enterococcus gallinarum (1)); and Enterobacteriaceae (Klebsiella oxytoca (2) and Citobacter sedlakii (1)) were tested for their
activities against six antibiotics namely: Gentamicin (10 μg), Chloramphenicol (30 μg), Tetracyline (30 μg), Erythromycin (15
μg), Vancomycin (30 μg) and Bacitracin (10 units) using Kirby Bauer disk diffusion method at varying incubation temperature
(37o
C, 39o
C, 42o
C and 45o
C). Bacterial density at the time of sampling was also determined. The mean heterotrophic plate
count was estimated at 3.7029×104
CFU/ml. All the nine bacterial isolates were found to be multiple drug resistant (MDR)
(55.6% being triresistant while 44.4% being tetraresistant). It is surprising to note that all the nine isolates were able to tolerate
high temperature exposure and that all of them exhibited resistance to erythromycin, vancomycin and bacitracin. Out of the
nine isolates, eight (88.9%) and seven (77.8%) were sensitive to gentamicin and chloramphenicol, respectively, suggesting
that these were still effective in killing these bacteria. A very high positive correlation (r=0.868, p=0.001) between antibiotics
and zones of inhibition across varying temperatures was noted. These data may suggest possible beneficial effect of increasing
temperature on the activity of some antibiotics against bacteria. Further, it implies that thermotolerant MDR bacterial strains
have gone through the river water system which may pose potential threat to the public.