1.Cutaneous leishmaniasis in Iran:Results from an epidemiological study in urban and rural provinces
Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine 2016;6(7):614-619
Objective: To examine the prevalence and clinical manifestations of cutaneous leish-maniasis (CL) in Iran. Methods: This study was conducted in Iran between 2011 and 2013. Sampling, pre-paring, developing, and fixing of suspicious skin lesions were completed in healthcare centers in 31 Iranian provinces as well as in the Academic Reference Laboratory and the National Reference Laboratory. The information was then analyzed at the Ministry of Health's Information Management Center of Contagious Diseases. Results: Over a three-year period, the number of people identified with CL was 56 546. The highest incidence was reported in 2011 (27.5 per 100 000). Wet CL accounted for 43.7% of cases while 43.3% resulted from sporotrichoid leishmaniasis. The results showed that there was a higher incidence of CL due to Leishmania major (50.2%) than to Leishmania tropica. The results of this study found that the highest incidence of CL had happened respectively in Ilam, Fars and, Khorasan Razavi Provinces between 2011 and 2013. Conclusions: Although the incidence of the disease is declining, CL is still a public health concern and disease control protocols need to be established. Therefore, further studies are needed to identify the vectors, reservoirs, and disease species as well as to develop appropriate disease control strategies.
2.Seroprevalence of HDV among non-hospitalized HBsAg positive patients from KPK-region of Pakistan
Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine 2016;6(7):609-613
Objective: To study the seroprevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis delta virus (HDV) infections in patients visiting outpatient department of a major tertiary care hospital in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region of Pakistan. Methods: Blood samples were collected from non-hospitalized patients. Serological analysis was done by ELISA and viral DNA was amplified by PCR. The amplified DNA was analyzed by agarose gel electrophoresis. Results: Altogether, 946 blood samples were screened, overall percentage of HBsAg-positive patients remained 22.41%(prevalence:224.10/1 000;CI:0.197 5 ± 0.250 7) with the highest incidence rates among relatively younger age groups (20–29 years). The prevalence of HBV–HDV co-infection was found to be 46.75/1 000;CI:0.031 8 ± 0.061 7. In HBsAg-positive patients, anti-HBc-total was detected in 86.79%while 25.00% were positive for anti-HBc-immunoglobulin M. Similarly, among these patients, HBV DNA was detected in 64.13% and 10.85% were co-infected with HDV. Different symptoms were associated with the prevailing infection, including malaise (62%), anorexia (66%) and fa-tigue (73%). The most commonly associated symptom was abdominal discomfort. Among these patients, certain risk factors, including surgery, visit to dentist and intravenus infusions were frequently associated with the infection (c2=95.23;df=11;P<0.000 1). Conclusions: Overall, this study confirmed higher prevalence of active HBV/HDV infection, among young patients from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region having no prior history of viral hepatitis.
3.Caries-related factors and bacterial composition of supragingival plaques in caries free and caries active Algerian adults
Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine 2016;6(8):720-726
Objective: To compare oral hygiene practices, education and social background, food intake and oral malodor of Algerian adults suffering from dental caries with normal controls, and to determine and compare the bacterial composition of the supragingival plaques from the above-mentioned groups. Methods: Participants completed a questionnaire and were clinically examined for dental caries using decayed, missing and filled teeth index according to the criteria laid down by the World Health Organization. Supragingival plaque samples were collected from 50 caries-free adults (CF) and 50 caries-active adults (CA). Standard procedures of culture and identification of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria were used. Data were analyzed using Chi-square test. Results: A total of 117 bacterial strains were isolated from supragingival plaques in CF group subjects, 76 (64.96%) of them belonged to 9 aerobic genera, and 41 (35.04%) to 9 anaerobic genera (P<0.05). While in the second group, 199 strains were isolated, 119 (59.80%) of the strains belonged to 10 aerobic genera and 80 (40.20%) to 10 anaerobic bacteria (P<0.05). Streptococcus mutans, Enterococcus faecium, Aerococcus viridans, Actinomyces meyeri, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Eubacterium limosum showed a significantly higher prevalence in the CA group (P<0.05). The findings revealed that CA group had a high sugar intake (80%). A significantly higher frequency of tooth brushing (P<0.000) and a significantly less self-reported oral malodor (P<0.000) and tooth pain (P<0.000) were found in CF group, while there was no association of socioeconomic levels and intake of meal snacks with dental caries. Conclusions: This study confirms the association of some aciduric bacteria with caries formation, and a direct association of sugar intake and cultural level with dental caries. Furthermore, oral hygiene practices minimize the prevalence of tooth decay.
4.Trichomonas vaginalis infection in a low-risk women attended in Obstetrics and Gynaecology Clinic, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre
Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine 2016;6(8):702-705
Objective: To investigate the presence of trichomoniasis among women attending the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Clinic, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre. Methods: A total of 139 high vaginal swabs were taken from the subjects and sent to the laboratory in Amies gel transport media. The specimens were examined for the presence of Trichomonas vaginalis using wet mount, Giemsa staining and cultured in Diamond's medium. Sociodemographic characteristics and gynaecological complaints were obtained in private using structured questionnaire applied by one investigator. Results: The median age was 32 years, with an interquartile interval of 9.96. Most of the subjects were Malays (76.9%) and the remaining were Chinese (15.1%), Indians (2.2%) and other ethnic groups (5.8%). One hundred and thirty eight (99.3%) of the women were married and 98.6%had less than 6 children. More than half (75.5%) of the women's last child birth was less than 6 years ago. Forty seven percent of them were involved in supporting administrative work and 64.7% of the women gave a history of previous or current vaginal discharge. Conclusions: The present study reported zero incidence rate of trichomoniasis. The low incidence rate was postulated due to all women who participated in this study were categorized into a low-risk group.
5.Characterization of vancomycin resistant Enterococcus faecium from clinical and chicken sources
Asha PETER ; Radhakrishnan EK ; Jyothis MATHEW ; Shini ZACHARIA
Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine 2012;(z3):1738-1741
Objective: The study was undertaken to investigate the genomic and phenotypic relationship among E.faecium strains isolated from chicken and clinical sources. Methods: Enterococci were isolated and identified by conventional biochemical methods and the antibiotic susceptibility was determined by disk diffusion methods. Phenotypes and genotypes of vancomycin resistance were detected by E tests and PCR amplification techniques respectively. Genotyping of the vancomycin resistant E.faecium from two sources were done by RAPD typing. Results: The Vancomycin resistant E.faecium identified was selected for this comparative study. Among the VREF from two sources minor biochemical difference with regards to raffinose fermentation and haemolytic properties was observed. The RAPD tests using random primers also showed polymorphism. Conclusion: The results of the study showed that the strains from two different sources were not identical.
6.Lead finding from Phyllanthus debelis with hepatoprotective potentials
Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine 2012;(z3):1735-1737
Objective: Present communication deals with the study of antihepatotoxic activity and molecular prediction of compounds isolated from Phyllanthus debelis in order to search lead compound. Methods: Five compounds from the whole plant of P. debelis were subjected to molecular properties prediction and drug-likeness by Lipinski rule of five & Molinspiration software. Results: All the compounds were found in compliance with Lipinski ‘Rule of Five’ except the Milog P valve of compound No. I-IV were found above five means these compounds have less permeability across the cell membrane. The Milog P valve of Compound No V & standard compound silibinin VI were found below five, suggest that the molecules have good permeability across the cell membrane. In respect of TPSA, all the compounds were within the limit i.e. 160 ?. The bioactivity score was also calculated for GPCR ligand, ion channel modulator, kinase inhibitor, nuclear receptor ligand. All the compound showed activity through enzyme inhibition.Conclusions:Our study shows that compound V debelolactone has good drug likeness score with no violations & good bioactivity score as compared to silibinin which is potent hepatoprotective drug. So compound V debelolactone can be a lead compound with hepatoprotective activity from Phyllanthus debelis.
7.Interpretation of microscopic agglutination test for leptospirosis diagnosis and seroprevalence
Chintana CHIRATHAWORN ; Rajada INWATTANA ; Yong POOVORAWAN ; Duangjai SUWANCHAROEN
Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine 2014;(z1):162-164
Determination of antibody titer by microscopic agglutination test (MAT) has been used as a tool for leptospirosis diagnosis. Four fold or greater rise in antibody titers between acute and convalescent sera suggests recent Leptospira infection. In addition, results obtained by MAT have been used to predict infecting serovars. However, cross reactivity among various Leptospira serovars have been reported when patient sera were tested with a battery of Leptospira serovars. This study demonstrates cross- reactivity among several Leptospira serovars when MAT was performed on leptospirosis sera. The data support a role of MAT as a tool for diagnosis. However, for information on infecting serovars, Leptospira isolation and molecular identification should be performed.
8."Phytochemical screening and ""in-vitro"" anti-oxidant activity of methanolic root extract of Erythrina indica"
Toda SHEILA ; Kandasamy MURUGESAN
Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine 2012;(z3):1696-1700
Objective: Erythrina indica belongs to the family Leguminoseae and it is a medium-sized, spiny, deciduous tree normally growing up to 6-9 m tall. It is also known as “Indian coral tree” or “Tiger’s clow” or “variegated coral tree” or “Kalyana murungai” or “ Mulmurukku” (in Tamil). It is a native of costal forest communities from East Africa, through southeast to Australia. In India, it is distributed in coast forests from Bombay to Malabar . The objective of this study is to explore the phytochemistry and the antioxidant potential of methanolic root extract of Erythrina indica which is considered traditionally as an important medicinal plant. Methods: The preliminary phytochemical analysis was done to find out the presence of various bioactive compounds. In vitro antioxidant analysis of methanolic root extract was performed by 1,1diphenyl, 2 picryl hydrazyl assay, nitric oxide assay, superoxide dismutase assay, ferric reducing antioxidant power assay. Results: The methanolic root extract showed the presence of various phytoconstituents such as flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, saponins, coumarins and carbohydrates. Besides it also possess strong antioxidant activity. Conclusions: It was concluded that Erythrina indica root possessed a wide range of pharmacologically important phytoconstituents which exhibited strong antioxidant activity.
9.Evaluation of Anti-hyperglycaemic Action of Different Fractions and Sub-fractions from Aqueous Extract of Aloe vera Linn. Leaf on Alloxan Induced Type 2 Diabetic Rats
Alok MAITHANI ; Versha PARCHA ; Geeta PANT ; Deepak KUMAR ; Ishan DHULIA
Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine 2012;(z3):1691-1695
Objective: To evaluate the fasting serum glucose (FSG) lowering potential of different fractions (C & D) and subfraction (D1 & D2) from aqueous extract of Aloe vera leaf on normal and alloxan induced type 2 diabetic rats. Methods: Two fractions (C & D) obtained by common chemical treatment of the aqueous extract of Aleo vera leaf and subfraction (D1 & D2) from fraction D were administered to the alloxan induced (150mg/kg i.p.) diabetic rats. The FSG lowering capacity, of different fractions and subfractions, was then evaluated in terms of percentage reduction in blood glucose level. Results: Oral administration of fractions C & D and subfraction D1 & D2 for 15 days led significant (P<0.05) reduction to the elevated FSG level of alloxan induced diabetic rats. Percentage reduction in blood glucose level and comparison with standard drug glibenclamide suggest the superiority of fraction D and subfraction D1 in hypoglycaemic potential. Conclusions:The results suggest that fraction D and subfraction D1 from aqueous extracts of Aloe vera leaf possesses the maximum FSG lowering capacity and further investigation is required for determination of anti-diabetic principal(s) and exact mechanism of their hypoglycaemic action.
10.Antibacterial activity and physicochemical evaluation of roots of Butea monosperma
Prashant TIWARI ; Ritesh JAIN ; Kuldeep KUMAR ; Rahul MISHRA ; Anish CHANDY
Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine 2012;(z2):881-883
Objective: To evaluate the antibacterial activity of the petroleum ether extract of root of Buteamonosperma B. monosperma was studied against Staphylococcus faecalis (S. faecalis), Sterptococcus faecalis (S. faecalis), Aeromonas hydrophilia (A. hydrophilia), Salmonela typhae (S. typhae), Stphylococcus cohni (S. cohni), Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Serratia ficaria (S. ficaria) by using well diffusion method. Results: Petroleum ether extract of root of B. monosperma exhibited a prominent inhibitory effect against bacterial strains. Conclusion: From the result it can be concluded that the B. monosperma extract has potent in vitro antibacterial activity. (B. monosperma). Method: In vitro antibacterial activity of petroleum ether i.e.