Molecular detection of selected zoonotic respiratory pathogens and the presence of  virulence and antibiotic resistance genes via PCR among Kelantan Hajj pilgrims

Ilia Eleena Mohd Baharin; Habsah Hasan; Nik Zuraina Nik Mohd Noor; Maizan Mohamed

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Molecular detection of selected zoonotic respiratory pathogens and the presence of virulence and antibiotic resistance genes via PCR among Kelantan Hajj pilgrims

Author: Ilia Eleena Mohd Baharin ¹ ; Habsah Hasan ² ; Nik Zuraina Nik Mohd Noor ² ; Maizan Mohamed ¹
Author Information

1. Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, Locked Bag 36, Pengkalan Chepa, 16100 Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia.
2. Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Medical Sciences, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.
Publication Type:Journal Article
Keywords: RTI; Hajj; PCR; Respiratory pathogens; Zoonotic
MeSH: Respiratory Tract Infections; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Bacterial Zoonoses
From:Malaysian Journal of Microbiology 2021;17(3):254-265
CountryMalaysia
Language:English
Abstract: Aims:Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) among Malaysian pilgrims are caused by exposure to zoonotic-potential respiratory pathogens, symptomatically and asymptomatically affected by rigorous pilgrimage rituals, overcrowding and other stressors. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, virulence and antibiotic resistance genes of selected zoonotic respiratory pathogens using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays among Hajj pilgrims from Kelantan state, Malaysia.
Methodology and results:Throat swab specimens were obtained from 189 Kelantan Hajj pilgrims in 2016 and examined by PCR for the identification of respiratory pathogens. Thirteen samples (6.88%) were positive for Streptococcus pneumoniae and four (2.11%) were positive for Klebsiella pneumoniae. All the samples were negative for Influenza A virus, MERS-CoV and Mycobacterium bovis. One sample was positive for S. pneumoniae virulence lytA gene. One sample was positive for K. pneumoniae virulence magA and K2A genes respectively, and three samples were positive for K. pneumoniae rmpA genes. Ten and seven samples were positive for S. pneumoniae mefA and pbpA antibiotic resistance genes respectively. Two samples were positive for K. pneumoniae blaKPC and blaOXA-48 antibiotic resistance genes.
Conclusion, significance and impact of study:This work provided insight into the existence of zoonotic respiratory pathogens inducing Hajj RTIs in Kelantan pilgrims. It showed promising findings for zoonotic studies in Hajj settings. The findings could be relevant in potential control measures for the management of zoonotic infections among Hajj pilgrims.
Full text:20.2021my0026.pdf