1.Detection of bacterial meningitis among children in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia from 2002 to 2010
AItantsetseg D ; Sarantuya J ; Bulgan D ; Baatarkhuu O ; Carvalho Mda G ; Anu D ; Sodbayar D
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2011;158(4):48-55
Background. Bacterial meningitis is a severe, potentially life-threatening infection that is associated with high rates of morbidity and significant disability in survivors. Overall mortality rates related to bacterial meningitis of around 20% to 25% have been reported by major centers. Our study is to determine the incidence rate and etiology of childhood bacterial meningitis in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.Methods. From 2002-2010, a total of CSF 433 and blood 544 samples were obtained from children age 0-5 years old. The following diagnostic criteria for bacterial meningitis in children aged 0-5 years were used: questionnaires, clinical signs and positive CSF culture and/or CSF antigen test results positive N. meningitis serogroups B, A, C, Y, and W-135, Hib or S.pneumonia; and/or positive CSF PCR results; and/or positive blood culture results with CSF pleocytosis (WBC count, >10 cells/uL). Pathogens were identified and serotype or serogroup with standard methods in the reference microbiology laboratory. Detection of bacterial pathogens with a multiplex and real-time PCR assay.Results. From totally 544 suspected cases had been detected bacterial meningitis in 260 (47, 8%) cases and sepsis in 111 [20,4%] cases respectively. The disease in the 83 [27.1 %] etiologically diagnosed patients was due to H.influenza, S. pneumonia was in 71 [36, 4%] cases and N.meningitis in 111 [24, 7%] respectively. Among the positive samples 80.6% (129/160) the specific serogroup and/or serotypes for N.meningitis serogroups A was available in 22(35, 4%) cases, for the Hib 52(96, 3%) and 6(40%) for the S.pneumoniae 7 serotype. The real time PCR assay was more sensitive for detection of meningitis pathogens than conventional methods (culture and latex agglutination), 19% in comparison with latex agglutination (p<0.0026) and by 39% in comparison with culture (p<0.001). Bacterial meningitis was identified 70.0 in 2004 among population, but it reduced until 5.0 in 2009. The incidence of Hib meningitis was 2002-2005y, N.meningitis and S.pneumoniae meningitis were 2006-2008y, S.pneumonia meningitis was more higher 2009-201 Oy comparing with other pathogens.Conclusion. N.meningitidls, S.pneumoniae H.influenzae type b are the leading causative agents of childhood bacterial meningitis in Ulaanbaatar, and the incidence rate is higher than what were reported in other Asian countries.
2.Result of Immuno-Regulating Treatment in Active New Pulmonary TB Patients in Mongolia
Enkhtamir P ; Baatarkhuu O ; Naranbat N ; Yanjindulam P ; Enkhtuya S ; Munkhzul B ; Sarangoo G ; Oyungerel R ; Tsogtsaikhan S ; Altankhuu M
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2009;148(2):21-25
Background: Natural protection against Mycobacterium tuberculosis is based on cell-mediated immunity, which most importantly involves CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell subsets. Therefore, the evaluation of CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell profi les are important to evaluate cell-mediated immunity. Immuno-regulating therapy is important in increase of T cell subsets. Objective: To determine some T-cell subsets in active pulmonary tuberculosis patients following immunoregulating treatment in intensive phase of antituberculosis treatment, so to evaluate the treatment effect. Method: This study was conducted in TB clinic of National Center for Communicable Diseases (NCCD) between Aug 2008 and Mar 2009. CD4+ and CD8+-T cells were evaluated in 50 active pulmonary tuberculosis (infi ltrative form) cases before antituberculosis treatment (25 cases with Salimon-Study group, 25 cases without SalimonControl group) Patients with chronic disease, pregnant and alcohol users are excluded. The T cell subsets count was performed by FACSCount fl ow cytometer at the Immunology Laboratory of the NCCD,Mongolia.The monoclonal antibodies to CD3, CD4 and CD8 (Becton Dickinson) were used for the analysis. Result: CD4 count was 605,1242,7 cells/microL, CD8 count-470,92235,7 cells/microL, CD3 count-1130,7425,6 cells/microL, CD4/CD8 ratio was-1,480,67. CD4, CD8, CD3 cells were signifi cantly lower (P=0.05) in active pulmonary TB patients than in healthy Mongolian. And these subsets were signifi cantly lower in older patients (>50 age).There was no statistical signifi cance in sex and other age groups (p>0, 05). There were statistical signifi cances such as CD4 count, CD4/CD8 ratio (CD4-733,95314,38 cells/micro, CD4/CD8 ratio-1.870,7 in treatment group, CD4-570,54213.07 cells/micro, CD4/CD8 ratio-1.260.45 in control group) between TB and control group at the end of intensive phase of antituberculosis treatment (=0,05, =0,001). However, there were not any signifi cance CD8 count and CD3 count between two groups (CD8-423,68174,28 cells/microL, CD3-1212,27453,98 cells/microL in treatment group, CD8-500,67203,74cells/microL, CD3 -1139,33 386,47 cells/ microL in control group) (=0,05). Conclusion: 1. T cell subsets were signifi cantly lower in active,new,smear positive, pulmonary TB patients than in healthy Mongolians (p=0.05). 2. The statistical signifi cance is observed in 50 years and older TB patients (p=0.05). 3. CD4, CD4/CD8 were signifi cantly higher in patients treated with immuno-regulating treatment than in patients of control group (=0,05, =0,001).
3. Result of antimicrobial activity of antibiotic encapsulated in liposomes
Enkhtaivan E ; Enkhmaa O ; Nyam-Ochir E ; Bayasgalan B ; Odonchimeg M ; Lodoidanzan A ; Unursaikhan S ; Enkhjargal D ; Baatarkhuu O ; Ariunsanaa B
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2023;205(4):3-8
Introduction:
The treatment of antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections has become a pressing problem for humanity
worldwide, and antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections are likely to be the leading cause of death
by 2050.Due to the mutation of infectious disease-causing bacteria and the emergence of bacterial
resistance due to the improper use of antibiotics, the time and cost of infectious disease treatment
increases, and in some cases, it leads to an increase in mortality, so it is the focus of the health sector
in every country, regardless of the income level of the population. In addition, bacterial resistance has
a negative impact on public health, food safety, the environment, and the economy.
As of 2015, Mongolia ranks among the countries with the highest consumption of antibiotics in the
world, with 64.41 units of antibiotics prescribed per 1,000 people per day. Bacteria resistant to broad
spectrum antibiotics have increased dramatically, and among Gram-positive bacteria, drug-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has become one of the most common and dangerous cause
Purpose:
Determine the external structure of liposome-encapsulated antibiotics and evaluate their antibacterial
activity.
Materials and Methods:
We conducted this study using an experimental research design. Phospholipids were isolated by
intermittent evaporation, antibiotic encapsulation by freeze-thaw method, and antibiotic sensitivity was
determined using standard strains by disc diffusion andmicro dilution method.
Research ethics:
Permission to submit the survey was granted by the Ethics Review Committee of the MNUMS. The
survey was granted in accordance with the rules and regulations.
Results:
In liposome-encapsulated antibiotic sensitivity assays, azithromycin and clarithromycin did not form
sacred circles, whereas doxycycline hyclate was sensitive by forming a 16 mm circle. Doxycycline
hyclate encapsulated in liposomes formed a 16 mm circle with sensitive results, whereas blank liposomes were inactive. When the rabbits were infected with a standard strain of methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus, the infected area was purulent 24 hours later. A cream containing antibiotics
was started at this time. A deep wound was recovered after 12 days after the pus was removed.
Nevertheless, after 24 days, the wound on the rabbit’s infected part healed and the hair on the scraped
part grew back.
Conclusion
According to the dilution method, liposome-encapsulated doxycycline hyclate inhibited bacterial
growth at 2-fold lower doses than pure doxycycline hyclate. In experimental animal models,
liposome-based antibiotic ointment has shown antibacterial activity.
4.p53R72P polymorphisms in Mongolian patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Ganchudur L ; Shiirevnyamba A ; Yerkyebulan M ; Gan-Erdene B ; Otgonbayar D ; Bayarmaa E ; Baatarkhuu O
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2022;201(3):7-12
Introduction:
Hepatocellular carcinoma incidence and mortality per 100,000 population in Mongolia is the highest in the world. The individual’s genetic factors and new genetic changes are considered an important effect on the origin and development cancer. We aimed to investigate whether p53R72P polymorphisms were associated with the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in Mongolian patients.
Material and Method:
p53R72P polymorphisms were evaluated in 80 controls and 38 HCC cases using a PCRrestriction fragment length polymorphism assay.
Results:
The mean age was 58.5±13.6 years in the case group and 63.2±8.1 years in the control group. Hepatocellular carcinoma is most common in 50-59 (n=14, 36.8%) and 60-69 (n=14, 36.8%) ages. Of the HCC group, 4 (10.8%) were diagnosed with tumor at stage II, 23 (62.2%) at stage III, and 11 (27%) at stage IV.
The results revealed that the heterozygous (Arg/Pro (PR)) genotype of p53R72P increased statistically significant the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (OR=4.222, 95% CI 1.669-10.684) compared to the wildtype (R/R) genotype. (p=0.002). Moreover, the homozygous (Pro/Pro (P/P)) genotype of p53R72P increased the risk of carcinoma (OR=1.333, 95% CI 0.414-4.299) but not statistically significant. (p=0.63). Heterozygous (Arg/Pro (PR)) genotype of p53R72P in the tumor tissue was associated with a statistically significant (OR=3.3, 95% CI 1.274-8.57) increase in the risk of HCC (p=0.014). Pro/Pro (PP) genotype increased the risk of the carcinoma by 2.4 times (OR=2.44, 95% CI 0.865-6.908), but it was not significant. (p=0.092). Pro/Pro (PP) genotype of p53R72P in the tumor tissue compared to normal tissue of a case group increased the risk of cancer by 1.8 times (OR=1.833, 95% CI 0.472- 7.126), which was not statistically significant (p=0.382).
Conclusion
Taken together, Heterozygous (Arg/Pro (PR)) genotype of p53R72P increases the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in Mongolians. Further studies with larger populations are needed to confirm these results.
5.Occupational risk factor of health care workers of Hepatitis B infection and its prevention
Naranzul N ; Enkhjargal A ; Тumurbat B ; Tselmeg M ; Nandintsetseg Ts ; Tserendavaa E ; Baatarkhuu O ; Burmaajav B
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2020;191(1):87-95
Hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) are viral infections which can cause acute and chronic hepatitis
and are the leading causes for hepatic cirrhosis and cancer, thus creating a significant burden to
healthcare systems due to the high morbidity/mortality and costs of treatment. The risk of HBV
infection in an unvaccinated person from a single HBV-infected needle stick injury ranges from 6–30.
The prevention of HBV infection among HCWs has become a crucial issue. HBV can effectively be
prevented by vaccination. A safe and effective HBV vaccine has been available since the 1980s and
can prevent acute and chronic infection with an estimated effectivity of 95%. In 2017, the São Paulo
Declaration on Hepatitis was launched at the World Hepatitis Summit 2017, calling upon governments
to include hepatitis B vaccines for HCWs in national immunization programs. The vaccine is 95%
effective in preventing infection and its chronic consequences and has an outstanding record of
safety and effectiveness. Data on current hepatitis B vaccine coverage among HCWs in Mongolia
is scarce. According to Azzaya et al, the protection level of the subjects was 67.2% >100 mIU/ml,
18.8%, 11-100 mIU/mL and 14.1%, 0-10 mIU/mL based on antibody titer level respectively among the
vaccinated HCWs at the 2nd Central hospital. Thus, the HBV vaccination among public and private
sector HCWs in Mongolia to inform the health authorities about the HCWs HBV vaccination status
along with associated problems and challenges for further improving vaccination strategy among
HCWs.
6.Comparision of Machine Learning Models for Adolescent’s Emotional and Behavioral Problems
Batnast G ; Akhyt T ; Javzmaa T ; Nyamdavaa U ; Bayarmaa V ; Purevdolgor L ; Ajnai L ; Enkh-Urel E ; Galbadrakh Ch ; Bat-Enkh O ; Baatarkhuu Ts
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;86(2):116-120
Background:
Globally, an estimated 13% of adolescents aged 10–19 are affected by mental disorders. As of 2020, the
number of children under the age of 19 in Mongolia was reported to be 1,289,587, reflecting a 0.9% increase compared
to 2015. A 2013 study on adolescents found that 60.5% were categorized as mentally healthy, 30.5% exhibited emotional
and behavioral difficulties, and 9% were diagnosed with a mental disorder. A study conducted in Govi-Altai Province
between 2018 and 2019 reported that 58.6% of adolescents were classified as healthy, 36.1% experienced psychological
difficulties, and 5.2% were diagnosed with a mental disorder.
Internationally, adolescent mental health has been widely assessed using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire
(SDQ), with an increasing number of studies employing artificial intelligence-based predictive models. However, in Mongolia,
research utilizing artificial intelligence and machine learning for analyzing large-scale mental health data remains
limited. This gap underscores the need for the present study.
Aim:
Machine learning models were compared to determine adolescent emotional and behavioral problems using the
SDQ.
Materials and Methods:
Data was collected from teenagers, teachers, and parents in Govi-Altai Province, and the databases
were created for each group. The teenager database was divided into 10 folds by cross-validation, and the models
were developed using machine learning methods and evaluated using their performance measures. The results were
mainly analyzed using the Bayes model.
Results:
The teenagers have emotional and behavioral problems due to emotional and peer interactions, but they are at
risk of developing disorders due to hyperactivity and behavioral changes.
Conclusion
Comparing the model performance results with previous studies, Bayesian model accuracy decreased by
0.03, sensitivity decreased by 0.08, and specificity increased by 0.01. Also, the difference between the performance evaluation
metrics of the C50 and Bayesian models is very small, between 0.01 and 0.02. This shows that the performance of
the Bayesian method is good when the number of attributes in the database increases.
Compared to the results of the knowledge generated by the research, the participants are more likely to develop emotional
and behavioral disorders due to their peer relationship indicators, such as other children generally not liking them, getting
on better with adults, and due to emotional symptoms such as being unhappy and depressed.