1.First molecular genotyping of A302S mutation in the gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor in Aedes albopictus from Malaysia
Tropical Biomedicine 2015;32(3):554-556
Given the lack of molecular evidence in altered target-site insecticide resistance
mechanism in Aedes albopictus (Skuse) worldwide, the present study aims to detect the
presence of A302S mutation in the gene encoding the gamma aminobutyric acid receptor
resistant to dieldrin (Rdl) in Ae. albopictus for the first time from its native range of South East
Asia, namely Malaysia. World Health Organization (WHO) adult susceptibility bioassay indicated
a relatively low level of dieldrin resistance (two-fold) in Ae. albopictus from Petaling Jaya,
Selangor. However, PCR-RFLP and direct sequencing methods revealed the presence of the
A302S mutation with the predomination of heterozygous genotype (40 out of 82 individuals),
followed by the resistant genotype with 11 individuals. This study represents the first fieldevolved
instance of A302S mutation in Malaysian insect species.
2.Distribution and abundance of black flies (Diptera: Simuliidae) in recreation parks in Selangor State, Peninsular Malaysia
Chen, C.D. ; Takaoka, H. ; Tan, P.R. ; Lau, K.W. ; Low, V.L. ; Leong, C.S. ; Karen-Chia, H.M. ; Sofian-Azirun, M
Tropical Biomedicine 2016;33(3):583-588
A preliminary survey of larvae and pupae of black flies (Diptera: Simuliidae) was
conducted in three recreation parks [Templer Recreation Park (TRP), Congkak River Forest
Reserve (CRFR) and Ampang Forest Reserve (AFR)] located in Selangor State, which is
located 18 to 35 km from Kuala Lumpur city center, Malaysia. This study was initiated to
determine the distribution and abundance of filarial vectors, Simulium spp. A total of 12
species of black flies belonging to three subgenera (Gomphostilbia, Simulium and
Nevermannia) were collected. Simulium (Simulium) nobile was incriminated as the most
dominant species in all recreation parks. This study is a first report on the distribution and
abundance of black flies obtained from recreation parks in Malaysia.
3.Imported case of Leishmania tropica cutaneous leishmaniasis in a 10-year-old child in Malaysia
Tan, T.K. ; Yap, N.J. ; Leong, K.F. ; Teh, C.S. ; Tay, S.T. ; Lim, Y.A.L.
Tropical Biomedicine 2022;39(No.1):86-88
The present paper reported a first imported case of cutaneous leishmaniasis in a 10-yearold child who returned from Saudi Arabia to Malaysia. Six weeks after his travel to Malaysia,
two erythematous dermal nodules were developed over his right cheek and chin. Occurrence
of intracellular amastigote of Leishmania was observed through examination of skin biopsy
with hematoxylin and eosin stain. Furthermore, molecular analysis of ribosomal internal
transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) of Leishmania spp. confirmed the child was infected with Leishmania
tropica. The child was given oral fluconazole and he had a 80% recovery before he went back
to Saudi Arabia.