1.Faecal prevalence of extended-spectrum Beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing coliforms in a geriatric population and among haematology patients.
M A Nurul Atifah ; H K C Loo ; G Subramaniam ; E H Wong ; P Selvi ; S E Ho ; A Kamarulzaman ; N Parasakthi
The Malaysian journal of pathology 2005;27(2):75-81
Antimicrobial resistance to the extended-spectrum cephalosporins is increasingly reported worldwide. In the local setting, nosocomial infections with multi-resistant Gram-negative bacilli are not uncommon and are a growing concern. However, there is limited data on the carriage rates of such organisms in the local setting. In May 2001, a prospective study was carried out to determine the enteric carriage rates of ceftazidime-resistant Gram negative bacilli (CAZ-R GNB) among residents of nursing homes and from in-patients of the geriatric and adult haematology wards of University Malaya Medical Centre. Ceftazidime-resistant Gram-negative bacilli (CAZ-R GNB) were detected in 25 samples (30%), out of which 6 were from nursing home residents, 5 from geriatric in-patients and 14 from the haematology unit. A total of 28 CAZ-R GNB were isolated and Escherichia coli (10) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (7) were the predominant organisms. Resistance to ceftazidime in E. coli and Klebsiella was mediated by extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs). Although the majority of the CAZ-R GNB were from patients in the haematology ward, the six nursing home residents with CAZ-R GNB were enteric carriers of ESBL-producing coliforms. Prior exposure to antibiotics was associated with carriage of ESBL organisms and to a lesser extent, the presence of urinary catheters.
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Upper case are
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Extended-spectrum beta lactamase
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Elderly
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Organisms (MeSH Category)
2.Alternate careers for medical graduates and house officers in Malaysia
Amaramalar Selvi Naicker ; Vinoshini Devi A/P Kailaivasan ; Brenda Saria Yuliawiratman ; Arvindran Alaga ; Kevin Ng Wei Shan ; Manimalar Selvi Naicker ; Ohnmar Htwe
The Medical Journal of Malaysia 2021;76(2):183-189
Introduction: In recent years, many unresolved issues
pertaining to house officers in Malaysia have led to a longer
waiting time and a ‘glut’ of medical graduates with a
surprising 20% dropout amongst those who join the
housemanship programme. This appears to reflect the
changing times, mindsets and work expectations of
millennials who comprise this cohort reflecting a need to
consider possibilities of career shifts especially so in these
uncertain times. This study explores the perceptions,
awareness and interest in alternative career options
amongst recent graduates and house officers.
Materials and Methods: This was a study done between 2018
and 2019 using a questionnaire which was shared on
various social platforms. Data analysis was done using
Excel spreadsheet.
Results: A total of 450 house officers and 657 medical
graduates responded. Expectedly 66.8% claimed lifelong
passion whilst another 12.1% claimed family influence as
their reason to do medicine. Most were aware of their career
challenges and 40% of them were keen to consider career
change and reskilling indicating a possible shift from
traditional expectations of a medical career.
Conclusion: Whilst medicine is often considered a true
calling, current challenges will require mental and emotional
flexibility to explore other career opportunities. Thus,
engagement programmes should be directed at medical
graduates and house officers to identify and support those
open to career transitions. This will help address current
issues of internship bottleneck and rising dropout rates
amongst internees. Early career change engagements will
give them insight into their true career goals whilst opening
up opportunities for those who wish to change.