1.Integration of Naqli and Aqli in Microbiology Teaching: Sharing the Experience
Nurul Azmawati Mohamed ; Anuar Sani ; Wan Shahida ; Zarini Ismail ; Ilina Isahak
The International Medical Journal Malaysia 2017;16(1):143-146
Background: In line with Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia’s (USIM) tagline ‘Exploring Islamic Science,
Spearheading Knowledge’, we embarked on a new paradigm of teaching by integrating naqli components
into the microbiology and immunology curriculum. The main objective of this integration was to enhance
students’ appreciation towards Islam and Science, so that they would become good Muslim doctors. The
naqli components were delivered through various teaching and learning techniques such as lectures,
seminars, and online assignments. Methods: A total of eighty year 3 students from Faculty of Medicine and
Health Sciences, USIM were involved in this study. They were exposed to the new method of teaching for
the whole academic year, session 2014/ 2015. The effectiveness of this program was evaluated through
questionnaires, given at the end of academic session. Outcome: More than 90% students agreed that the
integration were clearly delivered, relevant to the topics at hand and enhanced their knowledge. Most
students (>90%) preferred interactive lectures rather than students’ initiated method such as seminar and
speaker’s corner. About two third of the students did not prefer online method. Moreover, 15.9% of them
said the allotted time was insufficient and 46% agreed that there was inadequate resources in the library.
Conclusions: The integration of naqli components into microbiology subject was favoured by students.
However, it should be improved with allocation of more slots, upgrading of online system and increment of
relevant library resources. Looking forward, we are convinced this is the way to go in producing holistic
doctors equipped with necessary knowledge, both in aqli and naqli to further advance Medicine and Islam.
2.Staphylococcus aureus carriage in selected kindergartens in Klang Valley
Nurul Azmawati Mohamed ; Shalinawati Ramli ; Nur Natasha Zulkifli Amin ; Wan Shahida Wan Sulaiman ; Ilina Isahak ; Tengku Zetty Maztura Tengku Jamaluddin ; Nooriah Mohammed Salleh
The Medical Journal of Malaysia 2016;71(2):62-65
Introduction: Nasal colonisation of S. aureus in healthy
children was 18% to 30%. One to three percent of them were
colonised by Methicillin-resistant Staphlycoccus aureus
(MRSA). Although MRSA infection has become increasingly
reported, population-based S. aureus and MRSA
colonisation estimates are lacking. The main objective of
this study was to determine the prevalence of S. aureus
carriage among children.
Methods: Nasal samples for S. aureus culture were obtained
from 250 children from three kindergartens in the Klang
Valley, after consent was obtained from the children and
their parents. Swabs were transported in Stuart medium,
and inoculated on mannitol-salt agar within four hours of
collection. Identification and disk diffusion test were done
according to guidelines. Polymerase chain reaction was
done on MRSA isolates for the presence of mecA and lukS/FPV
genes.
Results: Overall prevalence of S. aureus and MRSA carriage
were 19.2% (48/250) and 1.6% (4/250) respectively. mecA
gene was present in all isolates, 50% isolates carried
Panton-Valentine leucocidin (PVL) gene. Sccmec type I was
found in 2 isolates and the remaining isolates has Sccmec
type V.
Conclusion: The prevalence of S. aureus and MRSA carriage
were similar to other studies. However, risk of contracting
severe infection might be higher due to presence of PVL
gene in half of the MRSA isolates.
Staphylococcus aureus