Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a predominant causative pathogen of neonatal meningitis that is associated with a high rate of mortality and morbidity. The establishment of antenatal screening and intrapartum chemoprophylaxis has led to a significant reduction in the incidence rate of invasive GBS disease in developed countries. However, these strategies are not routinely practiced in most developing countries. To ensure good recovery of infants affected with GBS, a prompt diagnostic strategy and appropriate therapy are essential. We highlight here the case of a preterm male infant diagnosed with early-onset of GBS meningitis diagnosed by using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method on the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of the infant. Initially the pathogen was not isolated in both blood and CSF cultures as sampling was performed after the administration of antibiotics. Hence, PCR was a crucial diagnostic test in facilitating the detection of the pathogen in CSF. We believe that PCR is a potentially fast and precise diagnostic method for infection in a newborn.

Introduction: Hajj is a unique religious mass gathering among Muslims hosted by Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) annually. It is a fifth pillar that is compulsory to be carried among muslim. Infections due to Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus Pneumoniae and Influenza virus are very high among Hajj pilgrims in KSA. Study shows knowledge and attitude towards vaccine preventable disease and vaccination which is very important for the prevention of these infectious diseases. This study aims to determine knowledge and attitude among the prospective Malaysian hajj pilgrims on vaccine preventable disease and vaccination. Method: A cross sectional study was conducted among prospective hajj pilgrims in June 2019. Self-administered questionnaires were given to the respondents through simple random sampling. The socio-demographic characteristics were described using descriptive analysis. Chi-square test was used to analyse the association between the socio-demographic and Malaysian hajj pilgrims’ knowledge and attitude towards the vaccine preventable diseases and vaccination. Results: A total of 135 respondents were recruited in the study. There were statistically significant associations between the knowledge and the highest education level (p=0.01), and also between the knowledge and the occupation (p=0.02) on vaccine preventable disease and vaccination. Conclusion: There is a lack of knowledge among the Malaysian hajj pilgrims about these vaccine preventable diseases and vaccination, especially those who have lower education level and also unemployed. Tabung Haji are highly advised to focus on these group and prepare a special course that focused on these vaccine preventable diseases so that Malaysian Hajj pilgrims will be protected.

Introduction: The emergence of a novel Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has resulted in a pandemic. Rapid and accurate diagnosis method is crucial to reduce the disease burden and to improve early diagnosis approaches to control of the disease. Real time Reverse transcriptase PCR (qRT-PCR) has been identified by the World Health Organization as the most sensitive and specific method of detection. However, the success of this assay relies on the quantity and quality of the extracted viral RNA. Methods: Various methods have been developed for nucleic acid extraction however, the methods have not been assessed. RNA extraction was performed from 24 nasopharyngeal swab samples using a manual extraction kit (GF-1) and an automated extraction kit (Genolution). The concentration and purity of the extracted RNA samples were measured, and its performance were tested using qRT-PCR. Results: The average concentration and purity of the RNA samples extracted using GF-1 kit was higher compared to Genolution. Similarly, the qRT-PCR assay using the RNA samples extracted using manual extraction was better compared to automated kit. Conclusion: Both the manual and automated extraction kits have its advantages and disadvantages in terms of yield and purity. However, with proper optimization, both methods may be used for routine molecular diagnostic of COVID-19 in laboratories.