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.Serological survey of canine vector-borne diseases in two animal shelters in central Peninsular Malaysia
Vinnie-Siow, W.Y. ; Low, V.L. ; Tan, T.K. ; Teoh, Y.B. ; Prakash, B.K. ; Lim, Y.A.L.
Tropical Biomedicine 2021;38(No.1):145-149
Canine vector-borne diseases (CVBDs) are increasingly becoming a cause for global concern
because of their high morbidity and mortality rates in dogs. However, information on their
occurrence in Malaysia is still scanty. In this study, a total of 103 dog blood samples were
collected from two animal shelters in central Peninsular Malaysia and tested for the
antibodies against Ehrlichia spp., Anaplasma spp., Borrelia burgdorferi, and the antigen of
Dirofilaria immitis. Of the 103 tested dogs, 44.7% (46) were found to be seropositive for Ehrlichia
spp., 30.1% (31) for Anaplasma spp. and 13.6% (14) for D. immitis. Co-infections of Anaplasma
spp. + Ehrlichia spp. (18.5%, 19) were most prevalent, followed by Anaplasma spp. + D. immitis
(1.9%; two) and D. immitis + Ehrlichia spp. (1.0%; one). Furthermore, three dogs (2.9%) were
also found to have triple infection, testing seropositive for Ehrlichia spp., Anaplasma spp. and
D. immitis. The dogs which were found to be seropositive with at least one pathogen were
66.7% (32/51) at shelter A, and 55.8% (29/52) at shelter B. Serological evidence showed that
the exposure of major vector-borne diseases in dogs in shelters was relatively high in the
surveyed areas. Routine detection and control of vector-borne diseases are of paramount
importance for reducing the risk of CVBDs transmission in dogs and humans.
3.Observations of scrotal mass, liver mass, haemolytic jaundice, and central vestibular disorder in Brugia pahangi-infected dogs
Vinnie-Siow, W.Y ; Low, V.L. ; Tan, T.K. ; Teoh, Y.B. ; Sivanandam, S. ; Vellayan, S. ; Lim, Y.A.L.
Tropical Biomedicine 2019;36(1):252-256
Brugia pahangi is known to infect humans and dogs. Its associated symptoms and
complications, however, have not been fully understood in dogs. Herein, we reported the
observations of B. pahangi infections in dogs with scrotal mass, liver mass, haemolytic
jaundice, and central vestibular disorder.