This review aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of ruminant and human fascioliasis in Malaysia and to identify research gaps in knowledge of the prevalence of fascioliasis in Malaysia and risk factors for the disease using available evidence-based data. We conducted a scoping review based on the framework of Arksey and O’Malley. The preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses were used to guide the review process. The citation search was performed between May and September 2018. Using specific keywords, literature published between 1998 to September 2018 was retrieved from electronic databases. Six articles related to fascioliasis in Malaysia were included in the final review from 1,932 screened articles and reports. Five studies focused on ruminants, including cattle, buffaloes, sheep and goats in the states of Terengganu and Perak. The most frequent ruminant fascioliasis outbreaks involved cattle and goats, with a prevalence of 82%–95% and these outbreaks occurred in Terengganu. Only one study examined the risk of fascioliasis in cattle. In the study, the age and sex of the cattle were important risk-related parameters. The search returned only one documented report of a suspected case of human fascioliasis with an atypical clinical presentation. At present, human fascioliasis in Malaysia remains under-reported and its prevalence remains unknown. The data summarised in this review based on existing evidence identifies research gaps on fascioliasis in ruminants and humans.

Aims: Aqueous extract of Quercus infectoria (QI) galls has been reported to possess anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory activities. Hence, this study aimed to determine in vitro antimicrobial activity of formulated QI gall extract-based vaginal cream against Candida albicans and to evaluate the possible side effects on the cervicovaginal epithelium of healthy rats. Methodology and results: Three different cream formulations containing 10%, 20%, and 30% of QI gall extract respectively were tested for their antimicrobial activity against C. albicans (ATCC 10231) by using disc diffusion test. Microbroth serial dilution method was performed in determining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and fungicidal concentration (MFC). The 30% formulated extract cream (FEC) was applied topically on the cervicovaginal surface of healthy Sprague Dawley (SD) rats and examined for local tissue effects histologically. The mean scores of inhibition zone diameter were compared by one-way ANOVA and post-hoc test using PRISM software. All extract cream formulations displayed a relatively good anti-Candida activity. The MIC values exhibited by 10%, 20%, and 30% FEC against C. albicans were 1.094 mg/mL, 0.547 mg/mL, and 0.068 mg/mL, respectively. The 10% and 20% FECs showed a significant difference (P=0.0254) in the mean of inhibition zone diameter. The lowest MFC value (0.068 mg/mL) was shown by 30% FEC. There were no abnormal changes seen at the vagina and cervical mucosa after 2 weeks application of 30% FEC. Conclusion, significance and impact of study QI gall extract formulated in the cream base has an anti-Candida activity in vitro and the present finding suggests that this herbal cream formulation is potentially useful in preventing vaginal candidiasis without causing any unwanted local side effects.

Aims: The effect of Quercus infectoria (QI) gall extract on the fungal expression of antioxidant defense enzymes of Candida albicans was studied in an effort to unravel its anti-fungal mechanism. Methodology and results: Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC), and time kill assays were conducted to analyse the antifungal activity of the extract against C. albicans. Total protein profiles of C. albicans were determined by SDS-PAGE and real-time PCR was used to quantify the genes expression level of superoxide dismutase (SOD1), catalase (CAT1) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX3) following treatment with aqueous QI gall extract. The MIC and MFC values of the extract against C. albicans were 8 mg/mL and 16 mg/mL respectively. Fungistatic and fungicidal activities of the extract were observed after 24 h at 1× MIC and 2× MIC from the time-kill assay. A lower total protein bands density of extract-treated C. albicans was visualized when compared to the untreated cells at concentrations of 1× MIC and 2× MIC. A significant reduction in the expression of GPX3 (p 0.05). Conclusion, significance and impact of study In conclusion, QI gall extract exerted an anti-Candida activity and it is apparently effective in downregulating the gene expression of GPX3 in C. albicans. Of note, the present findings elucidated a preliminary mechanism associated with the organism’s survival resilience which represents a key target for the development of anti-Candida agents in future.
Quercus ; Candida albicans

Aims: The rise of drug-resistant infectious diseases worldwide has spurred experts' interest in developing safe and effective alternative medicine. Melaleuca cajuputi extracts have been shown to exhibit antimicrobial activity in vitro against various bacterial species. This study evaluated the antimicrobial activity of local M. cajuputi leaf extracts (MCEs) against Candida albicans. Methodology and results: Phytoconstituents of aqueous and ethanolic MCEs were screened conventionally using chemical tests. Broth microdilution assay and scanning electron microscope (SEM) were performed to study the anti-Candida activity of the extracts. Both MCEs contained terpenoids, phenols, flavonoids and tannins. Aqueous and ethanolic MCEs showed good fungicidal activity against the tested organism with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of 50 mg/mL and 25 mg/mL, respectively and a minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) to MIC ratio of less or equal to 2. Scanning electron micrographs revealed yeast cell surface morphology alterations when treated with both MCEs at 1× MIC. Conclusion, significance and impact of study In conclusion, MCEs have anti-Candida properties and thus, M. cajuputi extract could be an excellent potential source of natural antimicrobial agents for disease remedies.
Anti-Infective Agents ; In Vitro Techniques ; Trees