The effects of Enterovirus 71 (HEV71) infection on African green monkey kidney cells (Vero) were investigated. It was found that the infected cells showed progressive cellular morphological changes characteristic in apoptotic cells within 10 hours post-infection. The number of apoptotic cells correlated significantly with the number of HEV71 antigen positive cells when cells were labeled using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) and stained for HEV71 antigen. Approximately 11, 26, 45 and 50% of the infected cells were apoptotic at 12, 24, 48 and 72 hours post-infection, respectively. Internucleosomal DNA fragmentation, characteristic in the late stage of apoptosis was noted beginning on day 2 post-infection. The DNA fragmentation, however, was absent in cells treated with the heat- and ultraviolet light-inactivated virus inocula. These results demonstrate the capacity of HEV71 to induce apoptosis in the infected cells. The induction, however, requires high level of HEV71 infectivity and the presence of live virus particles, suggesting the need for the presence of specific viral proteins for apoptosis to occur.
Infection as complication of medical care ; Apoptosis ; seconds ; Enterovirus ; Hour

In the last decade, Malaysia has experienced several hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) epidemics, complicated by fatalities due to severe neurological involvement. Enterovirus 71 (EV-71) has been implicated as the major causative agent for these epidemics. EV-71 infection is a global public health problem with pandemic potential. In many parts of Asia-Pacifi c, the virus has emerged as one of the most deadly virus infections amongst young children. The virus is highly transmissible through faecaloral route and respiratory droplets. A recent rise in neurological complications and deaths suggests that the viruses currently circulating may be more virulent. The major risk factor associated with more severe EV-71 infection is young age and poor cellular immunity. Rapid laboratory diagnosis and molecular surveillance is important to closely monitor the emergence of new EV-71 subgenotypes. Since vaccine and anti-virals for EV-71 are not available, control and prevention strategies remain the only ways to combat the infection.

Zika virus (ZIKV) has re-emerged to cause explosive epidemics in the Pacific and Latin America, and appears to be associated with severe neurological complications including microcephaly in babies. ZIKV is transmitted to humans by Aedes mosquitoes, principally Ae. aegypti, and there is historical evidence of ZIKV circulation in Southeast Asia. It is therefore clear that Malaysia is at risk of similar outbreaks. Local and international guidelines are available for surveillance, diagnostics, and management of exposed and infected individuals. ZIKV is the latest arbovirus to have spread globally beyond its initial restricted niche, and is unlikely to be the last. Innovative new methods for surveillance and control of vectors are needed to target mosquito-borne diseases as a whole.
Zika Virus

INTRODUCTIONWomen with previous gestational diabetes mellitus (PGDM) are at increased risk of future glucose intolerance. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and the associated antenatal and historical risk factors among women with PGDM.

METHODSThis was a cross-sectional study conducted at University Malaya Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. A 75-g 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test was performed in a cohort of multiethnic women with PGDM. Body mass index, waist and hip circumferences, fasting lipid profile and blood pressure were obtained. Data pertaining to the index gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) were obtained from medical records and interviews.

RESULTS448 women were enrolled in the study. The prevalence of prediabetes and T2DM was 26.2% and 35.5%, respectively. On multinomial logistic regression analysis, fasting plasma glucose at diagnosis of index GDM and duration lapse after index GDM were shown to be significantly higher in women with isolated impaired fasting glucose (IFG), combined IFG/impaired glucose tolerance and T2DM, as compared to women with normal glucose tolerance (p < 0.05). 2-hour plasma glucose at diagnosis of index GDM was significantly higher only in women who progressed to T2DM when compared to those that remained normal glucose tolerant (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONIn this study, duration lapse after index GDM, fasting plasma glucose and 2-hour plasma glucose at diagnosis of index GDM were important risk factors for early identification of women at high risk for future glucose intolerance. These may be useful for developing potential preventive strategies.

Adult ; Blood Glucose ; metabolism ; Body Mass Index ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Diabetes, Gestational ; blood ; Female ; Glucose Intolerance ; blood ; epidemiology ; etiology ; Glucose Tolerance Test ; Humans ; Malaysia ; epidemiology ; Postpartum Period ; blood ; Prediabetic State ; epidemiology ; etiology ; Pregnancy ; Prevalence ; Risk Factors