Rhipicephalus linnaei is a widespread tick species infesting dogs and capable of transmitting pathogens of veterinary and zoonotic concern. However, its associated bacterial communities remain poorly described in Malaysia. This study profiles the bacterial microbiome of R. linnaei collected from stray dogs in Kampar, Perak, using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing targeting the V3-V4 region. A total of 360 ticks were collected from 13 dogs, of which 290 were pooled according to life stages and sex for microbial profiling. Shannon diversity indices indicated the mixed adult/nymph pool exhibited the highest richness and evenness (H’=5.4), whereas engorged adult females displayed the lowest diversity (H’=2.35), dominated by Gammaproteobacteria. Principal coordinate analysis revealed distinct microbial assemblages among pools, explaining 72% of total variance. Among 137 detected genera, Coxiella (0.6–34%), Staphylococcus (0.4–29%), Stenotrophomonas (0.3–5%), and Streptococcus (0.02–6%) were consistently found across all pools. Low-abundance but clinically relevant genera, including Ehrlichia (0.64%) and Nocardia (<0.01%), were detected in adult males. The consistent presence of Coxiella-like endosymbionts across all stages suggests a likely symbiotic role in nutrient provisioning and reproduction. To our knowledge, this is the first 16S rRNA gene-based profiling of the bacterial communities associated with R. linnaei collected from stray dogs in Malaysia. This study highlights variation across pooled tick categories and contributes to improved understanding of tick-borne pathogen ecology within a One Health framework.

We report two confirmed human bite cases by Lactrodectus geometricus, also known as the brown widow spider. These are the first reported bite envenomation incidents by L. geometricus in Malaysia. The incidents occurred in Tawau, Sabah and Paka, Terengganu. Both men were bitten on their ear while putting on motorcycle helmets. The spiders appeared to have nested in the helmets. The dead specimens were collected and sent to the Invertebrate and Vertebrate Neurobiology Laboratory, Department of Parasitology, Universiti Malaya for identification. The species identity was confirmed by DNA barcoding.

Ectoparasitic infestations including pediculosis capitis are common in people of disadvantaged communities as they live in overcrowded institutions, a condition that often favourable for disease transmission. In this study, we evaluated the prevalence of head lice infestation among disadvantaged children aged between five to 14 years-old living in five poor conditions located across the Klang Valley, Malaysia. Of total 335 children examined, 14% were positively infected with head lice. Molecular analysis using the universal cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) barcoding gene on total of 167 head lice collected in this study indicated they are belonging to the A and C clades; confirming the global distribution of clade A and expansion of clade C in Southeast Asia, which is reported for the first time in Malaysia.

The purpose of this study was to determine the timing and sequence of emergence of the first 28 permanent teeth in a cross-section of Malay children in the district of Kota Bharu, in northeastern Peninsula Malaysia. The sample consists of 478 boys and 908 girls of Malay descent aged between 5-19 years. The criterion for tooth emergence was the appearance of the tooth through the gingivae. Descriptive statistics were calculated and probit regression analysis performed to determine the mean age of emergence of the permanent dentition. The mean age at emergence was found to conform to general trends, with emergence seen earlier in girls than in boys. Comparisons were made with the Chinese (Hong Kong) and the Punjabi (Chandigarh) profiles, which showed earlier emergence timings in those ethnic groups. The emergence timing in Malays, however, was earlier than in Thais (Central Thailand). The sequence of emergence was determined by referring to the mean age of tooth emergence of individual teeth and conforms to the general trend seen in other studies.
Tooth ; Malaysia ; Age, NOS ; trends ; Central brand of multivitamin with minerals