1.The results of a comparative study on the bacterial activity of some honey trade in Mongolia
Gerelmaa E ; Nomin B ; Otgonjargal B ; Tsend-Ayush D ; Buyankhishig T ; Enkh-Amar B ; Oyunbaatar A ; Anuujin G
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2026;92(2):62-66
Background:
Numerous international studies have established that the antibacterial activity of honey is attributed to its key components, including hydrogen peroxide, methylglyoxal, peptides, polyphenolic compounds, high sugar content, and acidic pH. Despite the vast consumption of different types of honey in Mongolia, there is a lack of sufficient scientific evidence on their antibacterial properties, which served as the rationale for conducting this study.
Aim:
A study comparing the antibacterial activity of honey commonly traded in Mongolia.
Materials and Methods:
The study was conducted using an experimental research design. Eight standard pathogenic bacterial strains were utilized: Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC 1706, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) ATCC 700699, Staphylococcus epidermidis ATCC 35984, Salmonella enterica ATCC 13076, and Acinetobacter baumannii ATCC 19606. A total of 14 honey samples were selected for the study, comprising 11 samples sourced from the Uvs, Tuv, Sukhbaatar, Khentii, Dornod, Darkhan, Selenge, and Khuvsgul provinces of Mongolia, and 3 Manuka-type honey samples from Australia. The samples were serially diluted in broth using a 96-well U-bottom microtiter plate. One microliter of each bacterial suspension was added, and the plates were incubated at 37°C for 18–24 hours. Subsequently, the cultures were spread onto Mueller-Hinton agar and incubated under the same conditions. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined by evaluating bacterial growth inhibition and bactericidal activity, respectively.
Result:
Among the tested samples, the Manuka honey with MGO 570 and the honey collected from Tumentsogt soum in Sukhbaatar province exhibited the most potent antibacterial activity against MRSA, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 12.5% (v/v) and a minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of 25% (v/v). In contrast, the antibacterial activity of Manuka honey with UMF 5 and the honeys sourced from Tuv, Uvs, and Khalkhgol soum in Dornod province demonstrated MIC and MBC values of 25% (v/v) and 50% (v/v), respectively. The Manuka honey with MGO 30, as well as the honeys collected from Selenge, Darkhan, Sukhbaatar, Khentii, and Rashaant and Tarialan soums in Khuvsgul province, showed comparatively weaker activity against MRSA, Salmonella enterica, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus.
Conclusion
1. The antibacterial activity of natural and cultivated floral honeys was assessed by determining their minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) against eight standard bacterial strains.
2. All seven natural floral honey samples exhibited measurable antibacterial effects against the tested strains, whereas some of the cultivated floral honey samples showed no observable activity against certain bacterial strains.
2.Results of voxel-based morphometry of the brain in children aged 9–11 years: a comparison between children with maxillary hypoplasia and those under neurological follow-up
Tuvshinjargal D ; Purevsuren E ; Otgonjargal L ; Choinyam B ; Darambazar G ; Amgalan B ; Purevdolgor L ; Munkh-Soyol E ; Xiling Jiang ; Damdindorj B
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2026;94(4):7-12
Background:
The human head is an integrated biological structure composed of the brain, cranial bones, facial structures, neuromuscular systems, and sensory organs, all interconnected through coordinated signaling. The relationship between brain development, function, and craniofacial growth is most evident after birth, during which the head increases approximately fourfold in size before adulthood. Brain morphology and volume are associated not only with neurological disorders but also with cognitive and behavioral characteristics. For example, children with holoprosencephaly often present with varying degrees of facial anomalies, while studies have shown that adolescents with malocclusion exhibit higher levels of anxiety, depression, and psychological stress. With the increasing availability of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), it has become an essential diagnostic tool in clinical practice. MRI is particularly advantageous in pediatric populations due to the absence of ionizing radiation and its superior soft tissue contrast. Recent advances in image processing techniques have enabled comprehensive analysis of both brain structures and craniofacial morphology from a single MRI dataset, forming the basis of this study.
Aim:
To investigate the relationship between brain tissue volumes and maxillary hypoplasia using MRI-based voxelbased morphometry in children with neurological conditions.
Materials and Methods:
This study was conducted at the School of Biomedicine, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, in collaboration with Chifeng University, as part of the project titled “Investigation of the relationship between craniofacial anomalies and brain disorders using MRI”, funded by the Ministry of Education and Science. Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) analysis was performed on brain MRI scans of children aged 9–11 years.
Results:
Among the 25 children included in the study, 17 (68%) were male. The youngest average age was observed in the maxillary hypoplasia group (8.4±0.95 years). The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of MRI was lowest in the non-temporal epilepsy group (41.1±1.35) and higher in the maxillary hypoplasia group (49.6±8.22). Both epilepsy and maxillary hypoplasia groups demonstrated physiological asymmetry of the cerebral hemispheres, with left parietal lobe dominance (−0.1% and −0.3 cm, respectively). Right frontal lobe dominance (+1.1%) was observed only in the epilepsy group.
Conclusion
Children aged 9–11 years with maxillary hypoplasia showed a reduction in both gray and white matter volumes of the brain. These findings highlight the importance of early diagnosis of neurodevelopmental disorders affecting odontogenesis and emphasize the need for a multidisciplinary team-based management approach.
3.Registered Cases of Congenital Syphilis in Mongolia
Otgonjargal G ; Erdenetungalag E ; Mandal O ; Tungalag M ; Sarantsetseg A ; Purevdagva B ; Jugderjav B ; Nyamtsengel V
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2026;94(4):58-61
Background:
Congenital syphilis is a serious infection transmitted from an infected mother to the fetus during pregnancy, potentially leading to adverse outcomes such as miscarriage, stillbirth, preterm birth, or neonatal death. The global COVID-19 pandemic and associated lockdown measures have posed significant challenges not only to individuals but also to national socio-economic systems, adversely affecting the quality and accessibility of healthcare services.
Aim:
This study aimed to compare the incidence of congenital syphilis in Mongolia during the pre-COVID-19 period (2016–2020) and the post-COVID-19 period (2021–2025).
Materials and Methods:
A cross-sectional study design was employed. Data from all 361 registered cases of congenital syphilis between 2016 and 2025 were included in the analysis.
Results:
The incidence of congenital syphilis per 100,000 live births decreased from 65.8 in 2016–2020 to 34.5 in 2021–2025, representing a 47.6% reduction (RR=0.52, 95% CI: 0.42–0.66, p<0.001). Overall, 67% of cases were concentrated in Ulaanbaatar. The proportion of cases among mothers aged 15–19 years increased from 11.5% to 21.3%, and the majority of mothers had completed secondary education.
Conclusion
Although the incidence of congenital syphilis declined significantly following the COVID-19 pandemic, 13.0% of pregnant women receiving antenatal care did not undergo serological testing. This underscores the need to strengthen surveillance and reporting systems and to implement continuous education and awareness programs, particularly targeting young women and mothers.
4.Cases of Vertically Transmitted Co-Infection
Bulgamaa P ; Otgonjargal G ; Tungalag M ; Sarantsetseg A ; Odgerel B ; Jugderjav B ; Nyamtsengel V
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2026;94(4):165-167
Background:
Congenital syphilis is an infection caused by transplacental transmission of Treponema pallidum from mother to fetus and remains a significant cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Clinically, it is a multisystem disease with manifestations resembling those of TORCH infections and may also occur as a co-infection with these pathogens.
Case Presentation:
We report a case of a 28-year-old woman with a prior history of syphilis who had been treated and followed up, presenting with preterm delivery at 31–32 weeks of gestation during her third pregnancy. The neonate subsequently died due to complications associated with a concomitant perinatal infection.
Conclusion
Early screening during pregnancy, appropriate follow-up, identification of reinfection, and timely treatment remain key strategies for reducing the burden of congenital syphilis.
5.Evaluation of changes in human salivary amylase enzyme activity
Sarangerel G ; Odmaa T ; Buyankhuu T ; Oyun-Erdene P ; Odgerel Ch ; Tulgaa S ; Otgonjargal Ch ; Munkhtsetseg J ; Nandin-Erdene M
Diagnosis 2025;114(3):104-111
Background:
Saliva as a non-invasive biological sample can be a game-changer in early disease detection and health risk assessment.
Objective:
To examine the association between participants' dietary patterns and the activity of salivary amylase, along with serum amylase levels in humans.
Materials and methods:
This study was conducted at the research laboratory of the Department of Biochemistry, School of Biomedicine, MNUMS. A total of 30 students aged 19–22 years participated in the study. Saliva samples were collected three times at one-week intervals, and one blood sample was collected from each participant, alongside a dietary questionnaire. The activity of the amylase enzyme in both saliva and serum samples was determined using the iodine-starch method.
Results:
When evaluating the amylase enzyme activity based on participants' carbohydrate intake, the result was p > 0.05, indicating no statistically significant difference. Similarly, statistical analysis of the use of mouthwash and vitamin supplements also showed p > 0.05, which means these variables had no statistically significant effect on amylase activity. The correlation between salivary and serum amylase activity was found to be r = 0.365, indicating a weak positive correlation, but the difference was not statistically significant.
Conclusion
The intake of carbohydrates, vitamins, and mouthwash does not significantly affect the activity level of the salivary amylase enzyme, according to research findings. However, external factors such as stress and air pollution have been shown to exert a measurable influence on its activity. A comparative analysis of enzyme levels in saliva and blood using amylase as a representative marker revealed similar activity levels in both fluids. This suggests that saliva may serve as a viable non invasive sample for detecting various biomarkers and diagnosing diseases. The results underscore the potential of salivary components, particularly amylase, as valuable indicators in diagnostic applications.
6.Result of assessment of lactate levels in high-end athletes
Oyundari A ; Bulgan M ; Ser-Od L ; Otgon-Erdene G ; Otgonjargal Ch ; Odgerel Ch ; Tulgaa S ; Nandin-Erdene M ; Buyankhuu T ; Munkhtsetseg J ; Oyun-Erdene R
Diagnosis 2025;113(2):81-88
Background:
Regularly participate international High-level in sports athletes national and competitions and engage in intense training, developing endurance and resilience. Measuring blood lactate levels is crucial for improving an athlete’s performance, assessing sports performance, and enhancing the effectiveness of future training.
Aim:
To study the relationship between lactate levels in the blood plasma and lactate dehydrogenase enzyme activity in Mongolian National Team athletes.
Materials and Methods:
The study involved 51 athletes from the Mongolian National Team. Anaerobic capacity was assessed using a Monark 894E Ergomedic Peak Bike, designed to apply exercise load. Blood serum lactate level and lactate dehydrogenase enzyme activity were determined using a Biobase BK-280 fully automated biochemical analyzer. Heart rate, peripheral blood oxygen levels, and oxygen saturation were measured using a pulse oximeter.
Results:
The average age of the participants was 24.04 ± 4.15 years, with an average height of 168 ± 8.78 cm and an average weight of 71.01 ± 7.69 kg. The average BMI was 24.82 ± 4.12 kg/m². Pre exercise lactate levels averaged 3.84 ± 0.75 mmol/L, while post-exercise lactate levels averaged 9.67±3.52 mmol/L. The average heart rate before exercise was 66.04±8.9 bpm, while post-exercise heart rate was 123.6±16.06 bpm. The average VO₂ max was 95.18±2.48.
Conclusion
The lactate levels before and after exercise among the athletes participating in the study showed significant differences in the age groups 20-29 (p<0.0001). When comparing lactate levels before and after exercise by sport, statistically significant increases were observed in freestyle wrestling and judo athletes (p<0.0001)
7.The study of the intestinal microbiota among Mongolian Adults, it related some factors
Saruuljavkhlan B ; Battogtokh Ch ; Enkh-Amar A ; Otgonjargal B ; Otgonbileg J ; Anuujin G ; Gerelmaa E ; Bira N
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2019;188(2):3-11
Background:
The intestinal microbiota of Mongolians and its composition is of great interest of researchers, a few studies
have did in this fields. Maybe Mongolian encompass a uniquely wide range of environmental conditions, ethno
geographical cohorts and traditional nomadic lifestyles.
Goal:
We aimed to determine the amount of gut microbiota, including Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium in the fecal
samples of relative healthy Mongolian adults residing in various regions of Mongolia by conventional culture
method and PCR.
Material and Methods:
The study was performed population based cross sectional study in healthy volunteers. In this study, 256
relative healthy Mongolian adults with no history of gastrointestinal associated diseases were enrolled
between July 2018 and April 2019. Each participants was asked to complete a questionnaire containing 164
questions about demographics, physical activity, dietary habits. Fecal samples were collected for Lactobacillus
and Bifidobacterium analysis using culture method and determination of genus of Bifidobacterium sрp and
Lactobacillus spp by PCR.
ResultsParticipants had a mean age of 38.9±12.8 years. The mean values of Lactobacillus
by culture method were 5.9±1.28 and 6.24±0.94 log10 CFU/ml (4.67х106
, 4.66х106 CFU/ml), respectively. The
abundance of Lactobacillus had a positive correlation with grams for fiber and amount of bifidobacterium ((r=
0.495, р<0.001, r=0.288, p<0.05), respectively). Significant difference were observed between groups of milk
frequency per day for amounts of lactobacillus. In adult intestinal tracts, B.Bifidum was the most common taxon
31 (29%) followed by B. angulatum 14 (13.1%), B. adolescentis 10 (9.3%), B. catenulatum group 10 (9.3%), B.
longum 9 (8.4%). B. lactis, B. breve, B. dentium and B. gallicum were subdominant species.
Conclusion:
The mean amount of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus of all participants were 6.24±0.94 and 5.9±1.28 log10
CFU/ml (4.66*106
, 4.67*106
CFU/ml) respectively. The Lactobacillus abundance of healthy adults was higher in
region of Khangai, East and West of Mongolian than other regions. The composition of lactobacillus altered with
ageing. Significant correlations were found between fiber, fats, potato and amount of Lactobacillus.
Keywords: Bifidobacterium, Colony forming unit, Gut microbiota, Lactobacillus
8.Result of detection sexually transmitted some viral infections among pregnant women and newborns
Otgonjargal B ; Batbaatar G ; Tsogtsaikhan S ; Klaus P ; Birgit H ; Enkhtsetseg J ; Battogtokh Ch
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2019;187(1):11-16
Introduction:
In Mongolia, diagnostic tests for the detection of the sexually transmitted congenital virus and human papilloma virus are currently not routinely used in clinical settings and the frequency of these STIs is enigmatic.
Goal:
The prevalence of this virus were prospectively evaluated among 200 Mongolian pregnant women and their newborns and correlated with pregnancy outcome.
Materials and Methods:
Taq Man PCRs were used to detect some virus in pre-birth vaginal swabs of the pregnant women and in
oral swabs of their newborns. A standardized questionnaire concerning former and present pregnancies was developed and regression analysis was used to correlate virus detection with pregnancy outcome.
Result:
Cytomegalovirus was the most prevalent of the tested pathogens (46.5% positive women and 10.5%
newborns), human papilloma virus (31.5% and 4.5%) and herpes simplex virus-2 (1% and 0%).
Statistical analysis:
The statistical analysis was conducted using the software program RStudio, version 0.99.896. Multiple
regression analysis was used to assess the association between pathogen loads of mothers or newborns
and the outcome variables (gestational age, neonatal length, weight, head circumferences and bacterial
vaginosis).
Conclusions
Multiple regression analyses indicate that colonization of the mothers with cytomegalovirus is associated with transmission to newborns and that transmission is associated with reduced neonatal length and gestational age. Thus, diagnostic tests for their detection should be implemented in the clinical settings in Mongolia.
9.ЭМНЭЛЗҮЙН УРЬДЧИЛАН ТООЦООЛОХ ДҮРМЭЭР НОЙР БУЛЧИРХАЙН ЦОЧМОГ ҮРЭВСЭЛТЭЙ ЭМЧЛҮҮЛЭГЧИЙН ТАВИЛАНГ ТОДОРХОЙЛОХ БОЛОМЖ
Dariimaa G ; Otgonjargal B ; Oyundari B ; Maral-Erdene D ; Tserennadmid Ts ; Davaadulam E
Innovation 2017;11(2):127-130
Нойр булчирхайн цочмог үрэвсэл, эмнэлзүйн урьдчилан тооцоолох дүрэм, Ranson –ийн шалгуур, APACHE II-ийн шалгуур
A clinical prediction rule is a type of medical research study in which researchers try to
identify the best combination of medical sign, symptoms, and other findings in predicting
the probability of a specific disease or outcome. More than 80% of all patients with
acute pancreatitis recover promptly without developing severe pancreatitis. The presence
of early organ failure (within 24 hours of admission), multiple-organ system failure,
and persistent or progressive (present beyond 48 hours after admission) organ failure are
associated with prolonged hospitalization, ICU admission, need for surgery, and death.
In high developed country, Ranson and APACHE II prognostic criteria are used in order
to evaluate patient´s situation and modified treatment tactics. That is give an idea us
to carry out retrospective study, by using patients´ documents, who hospitalized in National
central hospital in last year. As result, according to Ranson´s criteria 13 (31.7%) of
all patients had 0-2 score, which means mortality risk was 1.8%, 20 (48.8%) had 3-4 score
(mortality risk is 11%), 8 (19.5%) were estimated 5-6 score, having 33% of mortality risk.
Whereas, regarding to APACHE-II criteria 14 (34.2%) of total patients had score of 0-4,
showing 4% of mortality risk, 23 (56.1%) were scored 5-9, having 8% of risk, 3 (7.3%) were
scored 10-14, having 15% of risk, 1 (2.4%) had 15-19 score, having 24% of risk. Moreover,
we determined that incomplete laboratory test, meaning essential prognostic criteria
not used in Mongolia.
Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail