Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine

541-544

Authors: Fsadni Claudia

Despite ongoing continuous research towards developing a malaria vaccine, we have still not achieved this target and the malaria parasite continues to kill thousands, especially children in developing countries. However, current control methods have had good results in some countries. Can these control methods be enough or should people still keep hoping for a vaccine? Would eradication of malaria be a possibility if no vaccine remains available?

554-559

Authors: Ramasamy Chidambaram

Antibiotic treatment is a form of pharmacotherapy with the specialty of rendering both etiological and curative action. Dentists traditionally administer antibiotics, to restrain contagions and to handle the prevailing dental ailments. Penicillins have been the drug of choice to be opted by the dental practitioners in their routine dental practice. Prudent application of antibiotics in concoction with surgical therapy is the most pertinent mode to cure odontogenic contagions. Considerable prescriptions of antibiotics are ascribed especially in cases which induce bleeding in the oral cavity. Regardless of the obvious indications, perplexity prevails between the oral health care professional’s pertaining to the administration of antibiotics in coalition with dental maneuvers. Dreadful ailments have been cured after the incipience of antibiotics in 1929. Besides it also leads to cumbersome consequences by virtue of its misuse. Irrational usage of antibiotic therapy leads to false positive effects on both health and financial grounds and poses a threat to the microbial resistance. The present communication aims to delineate the absolute indications, consequences of abuse and imperative factors to be considered while prescribing antibiotics in routine dental practice.

563-564

Authors: Bushra Zia, Hassaan Bin Aftab, Mohammad Faizan Zahid, Joveria Farooqi, Feroze Uddin, Mohammad Asim Beg

We report a case of dust mite carriage in a 56-year-old gentleman. Dust mites eggs and larvae were found in a stool sample which was taken for a routine clinical examination. He was completely asymptomatic with no history of rash, airway disease or other allergic manifestations associated with dust mites. We noticed that the oval structure of mite eggs resembled helminth eggs and therefore may be misidentified during routine clinical analysis. As the patient was otherwise healthy, it was concluded that no rigorous antiparasitic therapy was necessary to eliminate dust mites from his system.

568-569

Authors: Beuy Joob, Viroj Wiwanitkit

Dengue is an important tropical viral infection. It can present with acute febrile illness with possible hemorrhagic complication. Since it is a common infection in the tropical world, concomitance with other diseases can be expected. An important consideration is the copresentation of dengue with HIV infection. In this specific report, the authors summarize the clinical profiles of dengue patients with HIV infection. Based on the present study, it can be seen that clinical profiles of dengue in any group of HIV infection is not different.

575-580

Authors: Amin Masoumeh, Azizi Kourosh, Kalantari Mohsen, Motazedian Mohammad Hossein, Asgari Qasem, Moemenbellah-Fard Mohammad Djaefar, Najafi Mohammad Esmaeil, Dabaghmanesh Tahereh

Objective: To examine the fauna of rodents as zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis reservoir hosts in Zarqan County, Fars Province, south of Iran, during 2012. Methods: During 2012, wild rodents from different parts of this region were caught by Sherman traps and checked by the examination of liver and spleen smears, for Leishmania infection, to see which species were acting as reservoir hosts; the slides were then processed to extract DNA for molecular test using PCR assay. Results: From 108 rodent species caught, 63% were male and 37% identified as female. Meriones libycus was the most abundant species caught (80.5%) and 5.7% of them were found to be smearpositive for Leishmania amastigotes. The other species were Rattus rattus (14.8%) and Mus musculus (4.7%), but none of them were found positive. Leishmania infection was observed in male and female samples microscopically. Moreover, molecular results revealed Leishmania major in three male and two female specimens. Conclusions: Based on our knowledge, Meriones libycus is incriminated as the main reservoir hosts of Leishmania major in the rural area of Zarqan.

584-588

Authors: Kumari Sunita, Pradeep Kumar, Dinesh Kumar Singh

Objective: To test whether the larvicidal activity of citral against Fasciola varies by season. Methods: Mortality of Fasciola larva in different month of year (2011-2012) in in vitro and in vivo condition were observed at 2 h, 4 h, 6 h and 8 h exposure of citral. Results: In vitro toxicity of citral against redia was highest in between the June to August (8 h LC 50: 2.58-2.62 mg/L), whereas against cercaria 8 h LC50 was in between 3.44-2.62 mg/L. Highest in vivo toxicity against redia was noted in between June to August (8h LC50: 4.20-5.09 mg/L). The lowest toxicity was observed from November to April. The highest temperature, free carbon dioxide, and lowest pH, dissolved oxygen were observed from June to August. Conclusions: The present study conclusively shows that varying a biotic factor can significantly alter the in vitro and in vivo toxicity of citral against sporocyst redia and cercaria larv

592-596

Authors: Puji Astuti, Wahyono, Octavian Ashido Nababan

Objective: To investigate antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities of endophytic fungi isolated from Piper crocatum Ruiz & Pav (P. crocatum). Methods: Ethyl acetate extracts were obtained by liquid-liquid partition of fermentation broth of endophytes followed by evaporation. The antimicrobial activities were determined by diffusion techniques followed by thin layer chromatography-bioautography. Cytotoxicity studies were conducted using 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide assay. Data generated were used to plot a dose-response curve, of which the concentration of extract required to kill 50% of cell population (IC50) was determined. Results: Two endophytes were isolated from leaves and stem of P. crocatum, designated as DS1 and BS1. Ethyl acetate extracts of BS1 was found to inhibit the growth of Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus at minimum dose of 31.25, 125 and 250 µg, respectively. thin layer chromatography-bioautography of this extract resulted in at least two inhibition zones. BS1 extract also inhibited the growth of WiDr and T47D cell lines with IC50 of 120.38 µg/mL and 37.43 µg/mL, respectively. Conclusions: BS1 extract produced by endophytic fungi of P. crocatum is potential to be developed as source of novel bioactive compounds.

603-609

Authors: Abdel-Tawab Halim Mossa, Tarek Mohamed Heikal, Samia Mostafa Mohamed Mohafrash

Objective: To investigate the adverse effect of exposure to acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), diazinon (DIA) and their combination on oxidant/antioxidant status in rat erythrocytes and the ameliorating role of selenium (Se). Methods: Rats were oral administered ASA at the maximum administration dose (1 350 mg/ personal/d=2.5 mg/kg body weight/d), DIA at a dose of 20 mg/kg body weight/d and Se at a dose of 200 µg/kg body weight/d and their combinations for 28 consecutive d. Results: Administration of DIA, ASA and ASA+DIA lead to a significant increment (P≤0.05) in lipid peroxidation as evidenced by the increase in erythrocytes MDA levels by 61.8%, 20.79% and 105.62%, respectively. Co-administration of Se to treated rats modulated the augmentation of MDA levels. Administration of DIA, ASA and ASA+DIA lead to significant decreases (P≤0.05) in the activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase enzymes when compared to the control group. The most influence and decreases in the activities of the aforementioned enzymes were observed in the treatments of ASA+DIA by 30.53%, 43.42% and 48.31%, respectively. However, co-administration of Se mitigated the significant decreases of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities to by 14.47%, 15, 36% and 12.29%. Conclusions: It can be concluded that DIA and ASA induced oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation in rat erythrocytes. The results reveal the pronounced ameliorating effect of Se in DIA and ASA intoxicated rats. It is supposed that antioxidant supplementation may be beneficial fo r the people using ASA for longer periods and exposure to pesticides.

616-619

Authors: Jalal Salary, Fatemeh Sahebi-Ala, Majid Kalantar, Hamid Reza Hemati Matin

Objective: To investigate the in ovo injection (IOI) of vitamin E (VE) on serum post-hatch immunological parameters and broiler chicken performance. Methods: Fertile eggs (n=400) were distributed into four groups of 100 eggs. On 14th day of incubation, two groups were injected with 0.5 mL of 15 or 30 mg VE dissolved in physiology serum. Rest two groups were used as sham control (injected with 0.5 mL physiology serum) and un-injected control. The hatched chickens from each group were randomly assigned to four replications of 12 chickens and reared under standard condition. Results: Hatchability percentage was apparently increased (P<0.05) by IOI of VE rather controls. Antibodies titer of avian influenza, infectious bronchitis, and the level of IgM were significantly increased (P≤0.043) by IOI of 30 mg/egg VE rather both controls at 21 days of age. Antibodies titer of avian influenza, infectious bronchitis, and newcastle disease were significantly increased (P≤0.033) by IOI of VE (30 mg/egg) rather both controls at 42 days of age. This treatment was significantly increased (P≤0.034) the levels of IgM and IgA relative to sham control at 42 days of age. Higher (P=0.004) level of IgG was obtained by IOI of both levels of VE rather both controls at 42 days of age. Feed intake was increased (P=0.041) by IOI of VE (30 mg/egg) at 1 to 21 days of age. Conclusions: Broiler chicken performance did not affect with IOI of VE, while hatchability and post-hatch immunity status were boost up by IOI of 30 mg/egg VE.

625-632

Authors: Djacbou D. Sylvie, Pieme Constant Anatole, Biapa Prosper Cabral, Penlap Beng Veronique

Objective: To investigate the in vitro antiradical and antioxidant properties of methanol extracts of Garcinia lucida, Hymenocardia lyrata (H. lyrata) and Acalypha racemosa. Methods: We determined the in vitro antioxidant activity and the total phenolic content, and performed the phytochemical screening of the extracts from fruits, barks, leaves, roots and stems of these plants using standard procedures. Results: The results of the antioxidant properties showed that more than 60% of DPPH., NO. and HO. radicals were inhibited by the extracts. The radical scavenging activity, the total antioxidant capacity as well as the reducing power increased with the concentration of the extracts. The 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) varied from 1.46 to 21.65 µg/mL depending of the type of extract and the antioxidant tests. The results indicated that all the extracts exhibited antioxidant properties and the roots of H. lyrata showed the best antioxidant activity [(217.17±9.45) mg Equivalent catechin/g of extract] while the highest total phenol content was found in its barks [(169.782±3.025) mg Eq cat/g of extract]. Conclusions: The methanol extract of H. lyrata possess the most antioxidant property among the three extracts.

639-643

Authors: Neelma Munir, Wasqa Ijaz, Imran Altaf, Shagufta Naz

Objective: To focus on the evaluation of antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of two endangered medicinal plants Aconitum heterophyllum (A. heterophyllum) and Polygonum bistorta (P. bistorta). Materials: Plant extracts were obtained by using microwave assisted extraction method. The in vitro antifungal activity of A. heterophyllum and P. bistorta extracts were determined by measuring diameters of inhibitory zones of these extracts against Aspergillus niger and Alternalia solani. Results: Methanolic extract of A. heterophyllum showed significant (P≤0.05) antifungal activity against both the tested organisms. It was also observed that ethanolic extracts of P. bistorta also had good antifungal activity against the tested fungal strains as compared to the methanolic extracts. It showed significant antifungal activity (P≤0.05) against both the tested strains. Antioxidant activity of methanolic and ethanolic extracts of A. heterophyllum and P. bistorta were also measured using a radical scavenging method. Ascorbic acid was used as a standard. Conclusions: It was observed that A. heterophyllum and P. bistorta have significant antioxidant activity. Higher antioxidant activity was recorded in methanolic extract of A. heterophyllum as compared to its ethanolic extract. However, in case of P. bistorta ethanolic extract of the plant exhibited higher antioxidant potential than methanolic extracts. Hence both of these plants have significant antimicrobial as well as antioxidant potential.

649-655

Authors: Henda Keskes, Kais Mnafgui, Khaled Hamden, Mohamed Damak, Abdelfattah El Feki, Noureddine Allouche

Objective: To examine chemical composition and antioxidant activity as well as the in vitro α-amylase and pancreatic lipase inhibitory activities of the essential oil and various extracts of Juniperus phoenicea (J. phoenicea). Methods: Essential oil obtained by steam distillation were analyzed by gas chromatographymass spectrometry technique. The antioxidant activity of the essential oil and various extracts of J. phoenicea were determined by DPPH and β-carotene bleaching methods. Results: Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of the J. phoenicea essential oil resulted in the identification of 37 compounds, representing 96.98% of the oil; α-Pinene (24.02%), limonene (7.94%), D-3-Carene (16.9%), Germacrene D (11.98%), Germacrene B (5.40%) and δ-cadinene (6.52%) were the major compounds. The IC50 values of essential oil, hexane and methanol extracts against α-amylase were 35.44, 30.15 and 53.76 µg/mL respectively, and those against pancreatic lipase were 66.15, 68.47 and 60.22 µg/mL respectively, suggesting powerful antidiabetic and anti-obesity effects. Antioxidant activity (IC50=2 µg/mL) and total phenolics content (265 mg as gallic acid equivalent/g extract) of the methanol extract were found to be the highest compared to the other extracts. Conclusions: The findings showed that the extents of α-amylase and pancreatic lipase inhibitory activities of the J. phoenicea extracts as well as their antioxidant activity are in accordance with total phenolics contents. Leaves of J. phoenicea being rich in phenolics may provide a good source of natural products with interesting medicinal properties.

661-664

Authors: Maghdu Nainamohamed Abubacker, Palaniyappan Kamala Devi

Objective: To identify bioactive compound oleic acid, 3-(octadecyloxy) propyl ester from Lepidagathis cristata Willd. (L. cristata) and to assess antifungal potentials of the isolated compound. Methods: Aqueous extracts of L. cristata inflorescence were used for this study. The major bioactive compound isolated was tested for antifungal activities. Results: The major bioactive compound oleic acid, 3-(octadecyloxy) propyl ester was isolated fr om the inflorescence of L. cristata. The bioactive compound was tested for antifungal potentials and found to be highly effective to plant pathogenic fungi Colletotrichum fulcatum NCBT 146, Fusarium oxysporum NCBT 156 and Rhizoctonia solani NCBT 196 as well as for the human pathogenic fungi Curvularia lunata MTCC 2030 and Microsporum canis MTCC 2820. Conclusions: The results justify the antifungal potentials of both plant and human pathogenic fu ngi. The plant bioactive compound will be helpful in herbal antifungal formulations.

672-678

Authors: Ateufack Gilbert, Tadjoua Tchoumbou Herve, Yousseu Nana William, Sama Fonkeng Leonard, Kuiate Jules-Roger, Kamanyi Albert

Objective: To investigate the phytochemical test and selected pharmacological activities (antidiarrhoeal and antibacterial activity) of the aqueous and methanolic leaves extracts of Dissotis thollonii Cogn. (Melastomataceae) (D. thollonii). Methods: The aqueous and methanolic extracts were evaluated for their antibacterial activities on the in vitro growth of 2 clinical isolates (Staphylococcus aureus and Shigella flexneri), and 5 reference bacteria strains [Escherichia coli ATCC 8739 (E. coli), E. coli ATCC 10536, Salmonella typhi ATCC 6539, Enterobacter aerogenes ATCC 13048 and E. coli ATCC 11775] by determining the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and bactericidal concentrations using broth microdilution method as well as on the infectious, secretory and osmotic induced diarrhoea models in rats. Results: The aqueous extract inhibited the in vitro growth of all bacteria tested (the 05 reference bacteria strains and the 02 clinical isolates), with MICs values comprised between 32 and 512 µg/mL, whereas the methanolic extract has done the same with the MICs values located between 128 and 512 µg/mL. In vivo, the methanolic and aqueous extracts provoqued at all doses, a significant decrease (P<0.001) in the bacterial load in the faeces of rats, 6 and 7 d of treatment respectively. Infected animals relatively lost weight when treated with the aqueous extract but it remained constant for those treated with the methanolic extract. The results also showed that, the aqueous and methanolic leaves extracts of D. thollonii had, after 6 h of observation, significantly (P<0.001) inhibited in vivo, diarrhoea induced experimentally by castor oil and magnesium sulphate, particularly by prolonging the latency time, reducing the water content of faeces, the fr equency of defecation and the number of wet defecation as compared to the negative control which received distilled water and the animals having received 2.5 mg/kg of loperamide used as reference substance. The phytochemical assay revealed the presence of flavonoids, phenols and polyphenols in the leaves extracts of D. thollonii, which are compounds with antidiarrhoeal and antibacterial activities. Conclusions: The leaves of D. thollonii thus have antibacterial and antidiarrhoeal effects, which could result from their activities on blocking the inhibiting effects of the bacterial enzymes, inhibiting the bacterial protein synthesis, allowing the rupture of the lipopolysaccharidic membrane, as well as on inhibiting prostaglandins-E 2 synthesis or increasing the hydroelectrolytic reabsorption. These results attestted the ethnopharmacological use of D. thollonii leaves in the treatment of diarrhoea and gastro-intestinal infections.