Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Disease

68-70

Authors: Blessing Uzoamaka Ejike, Carmelita Chima Ohaeri, Ebube Charles Amaechi

Objective: To assess and compare the impact of home management of malaria prevalence amongst pregnant women in Aba South Local Government Area of Abia State, Eastern Nigeria. Methods: Blood samples from 432 pregnant women who attended Primary Health Care Centre and Abia State University Teaching Hospital were examined using Giemsa-stained thick and thin films. Structured questionnaires were also administered to the women from whom blood samples were collected. Results: Most of the respondents 192 (44.4%) were found to use insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) with a malaria prevalence of 27.1%. Other home management strategies used were burning of local plants 3 (0.7%) with a malaria prevalence of 33.3%. Those who did not own ITNs had a malaria prevalence of 86.7%. Conclusions: The need to intensify effort on educating pregnant women on the proper use of home management strategies especially the use of ITNs and local plants that have anti mosquito activity is encouraged.

75-79

Authors: Manish Dahal, Ram Hari Dahal, Dhiraj Kumar Chaudhary

Objective: To find out the prevalence of Cyclospora cayetanensis (C. cayetanensis) and other enteropathogen among children under the age of 15 years from different areas of Biratnagar Municipality and those who visited Nobel Medical College and Teaching Hospital, Biratnagar, Nepal. Methods: A total of 588 stool samples were collected from children with diarrhoeal illness. Samples were processed to observe parasites using normal saline, iodine and potassium dichromate. Bacterial enteropathogens were detected through bacterial cultures and biochemical analysis. Serological tests and antibiotic susceptibility tests were performed for pure bacterial isolates. ELISA was done to find the prevalence of rotavirus. Results: Among 588 processed samples, 12 (2.04%) cases showed potential C. cayetanensis infection which was highly distributed in the age group of 3–6 years during the month of July. Giardia lambia was found to be more prevalent than C. cayetanensis and Escherichia coli and was the highest bacterial enteropathogen detected among children suffering from diarrhoeal illness. The overall prevalence of rotavirus was 22.89% of total children under 5 years age and found the highest in the month of May. Conclusions: The present study concluded that the prevalence of C. cayetanensis was relatively low as compared to other parasite. A wide range of other parasite was involved as causative agents of diarrhoea other than C. cayetanensis. Rotavirus has been found as a major causative agent of childhood diarrhoea in children less than 5 years and this study showed that parasites and other enteropathogen were more prevalent in the months of May, June and July

84-87

Authors: Abbas Aghaei Afshar, Maryam Hakimi Parizi, Iraj Sharifi, Mohammad Amin Gorouhi, Fatemeh Sharifi, Bismark Baafi

Objective: To evaluate the fauna, seasonal activity and the host preference of sand flies and to determine the main vectors of anthroponotic cutaneous leishmaniasis in Mohammad Abad, Kerman Province, southeast of Iran. Methods: Sand flies were collected indoors and outdoors by sticky paper traps from May to November, 2012. Regarding the importance of host preference and its impact on leishmaniasis control, blood meal was analyzed by the restriction fragment length polymorphism method. The cytochrome b mitochondrial genomic regions (mitochondrial DNA) and enzymatic digestion of Xho I and Hae III were used for the diagnosis of human blood feeding. In the detection of leptomonad (promastigote) infection in sand flies, a nested PCR method and high resolution melt analysis were exploited. Results: A total of 919 sand flies were identified as belonging to 14 species in two genera, namely, Phlebotomus spp. (5 species) and Sergentomyia spp. (9 species). The most frequently occurring species was Phlebotomus sergenti (P. sergenti) (67.46%), followed by Phlebotomus papatasi (19.37%). The highest indoor collection of P. sergenti was realized in late July, and the highest outdoor collection of P. sergenti ensued in early July. A total of 250 sand flies were collected for host preference analysis, and blood meals of 120 sand flies belonged to the species of P. sergenti were subjected to restriction fragment length polymorphism confirmation. A total of 39 P. sergenti sand flies (32.5%) were identified to have fed on human. NestedPCR and high resolution melt analyses confirmed that these sand flies had been infected with Leishmania tropica. Conclusions: The present study has confirmed P. sergenti as the main Phlebotomine sand fly vector for anthroponotic cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania tropica in Southeastern Iran.

97-98

Authors: Ameer Khusro, Chirom Aarti

Tuberculosis (TB) is a leading dreadful tropical disease which causes 1.5 million mortalities per year and nearly one-third of all TB cases are unreported annually. Keeping in view of the therapeutic properties of mycobactericidal agents, at present there are 20 new diagnostic test platforms, 4 anti-tubercular agents in Phase III, 7 in Phase II clinical trials, 5 in preclinical development and 3 mycobactericidal agents in Good Laboratory Practice toxicity evaluation. The End TB Strategy of World Health Organization paved a way to aggregate clinical trials reports in a unique platform. The neoteric introduction of TB-Platform for Aggregation of Clinical TB Studies (TB-PACTS) showed a great white hope of the scientific community which would ultimately benefit TB patients. In fact, TB-PACTS is an extremely important tool to combat TB by making clinical trials data easily available. The present study summarized not only the concise current status of TB but also substantial glimpse of TB-PACTS recently launched in a nutshell.

106-111

Authors: Mosquito larvae Seasonal abundance Al-Ahsa Oasis New record

Objective: To determine the mosquito vectors prevailing in Al-Ahsa, eastern region, Saudi Arabia. Methods: Monthly larval collections were conducted for one year by means of long dipper from different breeding sites in rural and semi-urban locations. Physical and chemical characteristics (pH, salinity and temperature of water) of positive sites were recorded. Results: The survey revealed the presence of 7 mosquito species [Aedes caspius, Anopheles multicolor, Culex perexiguus (Cx. perexiguus), Culex pipiens (Cx. pipiens), Culex pusillus, Culiseta langiareolata and Culiseta subochrea (Cs. subochrea)] representing 4 genera. Aedes, Ochlerotatus, Anopheles multicolor, Cx. perexiguus and Cx. pipiens mosquitoes are known as important vectors. Cs. subochrea is recorded for the first time in Al-Hufuf Oasis. Cx. pipiens was the most common species followed by Cx. perexiguus then Aedes caspius. Results also showed that mosquitoes were abundant in winter and spring seasons then declined in summer and autumn seasons. Conclusions: The present study is updating the total number of mosquito species of Al-Ahsa district, eastern province of Saudi Arabia by adding the newly record Cs. subochrea species. Furthermore, data obtained from the present study improve existing surveillance, assist in minimizing risk of disease transmission and develop vector management programs of the mosquitoes across this area.

121-126

Authors: Onele Gcilitshana1*, Timothy Sibanda2, Leorcadia Zhou3, Anthony Ifeayin Okoh

Objective: To assess the prevalence of enteric viruses in the final effluents of two peri-urban wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in Amathole District Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa from September 2012 to August 2013. Methods: Water samples were collected monthly from the final effluents of the selected WWTPs (WWTP-K and WWTP-R) located in Komga and East London, respectively in Amathole District Municipality for a period of 12 months between September 2012 and August 2013. RTPCR was used for the detection of adenoviruses (AdV), rotaviruses and hepatitis A virus while conventional PCR was used to delineate all detected viruses into their serotypes using specific primer sets. Results: None of the viruses were detected in samples from WWTP-R. In effluent samples from WWTP-K, rotaviruses were detected in 58% (7/12) of the samples in concentrations ranging from 1.7 × 104 to 2.3 × 106 genome copies/L while AdV and hepatitis A virus were detected in 17% (2/12) of the samples in concentrations ranging from 4.5 × 10 to 2.8 × 102 and 2.3 × 10 to 7.1 × 10 genome copies/L, respectively. Molecular characterization of AdV positive samples showed the presence of species B, species C and species F (AdV41) from the May and June 2013 samples. Conclusions: Detection of enteric viruses in final effluents reflects the inability of WWTPs to completely remove viruses from final effluents and the likelihood of contaminating receiving watersheds with potentially virulent viral particles, which may pose a serious health risk to people directly utilizing such water either for consumption or full contact purposes.

8-13

Authors: Jufrizal Syahri, Kamal Rullah, Ria Armunanto, Emmy Yuanita, Beta Achromi Nurohmah, Mohd Fadhlizil Fasihi Mohd Aluwi, Lam Kok Wai, Bambang Purwono

Objective: To synthesize chalcone derivatives and investigate their antimalarial activity toward chloroquine-sensitive Plasmodium falciparum 3D7 (Pf3D7) strain; to develop quantitative structureactivity relationships (QSAR) model to estimate IC50 values for biological activity of antimalarial and compared to experimental measurement; and to determine the binding interactions of the most active compounds with targeting P. falciparum dihydrofolate reductase-thymidylate synthase using molecular docking simulation. Methods: Seven chalcone derivatives have been synthesized from substituted acetophenone and substituted benzaldehyde in ethanol with the presence of bases catalysis at reflux condition. The QSAR analysis was conducted by using Gaussian 09 software to predict IC50 value for antimalarial activity. The in vitro test was evaluated against the chloroquine-sensitive Pf3D7 strain. Finally, the docking studies were performed with the CDOCKER protocol under the receptor-ligand interaction section in Discovery Studio® 3.1 (Accelrys, Inc., San Diego, USA). Results: Among the synthesized chalcone, a prenylated chalcone 5c and an allylated chalcones 10a showed the best IC50 values of 1.08 and 1.73 μg/mL respectively against Pf3D7 strain (1.37 and 2.33 μg/mL based on QSAR analysis). Comparison between the prediction of IC50 value generated from the QSAR and the outcome from an in vitro assay showed a similar result as seen from the r2 value (r2 = 0.99). The most active compound 5c was employed in the docking simulation to determine the potential binding interactions with active sites of P. falciparum dihydrofolate reductase-thymidylate synthase (protein data bank ID: 1J3I). The docking simulation study showed 5c bind well with Ala16, Ser108, Ile164, Trp48, and Phe58 which are the crucial interactions that could possibly interrupt the sequential catalysis reactions in the thymidylate cycle and subsequently prevent deoxythymidine monophosphate production and DNA synthesis. The formed binding interaction (H-bond) toward residues of Ala16, Ser108, and Ile164 also indicate the activity of 5c against chloroquine-resistance P. falciparum strain. Conclusions: We have successfully determined the effects of some chalcone derivatives on antimalarial activity against the chloroquine-sensitive Pf3D7 strain. Compound 5c and 10a were described a good antiplasmodial compounds. Interestingly, these in vitro results relevance with IC50 predicted QSAR studies. Moreover, molecular docking simulation provided insight into the binding modes of 5c into the anti-folate resistance from malarial P. falciparum.

18-20

Authors: Seyed Mohammad Alavi, Sassan Moogahi, Jalil Feizi, Shahab Papi

Objective: To find out an easy and feasible test instead of cerebrospinal fluid analysis for the diagnosis of acute meningitis. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2013 in Ahvaz, a city located in the Southwest Iran including 75 patients with clinical diagnosis of fever, headache, vomiting and neck stiffness suspected to have acute meningitis based on cerebrospinal fluid analysis. In the beginning, the patients were divided into two categories as acute meningitis, and non-acute meningitis. Then, 5 L of blood was taken from each patient to determine serum creatine kinase isoenzyme-BB by using ELISA method. After that, the related data including demographics, clinical and laboratory results were analyzed by SPSS software version 16 using Chi-square test for qualitative variables and student’s t-test for quantitative variables. Results: Among the total 75 patients, 37 (49.3%) were males and 38 (50.7%) were females including 45 patients (60%) with acute meningitis and 30 patients (40%) without acute meningitis. On the other hand, CK-BB serum levels in acute meningitis and non-acute meningitis patients were 18.23 ± 7.56 and 2.67 ± 1.62, respectively, so significant difference was found between acute meningitis group and non-acute meningitis group (P < 0.000 1). Conclusions: Serum creatine kinase isoenzyme-BB test is a useful test to differentiate acute meningitis from non-acute meningitis among suspected cases of meningitis disease, so measuring the CK-BB serum level in Iran's health system with an expanded health setting especially in remote areas will be useful and helpful in prompt diagnosis and treatment of the acute meningitis.

25-29

Authors: Qazi Azad-uz-zaman, Quazi Zahangir Hossain, Md. Abdullah Al Hadi, Jiptha Boiragee, Masuma Parvin

Objective: To explore the psychosocial condition and consequences of the people affected by leprosy and the related deformity in some selected areas of Bangladesh. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from July to December 2015 among 92 leprosy-affected people. A pretested semi-structure questionnaire was used for collecting data by face to face interview from both the low prevalent areas of Khulna and the high prevalent area of Rangpur Division in Bangladesh. Results: Nearly two-fifth of respondents were observed having deformity. Among them, around four-fifth was from Khulna region, about half were above 50 years of age and more than half had monthly family income lower than 5 000 BDT. The development of deformity is found having highly significant association with region (P < 0.001), residence (P < 0.004), and family income (P < 0.004). Differences in consequences between ‘with deformity’ and ‘without deformity’ were found very high. About 65% of the respondents with deformity ‘think less’ of himself, and nearly 60% felt ashamed or embarrassed, 53% had to change job, and 47% was used to think having less respect in the society where the percentage was much lower in all cases to ‘without deformity’ group. Conclusions: Early diagnosis and start multidrug therapy at the earliest stages have chanced to reduce the leprosy-resulted deformity, disfigurement and disability. For those who already have had some nerve damages, health education is highly important to prevent further injury and hence psychosocial consequences.

32-35

Authors: Ebube Charles Amaechi, Camelita Chima Ohaeri, Onyinye Mkpola Ukpai, Kalu Ukoha Ukoha, Prosper Chidi Nwachukwu, Blessing Uzoamaka Ejike

Objective: To assess the prevalence and clinical manifestations of lymphatic filariasis among inhabitants of the study area. Methods: A total of 1 069 persons of different age groups were examined using immunochromatographic test which detected Wuchereria bancrofti (W. bancrofti) antigens by finger prick blood collection. Physical examinations of the subjects were also carried out to check for signs of the infection on the individuals. Results: Of these, 36 (3.4%) were infected with W. bancrofti. Males showed a higher prevalence than females (4.0% vs. 2.8%, P < 0.05). Those that fell in the age group of 70 years and above were the most infected (23.8%). Regarding signs and symptoms of the disease, periodic fever was reported the most by the subjects (7.5%) followed by crawling sensation (4.9%). Periodic fever and crawling sensation tended to appear much earlier in life, while tenderness of limbs, elephantiasis and hydrocele were symptoms that showed up from the fifth decade of life. Conclusions: Our study showed that lymphatic filariasis was caused by W. bancrofti as a serious health problem in irrigation communities of Nigeria. Realistic and sustained health interventions are required to effectively control the disease in this community and other related areas of Nigeria.

43-46

Authors: Yatanan Casimir Blé, Adjehi Dadié, N’dédé Théodore Djeni, Bassa Antoine Yobouet, Agathe Fantodji, Koffi Marcelin Djè

Objective: To determine the hemolysin (hlyA) and aerolysin (aerA) genes of Aeromonas sp. isolate collected from frog Hoplobatrachus occipitalis in Côte d’Ivoire. Methods: A total of 210 fresh healthy frogs and 384 smoked frogs were collected in three local markets. Biochemical identification, hemolysin test and detection of virulence gene by PCR were performed. Results: The results revealed that 148 strains of Aeromonas sp. were isolated only from 48 (22.9%) fresh frogs. Strains identified were Aeromonas hydrophila and Aeromonas sobria. While all 384 smoked frogs were not contaminated by Aeromonas sp. Of the 148 isolates analyzed, 105 (70.1%) had the β-hemolytic activity on the blood agar. PCR reaction showed that virulence genes were widely distributed among the Aeromonas sp. isolates. The hlyA gene (84.4%) was the most frequent virulence factor present in the isolates. Three genotypes were recorded including hlyA+aerA+ (58.8%), hlyA+aerA- (25.0%) and hlyA-aerA+ (15.5%). Conclusions: The presence of the two genes of virulence indicates that there is a risk for consumers and this requires the measure of assurance for the sanitary safety of products.

53-56

Authors: Hassan Vatandoost, Ahmad Ali Hanafi-Bojd, Ahmad Raeisi, Mohammad Reza Abai, Fatemeh Nikpour

Objective: To work on bioecology and to monitor and map the insecticide resistance of malaria vector, Anopheles culicifacies (An. culicifacies) (Diptera: Culicidae) in Iran. Methods: Mosquitoes were collected from different breeding places in Sistan and Baluchistan Province and then reread at insectary. F1 generation was used for susceptibility tests. All the impregnated papers were provided by World Health Organization (WHO) and tests were carried out according to WHO guideline. Results: Results of adult susceptibility tests against female An. culicifecies revealed that this species was resistant to dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane, dieldrin, tolerated to bendiocarb, propoxur and deltamethrin and susceptible to other imagicides recommended by WHO. An. culicifecies was resistant to organochlorine insecticides and tolerant to organophosphae, carbamate and pyrethroids. Conclusions: Results of the ecology and susceptibility status of malaria vectors will help authorities to make decision for vector control. More biomedical assays was required to found the mechanisms of insecticide resistance.

928-935

Authors: Nazri Che Dom, Abu Hassan Ahmad, Zulkiflee Abd Latif, Rodziah Ismail

Objective: To highlight the use of analytical hierarchy process (AHP) in geographical information system that incorporates environmental indices to generate dengue risk zonation area. Methods: The medical database considered for the study was referenced to the environmental data layers. Factors related to the risk of dengue fever (DF) were selected throughout previous research and were arranged in a hierarchical structure. The relative weights of factors were calculated, which were within acceptable range with the consistency ratio being less than 0.1. The outcomes from AHP based DF risk zonation area produced useful information on different levels of risks. Results: As a result, factor weights used in AHP were evaluated and found to be acceptable as the consistency ratio of 0.05, which was < 0.1. The most influential factors were found to be housing types, population density, land-use and elevation. Findings from this study provided valuable insights that could potentially enhance public health initiatives. The geographical information system and spatial analytical method could be applied to augment surveillance strategies of DF and other communicable diseases in an effort to promote actions of prevention and control. The disease surveillance data obtained could be integrated with environmental database in a synergistic way, which will in turn provide additional input towards the development of epidemic forecasting models. Conclusions: This attempt, if successful, will have significant implications that could strengthen public health interventions and offers priorities in designing the most optimum and sustainable control program to combat dengue in Malaysia.

940-942

Authors: Naesinee Chaiear, Janpen Bourpoern, Kittisak Sawanyawisuth, Kanlayanee Sawanyawisuth, Panita Limpawattana, Wipa Reechaipichitkul

Objective: To evaluate risk factors for developing latent tuberculosis (LTB) in Thai nurses. Methods: A comparison study was conducted at Srinagarind Hospital, Khon Kaen, Thailand. Clinical factors were compared between persons with tuberculin conversion and those without tuberculin conversion identified by tuberculin skin test. Results: There were 173 eligible persons with the LTB (34.7%). There were five workplaces where participants worked regularly including the general ward, surgical ward, pediatric ward, medical ward and critical care ward. In a multivariate model, two factors were significantly associated with LTB including age and history of tuberculosis in colleagues. The adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) of both variables were 1.056 (1.004–1.104) and 0.202 (0.044– 0.941). Conclusions: Older age is associated with latent tuberculosis in nurses. LTB should be screened routinely and treated if diagnosed for nurses.

946-951

Authors: Amira Taman, Samar N. El-Beshbishi, Samia El Bardicy, Menerva Tadros, Magda Ayoub, Basem Mansour, Serry El-Bialy

Objective: To test the effect of benzimidazole-derived compound (compound BTP-Iso) on cultured adult Schistosoma mansoni and clean Biomphalaria alexandrina snails. Methods: Adult schistosomes were incubated at different concentrations of compound BTP-Iso to calculate mortality rate, LC90 and LC50, in addition, tegumental changes were recorded using SEM. Clean Biomphalaria alexandrina snails were also incubated with compound BTP-Iso at various concentrations to report snail mortality. Results: Compound BTP-Iso was found to possess potent antischistosomal activities on adult worms but no effect was recorded on snail host. At a concentration of 8 μg/mL, mortality rates were 45.8% and 81.0% after 48 h and 72 h incubation, respectively, while 100% mortality was recorded after 48 h incubation at 20.0 μg/mL and after 72 h incubation at 10.0 μg/mL, with LC50 and LC90 of 6.1 μg/mL and 9.8 μg/mL, respectively. Morphological changes and tegumental alternation of treated worms suggested loss of the tegument and its vital functions. Conclusions: This study provided the evidence for the potential antischistosomal effect of compound BTP-Iso and its possible uses as an alternative chemotherapeutic agent for treatment of schistosomiasis.

957-960

Authors: Ahmadreza Mobaien, Farzaneh Moghaddam, Samaneh Talebi, Afsaneh Karami, Hamidreza Amirmoghaddami, Ali Ramazani

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of Campylobacter jejuni (C. jejuni) in the patients with gastroenteritis. Methods: This descriptive and analytical study included all adult patients with acute diarrhea admitted to the University Hospital of Zanjan Province who were enrolled in a one-year period from 2013 to 2014. Stool samples were checked for white blood cells (WBC) and lactoferrin, then samples with WBC ≤ 5 positive for lactoferrin were selected for amplification of mapA gene of C. jejuni by RT-PCR assay. Results: In this study, 864 patients (410 men and 454 women) with acute diarrhea were enrolled, of which about 718 patients had WBC less than 5 and 146 patients had WBC more than 5 in the stool exam. All inflammatory diarrhea samples were tested for lactoferrin and 111 cases of the samples tested were positive for lactferrin. A total of 40 samples out of 111 were positive for C. jejuni by RT. Conclusions: The finding of this study showed that the prevalence of inflammatory diarrhea and diarrhea caused by Campylobacter in this study was high. This need for education and awareness in this area, as well as appropriate treatment is too important.

969-972

Authors: Majid Afzali, Masoud Mirzaei

Objective: To investigate the epidemiological features and demographic characteristics of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infected patients and the accurate incidence rate of HCV in Islamic Republic of Iran. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted using the data from Iranian National Hepatitis Registry Database consisted of the registered records of HCV patients during 2010– 2012. Data were analyzed to calculate the incidence of hepatitis C infection according to age, sex and region of residence in Iranian population during the period. Results: During 2010–2012, about 7 765 patients were registered with HCV in Iran. The mean age of patients was (40.4 ± 14.2) years, and the average annual incidence of the disease was 34.5 cases in one million population. The highest incidence rate and frequency of the infection was observed in men aged from 30 to 39 years and in women from 60 to 69 years. The lowest incidence rate and frequency were observed in the age group under 10 years old. The incidence of the disease was higher in the divorced and nomads. Most HCV cases were diagnosed in hospitals. Conclusions: HCV is less prevalent in Iran as compared to the neighboring countries. Hepatitis C prevention programs should focus more on people aged from 20 to 40 years, the divorced and nomads.

979-986

Authors: Amita Hajra, Naba Kumar Mondal

Objective: To synthesize silver nanoparticles by using Azadirachta indica (A. indica) and Elephantopus scaber (E. scaber) leaf extract as reducing and stabilizing agent and to check the efficacy of silver nanoparticles towards mortality of mosquito larval and pupal stages of Culex quinquefasciatus (Cx. quinquefasciatus). Methods: The silver nanoparticles were synthesized using A. indica and E. scaber leaf extract. The synthesized nanomaterials were characterized using UV-vis spectrophotometer, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy and fluorescent microscopy. Finally, the synthesized nanoparticles were applied on fourth instar larval and pupal stages of Cx. quinquefasciatus larvae and pupae and mortality was counted for 48 h. Dead larval bodies were electron dispersive X-ray studied to see whether silver has entered into the body or not. Pupal hatching under the influence of these nanoparticles were also studied. Results: Silver nanoparticles were synthesized from A. indica and E. scaber leaf which were stable. Mortality results highlighted that LC50 and LC90 of A. indica and E. scaber induced silver nanoparticle are 1.64, 4.32 mg/L and 1.43, 4.32 mg/L respectively during 48 h of incubation. EDX study of dead larval body showed a clear signature of silver in their body which suppose to be the main cause of their mortality. Pupal hatching is also hampered by the sublethal doses. Conclusions: A. indica and E. scaber may be good source as reducing agent of stable silver nanoparticles. Green synthesized silver nanoparticles may be a good eco-friendly alternative to control mosquito larvae and pupae of Cx. quinquefasciatus.

990-995

Authors: Luyanda Msolo, Etinosa Ogbomoede Igbinosa, Anthony Ifeanyin Okoh

Objective: To investigate the occurrence and antibiotics susceptibility of Escherichia coli (E. coli) O157:H7 isolates from raw milk, cattle udder, milking machines and worker’s hand swabs from three selected commercial dairy farms in the Amathole District Municipality, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Methods: Raw milk samples were collected from bulk storage tanks and swab samples were collected from milking machines, cattle udders and worker’s hands fortnightly over a sixmonth sampling regime between June and November 2014. A standard culture-based method was used for the enumeration and isolation of E. coli O157:H7, presumptive identification using sorbitol MacConkey agar (supplemented with cefixime (50 μg/L) and potassium tellurite (25 mg/L). A serological confirmation of the presumptive E. coli O157:H7 isolates was conducted using the O157 latex agglutination test kit. Results: A total of 252 E. coli O157:H7 isolates were further subjected to PCR amplification of rfbEO157 and fliCH7 genes of which 27(11%) of the isolates were confirmed positive E. coli O157:H7. The percentage antibiotic resistance of the 27 E. coli O157:H7 isolates from the dairy farms revealed penicillin [23 (85%)], tetracycline [22 (81%)], erythromycin [19 (70%)], streptomycin [14 (52%)] and chloramphenicol [12 (45%)]. The highest resistances were penicillin [23 (85%)] and tetracycline [22 (81%)]. Conclusions: These findings revealed that the dairy farms are potential reservoirs of E. coli O157:H7 serotype, and harbor antibiotic-resistant determinants, a concern to public and environmental health.

1000-1003

Authors: Oscar Herrera-Calderon, Edwin Enciso-Roca, Bertha Pari-Olarte, Jorge Arroyo-Acevedo

Objective: To determine the phytochemical screening, antioxidant activity and analgesic effect of crude ethanol extract of Waltheria ovata (W. ovata) Cav. root in mice. Methods: Phytochemical screening was developed by color or the precipitate formation. The evaluation of antioxidant activity and total phenolic content were assessed using 2,2- diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and Folin-Ciocalteu’s reagent, respectively. The analgesic effect was determined by acetic acid and formalin test. Different doses of W. ovata (50, 150, 300 and 500 mg/kg body weight) were administered p.o. to various groups of mice. Results: Phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, terpenoids and steroids. The antioxidant activity showed 25% for 0.1 μg/ mL and was significantly higher (P < 0.01) than trolox and vitamin C, meanwhile, the total phenolic content (gallic acid equivalent) was 2 200 mg/g of dry extract. W. ovata demonstrated an independent analgesic effect in different experimental models, like, acetic acid (72.51%, P < 0.01) and formalin (first phase: 58.6%, P < 0.01; second phase: 91.5%, P < 0.01, respectively) at dose of 300 mg/kg, similar to diclofenac (5 mg/kg) and morphine (30 mg/kg), respectively. Conclusions: W. ovata root’s crude ethanol extract showed strong antioxidant activity and high phenolic content. The analgesic effect was demonstrated in two experimental models of pain implying that both peripheral and central mechanisms were involved. This might be due to the presence of various phytochemicals in the extract.

1007-1010

Authors: Kalpesh Chhotalal Ashara, Ketan Vinodlal Shah

Models of animal are the most appropriate method for assessments of human in-vivo percutaneous and ocular penetrations. Monkey and rodents are used for the same. There are several nuts and bolts of each one, so it is necessary to study each one separately. Monkey, porcine and guinea pig penetration are correlated with that of human skin. The skin of rodents, lupus, pigs, etc. has more penetration properties than human skin. Rabbit, goat and sheep eye are mostly used for ocular penetration. The researcher also used hen’s egg chorioallantoic membrane test for ocular irritation study. The other animals’ cornea, cul-de-sac, eyeballs and prepared corneal epithelial models are very less in practice. Web-based alternative non-animal models are also available instead of animal models too. This article describes characteristics of monkeys, pigs, rats, rabbits, guinea pigs and hairless rodents, HuSki model, Cellophane® membrane, egg membrane, gelatin membrane, animal models for ophthalmic delivery, hen’s egg chorioallantoic membrane test, prepared corneal epithelial models and web-based alternative non-animal database.

850-853

Authors: Nariman Shahhosseini, Sadegh Chinikar, Norbert Nowotny, Anthony R. Fooks, Jonas Schmidt-Chanasit

Dengue virus sequences used in this study were obtained from two Iranian patients who were both with a history of traveling to Malaysia. The maximum likelihood phylogenetic tree demonstrated that two sequences were grouped into dengue virus 1. Specifically, strains Iran- DF1 and Iran-DF2 clustered in genotype I and III, respectively.

859-863

Authors: Choo Jia-Chi, Norsyuhaida Amira Abdullah, Nooren Shukor, Narong Jaturas, Reena Leeba Richard, Mohamad Azlan Abd Majid, Brandon Mong Guo-Jie, Tooba Mahboob, Tian-Chye Tan, Nongyao Sawangjaroen, Veeranoot Nissapatorn

Objective: To determine the current prevalence of soil transmitted helminths (STH) infections among cats and dogs in an animal shelter. Methods: A total of 442 animal's faecal samples were collected from the selected animal shelter located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The samples were screened by direct smear and further confirmed by formalin-ether sedimentation methods. Results: The overall prevalence of STH in animals was 48.4%. Among these, 51.5% and 45.8% were found in dogs and cats respectively. Among feline, hookworm was found to be the most predominant (41.7%), followed by Toxocara cati (4.6%). Whereas, hookworm was found to be the most predominant in canine (47%), followed by Toxocara canis (15.8%) and Trichuris vulpis (5.9%). Conclusions: A high prevalence of STH infections was found among animals living in this local shelter. Hence, appropriate preventive measures should be taken to eradicate these infections.

868-872

Authors: Hamid Iqbal, Muhammad Ishfaq, Muhammad Naseer Abbas, Abdul Wahab, Mughal Qayum, Saifullah Mehsud

Objective: To evaluate the hygienic quality by determining the presence of predominant pathogenic microbial contaminants (contagious or environmental) and indiscriminate heavy metals contained in unpasteurized milk samples collected from cattle specie of cow. Methods: Raw milk samples were collected in October, 2014 from different regions of District Kohat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan and cultured on the selective media plates according to the manufacturer instructions to observe pathogenic microbial flora and confirm it with relevant biochemical tests to specify bacterial specie. Results: Milk samples analyzed on MacConkey and nutrient agar media were found contaminated mostly with coliform, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterobacter aerogenes and Proteus vulgaris. Similarly, result of the heavy metals analysis performed using atomic absorption spectrophotometer flame photometry showed that raw milk contains heavy metals residues of lead and cadmium contents at higher levels while copper, zinc and chromium were observed lower than permissible limits whereas manganese within specified recommended values. Conclusions: Microbial contamination of milk and toxic metals is mainly accredited to the scrupulous unhygienic measures during processing of milk exhibiting a wide array of hazardous impacts on human health.

878-881

Authors: Oulaid Touloun, Moulay Abdelmonaim El Hidan, Ali Boumezzough

Objective: To describe the species composition of scorpions and to study its geographical distribution in Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra and Dakhla-Oued Ed Dahab regions in July 2014. Methods: To locate scorpions, the ground was examined through searching the places under the stones, rocks and in burrows. The nocturnal missions were also conducted using portable ultraviolet lamps. The scorpions were subsequently identified in the laboratory. Results: The results of the investigations in these regions showed the presence of five scorpion species, two of which Androctonus gonneti and Buthus bonito were endemic in Morocco. Conclusions: This work is allowed to complete the inventory of the studied scorpion fauna and provides some considerations on the distribution patterns in the study area.

887-891

Authors: Waras Nurcholis, Nurul Khumaida, Muhamad Syukur, Maria Bintang

Objective: To evaluate the contents of curcuminoids (curcumin, demethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin) and the cytotoxic activity in ethanolic extracts of 20 Curcuma aeruginosa RoxB. (C. aeruginosa) accessions collected from regions of Indonesia. Methods: Curcuminoid compounds were investigated by high performance liquid chromatography with standards, and the cytotoxic activity was evaluated by the brine shrimp lethality test. Results: Curcuminoids, curcumin, demethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin contents of C. aeruginosa accessions varied from 0.01% to 1.95% with the coefficient of variation (CV) of 27.36%, 0.01% to 1.45% with a CV of 30.56%, 0.01% to 0.47% with a CV of 25.16%, and 0.01% to 0.03% with a CV of 30.90%, respectively, which was higher in the Wonogiri accessions. All accessions of C. aeruginosa were found to be effective in general toxicity against brine shrimps. Conclusions: The Wonogiri accession of C. aeruginosa could be selected as a high quality clone for curcuminoid production for an industry breeding program.

895-908

Authors: Mary Oyenike Oladokun, Ifeayin Anthony Okoh

Vibrio cholerae (V. cholerae) is a Gram-negative, curved, rod-shaped bacteria with two of its strains V. cholerae O1 and V. cholerae O139) known to cause cholera, a deadly diarrheal disease that has repeatedly plagued the world in pandemics since 1817 and still remains a public health problem globally till today. The pathogens’ persistence in aquatic milieux during inter-epidemic periods is facilitated by the production of a biofilm, thus evolving from being an infection of oral-fecal transmission to a more composite ecological framework of a communicable disease. The outbreaks of cholera spread rapidly in various intensities within and among countries and even continents and the World Health Organization estimates that 3–5 million cases outbreak and over 200 000 die yearly from cholera. Also, the impact of a cholera epidemic is not limited to its high morbidity and mortality rates alone, but also the grievous impact on the economy of the countries experiencing the outbreaks. In this review, we carried out an overview of V. cholerae including its isolation and detection, genetics as well as a comparison of the toxigenic and non-toxigenic determinants in the human host and the host defences. Furthermore, the history of global pandemics, cost implications, conflict and ecological methodologies of cholera prevention and control. The management of disease and antibiotic resistance in V. cholerae are also highlighted.

918-924

Authors: Huma Mehreen Sadaf, Yamin Bibi, Iqra Riaz, Saboon, Muhammad Asim Sultan, Fatima Bibi, Muhammadi Bibi, Mubashir Hussain, Sidra Sabir

The plants provide medicinally valuable substances since ancient time and are the cheapest, oldest, as well as imperative source of pharmacologically active chemical compounds used for the treatment of several diseases. Medicinally, Otostegia limbata (O. limbata) is very imperative species of genus Otostegia which are extensively utilized by traditional practitioners against several ailments and its chemical constituents possess antispasmodic, antiulcer, antidepressant, sedative, anxiolytic, anti-inflammatory for eyes inflammation, antibacterial, antioxidant, haemagglutination activity, cholinesterase inhibition for Alzheimer’s treatment, antitussive potential, anti-aphids and larvicidal potential aptitude. The pharmacological impact of O. limbata and their diverse biological activities along with its active constituent are complied in this review. This species provide rich variety of biologically active secondary metabolites. Quite large number of active compounds isolated from O. limbata is the evidence to have considerable potential making them competent candidate for critically required novel drugs.