Updates on brucellosis in Malaysia and Southeast Asia

Brucellosis has been in South East Asia for many generations affecting both man and animals and responsible for massive economic losses. The threat to the economy and to public health from this zoonotic disease is so great to ignore. Over the years there have been many attempts to control and possibly eradicate this infection but these efforts have not fully yielded the desired results due to many factors mentioned in this paper. Eradication, though expensive, actually saves a lot of economic resources when properly implemented. In this review, the past and current situation of brucellosis in South East Asia is explored with particular reference to Malaysia and challenges to the full eradication of the infection are elucidated

A case-control study of risk factors for bovine brucellosis seropositivity in Peninsular Malaysia

Bovine brucellosis was first reported in Peninsular Malaysia in 1950. A subsequent survey conducted in the country revealed that the disease was widespread. Current knowledge on the potential risk factors for brucellosis occurrence on cattle farms in Malaysia is lacking. Therefore, we conducted a case-control study to identify the potential herd-level risk factors for bovine brucellosis occurrence in four states in the country, namely Kelantan, Pahang, Selangor and Negeri Sembilan. Thirty-five cases and 36 controls of herds were selected where data on farm management, biosecurity, medical history and public health were collected. Multivariable logistic regression identified that Brucella seropositive herds were more likely to; have some interaction with wildlife (OR 8.9, 95% CI = 1.59–50.05); originated from farms where multiple species such as buffalo/others (OR 41.8, 95% CI = 3.94–443.19) and goat/sheep (OR 8.9, 95%Cl = 1.10–71.83) were reared, practice extensive production system (OR 13.6, 95% CI 1.31–140.24) and have had episodes of abortion in the past (OR 51.8, 95% CI = 4.54–590.90) when compared to seronegative herds. Considering the lack of information on the epidemiology of bovine brucellosis in peninsular Malaysia and absence of information on preventing the inception or spread of the disease, this report could contribute to the on-going area-wise national brucellosis eradication program

Proteomic profiles of young adults with acute myocardial infarction

Introduction: Proteomic profiling is essential in understanding the pathophysiological process of multifactorial diseases such as acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Despite the increasing incidence of AMI in young adults, proteomic-based study focusing on young AMI remains limited. This study aimed to examine the plasma proteomic profiles of young adults with AMI compared to control subjects. We also hope to identify disease-specific protein biomarkers that contribute to the development of AMI in the young. Methods: Pooled plasma protein from 10 AMI patients aged 18 to 45 years and 10 age, gender and racematched volunteers were separated using two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE). The spots proteins were analysed using the PD Quest analysis software. The spots proteins that were found to have been expressed differently between the two groups were identified by Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time of Flight (MALDI-TOF) Mass Spectrometry. Results: There were three differently expressed proteins namely Apolipoprotein AI (Apo AI), Apolipoprotein AIV (Apo AIV) and Haptoglobin (p < 0.05). The expressions of these proteins were found to be increased in young patients with AMI compared to control subjects. Conclusion: The up regulation of Apo AI, Apo AIV and Haptoglobin in AMI patients indicate their important roles in the development of atherosclerotic disease. Thus, Apo AI, Apo AIV and Haptoglobin are potential disease biomarkers for young AMI

Case–control study on risk factors associated with Brucella melitensis in goat farms in Peninsular Malaysia

Caprine brucellosis is a bacterial zoonotic infection affecting goats especially in developing countries all over the world. In Malaysia, the risk factors associated with this infection in farms have not been studied. A case–control study was carried out in goat farms in four states of Malaysia to elucidate the risk factors associated with the infection on the farms using structured questionnaires and face-to-face interviews. Results indicate that the introduction of new animals (OR = 5.25; 90 % CI = 1.46, 18.88), younger age category of farms (OR = 5.53; 90 % CI = 1.09, 21.66), and farms with single breed of goats (OR = 8.50; 90 % CI = 1.27, 41.97) were significant risk factors for brucellosis. In order to control brucellosis or possibly eradicate it in goat farms, these factors need to be dealt with. Enforcing stringent importation protocols or complete ban of goat importation from brucellosis endemic countries will help reduce risk of introducing new infection into the country

Real-time three-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography in daily practice: initial experience

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Aim of the work</p> <p>To evaluate the feasibility and possible additional value of transthoracic real-time three-dimensional echocardiography (RT3D-TTE) for the assessment of cardiac structures as compared to 2D-TTE.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>320 patients (mean age 45 ± 8.4 years, 75% males) underwent 2D-TTE and RT3D-TTE using 3DQ-Q lab software for offline analysis. Volume quantification and functional assessment was performed in 90 patients for left ventricle and in 20 patients for right ventricle. Assessment of native (112 patients) and prosthetic (30 patients) valves morphology and functions was performed. RT3D-TTE was performed for evaluation of septal defects in 30 patients and intracardiac masses in 52 patients.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>RT3D-TTE assessment of left ventricle was feasible and reproducible in 86% of patients while for right ventricle, it was (55%). RT3D-TTE could define the surface anatomy of mitral valve optimally (100%), while for aortic and tricuspid was (88% and 81% respectively). Valve area could be planimetered in 100% for the mitral and in 80% for the aortic. RT3D-TTE provided a comprehensive anatomical and functional evaluation of prosthetic valves. RT3D-TTE enface visualization of septal defects allowed optimal assessment of shape, size, area and number of defects and evaluated the outcome post device closure. RT3D-TTE allowed looking inside the intracardiac masses through multiple sectioning, valuable anatomical delineation and volume calculation.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Our initial experience showed that the use of RT3D-TTE in the assessment of cardiac patients is feasible and allowed detailed anatomical and functional assessment of many cardiac disorders.</p

Isolation of Escherichia coli from various organs of broiler chickens with complicated chronic respiratory disease

Escherichia coli was isolated from broiler chickens in 17 farms in the state of Johor (6 farms), Melaka (6 farms) and Perak (5 farms), Malaysia with clinical signs and lesions of complicated chronic respiratory disease (CCRD). The affected live chickens which showed clinical signs of distended abdomen, respiratory distress, weak, stunted and ruffled feather, whilst the dead chicken with distended abdomen were selected in the study. Upon necropsy, pericarditis, air sacculitis, perihepatitis, ascites, splenitis and peritonitis were the common lesions recorded. Samples of heart, liver, spleen, air sac and peritoneal swab were collected for E. coli isolation and identification. E. coli was isolated from 40% (2/5), 67% (4/6) and 60% (3/5) farms in Johor, Melaka and Perak, respectively. Heart (26%) and spleen (26%) were the common samples positive for E. coli followed by the liver (22%), air sacs (17%) and peritoneal swabs (9%)

Pathological changes caused by avian pathogenic Escherichia coliwith 4, 5 and 6 virulence associated genes in commercial broilers chickens

Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) strains were isolated from commercial broiler chickens in Johor and Melaka with clinical signs and gross lesions of E. coli infection. The isolates were molecularly characterized using multiplex PCR. APEC isolates with virulent associate genes (VAG) of 4 (Iss-irp2-iucD-vat and Iss-irp2-iucD-cva/cvi), 5 (Iss-irp2-papC-iucD-cva/cvi) and 6 (Iss-irp2-papC-iucD-vat-cva/cvi) were identified. More severe respiratory signs were recorded in chickens infected with APEC carrying papC gene when compared without the gene. The present of fibrinous lesions was associated with cva/cvi gene, an essential virulent trait of APEC. The vat gene which produces cytotoxic effect in the target cells was present in the VAG4 (dead chicken) and VAG6 groups, however in both groups the gross lesion were rather mild when compared to the other groups. The iss and iucD genes were present in all groups. Histological examination of all the organs was consistent with the findings on the gross lesions. It was concluded that the pathological changes observed in the chicken in the present study were closely associated with the present of the essential virulent genes of the APEC strains

A case-control study of risk factors for bovine brucellosis seropositivity in Peninsular Malaysia.

Bovine brucellosis was first reported in Peninsular Malaysia in 1950. A subsequent survey conducted in the country revealed that the disease was widespread. Current knowledge on the potential risk factors for brucellosis occurrence on cattle farms in Malaysia is lacking. Therefore, we conducted a case-control study to identify the potential herd-level risk factors for bovine brucellosis occurrence in four states in the country, namely Kelantan, Pahang, Selangor and Negeri Sembilan. Thirty-five cases and 36 controls of herds were selected where data on farm management, biosecurity, medical history and public health were collected. Multivariable logistic regression identified that Brucella seropositive herds were more likely to; have some interaction with wildlife (OR 8.9, 95% CI = 1.59-50.05); originated from farms where multiple species such as buffalo/others (OR 41.8, 95% CI = 3.94-443.19) and goat/sheep (OR 8.9, 95%Cl = 1.10-71.83) were reared, practice extensive production system (OR 13.6, 95% CI 1.31-140.24) and have had episodes of abortion in the past (OR 51.8, 95% CI = 4.54-590.90) when compared to seronegative herds. Considering the lack of information on the epidemiology of bovine brucellosis in peninsular Malaysia and absence of information on preventing the inception or spread of the disease, this report could contribute to the on-going area-wise national brucellosis eradication program

Isolation and polymerase chain reaction confirmation of Brucella melitensis from goats in Malaysia.

A study was carried out to isolate Brucella melitensis using established bacteriological techniques and the Polymerase Chain Reaction in previously known positive goat farms in Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka and Pulau Pinang states of Malaysia. A total of 7 isolates were recovered from vaginal swabs, spleen and uterine fluid using standard biochemical tests with vaginal swabs yielding the highest isolates of 4 (57.14%) followed by the spleen 2 (28.57%) and uterine fluid 1(14.29%). No isolates were recovered from the lymph nodes. PCR confirmed all 7 isolates as B. melitensi

Univariable analysis of potential risk factors for bovine brucellosis herd seropositivity in Peninsular Malaysia.

<p>eOR, exposure odds ratio; Ref, reference categories; CI, confidence interval, PPE, personal protective equipment,</p><p>*animal showing at least one of the clinical signs (orchitis, retained placenta, mastitis, weak foetus, decreased milk production, low conception rate).</p><p>Univariable analysis of potential risk factors for bovine brucellosis herd seropositivity in Peninsular Malaysia.</p