<i>Rhipicephalus annulatus</i> (Say, 1821) This species is included as a parasite of ... more <i>Rhipicephalus annulatus</i> (Say, 1821) This species is included as a parasite of cattle from northern Vietnam in Chien <i>et al</i>. (2016); however, it does not occur in surrounding countries (Chen <i>et al</i>. 2010; Lao PDR-Vongphayloth <i>et al</i>. 2016). The nearest populations are possibly those in southern India although these require confirmation (Ghosh <i>et al</i>. 2007). This should be investigated in more detail, as <i>R. microplus</i> found in Southeast Asia (Petney and Keirans 1996a) may represent a species group with new species awaiting identification (Burger <i>et al</i>. 2014). Alternatively, <i>R. annulatus</i> may have been introduced on cattle sometime in the past.
Preparation method for scanning electron microscope is a fundamental process in achieving an exce... more Preparation method for scanning electron microscope is a fundamental process in achieving an excellent result in getting ultrastructure micrograph of a house dust mite sample. The objectives of this study are therefore to determine a simpler method of preparing the sample for a better view and excellent images using SEM and to compare the outcome images of its morphological characters based on the new preparation method of which glutaraldehyde and osmium tetra-oxide technique in fixation was replaced with the use of acetone. This modified method gives improved images in SEM and it is very facile as it reduces the processing time by 65 % when compared to the glutaraldehyde and osmium tetra-oxide method.
A comprehensive 8-yr survey of acarine ectoparasites (ticks and mites) of bats was carried out in... more A comprehensive 8-yr survey of acarine ectoparasites (ticks and mites) of bats was carried out in 18 localities from 2002 to 2009. Most of the surveys were conducted during 14 national biodiversity scientific expeditions throughout Malaysia. The objective was to identify acarines of known public health importance from bats and thus determine whether there is any potential public health risk in Malaysia. Trapping of bats was conducted using Harp traps and Mist nets. In total, 1,579 individuals comprising of 6 families and 52 species of bats were examined alive. In general, 25.6% of the bats were infested with acarines. Infestation rates of ticks, mesostigmatid mites, and chiggers on bats examined were 0.4, 10.4, and 14.7%, respectively. Their prevalence and mean intensity were tabulated. Genera of ticks extracted were Amblyomma, Dermacentor, Ixodes, and Ornithodoros. Of these genera, only two species can be identified to species level and they are Amblyomma cordiferum and Ixodes simp...
Background This study reports the analytical sensitivity and specificity of a Loop-mediated isoth... more Background This study reports the analytical sensitivity and specificity of a Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) and compares its amplification performance with conventional PCR, nested PCR (nPCR) and real-time PCR (qPCR). All the assays demonstrated in this study were developed based on Serine-rich Entamoeba histolytica protein (SREHP) gene as study model. Results A set of SREHP gene specific LAMP primers were designed for the specific detection of Entamoeba histolytica. This set of primers recorded 100% specificity when it was evaluated against 3 medically important Entamoeba species and 75 other pathogenic microorganisms. These primers were later modified for conventional PCR, nPCR and qPCR applications. Besides, 3 different post-LAMP analyses including agarose gel electrophoresis, nucleic acid lateral flow immunoassay and calcein-manganese dye techniques were used to compare their limit of detection (LoD). One E. histolytica trophozoite was recorded as the LoD for all...
The aim of this study is to determine a molecular tool for identification of local vertebrate spe... more The aim of this study is to determine a molecular tool for identification of local vertebrate species using mtDNA COI gene. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) using universal primers complementary to the conserved region of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene fragment, was performed on DNA of blood samples of 30 local animals in Malaysia. DNA of hosts was amplified by PCR and the products were visualized on gel electrophoresis. Twenty two sequences (73.3%) were obtained and compared with sequences registered in GenBank and BOLD Systems databases. The BLAST results for fifteen samples (68%) showed sequences were in congruence with morphological identification at 92% to 100% accuracy while seven sequences had no significant similarity. These results suggest that COI-based PCR is a reliable identification tool for vertebrates and can be applied for epidemiological studies on blood meal analysis of arthropod in Malaysia.
Madinah Adrus, Ramlah Zainuddin, Nur Hidayah Ahmad Khairi, Mariana Ahamad, Mohd‐Tajuddin Abdullah... more Madinah Adrus, Ramlah Zainuddin, Nur Hidayah Ahmad Khairi, Mariana Ahamad, Mohd‐Tajuddin Abdullah Background Nasalis larvatus are well‐known attraction for tourists in the mangrove forest of Bako National Park (BNP). Little is known regarding the infestation of helminth parasites in proboscis monkeys. Therefore, the objectives of this study are to determine the prevalence species of major helminth parasites of public health importance in proboscis monkeys in BNP. Methods A total of 65 faecal samples screened for helminth parasites via sodium nitrate floatation and faecal sedimentation techniques. Results A total of 14 helminth parasite species comprising of eight genera of nematodes, two species of cestodes and two trematodes were identified. Eggs of Trichuris trichiura were the most frequently encountered in proboscis monkeys. Conclusion This is the first survey on the fauna of helminth parasites of proboscis monkeys living in mangrove forests, and therefore, it implies the important baseline information
Rickettsiae are intracellular bacteria found in ectoparasites such as ticks, lice, fleas, mites a... more Rickettsiae are intracellular bacteria found in ectoparasites such as ticks, lice, fleas, mites and chiggers that cancause emerging infectious diseases throughout the world. There is lacking of information on their distributionand the tick vectors involved. The aim of this study is therefore to determine whether engorged ticks extractedfrom small mammals (Insectivora, Rodentia and Scandentia) from 15 locations of study areas have any potentialhealth risks to the public. Forty-eight engorged ticks were tested for the presence of rickettsiae DNA usingPolymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) targeting a fragment of the rickettsial gene citrate synthase gene (gltA). Therewas no DNA of rickettsiae detected from the ticks. Further investigations are needed in order to generate morecomprehensive information on the potential distribution of rickettsial disease in different locations and habitatsthat can establish an epidemiological data of rickettsiae in Malaysia.
Knowledge of the tick fauna of continental Southeast Asia is either patchy or, in some cases, for... more Knowledge of the tick fauna of continental Southeast Asia is either patchy or, in some cases, for example Cambodia and Myanmar, poor. Nevertheless, 97 species have been recorded from this region, making it one of the most diverse for ticks worldwide. Throughout Southeast Asia, work on tick-borne diseases of stock and companion animals, as well as of humans, is in its infancy, and the medical, veterinary and socio-economic importance of these diseases is largely unknown. Here we review current knowledge of Southeast Asian ticks and tick-borne diseases, with the aim of stimulating further research on this subject.
A study was undertaken to determine gastrointestinal (GI) parasites commonly found in Malaysia... more A study was undertaken to determine gastrointestinal (GI) parasites commonly found in Malaysia's non-human primates (NHP) living in three different types of populations (wild, urban, and captive) and the basis of major GI parasites of zoonotic importance. A total of 308 samples was collected and microscopically screened from the NHP in the wild (n = 163), urban (n = 76), and captive (n = 69) populations. The samples were taken from 12 species of local NHPs. At least, 44 species of GI parasites comprising of protozoans (seven species), nematodes (26 species), cestodes (five species), trematodes (five species), and pentastomida (one species) were detected. There were no significant differences for the overall prevalence and no great differences in GI parasite species among the wild, urban, and captive NHP populations. The most common GI parasite was Ascaris spp. (49.7%), followed by Oesophagostomum spp. (26.9%), and 31 species discovered in this study are of known public health im...
The Southeast Asian journal of tropical medicine and public health
In the present study on the life-cycle of Blomia tropicalis, freshly laid eggs were observed unti... more In the present study on the life-cycle of Blomia tropicalis, freshly laid eggs were observed until they developed into adults; the development periods between stages were recorded. The eggs took an average of 22.9 +/- 6.4 days to develop to adults. For longevity experiments, newly emerged adults were kept at 25 degrees C and observed until they died. There was no significant difference in longevities of the different sexes (p = 0.053). Production of eggs by mated females were monitored until egg production stopped and the female died. Mated females and males survived an average of 32.2 +/- 15.4 and 30.9 +/- 17.7 days respectively. The difference in longevity of the mated females, and males was not significant (p = 0.747). Longevity of the mated females was found to be significantly (p &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0.05) shorter than unmated females.
Asian Pacific journal of allergy and immunology / launched by the Allergy and Immunology Society of Thailand
The MAST CLA system was evaluated against skin prick test (SPT) for diagnosis of allergies to hou... more The MAST CLA system was evaluated against skin prick test (SPT) for diagnosis of allergies to house dust mites (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Dermatophagoides farinae) and cats. Forty three asthmatic children were examined by SPT and MAST CLA. Chi-square analysis indicated significant association between SPT and MAST CLA results for the house dust mites but not for cats. The sensitivities of MAST CLA for house dust mites and cats were 100 and 25% respectively; specificities were all less than 50%. The efficiency of MAST CLA for detection of allergy to the house dust mites was 88% and 44% for cats. A significant linear correlation was found between SPT wheal size and MAST CLA grade for D. farinae but not for D. pteronyssinus and cats. It is concluded that the MAST CLA allergy system can be used to supplement SPT for diagnosis of allergies to house dust mites but not to cats.
<i>Rhipicephalus annulatus</i> (Say, 1821) This species is included as a parasite of ... more <i>Rhipicephalus annulatus</i> (Say, 1821) This species is included as a parasite of cattle from northern Vietnam in Chien <i>et al</i>. (2016); however, it does not occur in surrounding countries (Chen <i>et al</i>. 2010; Lao PDR-Vongphayloth <i>et al</i>. 2016). The nearest populations are possibly those in southern India although these require confirmation (Ghosh <i>et al</i>. 2007). This should be investigated in more detail, as <i>R. microplus</i> found in Southeast Asia (Petney and Keirans 1996a) may represent a species group with new species awaiting identification (Burger <i>et al</i>. 2014). Alternatively, <i>R. annulatus</i> may have been introduced on cattle sometime in the past.
Preparation method for scanning electron microscope is a fundamental process in achieving an exce... more Preparation method for scanning electron microscope is a fundamental process in achieving an excellent result in getting ultrastructure micrograph of a house dust mite sample. The objectives of this study are therefore to determine a simpler method of preparing the sample for a better view and excellent images using SEM and to compare the outcome images of its morphological characters based on the new preparation method of which glutaraldehyde and osmium tetra-oxide technique in fixation was replaced with the use of acetone. This modified method gives improved images in SEM and it is very facile as it reduces the processing time by 65 % when compared to the glutaraldehyde and osmium tetra-oxide method.
A comprehensive 8-yr survey of acarine ectoparasites (ticks and mites) of bats was carried out in... more A comprehensive 8-yr survey of acarine ectoparasites (ticks and mites) of bats was carried out in 18 localities from 2002 to 2009. Most of the surveys were conducted during 14 national biodiversity scientific expeditions throughout Malaysia. The objective was to identify acarines of known public health importance from bats and thus determine whether there is any potential public health risk in Malaysia. Trapping of bats was conducted using Harp traps and Mist nets. In total, 1,579 individuals comprising of 6 families and 52 species of bats were examined alive. In general, 25.6% of the bats were infested with acarines. Infestation rates of ticks, mesostigmatid mites, and chiggers on bats examined were 0.4, 10.4, and 14.7%, respectively. Their prevalence and mean intensity were tabulated. Genera of ticks extracted were Amblyomma, Dermacentor, Ixodes, and Ornithodoros. Of these genera, only two species can be identified to species level and they are Amblyomma cordiferum and Ixodes simp...
Background This study reports the analytical sensitivity and specificity of a Loop-mediated isoth... more Background This study reports the analytical sensitivity and specificity of a Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) and compares its amplification performance with conventional PCR, nested PCR (nPCR) and real-time PCR (qPCR). All the assays demonstrated in this study were developed based on Serine-rich Entamoeba histolytica protein (SREHP) gene as study model. Results A set of SREHP gene specific LAMP primers were designed for the specific detection of Entamoeba histolytica. This set of primers recorded 100% specificity when it was evaluated against 3 medically important Entamoeba species and 75 other pathogenic microorganisms. These primers were later modified for conventional PCR, nPCR and qPCR applications. Besides, 3 different post-LAMP analyses including agarose gel electrophoresis, nucleic acid lateral flow immunoassay and calcein-manganese dye techniques were used to compare their limit of detection (LoD). One E. histolytica trophozoite was recorded as the LoD for all...
The aim of this study is to determine a molecular tool for identification of local vertebrate spe... more The aim of this study is to determine a molecular tool for identification of local vertebrate species using mtDNA COI gene. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) using universal primers complementary to the conserved region of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene fragment, was performed on DNA of blood samples of 30 local animals in Malaysia. DNA of hosts was amplified by PCR and the products were visualized on gel electrophoresis. Twenty two sequences (73.3%) were obtained and compared with sequences registered in GenBank and BOLD Systems databases. The BLAST results for fifteen samples (68%) showed sequences were in congruence with morphological identification at 92% to 100% accuracy while seven sequences had no significant similarity. These results suggest that COI-based PCR is a reliable identification tool for vertebrates and can be applied for epidemiological studies on blood meal analysis of arthropod in Malaysia.
Madinah Adrus, Ramlah Zainuddin, Nur Hidayah Ahmad Khairi, Mariana Ahamad, Mohd‐Tajuddin Abdullah... more Madinah Adrus, Ramlah Zainuddin, Nur Hidayah Ahmad Khairi, Mariana Ahamad, Mohd‐Tajuddin Abdullah Background Nasalis larvatus are well‐known attraction for tourists in the mangrove forest of Bako National Park (BNP). Little is known regarding the infestation of helminth parasites in proboscis monkeys. Therefore, the objectives of this study are to determine the prevalence species of major helminth parasites of public health importance in proboscis monkeys in BNP. Methods A total of 65 faecal samples screened for helminth parasites via sodium nitrate floatation and faecal sedimentation techniques. Results A total of 14 helminth parasite species comprising of eight genera of nematodes, two species of cestodes and two trematodes were identified. Eggs of Trichuris trichiura were the most frequently encountered in proboscis monkeys. Conclusion This is the first survey on the fauna of helminth parasites of proboscis monkeys living in mangrove forests, and therefore, it implies the important baseline information
Rickettsiae are intracellular bacteria found in ectoparasites such as ticks, lice, fleas, mites a... more Rickettsiae are intracellular bacteria found in ectoparasites such as ticks, lice, fleas, mites and chiggers that cancause emerging infectious diseases throughout the world. There is lacking of information on their distributionand the tick vectors involved. The aim of this study is therefore to determine whether engorged ticks extractedfrom small mammals (Insectivora, Rodentia and Scandentia) from 15 locations of study areas have any potentialhealth risks to the public. Forty-eight engorged ticks were tested for the presence of rickettsiae DNA usingPolymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) targeting a fragment of the rickettsial gene citrate synthase gene (gltA). Therewas no DNA of rickettsiae detected from the ticks. Further investigations are needed in order to generate morecomprehensive information on the potential distribution of rickettsial disease in different locations and habitatsthat can establish an epidemiological data of rickettsiae in Malaysia.
Knowledge of the tick fauna of continental Southeast Asia is either patchy or, in some cases, for... more Knowledge of the tick fauna of continental Southeast Asia is either patchy or, in some cases, for example Cambodia and Myanmar, poor. Nevertheless, 97 species have been recorded from this region, making it one of the most diverse for ticks worldwide. Throughout Southeast Asia, work on tick-borne diseases of stock and companion animals, as well as of humans, is in its infancy, and the medical, veterinary and socio-economic importance of these diseases is largely unknown. Here we review current knowledge of Southeast Asian ticks and tick-borne diseases, with the aim of stimulating further research on this subject.
A study was undertaken to determine gastrointestinal (GI) parasites commonly found in Malaysia... more A study was undertaken to determine gastrointestinal (GI) parasites commonly found in Malaysia's non-human primates (NHP) living in three different types of populations (wild, urban, and captive) and the basis of major GI parasites of zoonotic importance. A total of 308 samples was collected and microscopically screened from the NHP in the wild (n = 163), urban (n = 76), and captive (n = 69) populations. The samples were taken from 12 species of local NHPs. At least, 44 species of GI parasites comprising of protozoans (seven species), nematodes (26 species), cestodes (five species), trematodes (five species), and pentastomida (one species) were detected. There were no significant differences for the overall prevalence and no great differences in GI parasite species among the wild, urban, and captive NHP populations. The most common GI parasite was Ascaris spp. (49.7%), followed by Oesophagostomum spp. (26.9%), and 31 species discovered in this study are of known public health im...
The Southeast Asian journal of tropical medicine and public health
In the present study on the life-cycle of Blomia tropicalis, freshly laid eggs were observed unti... more In the present study on the life-cycle of Blomia tropicalis, freshly laid eggs were observed until they developed into adults; the development periods between stages were recorded. The eggs took an average of 22.9 +/- 6.4 days to develop to adults. For longevity experiments, newly emerged adults were kept at 25 degrees C and observed until they died. There was no significant difference in longevities of the different sexes (p = 0.053). Production of eggs by mated females were monitored until egg production stopped and the female died. Mated females and males survived an average of 32.2 +/- 15.4 and 30.9 +/- 17.7 days respectively. The difference in longevity of the mated females, and males was not significant (p = 0.747). Longevity of the mated females was found to be significantly (p &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0.05) shorter than unmated females.
Asian Pacific journal of allergy and immunology / launched by the Allergy and Immunology Society of Thailand
The MAST CLA system was evaluated against skin prick test (SPT) for diagnosis of allergies to hou... more The MAST CLA system was evaluated against skin prick test (SPT) for diagnosis of allergies to house dust mites (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Dermatophagoides farinae) and cats. Forty three asthmatic children were examined by SPT and MAST CLA. Chi-square analysis indicated significant association between SPT and MAST CLA results for the house dust mites but not for cats. The sensitivities of MAST CLA for house dust mites and cats were 100 and 25% respectively; specificities were all less than 50%. The efficiency of MAST CLA for detection of allergy to the house dust mites was 88% and 44% for cats. A significant linear correlation was found between SPT wheal size and MAST CLA grade for D. farinae but not for D. pteronyssinus and cats. It is concluded that the MAST CLA allergy system can be used to supplement SPT for diagnosis of allergies to house dust mites but not to cats.
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