Prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility of Mycoplasma gallisepticum and Mycoplasma synoviae isolated from the central peninsular Malaysia.

Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) and Mycoplasma synoviae (MS) have been recognized and listed by the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) as the two most pathogenic avian mycoplasma species. These organisms can cause a wide range of symptoms in birds, including acute and chronic respiratory diseases, synovitis, air sacculitis, severe weight loss, eggshell abnormalities, and reduced egg production. In Malaysia, previous studies have mainly focused on seroprevalence, and prevalence based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with molecular characterization, which have confirmed the presence of MG and MS among the poultry population.

Advances in molecular diagnostics of Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

Neisseria gonorrhoeae is a human obligate pathogen that causes the sexually transmitted infection (STI) gonorrhea. As the second most commonly reported STI of bacterial origin, gonorrhea is a growing global public health concern given that the causative pathogen has developed resistance to antibiotics that are currently used for treatment. A holistic approach is thus essential to reduce the incidence of gonorrhea and to control the spread of antimicrobial resistance N.

A review of emerging techniques for pyrethroid residue detection in agricultural commodities.

Pyrethroid pesticides are essential for modern agriculture, helping to control pests and protect crops. However, due to growing concerns about their potential impact on human health and the environment, reliable detection methods are essential to ensure food safety. In this literature review, we explore the techniques used over the past decade to detect pyrethroid residues in agricultural products.

Production and characterization of bacterial cellulose synthesized by Enterobacter chuandaensis strain AEC using Phoenix dactylifera and Musa acuminata.

Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a biopolymer synthesized extracellularly by certain bacteria through the polymerization of glucose monomers. This study aimed to produce BC using Enterobacter chuandaensis with fruit extracts from Phoenix dactylifera (D) and Musa acuminata (M) as carbon sources. Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) showed characteristic cellulose vibrations, while X-ray diffraction (XRD) identified distinct peaks at 15.

Production and analysis of synthesized bacterial cellulose by Enterococcus faecalis strain AEF using Phoenix dactylifera and Musa acuminata fruit extracts.

Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a highly versatile biopolymer renowned for its exceptional mechanical strength, water retention, and biocompatibility. These properties make it a valuable material for various industrial and biomedical applications. In this study, Enterococcus faecalis synthesized extracellular BC, utilizing Phoenix dactylifera and Musa acuminata fruit extracts as sustainable carbon sources.

Genomic Surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in Malaysia during the Era of Endemic COVID-19.

On 5 May 2023, WHO declared the end of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) as a public health emergency of international concern. However, the risk of new severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants causing rapid and high surges in cases and deaths remained. In Malaysia, five COVID-19 waves during the pandemic phase were well characterized, but similar studies focusing on the endemic phase were lacking.

Lateral Flow Immunoassays for SARS-CoV-2.

The continued circulation of SARS-CoV-2 virus in different parts of the world opens up the possibility for more virulent variants to evolve even as the coronavirus disease 2019 transitions from pandemic to endemic. Highly transmissible and virulent variants may seed new disruptive epidemic waves that can easily put the healthcare system under tremendous pressure. Despite various nucleic acid-based diagnostic tests that are now commercially available, the wide applications of these tests are largely hampered by specialized equipment requirements that may not be readily available, accessible and affordable in less developed countries or in low resource settings.

Harnessing CRISPR-Cas to Combat COVID-19: From Diagnostics to Therapeutics.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), remains a global threat with an ever-increasing death toll even after a year on. Hence, the rapid identification of infected individuals with diagnostic tests continues to be crucial in the on-going effort to combat the spread of COVID-19. Viral nucleic acid detection via real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) or sequencing is regarded as the gold standard for COVID-19 diagnosis, but these technically intricate molecular tests are limited to centralized laboratories due to the highly specialized instrument and skilled personnel requirements.

Nucleic Acid-Based Diagnostic Tests for the Detection SARS-CoV-2: An Update.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) began as a cluster of pneumonia cases in Wuhan, China before spreading to over 200 countries and territories on six continents in less than six months. Despite rigorous global containment and quarantine efforts to limit the transmission of the virus, COVID-19 cases and deaths have continued to increase, leaving devastating impacts on the lives of many with far-reaching effects on the global society, economy and healthcare system. With over 43 million cases and 1.

Development of an immunochromatographic lateral flow dipstick for the detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis 16 kDa antigen (Mtb-strip).

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is a pathogenic bacterium that causes tuberculosis (TB). This contagious disease remains a severe health problem in the world. The disease is transmitted via inhalation of airborne droplets carrying Mtb from TB patients.

Mitochondrial DNA mutations in Malaysian female breast cancer patients.

Cancer development has been ascribed with diverse genetic variations which are identified in both mitochondrial and nuclear genomes. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) alterations have been detected in several tumours which include lung, colorectal, renal, pancreatic and breast cancer. Several studies have explored the breast tumour-specific mtDNA alteration mainly in Western population.

Interaction of Dietary Linoleic Acid and α-Linolenic Acids with rs174547 in Gene on Metabolic Syndrome Components among Vegetarians.

Fatty acid desaturase 1 () gene controls the fatty acid metabolism pathway in the human body. The lower intake of α-linolenic acid (ALA) than linoleic acid (LA) among vegetarians may disrupt the fatty acid metabolism and limit the conversion of ALA to anti-inflammatory products such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the interaction of rs174547 in gene with LA and ALA on metabolic syndrome (MetS) components.

A study on the genetic polymorphisms of CYP3A5 among the Orang Asli in Malaysia using a next generation sequencing platform.

Background: CYP3A5 is the predominant sub-family of biotransformation enzymes in the liver and the genetic variations in CYP3A5 are an important determinant of inter-individual and inter-ethnic differences in CYP3A-mediated drug disposition and response.

Aim: This study aims to investigate the genetic polymorphisms of CYP3A5 among the Orang Asli in Peninsular Malaysia using a next generation sequencing platform.

Methods: Genomic DNAs were extracted from blood samples of the three main Orang Asli tribes and whole-genome sequencing was performed.

Prevalence, Antimicrobial Resistance, and Genetic Diversity of Listeria spp. Isolated from Raw Chicken Meat and Chicken-Related Products in Malaysia.

Listeria spp. are ubiquitous in nature and can be found in various environmental niches such as soil, sewage, river water, plants, and foods, but the most frequently isolated species are Listeria monocytogenes and Listeria innocua. In this study, the presence of Listeria spp.

Comparative genomic and phylogenetic analysis of a toxigenic clinical isolate of Corynebacterium diphtheriae strain B-D-16-78 from Malaysia.

In this study, we report the comparative genomics and phylogenetic analysis of Corynebacterium diphtheriae strain B-D-16-78 that was isolated from a clinical specimen in 2016. The complete genome of C. diphtheriae strain B-D-16-78 was sequenced using PacBio Single Molecule, Real-Time sequencing technology and consists of a 2,474,151-bp circular chromosome with an average GC content of 53.

Phenotypic and genomic survey on organic acid utilization profile of Pseudomonas mendocina strain S5.2, a vineyard soil isolate.

Root exudates are chemical compounds that are released from living plant roots and provide significant energy, carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus sources for microbes inhabiting the rhizosphere. The exudates shape the microflora associated with the plant, as well as influences the plant health and productivity. Therefore, a better understanding of the trophic link that is established between the plant and the associated bacteria is necessary.

Inference of the Genetic Polymorphisms of CYP2D6 in Six Subtribes of the Malaysian Orang Asli from Whole-Genome Sequencing Data.

Aims: CYP2D6 is one of the major enzymes in the cytochrome P450 monooxygenase system. It metabolizes ∼25% of prescribed drugs and hence, the genetic diversity of a CYP2D6 gene has continued to be of great interest to the medical and pharmaceutical industries. This study was designed to perform a systematic analysis of the CYP2D6 gene in six subtribes of the Malaysian Orang Asli.

Draft genome sequence of multidrug-resistant Salmonella enterica serovar Brancaster strain PS01 isolated from chicken meat, Malaysia.

Objectives: Salmonella spp. represent one of the main diarrhoeal pathogens that are transmitted via the food supply chain. Here we report the draft genome sequence of a multidrug-resistant Salmonella enterica serovar Brancaster (PS01) that was isolated from poultry meat in Malaysia.

Genome Sequences of Two Multidrug-Resistant Proteus mirabilis Strains Harboring CTX-M-65 Isolated from Malaysia.

Proteus mirabilis is an opportunistic nosocomial pathogen that is commonly associated with urinary tract infections. Here, we present draft genome sequences of two multidrug-resistant P. mirabilis strains, isolated from urine samples in Malaysia, that harbored a CTX-M-type extended-spectrum β-lactamase-encoding gene, as well as a repertoire of other antimicrobial-resistant determinants.

Detection of CYP2C19 Genetic Variants in Malaysian Orang Asli from Massively Parallel Sequencing Data.

The human cytochrome P450 (CYP) is a superfamily of enzymes that have been a focus in research for decades due to their prominent role in drug metabolism. CYP2C is one of the major subfamilies which metabolize more than 10% of all clinically used drugs. In the context of CYP2C19, several key genetic variations that alter the enzyme's activity have been identified and catalogued in the CYP allele nomenclature database.

Draft Genome Sequence of Neisseria gonorrhoeae Strain NG_869 with Penicillin, Tetracycline and Ciprofloxacin Resistance Determinants Isolated from Malaysia.

Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae and the increasing reports of multidrug-resistant gonococcal isolates are a global public health care concern. Herein, we report the genome sequence of N. gonorrhoeae strain NG_869 isolated from Malaysia which may provide insights into the drug resistance determinants in gonococcal bacteria.