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Indonesia has a long history of livestock brucellosis, but the overall pooled prevalence remains unclear. This study aims to determine the pooled estimated prevalence of livestock brucellosis in Indonesia using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Five databases were searched and screened using predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data from included studies were extracted and analyzed using a random effects model in R 4.3.0 for pooled estimated prevalence, subgroup meta-analysis, and meta-regression. Publication bias and sensitivity tests were conducted using Egger’s test, funnel plot, trim and fill plot, and leave-one-out. The screening process identified 46 included studies, representing 47,057 samples for brucellosis testing. The pooled estimated prevalence for livestock brucellosis was 3.25% (95% CI, 1.81%–5.78%) with high heterogeneity (Q = 2130.91, p = 0, I2=98%). Subgroup meta-analysis indicated no significant difference in the prevalence of livestock brucellosis across the main islands in Indonesia (p = 0.44) and across provinces in Sulawesi Island (p = 0.83), but significant differences were found among provinces in Java (p

BackgroundEpigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation and histone modifications, are pivotal in regulating gene expression pathways related to inflammation and cancer. While there is substantial research on epigenetic markers in cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), Opisthorchis viverrini-induced cholangiocarcinoma (Ov-CCA) is overlooked as a neglected tropical disease (NTD) with limited representation in the literature. Considering the distinct etiological agent, pathogenic mechanisms, and pathological manifestations, epigenetic research plays a pivotal role in uncovering markers and potential targets related to the cancer-promoting and morbidity-inducing liver fluke parasite prevalent in the Great Mekong Subregion (GMS). Emerging studies highlight a predominant hypermethylation phenotype in Opisthorchis viverrini (O. viverrini) tumor tissues, underscoring the significance of abnormal DNA methylation and histone modifications in genes and their promoters as reliable targets for Ov-CCA.Principal findingsRelevant published literature was identified by searching major electronic databases using targeted search queries. This process retrieved a total of 81 peer-reviewed research articles deemed eligible for inclusion, as they partially or fully met the pre-defined selection criteria. These eligible articles underwent a qualitative synthesis and were included in the scoping review. Within these, 11 studies specifically explored Ov-CCA tissues to investigate potential epigenetic biomarkers and therapeutic targets. This subset of 11 articles provided a foundation for exploring the applications of epigenetics-based therapies and biomarkers for Ov-CCA. These articles delved into various epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation and histone modifications, and examined genes with aberrant epigenetic changes linked to deregulated signalling pathways in Ov-CCA progression.ConclusionsThis review identified epigenetic changes and Wnt/β-catenin pathway deregulation as key drivers in Ov-CCA pathogenesis. Promoter hypermethylation of specific genes suggests potential diagnostic biomarkers and dysregulation of Wnt/β-catenin-modulating genes contributes to pathway activation in Ov-CCA progression. Reversible epigenetic changes offer opportunities for dynamic disease monitoring and targeted interventions. Therefore, this study underscores the importance of these epigenetic modifications in Ov-CCA development, suggesting novel therapeutic targets within disrupted signalling networks. However, additional validation is crucial for translating these novel insights into clinically applicable strategies, enhancing personalised Ov-CCA management approaches.

Background and Aim: Leptospirosis in felids (domestic and wild cats) presents an ongoing challenge in our understanding. Numerous studies have reported the detection of Leptospira spp. in these feline populations, highlighting their potential as zoonotic carriers. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to provide insight into the global prevalence of leptospirosis in domestic and wild cats. Materials and Methods: We conducted extensive searches across five databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Science Direct, and Google Scholar) following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses Protocols guidelines. Random-effect meta-analyses were performed using R software version 4.3.0 to estimate pooled prevalence rates. Subgroup meta-analyses were conducted based on continents, diagnostic methods, sample types, and wildcat genera. Results: A total of 71 articles on leptospirosis in domestic cats and 23 articles on leptospirosis in wild cats met the eligibility criteria. Our findings indicated a significantly higher pooled seroprevalence of leptospirosis in domestic cats compared with infection prevalence (9.95% [95% confidence interval (CI), 7.60%–12.54%] vs. 4.62% [95% CI, 2.10%–7.83%], p = 0.01). In contrast, no significant difference was observed in pooled seroprevalence and infection prevalence among wild cats (13.38% [95% CI, 6.25%–21.93%] vs. 2.9% [95% CI, 0.00%-18.91%], p = 0.21). A subgroup meta-analysis of domestic cats revealed significant differences in seroprevalence across continents, sample types, and diagnostic methods. On the contrary, wild cats had no significant differences in any of the subgroups. Conclusion: Leptospira spp. have evidently been exposed to both domestic and wild cats, highlighting their potential roles as reservoir hosts for leptospirosis. These findings highlight the importance of considering felids as a possible public health threat.

Bats are a significant reservoir for numerous pathogens, including Bartonella spp. It is one of the emerging zoonotic bacterial diseases that can be transmitted to humans and may cause various unspecific clinical manifestations. Thus, bartonellosis is rarely diagnosed and is regarded as a neglected vector-borne disease (VBD). Bat flies have been hypothesised to be a vector in the transmission of pathogens among bats. They are host-specific, which reduces the likelihood of pathogen transmission across bat species; however, they are likely to maintain high pathogen loads within their host species. To explore the presence of Bartonella spp. in bat flies from Peninsular Malaysia; bat fly samples collected from various sites at the east coast states were subjected to molecular detection for Bartonella spp. It was discovered that 38.7 % of bats from Terengganu and Kelantan were infested with bat flies; however, no bat fly was found in bats collected from Pahang. The collected bat flies belonged to the families Nycteribiidae (79.6 %) and Streblidae (20.4 %). The collected bat flies were pooled according to the locations and species into 39 pools. Out of these 39 pools, 66.7 % (n = 26) were positive for Bartonella spp. by PCR. Sequence analyses of five randomly selected PCR-positive pools revealed that pools from Kelantan (n = 3) have the closest sequence identities (99 %) to Bartonella spp. strain Lisso-Nig-922 from Nigeria. However, the other pools from Terengganu (n = 2) were closely related to Bartonella spp. strain KP277 from Thailand and Bartonella spp. strain Rhin-3 from the Republic of Georgia with 99 % and 100 % sequence identity, respectively. This suggests that the Bartonella spp. found in Malaysian bat flies are genetically diverse and can potentially serve as reservoirs for pathogenic Bartonella spp.

An increasing number of reports have described the pathogenic nature of several non-classical Bordetella spp. Among them, Bordetella hinzii and Bordetella pseudohinzii have been implicated in a myriad of respiratory-associated infections in humans and animals. We report the isolation of a genetically close relative of B. hinzii and B. pseudohinzii from the sputum of a woman in her early 60s with extensive bronchiectasis who presented with fever and brown colored sputum. The isolate had initially been identified as Bordetella avium by API 20NE, the identification system for non-enteric Gram-negative rod bacteria. Sequencing of the 16S rDNA, ompA , nrdA , and genes used in the Bordetella multilocus sequence typing scheme could not resolve the identity of this Bordetella isolate. Whole-genome single nucleotide polymorphism analysis positioned the isolate between B. hinzii and B. pseudohinzii in the phylogenetic tree, forming a distinct cluster. Whole-genome sequencing enabled the further identification of this rare organism, and should be considered for wider applications, especially the confirmation of organism identity in the clinical diagnostic microbiology laboratory.

Being a tropical country with a conducive environment for mosquitoes, mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue, chikungunya, lymphatic filariasis, malaria, and Japanese encephalitis are prevalent in Malaysia. Recent studies reported asymptomatic infection of West Nile virus (WNV) in animals and humans, but none of the studies included mosquitoes, except for one report made half a century ago. Considering the scarcity of information, our study sampled mosquitoes near migratory bird stopover wetland areas of West Coast Malaysia located in the Kuala Gula Bird Sanctuary and Kapar Energy Venture, during the southward migration period in October 2017 and September 2018. Our previous publication reported that migratory birds were positive for WNV antibody and RNA. Using a nested RT-PCR analysis, WNV RNA was detected in 35 (12.8%) out of 285 mosquito pools consisting of 2,635 mosquitoes, most of which were Culex spp. (species). Sanger sequencing and phylogenetic analysis revealed that the sequences grouped within lineage 2 and shared 90.12%-97.01% similarity with sequences found locally as well as those from Africa, Germany, Romania, Italy, and Israel. Evidence of WNV in the mosquitoes substantiates the need for continued surveillance of WNV in Malaysia.

Abstract Background Francisella philomiragia is a very rare opportunistic pathogen of humans which causes protean diseases such as pneumonia and other systemic infections. Subsequent failure of prompt treatment may result in poor prognosis with mortality among infected patients. Case presentation The present report describes a case of F. philomiragia bacteraemia first reported in Malaysia and Asian in a 60-year-old patient with underlying end-stage renal disease (ESRF) and diabetes mellitus. He presented with Acute Pulmonary Oedema with Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI) in our hospital. He was intubated in view of persistent type I respiratory failure and persistent desaturation despite post haemodialysis. Blood investigation indicated the presence of ongoing infection and inflammation. The aerobic blood culture growth of F. philomiragia was identified using the matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry (Score value: 2.16) and confirmed by 16S Ribosomal DNA (16S rDNA) sequencing. He was discharged well on day 26 of admission, after completing one week of piperacillin/tazobactam and two weeks of doxycycline. Conclusion Clinical suspicion should be raised if patients with known risk factors are presenting with pneumonia or pulmonary nodules especially as these are the most common manifestations of F. philomiragia infection. Early diagnosis via accurate laboratory identification of the organism through MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry and molecular technique such as 16S rDNA sequencing are vital for prompt treatment that results in better outcomes for the afflicted patients.

The pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), for which there does not appear to be an approved cure, the primary treatment options consist of non-pharmacological preventive measures and supportive treatment that are aimed at halting the progression of the disease. Nuclear factor kappa B (NFkB) presents a promising therapeutic opportunity to mitigate COVID-19-induced cytokine storm and reduce the risk of severe morbidity and mortality resulting from the disease. However, the effective clinical application of NFkB modulators in COVID-19 is hampered by a number of factors that must be taken into consideration. This paper therefore explored the modulation of the NFB pathway as a potential strategy to mitigate the severe morbidity and mortality caused by COVID-19. The paper also discusses the factors that form the barrier, and it offers potential solutions to the various limitations that may impede the clinical use of NFkB modulators against COVID-19. This paper revealed and identified three key potential solutions for the future clinical use of NFkB modulators against COVID-19. These solutions are pulmonary tissue-specific NFkB blockade, agents that target common regulatory proteins of both canonical and non-canonical NFkB pathways, and monitoring clinical indicators of hyperinflammation and cytokine storm in COVID-19 prior to using NFkB modulators.

Many human clinical cases attributed to vector-borne pathogens are underreported in Malaysia, especially in rural localities where healthcare infrastructures are lacking. Here, 217 small mammals, consisting of rodents and tree shrews, were trapped in oil palm plantations in the Peninsular Malaysia states of Johor and Perak. Species identification was performed using morphological and DNA barcoding analyses, and 203 small mammals were included in the detection of selected vector-borne bacteria. The DNA extracted from the spleens was examined for Orientia tsutsugamushi, Borrelia spp., Bartonella spp. and Rickettsia spp. using established PCR assays. The small mammals collected in this study included Rattus tanezumi R3 mitotype (n = 113), Rattus argentiventer (n = 24), Rattus tiomanicus (n = 22), Rattus exulans (n = 17), Rattus tanezumi sensu stricto (n = 1) and Tupaia glis (n = 40). Orientia tsutsugamushi, Borrelia spp. and Bartonella phoceensis were detected in the small mammals with the respective detection rates of 12.3%, 5.9% and 4.9%. Rickettsia spp., however, was not detected. This study encountered the presence of both Lyme disease and relapsing fever-related borreliae in small mammals collected from the oil palm plantation study sites. All three microorganisms (Orientia tsutsugamushi, Borrelia spp. and Bartonella phoceensis) were detected in the R. tanezumi R3 mitotype, suggesting that the species is a competent host for multiple microorganisms. Further investigations are warranted to elucidate the relationships between the ectoparasites, the small mammals and the respective pathogens.

Dengue is a complex disease with an increasing number of infections worldwide. This study aimed to analyse spatiotemporal dengue outbreaks using geospatial techniques and examine the effects of the weather on dengue outbreaks in the Klang Valley area, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Daily weather variables including rainfall, temperature (maximum and minimum) and wind speed were acquired together with the daily reported dengue cases data from 2001 to 2011 and converted into geospatial format to identify whether there was a specific pattern of the dengue outbreaks. The association between these variables and dengue outbreaks was assessed using Spearman’s correlation. The result showed that dengue outbreaks consistently occurred in the study area during a 11-year study period. And that the strongest outbreaks frequently occurred in two high-rise apartment buildings located in Kuala Lumpur City centre. The results also show significant negative correlations between maximum temperature and minimum temperature on dengue outbreaks around the study area as well as in the area of the high-rise apartment buildings in Kuala Lumpur City centre.

Chigger mites are vectors of the bacterial disease scrub typhus, caused by Orientia spp. The bacterium is vertically transmitted in the vector and horizontally transmitted to terrestrial vertebrates (primarily wild small mammals), with humans as incidental hosts. Previous studies have shown that the size of the chigger populations is correlated with the density of small mammals in scrub typhus-endemic regions. Here, we explore interactions between the small mammals and chiggers in two oil palm plantations located in the Perak and Johor states of Peninsular Malaysia. The location in Perak also contained an aboriginal (Orang Asli) settlement. A ~5% sub-sample from 40,736 chigger specimens was identified from five species of small mammals (n = 217), revealing 14 chigger species, including two new records for Malaysia. The abundance and species richness of chiggers were significantly affected by habitat type (highest in forest border), state (highest in Perak), and season (highest in dry). The overall prevalence of Orientia tsutsugamushi DNA in small-mammal tissues was 11.7% and was not significantly affected by host or habitat characteristics, but in Johor, was positively associated with infestation by Leptotrombidium arenicola. These findings highlight the risk of contracting scrub typhus in oil palm plantations and associated human settlements.

West Nile virus (WNV) is a zoonotic mosquito-borne flavivirus that is harbored and amplified by wild birds via the enzootic transmission cycle. Wide range of hosts are found to be susceptible to WNV infection including mammals, amphibians and reptiles across the world. Several studies have demonstrated that WNV was present in the Malaysian Orang Asli and captive birds. However, no data are available on the WNV prevalence in wild birds found in Malaysia. Therefore this study was conducted to determine the serological and molecular prevalence of WNV in wild birds in selected areas in the West Coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Two types of wild birds were screened, namely migratory and resident birds in order to explore any possibility of WNV transmission from the migratory birds to the resident birds. Thus, a cross-sectional study was conducted at the migratory birds sanctuary located in Kuala Gula, Perak and Kapar, Selangor by catching 163 migratory birds, and 97 resident birds from Kuala Gula and Parit Buntar, Perak at different time between 2016 and 2017 (Total, n = 260). Blood and oropharyngeal swabs were collected for serological and molecular analysis, respectively. Serum were screened for WNV antibodies using a commercial competitive ELISA (c-ELISA) (ID Screen® West Nile Competition Multi-species ELISA, ID VET, Montpellier, France) and cross-reactivity towards Japanese Encephalitis virus (JEV) was also carried out using the JEV-double antigen sandwich (DAS) ELISA. Oropharyngeal swabs were subjected to one-step RT-PCR to detect WNV RNA, in which positive reactions were subsequently sequenced. WNV seropositive rate of 18.71% (29/155) at 95% CI (0.131 to 0.260) and molecular prevalence of 15.2% (16/105) at 95% CI (0.092 to 0.239) were demonstrated in migratory and resident wild birds found in West Coast Malaysia. Phylogenetic analyses of the 16 WNV isolates found in this study revealed that the local strains have 99% similarity to the strains from South Africa and were clustered under lineage 2. Evidence of WNV infection in resident and migratory birds were demonstrated in this study. As a summary, intervention between migratory birds, resident birds and mosquitoes might cause the introduction and maintenance of WNV in Malaysia, however the assumption could be further proven by studying the infection dynamics in the mosquitoes present in the studied areas.

An intervention program was designed to show local dairy farmers on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) to improve the quality of milk produced by the farms. In this current study, sampling of milk and environmental samples were collected pre- and post-intervention program. Analysis of milk quality was done at field to show the microbiological laboratory procedures to the farmers on determination of milk quality. Findings showed a reduction of up to 40% log reduction in the fresh milk sample. Analysis of the environmental samples were carried out using multiplex MPN-PCR method to quantify and detect up to five species of bacteria in milk. Finding showed the persistence of Salmonella paratyphi contaminating the milking equipment pre- and post-intervention program. The intervention program will be further improved according to data and findings from this study to be implemented at other farms in the future.

Paraburkholderia fungorum is an opportunistic bacteria infrequently associated with human infections. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of P. fungorum strain BF370, recovered from the synovial tissue of a patient in Malaysia. The P. fungorum genome contains a 8,950,957 bp chromosome with a G+C content of 61.8%. Colicin and heavy metal resistant genes were also present in the genome. Conserved sequence indels unique to P. fungorum were observed in the genome. The draft genome was deposited at the European Nucleotide Archive under the sample accession number ERS1776561 and study accession number PRJEB17921. Keywords: Emerging infection, Environment, Infectious disease, Malaysia, Sequencing

Rhipicephalus species are distributed globally with a notifiable presence in Southeast Asia (SEA) within animal and human populations. The Rhipicephalus species are highly adaptive and have established successful coexistence within human dwellings and are known to be active all year round, predominantly in tropical and subtropical climates existing in SEA. In this review, the morphological characteristics, epidemiology, and epizootiology of Rhipicephalus tick species found in SEA are reviewed. There are six commonly reported Rhipicephalus ticks in the SEA region. Their interactions with their host species that range from cattle, sheep, and goats, through cats and dogs, to rodents and man are discussed in this article. Rhipicephalus-borne pathogens, including Anaplasma species, Ehrlichia species, Babesia species, and Theileria species, have been highlighted as are relevant to the region in review. Pathogens transmitted from Rhipicepahalus ticks to host animals are usually presented clinically with signs of anemia, jaundice, and other signs of hemolytic changes. Rhipicephalus ticks infestation also account for ectoparasitic nuisance in man and animals. These issues are discussed with specific interest to the SEA countries highlighting peculiarities of the region in the epidemiology of Rhipicephalus species and attendant pathogens therein. This paper also discusses the current general control strategies for ticks in SEA proffering measures required for increased documentation. The potential risks associated with rampant and improper acaricide use are highlighted. Furthermore, such practices lead to acaricide resistance among Rhipicephalus species are highlighted.

Bacillus anthracis is a bacterial pathogen of major concern. The spores of this bacteria can survive harsh environmental conditions for extended periods and are well recognized as a potential bioterror weapon with significant implications. Accurate and timely identification of this Bacillus species in the diagnostic laboratory is essential for disease and public health management. Biosafety Level 3 measures and ciprofloxacin treatment were instituted when B. anthracis was suspected from a patient with gangrenous foot. 16S rDNA sequencing was performed to accurately identify the suspected bacterium, due to the superiority of this method to accurately identify clinically isolated bacteria. B. megaterium was identified as the causative agent and the organism was subsequently treated as a Biosafety Level 2 pathogen.

In this study, we present the draft genome sequence of B. pseudohinzii BH370 recovered from the trachea and lung tissues of an ICR mouse in Malaysia. The genome consists of 4,474,040 bp with a GC content of 66.4%. Annotation using RAST algorithm displayed 5119 protein encoding and 52 RNA genes. The CRISPR-cas genomic sequences previously reported in B. pseudohinzii were identified. The nucleotide sequences of BH370 was deposited into the European Nucleotide Archive under the genome assembly accession number FPJN01000000.

Kocuria marina has recently emerged as a cause for catheter-related bloodstream infections in patients with underlying health complications. One K. marina strain was recently isolated from the lung tissues of a wild urban rat (Rattus rattus diardii) caught during rodent surveillance. Here, we present the draft genome of the first K. marina animal isolate, K. marina TRE150902.

Paramphistomum sp. infection in buffalo of Solo Raya region has not been reported previously. This study aims to estimate the infection rate of Paramphistomum sp. infection in buffalo in Solo Raya and identify the risk factor using prospective approach and cross-sectional pilot study. A total of 59 buffalo faecal samples from 44 small scale farms in Solo Raya were subjected for sedimentation examination. The result was interpreted descriptively, and the risk factors variable were analysed using bivariate and multivariate analysis in R software ver.4.3.1. Paramphistomum sp. egg was found in 20.34% of buffalo faecal samples in Solo Raya Region. Bivariate analysis showed grass feeding and farmers knowledge related to helminthiasis clinical sign and treatment have significant association to Paramphistomum sp. infection. Based on final logistic regression model, Paramphistomum sp. infection was increased by additional grass in feed (OR 5.9, [95% CI: 1.05-32.98] (OR 0.16, [95% CI: 0.04-0.68]) but the risk was decreased by a good farmer knowledge in helminthiasis treatment OR 0.16, [95% CI: 0.04-0.68]. The results indicate that feed management and farmer knowledge should be improved. Further study to explore the parasitic disease in buffalo in Solo Raya Region is suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mosquitoes are extremely important vectors that transmit zoonotic West Nile virus (WNV) globally, resulting in significant outbreaks in birds, humans, and mammals. The abundance of mosquito vectors combined with the migratory flying behaviour of wild birds across the globe has exacerbated the dynamics of WNV infection. Depth understanding of the WNV infection requires a comprehensive understanding of the character of the vector in terms of their taxonomy, morphology, biology, behaviours, preferences, and factors that promote their breeding. Most susceptible animals and humans may experience serious neurological illnesses such as encephalitis. Little is known about the susceptibility of mosquitoes to WNV infection. This review provides insightful knowledge about the characteristics of mosquitoes that carry WNV and their susceptibility to WNV infection. The context of mosquito’s involvement in WNV transmission is demonstrated through space and time from the 1950’s until to date. The historical timeline of WNV transmission strength was significantly intensified via the complex interactions between vector, virus, and environment. Such knowledge will provide valuable insights into vector control intervention mitigation strategies, especially in tropical climate countries like Malaysia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rat bocavirus (RBoV) and rodent bocavirus (RoBoV) have previously been detected in Rattus norvegicus; however, these viruses have not been reported in rodent populations in Malaysia. We investigated the presence of RBoV and RoBoV in archived rodent specimens. DNA barcoding of the rodent cytochrome c oxidase gene identified five different species: Rattus tanezumi R3 mitotype, Rattus tiomanicus, Rattus exulans, Rattus argentiventer, and Rattus tanezumi sensu stricto. Three spleens were positive for RBoV (1.84%; 3/163), but no RoBoV was detected. Phylogenetic analyzes of the partial non-structural protein 1 gene grouped Malaysian RBoV strains with RBoV strains from China. Further studies among rats from different geographical locations are warranted for this relatively new virus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]