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Background Indonesia is one of the countries that is endemic to avian influenza virus subtype H9N2. This study aims to compare the molecular characteristics of avian influenza virus (AIV) subtype H9N2 from West Java. Methods Specific pathogen-free (SPF) embryonated chicken eggs were used to inoculate samples. RNA extraction and RT–qPCR confirmed the presence of H9 and N2 genes in the samples. RT–PCR was employed to amplify the H9N2-positive sample. Nucleotide sequences were obtained through Sanger sequencing and analyzed using MEGA 7. Homology comparison and phylogenetic tree analysis, utilizing the neighbor-joining tree method, assessed the recent isolate’s similarity to reference isolates from GenBank. Molecular docking analysis was performed on the HA1 protein of the recent isolate and the A/Layer/Indonesia/WestJava-04/2017 isolate, comparing their interactions with the sialic acids Neu5Ac2-3Gal and Neu5Ac2-6Gal. Results RT–qPCR confirmed the isolate samples as AIV subtype H9N2. The recent virus exhibited 11 amino acid residue differences compared to the A/Layer/Indonesia/WestJava-04/2017 isolate. Phylogenetically, the recent virus remains within the h9.4.2.5 subclade. Notably, at antigenic site II, the recent isolate featured an amino acid N at position 183, unlike A/Layer/Indonesia/WestJava-04/2017. Molecular docking analysis revealed a preference of HA1 from the 2017 virus for Neu5Ac2-3Gal, while the 2023 virus displayed a tendency to predominantly bind with Neu5Ac2-6Gal. Conclusion In summary, the recent isolate displayed multiple mutations and a strong affinity for Neu5Ac2-6Gal, commonly found in mammals.

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the effect of Clostridium perfringens sialidase treatment on monolayer cell behavior using computational screening and an in vitro approach to demonstrate interaction between enzyme-based drugs and ligands in host cells. Materials and Methods: The in silico study was carried out by molecular docking analysis used to predict the interactions between atoms that occur, followed by genetic characterization of sialidase from a wild isolate. Sialidase, which has undergone further production and purification processes exposed to chicken embryonic fibroblast cell culture, and observations-based structural morphology of cells compared between treated cells and normal cells without treatment. Results: Based on an in silico study, C. perfringens sialidase has an excellent binding affinity with Neu5Acα (2.3) Gal ligand receptor with Gibbs energy value (ΔG)—7.35 kcal/mol and Ki value of 4.11 μM. Wild C. perfringens isolates in this study have 99.1%–100% similarity to the plc gene, NanH, and NanI genes, while NanJ shows 93.18% similarity compared to the reference isolate from GenBank. Sialidase at 750 and 150 mU may impact the viability, cell count, and cell behavior structure of fibroblast cells by significantly increasing the empty area and perimeter of chicken embryo fibroblast (CEF) cells, while at 30 mU sialidase shows no significant difference compared with mock control. Conclusion: Sialidase-derived C. perfringens has the capacity to compete with viral molecules for attachment to host sialic acid based on in silico analysis. However, sialidase treatment has an impact on monolayer cell fibroblasts given exposure to high doses. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2023; 10(4.000): 667-676]

Streptococcus pneumoniae is the leading cause of bacterial pneumonia, bacteremia, and meningitis. Indonesia introduced the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) nationwide in 2022. In this study, we present whole genome sequence (WGS) data of 94 S. pneumoniae isolates that were obtained from hospitalized patients, healthy children, and adult groups from different regions prior to PCV program in Indonesia. DNA sequences of S. pneumoniae were obtained using the TruSeq Nano DNA kit (Illumina NovaSeq6000 Platform). The genome data of S. pneumoniae features a 1,969,562 bp to 2,741,371 bp circular chromosome with 39–40% G+Ccontent. The genome includes 1935–3319 coding sequences (CDS), 2 to 5 rRNA genes, 43 to 49 tRNA genes, and 56 to 71 ncRNA. These data will be useful for analyzing the serotype, sequence type, virulence genes, antimicrobial resistance genes, and the impact of pneumococcal vaccination in Indonesia. The FASTQ raw files of these sequences are available under BioProject accession number PRJNA995903 and Sequence Read Archive accession numbers SRR25316461-SRR25316554.

Background: Vaccine plays an important role in breaking SARS-CoV-2 transmission and accelerating the path to pandemic recovery. Currently, there is still limited data on heterologous COVID-19 booster vaccination efficacy and effectiveness in Indonesia. Methods: Antibody response was retrospectively analyzed from 156 serum collected from healthcare workers that have received mRNA-1273 vaccine as the booster against SARS-CoV-2. These individuals had previously received the full two doses of inactivated anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. Serological analysis was performed to measure total antibody, as well as IgA and IgG antibodies specific to spike (S) protein using ECLIA and ELISA methods. Results: A significant increase in total, IgA, and IgG antibody titers was reported in vaccine receiving a third heterologous booster dose of mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccine following two doses of inactivated type. Conclusion: The third heterologous booster dose of vaccine may be beneficial to individuals with or without previous history of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

In recent decades, neuraminidase/sialidase-based antivirals have been produced to suppress respiratory viral infections, including avian influenza, which relies on sialic acid as the entry point for viruses into cells. While neuraminidase has been extensively studied as an antiviral agent, numerous neuraminidases still have not been evaluated for their antiviral activities. Among these is NanB neuraminidase derived from Pasteurella multocida, which has received limited research attention. This study aimed to assess the potential of NanB neuraminidase in inhibiting H9N2 avian influenza virus infection in ovo. The research commenced with the molecular re-identification of the H9N2 A/Layer/Indonesia/WestJava-04/17 virus isolate, followed by determining the EID50 through Rapid HA test results. The toxicity of NanB neuraminidase was assessed by administering various doses to embryonated chicken eggs (ECE). The antiviral activity of NanB neuraminidase on ECE was evaluated through challenge tests, including treatment before, during, and after the challenge. The assessment involved monitoring the time of embryo death, virus titer through HA test, and viral copy number via RT-qPCR. The results indicated that the H9N2 virus titers capable of infecting 50% of ECE amounted to 108.83 EID50/mL. A dose of 0.258 U/mL of NanB neuraminidase was found to be toxic, leading to embryo mortality after 48 hours of incubation at 37 ℃, while a non-toxic dose was determined to be 0.129 U/mL. The post-challenge treatment group exhibited the most significant reduction in virus titer in ECE. Notably, NanB neuraminidase derived from P. multocida demonstrated the ability to inhibit H9N2 avian influenza virus infection in the ovo model, with the optimal dosage of 0.129 U/mL. The observed decrease in virus titers in the hemagglutination assay and viral copy number assays suggests that NanB neuraminidase holds promise as a potential antiviral candidate for therapeutic approach.

Abstract Study on sialidases as antiviral agents has been widely performed, but many types of sialidase have not been tested for their antiviral activity. Pasteurella multocida NanB sialidase is one such sialidase that has never been isolated for further research. In this study, the activity of NanB sialidase was investigated in silico by docking the NanB sialidase of Pasteurella multocida to the Neu5Acα(2–6)Gal and Neu5Acα(2–3)Gal ligands. Additionally, some local isolates of Pasteurella multocida, which had the NanB gene were screened, and the proteins were isolated for further testing regarding their activity in hydrolyzing Neu5Acα(2–6)Gal and Neu5Acα(2–3)Gal. Silico studies showed that the NanB sialidase possesses an exceptional affinity towards forming a protein–ligand complex with Neu5Acα(2–6)Gal and Neu5Acα(2–3)Gal. NanB sialidase of Pasteurella multocida B018 at 0.129 U/mL and 0.258 U/mL doses can hydrolyze Neu5Acα(2–6)Gal and Neu5Acα(2–3)Gal better than other doses. In addition, those doses can inhibit effectively H9N2 viral binding to red blood cells. This study suggested that the NanB sialidase of Pasteurella multocida B018 has a potent antiviral activity because can hydrolyze sialic acid on red blood cells surface and inhibit the H9N2 viral binding to the cells.

Abstract Background Cytomegalovirus (CMV) has been linked with cardiovascular disease (CVD) in populations where some individuals are seronegative. However, effects of CMV are unclear in HIV patients who all have high levels of CMV antibodies. Other metrics of their CMV burden are needed. Amongst transplant recipients, CMV drives the expansion of NK cell populations expressing NKG2C and/or LIR1 and lacking FcRγ. Methods Indonesian HIV patients (n = 40) were tested before ART and after 6 months, with healthy local controls (n = 20). All patients had high CMV antibody titres. 52% started therapy with CMV DNA detectable by qPCR, providing a crude measure of CMV burden. Proportions of CD56Hi or CD56Lo NK cells expressing FcRγ, NKG2C or LIR1 were determined flow cytometrically. CVD was predicted using carotid intimal media thickness (cIMT). Values were correlated with levels of CMV antibodies on ART. Results Patients had low proportions of CD56Lo and more CD56Hi NK cells. However proportions of FcRγ− NK cells were lowest in patients with CMV DNA, and cIMT values related inversely with FcRγ− NK cells in these patients. Percentages of NKG2C+CD56Lo NK cells were similar in patients and controls, but rose in patients with CMV DNA. Proportions of NKG2C+ CD56Hi NK cells correlated with levels of CMV antibodies in CMV DNA-negative patients. Conclusions We show that the very high burdens of CMV in this population confound systems developed to study effects of CMV in other populations. FcRγ− NK cells may be depleted by very high CMV burdens, but NKG2C and antibody levels may be informative in patients on ART.

Objective: The avian influenza virus (AIV) subtype H9N2 circulating in Indonesia has raised increasing concern about its impact on poultry and its public health risks. In this study, the H9N2 virus from chicken poultry farms in Java was isolated and characterized molecularly. Materials and Methods: Thirty-three pooled samples of chicken brain, cloacal swab, trachea, and oviduct were taken from multiple chickens infected with AIV in five regions of Java, Indonesia. The samples were isolated from specific pathogenic-free embryonated eggs that were 9 days old. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and sequencing were used to identify H9N2 viruses. Results: This study was successful in detecting and characterizing 13 H9N2 isolates. The sequencing analysis of hemagglutinin genes revealed a 96.9%98.8% similarity to the H9N2 AIV isolated from Vietnam in 2014 (A/muscovy duck/Vietnam/LBM719/2014). According to the phylogenetic analysis, all recent H9N2 viruses were members of the lineage Y280 and clade h9.4.2.5. Nine of the H9N2 isolates studied showed PSKSSR↓GLF motifs at the cleavage site, while four had PSKSSR↓GLF. Notably, all contemporary viruses have leucine (L) at position 216 in the receptor-binding region, indicating that the virus can interact with a human-like receptor. Conclusion: This study described the features of recent H9N2 viruses spreading in Javas poultry industry. Additionally, H9N2 infection prevention and management must be implemented to avoid the occurrence of virus mutations in the Indonesian poultry industry. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2021; 8(3.000): 423-434]

AbstractBackground The COVID-19 disease has overwhelmed and disrupted healthcare services worldwide, particularly healthcare workers (HCW). HCW are essential workers performing any job in a healthcare setting who are potentially directly or indirectly exposed to infectious materials. Our retrospective cohort study aimed to determine the prevalence of COVID-19 infections among HCW in Jakarta and neighbouring areas during the first three months of the pandemic.Methods Nasopharyngeal/oropharyngeal swab specimens from HCW working at private and public hospitals in Jakarta and neighbouring areas were screened for SARS-CoV-2 between March and May 2020. Data on demography, clinical symptoms, contact history, and personal protective equipment (PPE) use were collected using standardised forms.Results Among 1201 specimens, 7.9% were confirmed positive for SARS-CoV-2 with the majority coming from medical doctors (48.4%) and nurses (44.2%). 64.2% of the positive cases reported to have contact with suspect/confirmed COVID-19 cases, including 32 (52.2%) with patient and 3 (6.6%) with co-worker. The symptomatic HCW had a significantly lower median Ct value as compared to their asymptomatic counterpart (p

We determined the prevalence and epidemiological characteristics of COVID-19 in Jakarta and neighboring areas, Indonesia from March 2020 to February 2021, based on nasopharyngeal/oropharyngeal (NP/OP) swab specimens that were tested at the Eijkman Institute for Molecular Biology, Jakarta. NP/OP swab specimens were collected from COVID-19 suspects or individuals in contact tracing programs from primary healthcare centers (PHC) and hospitals. The specimens were screened for the SARS-CoV-2 by qRT-PCR. Demography data and clinical symptoms were collected using national standardized laboratory form. Of 64,364 specimens, 10,130 (15.7%) were confirmed positive for SARS-CoV-2, with the peak prevalence of infection in March 2020 (26.3%) follow by in January 2021 (23.9%) and February 2021 (21.8%). We found that the positivity rate of the specimens from Jakarta, West Java, and Banten was 16.3%, 13.3%, and 16.8%, respectively. Positivity rate was higher in specimens from hospitals (16.9%) than PHC (9.4%). Of the positive specimens, 29.6% were from individuals aged >60 years old, followed by individuals aged 41-60 years old (24.2%). Among symptomatic cases of SARS-CoV-2, the most common symptoms were cough, fever, and a combination of both cough & fever. In conclusion, this study illustrates the prevalence and epidemiological characteristics from one COVID-19 diagnostic center in Jakarta and neighbouring areas in Indonesia.

Streptococcus pneumoniae is a human pathogenic bacterium able to cause invasive pneumococcal diseases. Some studies have reported medicinal plants having antibacterial activity against pathogenic bacteria. However, antibacterial studies of medicinal plants against S. pneumoniae remains limited. Therefore, this study aims to describe the antibacterial activity of medicinal plants in Indonesia against S. pneumoniae. Medicinal plants were extracted by maceration with n-hexane, ethanol, ethyl acetate and water. Antibacterial activity was defined by inhibition zone and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). Bactericidal activity was measured by culture and time-killing measurement. Methods used to describe the mechanism of action of the strongest extract were done by absorbance at 595 nm, broth culture combined with 1% crystal violet, qRT-PCR targeting lytA, peZT and peZA, and transmission electron microscope to measure bacterial lysis, antibiofilm, LytA and peZAT gene expression, and ultrastructure changes respectively. Among 13 medicinal plants, L. inermis Linn. ethyl acetate extract showed the strongest antibacterial activity against S. pneumoniae with an MIC value of 0,16 mg/ml. Bactericidal activity was observed at 0,16 mg/ml for 1 hour incubation. Lawsonia inermis extract showed some mechanism of actions including bacterial lysis, antibiofilm, and ultrastructure changes such as cell wall disruption, decreasing cell membrane integrity and morphological disorder. Increasing of lytA and decreasing of peZA and peZT expression were also observed after incubation with the extract. In addition, liquid chromatography mass spectrophotometer showed phenolic compounds as the commonest compound in L. inermis ethyl acetate extract. This study describes the strong antibacterial activity of L. inermis with various mechanism of action including ultrastructure changes.

Objective: COVID‐19 in children poses a significant challenge due to the atypical/asymptomatic presentations. The study is aimed to help understand clinical characteristics in Indonesian children for better management and control of transmission. Methods: clinical characteristics of children with confirmed COVID‐19 were retrospectively analysed from the database dating from March to November 2020. Results: the study revealed a high prevalence (67.3%) of asymptomatic cases from contact tracing population. The most common symptoms in children with confirmed COVID‐19 were cough and fatigue. Among symptomatic patients, 14/21 (66.7%) had either radiological and/or clinical evidence of pneumonia. Conclusion: children with respiratory symptoms especially those with contact history should be screened for possible COVID‐19 infection regardless of disease severity.

Background. A catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CA-UTI) is preceded by biofilm formation, which is related to several risk factors such as gender, age, diabetic status, duration of catheterization, bacteriuria before catheterization, virulence gene factor, and antibiotic usage. Aims. This study aims to identify the microbial composition of catheter samples, including its corresponding comparison with urine samples, to determine the most important risk factors of biofilm formation and characterize the virulence gene factors that correlate with biofilm formation. Methods. A longitudinal cross-sectional study was conducted on 109 catheterized patients from September 2017 to January 2018. The risk factors were obtained from the patients’ medical records. All catheter and urine samples were cultured after removal, followed by biomass quantification. Isolate identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing were performed using the Vitex2 system. Biofilm-producing bacteria were identified by the Congo Red Agar (CRA) method. A PCR test characterized the virulence genes of dominant bacteria (E. coli). All data were collected and processed for statistical analysis. Results. Out of 109 catheterized patients, 78% of the catheters were culture positive, which was higher than those of the urine samples (37.62%). The most common species isolated from the catheter cultures were Escherichia coli (28.1%), Candida sp. (17.8%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (15.9%), and Enterococcus faecalis (13.1%). E. coli (83.3%) and E. faecalis (78.6%) were the main isolates with a positive CRA. A statistical analysis showed that gender and duration prior to catheterization were associated with an increased risk of biofilm formation p

Chikungunya (CHIK) fever, a febrile illness caused by Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infection, is one of mosquito-borne viral diseases affecting people living in the tropical and subtropical regions in the world. The pathogenesis of the disease is yet to be completely unraveled, and research on CHIK has been conducted by employing various methods, including using cell lines to investigate the biological characteristics of CHIKV in vitro. To assess the suitability of human cell line model for CHIK study, various human cell lines including A549, Huh7, and HepG2 were infected with CHIKV and assayed for their susceptibility to infection. The MTT and plaque assay methods were performed to measure cell viability and virus growth kinetics, respectively. Fluorescence-activated Cell Sorting (FACS) and immunofluorescence assay were performed to measure the proportion of infected cells in the system and their morphological visualization. Both A549 and Huh7 human cell lines showed stable high cell viability upon infection while CHIKV growth kinetics were significantly lower in these cells compared to Vero-CCL81, a monkey cell line that is routinely used in other arboviruses research. Interestingly, we observed significantly different results in HepG2 human cell line, in which cell viability and CHIKV growth kinetics were significantly higher. FACS and immunofluorescence assay confirm the higher infection rate of CHIKV in HepG2 than A549 human cell line. We concluded herethat human hepatocytes HepG2 cell line was susceptible to Asian Genotype of CHIKV and proposed as an alternative cell for the in vitro CHIKV studies to the commonly used A549 and Vero cells.

BackgroundRickettsia felis has recently emerged worldwide as a cause of human illness. Typically causing mild, undifferentiated fever, it has been implicated in several cases of non-fatal neurological disease in Mexico and Sweden. Its distribution and pathogenicity in Southeast Asia is poorly understood.Methodology/principal findingsWe retroactively tested cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) or sera from 64 adult patients admitted to hospital in North Sulawesi, Indonesia with acute neurological disease. Rickettsia felis DNA was identified in the CSF of two fatal cases of meningoencephalitis using multi-locus sequence typing semi-nested PCR followed by Sanger sequencing. DNA from both cases had 100% sequence homologies to the R. felis reference strain URRWXCal2 for the 17-kDa and ompB genes, and 99.91% to gltA.Conclusion/significanceThe identification of R. felis in the CSF of two fatal cases of meningoencephalitis in Indonesia suggests the distribution and pathogenicity of this emerging vector-borne bacteria might be greater than generally recognized. Typically Rickettsia are susceptible to the tetracyclines and greater knowledge of R. felis endemicity in Indonesia should lead to better management of some acute neurological cases.

We assessed Zika virus seroprevalence among healthy 1–4-year-old children using a serum sample collection assembled in 2014 representing 30 urban sites across Indonesia. Of 662 samples, 9.1% were Zika virus seropositive, suggesting widespread recent Zika virus transmission and immunity. Larger studies are needed to better determine endemicity in Indonesia.

Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) prevent nasopharyngeal colonization with vaccine serotypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae, leading to reduced transmission of pneumococci and stronger population-level impact of PCVs. In 2017 we conducted a cross-sectional pneumococcal carriage study in Indonesia among children aged <5 years before 13-valent PCV (PCV13) introduction. Nasopharyngeal swabs were collected during visits to community integrated health service posts at one peri-urban and one rural study site. Specimens were analyzed by culture, and isolates were serotyped using sequential multiplex polymerase chain and Quellung reaction. Antibiotic susceptibility was performed by broth microdilution method. We enrolled 1,007 children in Gunungkidul District, Yogyakarta (peri-urban) and 815 in Southwest Sumba, East Nusa Tenggara (rural). Pneumococcal carriage prevalence was 30.9% in Gunungkidul and 87.6% in Southwest Sumba (combined: 56.3%). PCV13 serotypes (VT) carriage was 15.0% in Gunungkidul and 52.6% in Southwest Sumba (combined: 31.8%). Among pneumococcal isolates identified, the most common VT were 6B (16.4%), 19F (15.8%), and 3 (4.6%) in Gunungkidul (N = 323) and 6B (17.6%), 19F (11.0%), and 23F (9.3%) in Southwest Sumba (N = 784). Factors associated with pneumococcal carriage were age (1–2 years adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.9, 95% CI 1.4–2.5; 3–4 years aOR 1.5, 95% CI 1.1–2.1; reference <1 year), other children <5 years old in the household (aOR 1.5, 95% CI 1.1–2.0), and presence of ≥1 respiratory illness symptom (aOR 1.8, 95% CI 1.4–2.2). Overall, 61.5% of the pneumococcal isolates were non-susceptible to ≥1 antibiotic class and 13.2% were multi-drug non-susceptible (MDNS) (non-susceptible to ≥3 classes of antibiotics). Among 602 VT isolates, 73.9% were non-susceptible and 19.9% were MDNS. These findings are critical to establish a pre-PCV13 carriage prevalence and demonstrate the complexity in evaluating the impact of PCV13 introduction in Indonesia given the wide variability in the carriage prevalence as shown by the two study sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent decades, neuraminidase/sialidase-based antivirals have been produced to suppress respiratory viral infections, including avian influenza, which relies on sialic acid as the entry point for viruses into cells. While neuraminidase has been extensively studied as an antiviral agent, numerous neuraminidases still have not been evaluated for their antiviral activities. Among these is NanB neuraminidase derived from Pasteurella multocida, which has received limited research attention. This study aimed to assess the potential of NanB neuraminidase in inhibiting H9N2 avian influenza virus infection in ovo. The research commenced with the molecular re-identification of the H9N2 A/Layer/Indonesia/WestJava-04/17 virus isolate, followed by determining the EID50 through Rapid HA test results. The toxicity of NanB neuraminidase was assessed by administering various doses to embryonated chicken eggs (ECE). The antiviral activity of NanB neuraminidase on ECE was evaluated through challenge tests, including treatment before, during, and after the challenge. The assessment involved monitoring the time of embryo death, virus titer through HA test, and viral copy number via RT-qPCR. The results indicated that the H9N2 virus titers capable of infecting 50% of ECE amounted to 108.83 EID50/mL. A dose of 0.258 U/mL of NanB neuraminidase was found to be toxic, leading to embryo mortality after 48 hours of incubation at 37 °C, while a nontoxic dose was determined to be 0.129 U/mL. The post-challenge treatment group exhibited the most significant reduction in virus titer in ECE. Notably, NanB neuraminidase derived from P. multocida demonstrated the ability to inhibit H9N2 avian influenza virus infection in the ovo model, with the optimal dosage of 0.129 U/mL. The observed decrease in virus titers in the hemagglutination assay and viral copy number assays suggests that NanB neuraminidase holds promise as a potential antiviral candidate for therapeutic approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the effect of Clostridium perfringens sialidase treatment on monolayer cell behavior using computational screening and an in vitro approach to demonstrate interaction between enzyme-based drugs and ligands in host cells. Materials and Methods: The in silico study was carried out by molecular docking analysis used to predict the interactions between atoms that occur, followed by genetic characterization of sialidase from a wild isolate. Sialidase, which has undergone further production and purification processes exposed to chicken embryonic fibroblast cell culture, and observations-based structural morphology of cells compared between treated cells and normal cells without treatment. Results: Based on an in silico study, C. perfringens sialidase has an excellent binding affinity with Neu5Aca (2.3) Gal ligand receptor with Gibbs energy value (ΔG)--7.35 kcal/mol and Ki value of 4.11 µM. Wild C. perfringens isolates in this study have 99.1%-100% similarity to the plc gene, NanH, and NanI genes, while NanJ shows 93.18% similarity compared to the reference isolate from GenBank. Sialidase at 750 and 150 mU may impact the viability, cell count, and cell behavior structure of fibroblast cells by significantly increasing the empty area and perimeter of chicken embryo fibroblast (CEF) cells, while at 30 mU sialidase shows no significant difference compared with mock control. Conclusion: Sialidase-derived C. perfringens has the capacity to compete with viral molecules for attachment to host sialic acid based on in silico analysis. However, sialidase treatment has an impact on monolayer cell fibroblasts given exposure to high doses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zika virus, first isolated in 1947 (1), is a flavivirus phylo genetically related to dengue virus (DENV) that is, like DENV, also transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. Because of the epidemic [...]

Background and Objectives: Gut microbiota influences our health via multiple mechanisms. Microbiota produced Short Chain Fatty Acid (SCFA) as an energy to maintain gut ecosystem and physiology. Dysbiosis is correlated with SCFA imbalance which in turn resulted in physiological abnormalities in the intestine, such as functional constipation. Materials and Methods: Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Trial (RCT) was conducted on women with functional constipation (n=37) in the community of Jakarta and profile of SCFA was assessed by using GC-MS from the stool after 21 days supplementation of fermented milk (placebo and probiotic). Results: Probiotic supplementation significantly influenced acetate titer (p=0,032) marginally significant for propionate and butyrate (p=0.063 and p=0.068, respectively) and the respondent with increasing SCFA’s metabolite are higher in probiotic group compared to the respondents in placebo group. Acetate is the highest SCFA titer found in faeces samples of women with functional constipation. Conclusion: Probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum IS 10506 supplementation influenced all the SCFA parameter (acetate, propionate and butyrate).

A strategic multilateral dialogue related to biosecurity risks in Southeast Asia, established in 2014, now includes participants from Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, and the United States. This dialogue is conducted at the nonministerial level, enabling participants to engage without the constraints of operating in their official capacities. Participants reflect on mechanisms to detect, mitigate, and respond to biosecurity risks and highlight biosecurity issues for national leadership. Participants have also identified factors to improve regional and global biosecurity, including improved engagement and collaboration across relevant ministries and agencies, sustainable funding for biosecurity programs, enhanced information sharing for communicable diseases, and increased engagement in international biosecurity forums.

Some diseases require immediate and appropriate treatment to decrease the fatality risk patients incident, for example diphtheria. Time to help patients is very crucial since delay of therapy may increase the mortality cases up to 20 times. In other hands, conventional diagnostic methods (the gold standard) for diagnosis of diphtheria is time consuming and laborious. Therefore, an alternative diagnostic method which is rapid, easy and inexpensive is needed. In this case, direct PCR has been proved to reduce time and cost in laboratory examination. This study aimed to develop direct PCR as alternative diagnostic method for diagnosis of diphtheria rapidly, easily, and inexpensive. Fifteen samples include 10 isolates of Corynebacterium diphtheriae (toxigenic) and 3 isolates of Corynebacterium non-diphtheriae (nontoxigenic) and 2 clinical specimens (throat swab) was examined by performing direct PCR method and a standard PCR method was used for optimizing the protocols. Result showed that direct PCR can be used to amplify target genes correctly as well as standard PCR. All of C. diphtheriae samples showed bands at 168 bp (dtxR gene marker) and 551 bp (tox gene marker) while no band appeared in others. Direct PCR detected at least 71 CFU/uL of bacterial cells in samples. We concluded that direct PCR can be used for alternative diagnostic method for diagnosis of diphtheria which is rapid, easy and cost effective.

The H5N1 influenza virus in Indonesia has caused more than 100 people died due to the virus infections. Cases in humans were mostly due to the virus spread from the infected birds. This study characterized molecularly the H5N1 virus from birds around the H5N1 infection cases in humans in Indonesia. Result from this study revealed that in several cases, waterfowl species could become the source of H5N1 infections in human. We found that the one of six viruses used in this study probably was a first antigenic shift virus in Indonesia. This study shows that the AI viruses isolated from birds around humans infected by H5N1 virus has specific characteristics namely the presence of several amino acid substitutions especially on the M1 and M2 proteins. The substitutions are similar in most of H5N1 human cases in Indonesia.