RESUMEN
The Plasmodium secreted protein with an altered thrombospondin repeat (SPATR) has been known to play an important role in the malaria parasite's invasion into host erythrocytes. This protein is immunogenic and has been considered as one of the potential vaccine candidates against malaria parasite infection. Thus far, only a handful immunological studies have been carried out on P. knowlesi SPATR (PkSPATR), and none of these studies investigated the immunoprotective properties of the protein. In the present study, the ability of anti-PkSPATR antibodies to inhibit invasion of human erythrocytes was assessed in an in vitro merozoite invasion inhibition assay. The antibodies were harvested from the serum of a rabbit which was immunised with recombinat PkSPATR. Results from the merozoite invasion inhibition assay revealed significant antibody invasion inhibitory activity in a concentration dependent manner (concentration range: 0.375 - 3.00 mg/ml) with inhibition rate ranging from 20% to 32%. Future studies, such as anti-PkSPATR antibodies inhibitory effect on sporozoite invasion of human liver cells, need to be carried out to assess the potential of PkSPATR as a knowlesi malaria vaccine candidate.
Asunto(s)
Anticuerpos Antiprotozoarios , Eritrocitos , Merozoítos , Plasmodium knowlesi , Proteínas Protozoarias , Plasmodium knowlesi/inmunología , Humanos , Eritrocitos/parasitología , Conejos , Animales , Anticuerpos Antiprotozoarios/inmunología , Proteínas Protozoarias/inmunología , Merozoítos/inmunología , Trombospondinas/inmunología , Vacunas contra la Malaria/inmunologíaRESUMEN
In Malaysia presently, the main cause of human malaria is by the zoonotic monkey parasite Plasmodium knowlesi. A previous study has suggested that the P. knowlesi merozoite surface protein 1 (Pkmsp-1) block IV to be a suitable multiplicity of infection (MOI) genotyping marker for knowlesimalaria. This study therefore aimed to investigate the usefulness of Pkmsp-1 block IV in assessing the MOI of P. knowlesi in clinical isolates from Malaysia. Two allele-specific PCR primer pairs targeting the two allelic families of block IV (T1 and T2) were designed, and used to genotype P. knowlesi in 200 blood samples (100 from Peninsular Malaysia and 100 from Malaysian Borneo). Results showed that the mean MOI in Malaysian Borneo was slightly higher as compared to Peninsular Malaysia (1.58 and 1.40, respectively). Almost half of the total blood samples from Malaysian Borneo (52%) had polyclonal infections (i.e., more than one allele of any family type) as compared to Peninsular Malaysia (33%) samples. The T1 allelic family was more prevalent in Peninsular Malaysia (n=75) than in Malaysian Borneo (n=60). The T2 allelic family, however, was more prevalent in the Malaysian Borneo (n=87 vs n=53 respectively). This study shows that the single locus Pkmsp-1 block IV can serve as a simple alternative genetic marker for estimating knowlesi malaria MOI in a population. Future MOI studies should focus on macaque populations as macaques are the natural host of P. knowlesi.
Asunto(s)
Malaria , Plasmodium knowlesi , Humanos , Variación Genética , Plasmodium knowlesi/genética , Plasmodium knowlesi/metabolismo , Malasia , Genotipo , Malaria/veterinaria , Malaria/parasitologíaRESUMEN
Circumsporozoite protein (CSP) central repeat region is one of the main target regions of the RTS,S/AS01 vaccine for falciparum infection as it consists of immunodominant B cell epitopes. However, there is a lack of study for P. knowlesi CSP central repeat region. This study aims to characterise the CSP repeat motifs of P. knowlesi isolates in Peninsular Malaysia. CSP repeat motifs of 64 P. knowlesi isolates were identified using Rapid Automatic Detection and Alignment of Repeats (RADAR). Antigenicity of the repeat motifs and linear B cell epitopes were predicted using VaxiJen 2.0, BepiPred-2.0 and BCPred, respectively. A total of 35 dominant repeat motifs were identified. The repeat motif "AGQPQAQGDGANAGQPQAQGDGAN" has the highest repeat frequency (n=15) and antigenicity index of 1.7986. All the repeat regions were predicted as B cell epitopes. In silico approaches revealed that all repeat motifs were antigenic and consisted of B cell epitopes which could be designed as knowlesi malaria vaccine.
Asunto(s)
Vacunas contra la Malaria , Plasmodium knowlesi , Epítopos de Linfocito B , Proteínas Protozoarias , Vacunas contra la Malaria/genética , Vacunas contra la Malaria/metabolismo , Plasmodium falciparumRESUMEN
Recent reports of natural human infection by Plasmodium cynomolgi indicate the increased risk of zoonotic transmission by this simian parasite. The P. cynomolgi Duffy binding protein 2 (PcDBP2) has a potential role in the invasion pathway of host erythrocytes, and it is a possible vaccine candidate against cynomolgi malaria. This study investigates the genetic diversity, haplotypes, and natural selection of PcDBP2 region II from isolates collected from wild macaques in Peninsular Malaysia. Blood samples from 50 P. cynomolgi -infected wild macaques were used in the study. Genomic DNA extracted from the blood samples was used as template for PCR amplification of the PcDBP2 region II. The amplicons were cloned into a plasmid vector and sequenced. MEGA X and DnaSP ver.6.12.03 programmes were used to analyse the DNA sequences. A genealogical relationship of PcDBP2 region II were determined using haplotype network tree on NETWORK ver.10.2. Result showed high genetic diversity (ð = 0.017 ± 0.002; Hd = 1.000 ± 0.001) of the PcDBP2 region II. The Z-test indicates a purifying selection, with population expansion as shown in Tajima's D analysis. A total of 146 haplotypes of PcDBP2 region II were observed. Phylogenetic tree analysis showed that these haplotypes were grouped into three allelic types (136 for Strain B type, 9 for Berok type, and 1 recombinant type). In the haplotype network, PcDBP2 region II revealed no geographical groupings but was divided into two distinct clusters.
Asunto(s)
Plasmodium knowlesi , Animales , Proteínas Portadoras/genética , Proteínas Portadoras/metabolismo , Variación Genética , Macaca/metabolismo , Malasia , Filogenia , Plasmodium knowlesi/genética , Plasmodium knowlesi/metabolismo , Proteínas Protozoarias/genética , Proteínas Protozoarias/metabolismoRESUMEN
The Plasmodium knowlesi secreted protein with an altered thrombospondin repeat (PkSPATR) is an important protein that helps in the parasite's invasion into the host cell. This protein has been regarded as one of the potential vaccine candidates against P. knowlesi infection. This study investigates the genetic diversity and natural selection of PkSPATR gene of P. knowlesi clinical isolates from Malaysia. PCR amplification of the full length PkSPATR gene was performed on 60 blood samples of infected P. knowlesi patients from Peninsular Malaysia and Malaysian Borneo. The amplified PCR products were cloned and sequenced. Sequence analysis of PkSPATR from Malaysia showed higher nucleotide diversity (CDS p: 0.01462) than previously reported Plasmodium vivax PvSPATR (p = 0.0003). PkSPATR from Peninsular Malaysia was observed to have slightly higher diversity (CDS p: 0.01307) than those from Malaysian Borneo (CDS p: 0.01212). Natural selection analysis on PkSPATR indicated significant purifying selection. Multiple amino acid sequence alignment revealed 69 polymorphic sites. The phylogenetic tree and haplotype network did not show any distinct clustering of PkSPATR. The low genetic diversity level, natural selection and absence of clustering implied functional constrains of the PkSPATR protein.
Asunto(s)
Plasmodium knowlesi , Proteínas Protozoarias , Humanos , Proteínas Protozoarias/genética , Proteínas Protozoarias/metabolismo , Variación Genética , Plasmodium knowlesi/genética , Plasmodium knowlesi/metabolismo , Malasia , Trombospondinas/genética , Trombospondinas/metabolismo , FilogeniaRESUMEN
Normocyte binding protein Xa (NBPXa) has been implied to play a significant role in parasite invasion of human erythrocytes. Previous phylogenetic studies have reported the existence of three types of NBPXa for Plasmodium knowlesi (PkNBPXa). PkNBPXa region II (PkNBPXaII) of type 1, type 2 and type 3 were expressed on mammalian cell surface and interacted with human and macaque (Macaca fascicularis) erythrocytes. The binding activities of PkNBPXaII towards human and macaque erythrocytes were evaluated using erythrocyte-binding assay (EBA). Three parameters were evaluated to achieve the optimal protein expression of PkNBPXaII and erythrocyte binding activity in EBA: types of mammalian cells, post transfection time and erythrocyte incubation time. COS-7, HEK-293, and CHO-K1 cells showed successful expression of PkNBPXaII, despite the protein expression is weak compared to the positive control. COS-7 was used in EBA. All three types of PkNBPXaII showed rosette formation with macaque erythrocytes but not with human erythrocytes. Future studies to enhance the PkNBPXaII expression on surface of mammalian cells is indeed needed in order to elucidate the specific role of PkNBPXaII in erythrocytes invasion.
Asunto(s)
Eritrocitos/parasitología , Proteínas de la Membrana/metabolismo , Plasmodium knowlesi , Proteínas Protozoarias/metabolismo , Animales , Antígenos de Protozoos , Células CHO , Células COS , Chlorocebus aethiops , Cricetulus , Eritrocitos/metabolismo , Células HEK293 , Humanos , Proteínas de la Membrana/genética , Filogenia , Plasmodium knowlesi/genética , Plasmodium knowlesi/metabolismo , Unión Proteica , Proteínas Protozoarias/genéticaRESUMEN
The Plasmodium knowlesi apical membrane antigen-1 (PkAMA-1) plays an important role in the invasion of the parasite into its host erythrocyte, and it has been regarded as a potential vaccine candidate against human knowlesi malaria. This study investigates genetic diversity and natural selection of the full length PkAMA-1 of P. knowlesi clinical isolates from Peninsular Malaysia. Blood samples were collected from P. knowlesi malaria patients from Peninsular Malaysia. The PkAMA-1 gene was amplified from DNA samples using PCR, cloned into a plasmid vector and sequenced. Results showed that nucleotide diversity of the full length PkAMA-1 from Peninsular Malaysia isolates (π: 0.006) was almost similar to that of Sarawak (π: 0.005) and Sabah (π: 0.004) isolates reported in other studies. Deeper analysis revealed Domain I (π: 0.007) in the PkAMA-1 had the highest diversity as compared to Domain II (π: 0.004) and Domain III (π: 0.003). Z-test indicated negative (purifying) selection of the gene. Combined alignment analysis at the amino acid level for the Peninsular Malaysia and Sarawak PkAMA-1 sequences revealed 34 polymorphic sites. Thirty-one of these sites were dimorphic, and 3 were trimorphic. The amino acid sequences could be categorised into 31 haplotypes. In the haplotype network, PkAMA-1 from Peninsular Malaysia and Sarawak were separated into two groups.
Asunto(s)
Antígenos de Protozoos/genética , Variación Genética , Proteínas de la Membrana/genética , Plasmodium knowlesi , Proteínas Protozoarias/genética , Haplotipos , Humanos , Malaria/parasitología , Malasia , Plasmodium knowlesi/genéticaRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: The prevalence of daily cigarette smoking has dropped to 10% in Hong Kong (HK) in 2017, however, smoking still kills 5700 persons per year. Studies suggest that abstinence rates are higher with combined NRT than single NRT, although local data on safety and benefits of combined NRT are lacking. The aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness of combined NRT with single NRT among HK Chinese. METHODS: This is a one-year, two-arm, parallel randomised trial. Five hundred sixty smokers, who smoked ≥10 cigarettes/day for ≥1 year, were randomized to combined and single NRT. Combined NRT group received counseling and nicotine patch & gum. Single NRT group received counselling and nicotine patch. Primary outcome was abstinence rate measured as self-reported 7-day point prevalence with CO validated at 52 weeks. Secondary outcomes included smoking abstinence rates at 4, 12, & 26 weeks. Crude odds ratio and p-value were reported from logistic regression without adjustment; for trend analysis, adjusted odds ratio (AOR) and p-value were reported from Generalized Estimating Equation (GEE) (controlling for time). All AORs were adjusted for age, sex, baseline CO and clusters. RESULTS: Abstinence rates at 4, 12, 26 and 52 weeks were all higher in the combined NRT group (35.8, 21.9, 16.8, 20.1%) compared with the single NRT group (28, 16.8, 11.2, 14.3%). At 4 weeks, combined NRT group was more likely to quit smoking (OR 1.43, 95% CI, 1.00 to 2.05) than the single NRT group. From GEE analysis, combined NRT group had a significantly higher abstinence rate (23.6%) than the single NRT group (17.6%) across repeated measures at all-time points. Combined NRT group was more likely to quit smoking (OR 1.43, 95% CI, 1.15 to 1.77). No significant difference in the side effect profile was detected between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Smokers given 8 weeks of combined NRT were more likely to quit smoking at 4, 12, 26 and 52 weeks compared with single NRT. Combined NRT was as well tolerated as single NRT and it should be further promoted in our community. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT03836560 from ClinicalTrial.gov , 9 Feb 2019.
Asunto(s)
Goma de Mascar , Atención Primaria de Salud , Cese del Hábito de Fumar/métodos , Dispositivos para Dejar de Fumar Tabaco , Adulto , Terapia Combinada , Femenino , Hong Kong , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Resultado del TratamientoRESUMEN
Malaysia is located near the borders of countries where artemisinin resistant Plasmodium falciparum (mutations in the P. falciparum Kelch propeller domain [PfK13]) have been reported. Plasmodium vivax Kelch propeller domain, PvK12, the ortholog of PfK13, could assess resistance towards artemisinin in vivax malaria. Polymorphisms in PvK12 gene were determined by PCR and sequencing was done in 300 clinical isolates collected in recent years (2012-2017) from hospitals within the country. Among 48 P. vivax samples, all were Sal-1 wild type alleles except for two isolates, a synonymous and nonsynonymous mutation respectively. The nonsynonymous (V552I) isolate was collected from an immigrant. P. vivax with mutated PvK12 is speculated to be an imported case and is likely to be circulating at very low frequency in Malaysia. An in-depth drug resistance surveillance among immigrants needs to be investigated to provide information that may be crucial for drug policy changes.
RESUMEN
Entamoeba histolytica infection is the third-greatest parasitic disease responsible for death in the world. Wild rats harbouring E. histolytica can be the possible reservoir hosts for human amoebiasis. There were numerous studies on prevalence of intestinal parasites among wild rats in Malaysia but none has reported E. histolytica. Rats were captured from Sentul and Chow Kit areas, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The preserved stool samples were used for microscopy examination and molecular analysis. Out of 137 samples collected, 12 were positive for E. histolytica / E. dispar / E. moshkovskii microscopically. Two E. histolytica (1.4%), 1 E. dispar (0.7%) and 6 mixed infections of E. histolytica and E. dispar (4.3%) were detected using PCR. This is the first report of molecular detection of E. histolytica/dispar infection among wild rats in Malaysia. This study provides useful information about the potential risks of zoonotic agents and the importance of developing control measures to prevent zoonotic transmission.
Asunto(s)
Entamoeba/clasificación , Entamoeba/aislamiento & purificación , Entamebiasis/veterinaria , Técnicas de Diagnóstico Molecular , Enfermedades de los Roedores/epidemiología , Enfermedades de los Roedores/parasitología , Animales , Entamoeba/genética , Entamebiasis/diagnóstico , Entamebiasis/parasitología , Heces/parasitología , Malasia/epidemiología , Microscopía , Prevalencia , RatasRESUMEN
Malaria causes high global mortality and morbidity annually. Plasmodium knowlesi has been recognised as the fifth human Plasmodium sp. and its infection is widely distributed in Southeast Asia. Merozoite surface protein-119 (MSP-119) appears as a potential candidate for malaria blood stage vaccine as it could induce protective immunity. In this study, codon optimized P. knowlesi MSP-119 (pkMSP-119) was expressed and purified in yeast Pichia pastoris expression system. The purified recombinant protein was further evaluated using Western blot assay using knowlesi malaria, non-knowlesi human malaria, non-malarial parasitic infections and healthy serum samples (n = 50). The sensitivity of purified pkMSP-119 towards detection of knowlesi infection was as 28.6% (2/7). pkMSP-119 did not react with all non-malarial parasitic infections and healthy donor sera, yet reacted with some non-knowlesi human malaria sera, therefore lead to a specificity of 86.0% (37/43).
Asunto(s)
Anticuerpos Antiprotozoarios/sangre , Antígenos de Protozoos , Proteína 1 de Superficie de Merozoito , Plasmodium knowlesi/genética , Proteínas Recombinantes , Antígenos de Protozoos/genética , Antígenos de Protozoos/inmunología , Antígenos de Protozoos/aislamiento & purificación , Western Blotting , Clonación Molecular , Codón , Expresión Génica , Humanos , Proteína 1 de Superficie de Merozoito/genética , Proteína 1 de Superficie de Merozoito/inmunología , Proteína 1 de Superficie de Merozoito/aislamiento & purificación , Pichia/genética , Plasmodium knowlesi/inmunología , Plasmodium knowlesi/aislamiento & purificación , Proteínas Recombinantes/genética , Proteínas Recombinantes/inmunología , Proteínas Recombinantes/aislamiento & purificación , Sensibilidad y EspecificidadRESUMEN
A case of human eye infection caused by Brugia pahangi was reported in 2010 in a semi rural village in Selangor, peninsular Malaysia. Our report here reveals results of investigation on the vector and animal host for the transmission of the infection. We conducted entomological survey and cat blood examination in the vicinity of the patient's home. The mosquito species Armigeres subalbatus was incriminated as the vector, whereas cat served as the reservoir host.
Asunto(s)
Brugia pahangi/aislamiento & purificación , Enfermedades de los Gatos/parasitología , Culicidae/parasitología , Reservorios de Enfermedades , Infecciones Parasitarias del Ojo/diagnóstico , Filariasis/diagnóstico , Insectos Vectores , Animales , Gatos , Infecciones Parasitarias del Ojo/parasitología , Femenino , Filariasis/parasitología , Humanos , Malasia , Población Suburbana , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
This study is a direct assessment of blood heavy metal concentrations of frequent users of Chinese medicines (CM), who had been taking prescribed CM at least 6 days per week for not less than 3 months, to determine whether their intake of CM could cause an increased load of toxic heavy metals in the body. From November 2009 to June 2010, 85 subjects were recruited with informed consent, and their blood samples were collected for measurement of arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury concentrations. Results showed that blood concentrations of four heavy metals of nearly all 85 subjects were within reference ranges. Only one subject who had consumed plentiful seafood was found to have transiently increased blood arsenic concentration (29% higher than the upper limit of the reference range). However, after refraining from eating seafood for 1 month, his blood arsenic concentration returned to normal. Eighty commonly prescribed CM in both raw medicine and powder concentrate supplied by local distributors were also tested for the four heavy metals. Twelve out of the 80 raw medicines were found to contain one or more of the heavy metals that exceeded the respective maximum permitted content. Cadmium was most frequently found in the contaminated samples. None of the powder concentrates had heavy metal content exceeding their respective maximum permitted level.
Asunto(s)
Medicamentos Herbarios Chinos/efectos adversos , Metales Pesados/sangre , Intoxicación/epidemiología , Adulto , Anciano , Arsénico/sangre , Cadmio/sangre , Femenino , Intoxicación por Metales Pesados , Hong Kong/epidemiología , Humanos , Plomo/sangre , Macao/epidemiología , Masculino , Medicina Tradicional China/efectos adversos , Mercurio/sangre , Persona de Mediana Edad , Valores de ReferenciaRESUMEN
Pituitary tumor transforming gene (PTTG) is a well-studied oncogene for its role in tumorigenesis and serves as a marker of malignancy in several cancer types including lung. In the present study, we defined the role of PTTG in actin cytoskeleton remodeling, cell migration and induction of epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) through the regulation of integrin α(V)ß(3)-FAK (focal adhesion kinase) signaling pathway. Overexpression of PTTG through an adenovirus vector resulted in a significant increase in the expression of integrins α(V) and ß(3), a process that was reversed with the downregulation of PTTG expression through the use of an adenovirus expressing PTTG-specific small interfering RNA (siRNA). Western blot analysis of cells infected with adenovirus PTTG cDNA resulted in increased FAK and enhanced expression of adhesion complex molecules paxillin, metavincullin, and talin. Furthermore, downstream signaling genes Rac1, RhoA, Cdc42 and DOCK180 showed upregulation upon PTTG overexpression. This process was dependent on integrin α(V), as blockage by antagonist echistatin (RGD peptide) or α(V)-specific siRNA resulted in a decrease in FAK and subsequent adhesion molecules. Actin cytoskeleton disruption was detected as a result of integrin-FAK signaling by PTTG as well as enhanced cell motility. Taken together, our results suggest for the first time an important role of PTTG in regulation of integrins α(V) and ß(3) and adhesion-complex proteins leading to induction of EMT.
Asunto(s)
Transición Epitelial-Mesenquimal , Proteína-Tirosina Quinasas de Adhesión Focal/metabolismo , Integrina alfaVbeta3/metabolismo , Neoplasias Pulmonares/metabolismo , Neoplasias Pulmonares/patología , Proteínas de Neoplasias/metabolismo , Transducción de Señal , Citoesqueleto de Actina/efectos de los fármacos , Citoesqueleto de Actina/metabolismo , Citoesqueleto de Actina/patología , Biomarcadores de Tumor/genética , Cadherinas/genética , Línea Celular Tumoral , Movimiento Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Transición Epitelial-Mesenquimal/efectos de los fármacos , Regulación Neoplásica de la Expresión Génica/efectos de los fármacos , Técnicas de Silenciamiento del Gen , Humanos , Integrina alfaVbeta3/antagonistas & inhibidores , Integrina alfaVbeta3/deficiencia , Integrina alfaVbeta3/genética , Neoplasias Pulmonares/enzimología , Oligopéptidos/farmacología , Fosforilación/efectos de los fármacos , ARN Mensajero/genética , ARN Mensajero/metabolismo , ARN Interferente Pequeño/genética , Securina , Transducción de Señal/efectos de los fármacos , Vimentina/genéticaRESUMEN
Asunto(s)
Malaria/epidemiología , Adolescente , Adulto , Altitud , Niño , Estudios Transversales , Femenino , Humanos , Malaria/etiología , Malaria/transmisión , Masculino , Factores de Riesgo , Factores Socioeconómicos , Yemen/epidemiología , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
Surface antigens are the most abundant proteins found on the surface of the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Surface antigen 1 (SAG1) and Surface antigen 2 (SAG2) remain the most important and extensively studied surface proteins. These antigens have been identified to play a role in host cell invasion, immune modulation, virulence attenuation. Recombinant SAG1/2 was cloned and expressed in yeast Pichia pastoris. We describe here optimization of critical parameters involved in high yield expression of the recombinant SAG1/2. Our results suggest that recombinant SAG1/2 were best expressed at 30ºC, pH 6 and 1% methanol as the carbon source by X33 Pichia cells. Additional optimizations included the downstream process such as ammonium sulphate precipitation and dialysis. The fusion protein was purified using Ni-NTA purification system with 80% recovery. The purified protein was 100% specific and sensitive in detection of toxoplasmosis.
Asunto(s)
Antígenos de Protozoos/biosíntesis , Expresión Génica , Pichia/genética , Proteínas Protozoarias/biosíntesis , Sulfato de Amonio/química , Antígenos de Protozoos/genética , Antígenos de Protozoos/aislamiento & purificación , Carbono/metabolismo , Cromatografía de Afinidad , Clonación Molecular , Medios de Cultivo/química , Diálisis , Precipitación Fraccionada , Concentración de Iones de Hidrógeno , Metanol/metabolismo , Proteínas Protozoarias/genética , Proteínas Protozoarias/aislamiento & purificación , Proteínas Recombinantes de Fusión/biosíntesis , Proteínas Recombinantes de Fusión/genética , Proteínas Recombinantes de Fusión/aislamiento & purificación , Sensibilidad y Especificidad , Pruebas Serológicas/métodos , Temperatura , Toxoplasmosis/diagnósticoRESUMEN
We report a case of unusual cutaneous toxoplasmosis manifestation in a HIV-positive patient. He presented with hard and painful nodular lesions on the arms, hands and chest. Serology tests for anti-Toxoplasma antibody were negative. However, histopathologic examination of the lesion revealed foci of macrophages containing crescent-shaped organisms resembling the zoites of the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Ultrastructure examination under electron microscopy and PCR confirmed the organism as T. gondii.
Asunto(s)
Infecciones por VIH/complicaciones , Enfermedades Cutáneas Parasitarias/diagnóstico , Enfermedades Cutáneas Parasitarias/patología , Toxoplasmosis/diagnóstico , Toxoplasmosis/patología , Anticuerpos Antiprotozoarios/sangre , Brazo/patología , Mano/patología , Histocitoquímica , Humanos , Masculino , Microscopía , Persona de Mediana Edad , Reacción en Cadena de la Polimerasa , Piel/patología , Tórax/patologíaRESUMEN
Malaria remains a major public health problem causing mortality and morbidity in tropical and subtropical countries. A cross-sectional study was carried out to determine malaria prevalence and its clinical pattern during malaria season in Yemen. Blood samples were collected from 511 patients with fever who voluntary participated in this study, of them 268 were males and 242 females. Malaria was screened using Giemsa-stained thick and thin blood films. Clinical profile was recorded through physical and laboratory examinations and biodata were collected by pre-tested standard questionnaire. The overall prevalence was 15.3%. Three malaria species (Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium malarae) were detected with the predominance of P. falciparum (83.33%). People living in the rural areas had higher infection rate compared to urban areas (p < 0.005). Children were at higher risk of developing severe malaria compared to adults (p < 0.05). Severe anaemia, respiratory distress, jaundice, convulsion and bleeding were more apparent among younger age groups of malaria cases compared to older children. The study indicates that malaria is still a public health problem with children being at high risk of developing severe malaria which may lead to death.
Asunto(s)
Enfermedades Endémicas , Malaria/epidemiología , Malaria/patología , Plasmodium/clasificación , Adolescente , Adulto , Factores de Edad , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Anemia/epidemiología , Anemia/parasitología , Sangre/parasitología , Niño , Preescolar , Estudios Transversales , Femenino , Humanos , Lactante , Recién Nacido , Malaria/complicaciones , Malaria/parasitología , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Plasmodium/aislamiento & purificación , Prevalencia , Factores de Riesgo , Población Rural , Encuestas y Cuestionarios , Población Urbana , Yemen/epidemiología , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
This paper presents the first reported use of 18S rRNA gene sequence to determine the phylogeny of Brugia pahangi. The 18S rRNA nucleotide sequence of a Malaysian B. pahangi isolate was obtained by PCR cloning and sequencing. The sequence was compared with 18S rRNA sequences of other nematodes, including those of some filarial nematodes. Multiple alignment and homology analysis suggest that B. pahangi is closely related to B. malayi and Wuchereria bancrofti. Phylogenetic trees constructed using Neighbour Joining, Minimum Evolution and Maximum Parsimony methods correctly grouped B. pahangi with other filarial nematodes, with closest relationship with B. malayi and W. bancrofti. The phylogeny of B. pahangi obtained in this study is in concordance with those previously reported, in which the 5S rRNA gene spacer region and cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) sequences were used.
Asunto(s)
Brugia pahangi , Filogenia , ARN Ribosómico 18S/genética , Análisis de Secuencia de ADN , Animales , Secuencia de Bases , Brugia pahangi/clasificación , Brugia pahangi/genética , ADN de Helmintos/análisis , Filariasis/parasitología , Datos de Secuencia Molecular , Alineación de SecuenciaRESUMEN
Allogeneic stem cell transplantation is a treatment option for malignant and non-malignant disorders in children. For children with no HLA-matched sibling or related stem cell donors, there is the option of unrelated cord blood donors. At the University of Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) in Kuala Lumpur, the first unrelated cord blood transplantation (CBT) was performed in October 1997. All unrelated CBT performed in UMMC relied on cord blood units imported from overseas. DNA typing with variable number of tandem repeat (VNTR) loci was done to qualitatively evaluate engraftment in 15 unrelated CBT. In all the fifteen cases that were evaluated, molecular evidence of engraftment or non-engraftment correlated with the clinical findings.