Article
Immunology
Mariana Nunes M. R. Ferreira, Geraldo Renato de Paula, Rosana Rocha Barros
Summary: This study assessed the virulence determinants of 32 GBS isolates from different clinical sources, finding distinct phenotypic and genotypic features related to asymptomatic and symptomatic outcomes, with factors such as biofilm formation and growth rates being analyzed.
MICROBIAL PATHOGENESIS
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Menglan Zhou, Ziran Wang, Li Zhang, Timothy Kudinha, Haoran An, Chenyun Qian, Bin Jiang, Yao Wang, Yingchun Xu, Zhengyin Liu, Hong Zhang, Jingren Zhang
Summary: This multicenter study investigated the serotype and sequence type (ST) distribution, antimicrobial susceptibility, and virulence of Streptococcus pneumoniae strains causing invasive pneumococcal diseases (IPDs) in China. The study found that different serotypes of strains had different levels of virulence and antibiotic resistance rates.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Jamisha D. Francis, Miriam A. Guevara, Jacky Lu, Shabir A. Madhi, Gaurav Kwatra, David M. Aronoff, Shannon D. Manning, Jennifer A. Gaddy
Summary: This study found that the susceptibility or resistance to zinc intoxication in Streptococcus agalactiae strains varies based on their isolation source, capsular serotype, and sequence type. Invasive strains are less susceptible to zinc toxicity compared to colonizing strains. Moreover, capsular type III strains and the ST-17 and ST-19 strains exhibit the greatest resilience to zinc stress.
Article
Microbiology
Tahereh Motallebirad, Hossein Fazeli, Ataollah Ghahiri, Dariush Shokri, Saba Jalalifar, Sharareh Moghim, Bahram Nasr Esfahani
Summary: The study revealed a concerning high prevalence of erythromycin-resistant GBS in Iran, as well as the dissemination of the ST-335/CPS-III clone associated with tetracycline and erythromycin resistance in the region. The distribution of capsular and pilus genotypes varies between invasive and colonizing GBS, which could aid in vaccine development.
Article
Microbiology
I-An Tsai, Yaochi Su, Ying-Hsiang Wang, Chishih Chu
Summary: Reduction in serotype V of Streptococcus agalactiae may be due to presence of scpB-2 or lack of genes scpB and rib.
Article
Immunology
Allison N. Dammann, Anna B. Chamby, Francisco J. Gonzalez, Molly E. Sharp, Karina Flores, Ifrah Shahi, Sophia Dongas, Thomas A. Hooven, Adam J. Ratner
Summary: This study found that specific capsule types may provide an advantage in GBS vaginal colonization, but the success of certain GBS lineages may involve both capsule and non-capsule genetic elements.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Elisabete R. Martins, Dulce Nascimento do O, Ana Luisa Marques Costa, Jose Melo-Cristino, Mario Ramirez
Summary: This study investigated the colonization of Streptococcus agalactiae in nonpregnant adults and its potential as a reservoir for infections. The colonization rate was similar to that of pregnant women and increased with age. Participants who were colonized at multiple sites often carried indistinguishable strains, suggesting a single reservoir of colonization. However, no specific lineages were found to be associated with invasive disease. This study highlights the significance of asymptomatic colonization in nonpregnant adults, but suggests that no lineages have an enhanced potential for causing invasive disease.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Ashley N. Williams, Matthew A. Croxen, Walter H. B. Demczuk, Irene Martin, Gregory J. Tyrrell
Summary: Genomic analysis was used to characterize fourteen adult invasive serotype VIII isolates from 2009 to 2021 in Alberta. The study found an emerging trend of invasive GBS serotype VIII, mainly caused by ST42, and identified the susceptibility and resistance patterns of these isolates. The presence of potential vaccine targets in the isolate genomes highlights the importance of continued surveillance and characterization for outbreak prevention, vaccine development, and understanding the global epidemiology of this rare serotype.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY & INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Hans-Christian Slotved, Jens Kjolseth Moller, Mohammad Rohi Khalil, Stine Yde Nielsen
Summary: The dominant serotype among carriage isolates was IX (21%), followed by serotype III (19%). The resistance to erythromycin and clindamycin was 21% and 26%, respectively. Among invasive GBS isolates, no case of EOGBS with serotype IX was detected, but the distribution of serotypes was otherwise similar to the carrier strains. The corresponding resistance to erythromycin and clindamycin was 23% and 15%, respectively. Penicillin resistance was not detected among carriage or invasive isolates.
BMC INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Fisheries
Christian M. J. Delannoy, Hakim Samai, Lauke Labrie
Summary: Streptococcus agalactiae is a multi-host pathogen causing economic losses in tilapia aquaculture globally. This study identified a new serotype of the bacterium in fish, and successfully reproduced the disease in experimental challenges, fulfilling Koch's postulate. Monitoring and typing of isolates are important to detect new epidemiological trends and implement proper prophylactic measures.
Article
Fisheries
Jing Dong, Lushan Zhang, Ning Xu, Shun Zhou, Yi Song, Qiuhong Yang, Yongtao Liu, Yibin Yang, Xiaohui Ai
Summary: The study found that rutin effectively reduces adhesion and biofilm formation of Streptococcus agalactiae by inhibiting SrtA activity, providing protection against the infection. This suggests that rutin is a potential anti-virulence drug against S. agalactiae infections.
Article
Microbiology
Zhengjiang Jin, Juan Li, Haijian Zhou, Zhenhui Wang, Lu Yi, Nian Liu, Jiaxi Du, Chien-Yi Chang, Wenjing Ji
Summary: This study investigated the genetic characteristics of clinical GBS isolates from infected infants in China, revealing the distribution of serotypes, surface proteins, virulence determinants, and antibiotic resistance genes. These findings provide valuable insights into the genetic features of GBS and its pathogenic mechanisms in infections.
Review
Immunology
Konstantinos Karampatsas, Hannah Davies, Maren Mynarek, Nick Andrews, Paul T. Heath, Kirsty Le Doare
Summary: Prematurity/low birth weight and maternal colonization are major risk factors for late-onset Group B streptococcal infection. Future vaccine studies should identify the optimal time for vaccination during pregnancy to protect preterm infants.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Natasa Opavski, Milos Jovicevic, Jovana Kabic, Dusan Kekic, Zorica Vasiljevic, Tanja Tosic, Deana Medic, Suzana Laban, Lazar Ranin, Ina Gajic
Summary: This study characterizes invasive isolates of Streptococcus pneumoniae in Serbia before the introduction of PCVs. The findings indicate high levels of penicillin and macrolides resistance, as well as worrisome rates of multidrug- and extensive-drug resistance. The study also shows a high degree of genetic diversity, providing a basis for further investigation of changes in serotypes and genotypes after the routine introduction of PCVs.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Preeti P. John, Brady C. Baker, Santosh Paudel, Lauren Nassour, Hayden Cagle, Ritwij Kulkarni
Summary: The study found that exposure to moderate glycosuria significantly increased bacterial growth and virulence characteristics in a mouse model of UTI, enhancing bacterial adhesion to human bladder cells, increasing resistance to antimicrobial peptides, and enhancing bacterial hemolytic ability.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Review
Fisheries
Ebthag Almabruk Mohamed Mussa, Abdulsamad Alsalahi, Musheer A. Aljaberi, Azmiza Syawani Jasni, Mohd Nasir Mohd Desa, Abdullah Yahya Mohammed Al-Mahdi, Rukman Awang Hamat
Summary: The study investigated tetracycline-resistant enterococci in aquatic and overland animal fecal samples, finding widespread distribution of various resistance genes among different enterococcal species, possibly transmitted through transposons. These resistant enterococci pose a significant threat to public health, requiring a holistic, multisectoral, and transdisciplinary approach for effective monitoring and management.
REVIEWS IN AQUACULTURE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Nur Fadhilah Khairil Mokhtar, Siti Zaharah Imran, Ming Gan Han, Mun Chun Leong, Mohd Nasir Mohd Desa, Raja Mohd Hafidz Raja Nhari, Nor Nadiha Mohd Zaki, Yus Aniza Yusof, Shuhaimi Mustafa, Amalia Mohd Hashim
Summary: The expansion of aquaculture and fish feed industry has raised concerns about the origin and safety of the ingredients used in commercially available fish feeds. This study utilized Next Generation Sequencing-based DNA metabarcoding assay to determine the composition of animal species in fish feed samples and found that commercial fish feeds in Malaysia contain undesirable animal species. Accurate and legally enforced labeling of mammalian species in fish feed products is necessary.
FOOD ADDITIVES AND CONTAMINANTS PART A-CHEMISTRY ANALYSIS CONTROL EXPOSURE & RISK ASSESSMENT
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Nur Ain Syaqirah Sapian, Muhamad Aidilfitri Mohamad Roslan, Amalia Mohd Hashim, Mohd Nasir Mohd Desa, Murni Halim, Yanty Noorzianna Abdul Manaf, Helmi Wasoh
Summary: This study successfully differentiated lard from other animal fats (beef, chicken and mutton fat) using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) based on differences in the composition of hydrocarbons. Statistical models such as Random Forest (RF) and Partial Least Squares-Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA) were able to effectively separate different fats. Tetracosane (C24) was proposed as a potential marker for n-alkanes.
FOOD RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Immunology
AbdulRahman Muthanna, Mohd Nasir Mohd Desa, Wardah Alsalemi, Nur Aimi Liyana Abd Aziz, Nurul Diana Dzaraly, Nurul Hana Zainal Baharin, Nur Afiza Aziz, Marlindawati Mohd Ali, Lailatul Akmar Mat Nor, Zalina Ismail, Nur Hanani Ahmad, Chua Hui Shan, Mohammad Noor Amal Azmai, Syafinaz Amin-Nordin
Summary: This study compares human and fish-derived Group B Streptococcus (GBS) in terms of their antimicrobial susceptibility, serotype, virulence and pili genes, and sequence type (ST), aiming to investigate the potential zoonotic transmission in Malaysia. The GBS isolates from humans and fish show similar phenotypic characteristics but differ in virulence gene profile, antimicrobial susceptibility, serotype, and sequence type. The fish GBS isolates have lower genetic diversity and higher antibiotic susceptibility compared to human isolates. The detection of fish-adapted ST283 in human GBS isolates raises awareness of zoonotic potential between different species in Malaysia.
COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Nor Syaza Syahirah Amat JuNAiDi, Nik Noorul Shakira Mohamed SHAkRiN, Mohd Nasir Mohd Desa, Wan Md Zin Wan Yunus
Summary: The global emergence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) that is resistant to multiple antimicrobial agents has led to extensive measures to combat this situation. Molecular surveillance of MRSA clones is crucial for understanding their evolutionary dynamics and planning appropriate treatment. This review focuses on the molecular characterization of clinical Staphylococcus aureus isolates in Malaysian hospitals from 2008 to 2020, highlighting the changing patterns of hospital-acquired MRSA (HA-MRSA) and community-acquired MRSA (CA-MRSA) clones. Further study on the molecular epidemiology of MRSA clones, especially in Malaysia, is essential.
MALAYSIAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Mohsen Emamjomeh, Amalia Mohd Hashim, Noor Azira Abdul-Mutalib, Nur Fadhilah Khairil Mokhtar, Nurul Asyifah Mustapha, Toshinari Maeda, Syafinaz Amin-Nordin
Summary: Meat products are often associated with outbreaks of foodborne diseases. Bacteria are commonly used as indicators of hygiene in the food industry. This study aimed to determine the bacterial community structure and diversity on meat-contacted surfaces and predict their functional profiles. The most dominant bacteria on meat-contacted surfaces were Acinetobacter and Pseudomonas. Chicken-contacted surfaces had the highest species richness. The co-occurrence network analysis revealed potential human pathogens and antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Sharmin Sultana, Azrina Azlan, Mohd Nasir Mohd Desa, Nor Ainy Mahyudin
Summary: The genetic information in DNA is crucial, and the identification of selective DNA sequences is essential in biological studies. Various authentication techniques, including PCR assays, nanotechnology-based biosensors, and microarray devices, have evolved to trace and detect different DNA targets. While detecting single DNA is relatively straightforward, the innovation of multiple platforms is required to identify hundreds or even thousands of DNA targets in a cost-effective and time-saving manner. This review provides an up-to-date documentary of DNA techniques for species identification in the food chain, discussing current knowledge, limitations, opportunities, and hurdles.
Article
Microbiology
Zahira Zohari, Timothy Barkham, Norfarhana Mohamad Maswan, Swaine Lin Chen, AbdulRahman Muthanna, Kai Wei Lee, Mohd Nasir Mohd Desa, Mohammad Noor Amal Azmai, Narcisse Mary Sither Joseph, Syafinaz Amin-Nordin
Summary: In South East Asia, Streptococcus agalactiae ST283 is responsible for sepsis in healthy adults, with raw freshwater fish consumption being the only known risk factor. These two case reports from Malaysia are the first of their kind, but the epidemiology is complicated due to cross-border movement of people and fish, as well as similarities with Singapore's ST283.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Neurosciences
Mazen M. Jamil Al-Obaidi, Mohd Nasir Mohd Desa
Summary: Coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2, can infect various organs, including the brain, by interacting with ACE2 and TMPRSS2 receptors. The blood-brain barrier (BBB) plays a crucial role in maintaining the neural microenvironment and preventing viruses from entering the brain. COVID-19 infection can lead to BBB breakdown due to damage to tight junctions, basement membrane, and adhesion molecules. Understanding how COVID-19 disrupts the BBB can provide insights into the virus's access to the central nervous system (CNS) and aid in the development of treatment options.
JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Education, Scientific Disciplines
Farina Mustaffa-Kamal, Intan Nur Fatiha Shafie, Siti Zulaikha Zakariah, Wan Nor Syaheera Wan Mohd Sanusi, Zoharah Omar, Aizad Azahar, Syafinaz Amin Nordin, Sharina Omar, Nur Indah Ahmad, Rozanah Asmah Abd Samad, Mohd Shafarin Shamsuddin, Siti Suri Arshad
Summary: This study compared the effectiveness of field simulation problem-based learning (PBL) to a classic classroom setting in teaching zoonotic diseases. The results showed that students who participated in field simulation PBL had higher satisfaction and perceived it as more effective compared to the classic PBL. The cognitive domain attainment was similar between both groups. In conclusion, field simulation can enhance students' learning experience and attitudes.
JOURNAL OF VETERINARY MEDICAL EDUCATION
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Nor Syaza Syahirah Amat Junaidi, Nik Noorul Shakira Mohamed Shakrin, Mohammad Fahmi Daman Huri, Ahmad Zakwan Kamarudin, Mohd Nasir Mohd Desa, Wan Mohd Zin Wan Yunus
Summary: The study aimed to determine the antibiotic resistance profile of Staphylococcus aureus isolates and molecular typing of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolates from Tuanku Mizan Armed Forces Hospital (TMAFH), Kuala Lumpur. The results showed low resistance rates to all tested antibiotics in methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) isolates, while MRSA isolates exhibited high resistance to several antibiotics. The majority of MRSA isolates belonged to SCCmec type IVh and spa type t032, and co-existence of different spa types associated with hospital, community, and livestock-associated MRSA was observed.
ASIAN PACIFIC JOURNAL OF TROPICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Nurul Asyikin Abdul Rahman, Mohd Nasir Mohd Desa, Siti Norbaya Masri, Niazlin Mohd Taib, Nurshahira Sulaiman, Hazmin Hazman, James John
Summary: Streptococcus pneumoniae, a Gram-positive cocci, colonizes the nasopharyngeal region and has a unique polysaccharide capsule, enabling it to evade immune defense mechanisms. It can cause severe conditions like septicemia and meningitis in immunocompromised or older individuals, as well as morbidity and mortality in children under five years old. There are 101 capsular serotypes of S. pneumoniae, with some associated with distinct disease aggressiveness. Serotyping must be conducted to monitor vaccine efficacy and epidemiology. Various techniques, including traditional antisera-based and molecular-based approaches, can be used for serotyping. Reliable serotyping techniques are crucial to accurately monitor virulent lineages and emerging non-vaccine types.
POLISH JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Nurul Diana Dzaraly, Mohd Nasir Mohd Desa, AbdulRahman Muthanna, Siti Norbaya Masri, Niazlin Mohd Taib, Nurul Hana Zainal Baharin, Nurshahira Sulaiman, Nurul Asyikin Abdul Rahman, Navindra Kumari Palanisamy, Zarizal Suhaili, Semiat Opeyemi Yusuff, Nor Iza A. Rahman, Tuan Suhaila Tuan Soh, Fatimah Haslina Abdullah
Summary: The study characterized pili-carrying and non-pili-carrying pneumococcal isolates of clinical origin in terms of serotypes, antibiotic resistance, and genotype. The results showed that the common isolation site were tracheal aspirate, blood, and sputum. A significant proportion of the isolates were resistant to multiple antibiotics. The prevalent serotypes among the isolates were 19F, 6A/B, and 19A. Piliated isolates were genetically related to the Pneumococcal Molecular Epidemiology Network clones and showed clonal spread.
ASIAN PACIFIC JOURNAL OF TROPICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Ameda Abdullah Bnfaga, Kai Wei Lee, Leslie Thian Lung Than, Syafinaz Amin-Nordin
Summary: This study evaluated the antimicrobial properties of Lactobacillus delbrueckii 45E (Ld45E) against several species of bacteria and determined the concentration of interleukin-17 (IL-17) in the presence of Ld45E. The results demonstrated that Ld45E exhibited strong antimicrobial and immunoregulatory properties, inhibiting pathogenic bacteria and reducing IL-17 production.
JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE
(2023)
