Browse publications by year: 1997

Agriculture: access to technology limited

UN Chron, 1997;34(4):58.
PMID: 12293737

From country to country and even regionally, the roles of women in agriculture vary, but most of their labor is in unpaid subsistence production and their contributions tend to be underestimated, according to the results of the [UN] Secretary-General's report. Depending on circumstances, they have complementary roles with men, sharing or dividing tasks in the production of crops, care of animals, and forestry management. In sub-Saharan Africa, for example, women contribute 60-80% of labor in food production for both household consumption and sale, while in Malaysia the women account for only 35% of the agricultural labor force, and in Ireland the participation rate is only 10.4%. Although women make this important amount of labor contributions to agricultural production, "development policies tend to favor export crops to earn foreign exchange and the agricultural research tends to address the improvement of production and technologies for commercial production". This results in limited access for women to technical knowledge and innovations, including irrigation, machinery, farming techniques and extension services. This is strengthened by the fact that most of the extension services target farmers who own land and can obtain credit to invest in input and technology.

MeSH terms: Agriculture*; Developing Countries*; Economics; Employment; Evaluation Studies as Topic*; Health Manpower; Health Services Needs and Demand*; Organization and Administration; Women*
Emergency cervical circlage for cervical incompetence

Arumugam K, Ratnavale M

J Obstet Gynaecol, 1997 Jan;17(1):49-50.
PMID: 15511765

Twelve patients had emergency cervical circlage for inevitable middle trimester abortion due to cervical incompetence. The mean gestation was 23 weeks (range 15-28 weeks). The median cervical dilatation was 3 cm. In three patients, the cervical dilatation was more than 5 cm. The median prolongation of pregnancy was 3.3 weeks (range 4 days to 10 weeks). Eight of the 14 babies survived. All babies that survived were more than 1000 g. Based on our experience, we advocate an active approach to inevitable middle trimester abortions due to cervical incompetence.
Dual detection of human herpesvirus-6 and human papillomavirus type 16 and 18 in cervical carcinoma

Yadav M, Padmanathan A, Arivananthan M

J Obstet Gynaecol, 1997 Jan;17(1):86-7.
PMID: 15511780

Introduction It is widely accepted that certain 'high risk' human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes, particularly HPV 16 and 18 are aetiological agents in the development of neoplasia of the uterine cervix. The long latent period between initial HPV infection and emergence of carcinoma suggests that HPV alone is insufficient for malignant transformation and additional factors are required for the progression of HPV infected cells to a neoplastic phenotype. Cells with integrated HPV express viral E6 and E7 oncoproteins which are crucial for immortalisation of epithelial cells via their action on host p53 protein. It is therefore of particular interest to elucidate the molecular mechanisms that alter the expression of E6/E7 proteins during HPV-associated tumorigenesis. Recently, human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6) has been shown to infect a HPV-immortalised cervical epithelial cell line and transactivate HPV 18 promoters, upregulating gene expression of E6 and E7 HPV oncoproteins (Chen et al., 1994; DiPaolo et al., 1994). HHV-6, first isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with AIDS and lymphoproliferative disorders, is the causative agent of exanthem subitum, heterophile-negative infectious mononucleosis and other febrile illnesses. HHV-6 has recently been detected in oral carcinomas (Yadav et al., 1994). HHV-6 also contains DNA sequences which can transform epithelial cells in culture.
A parallel processing VLSI BAM engine

Hasan SR, Siong NK

IEEE Trans Neural Netw, 1997;8(2):424-36.
PMID: 18255644

In this paper emerging parallel/distributed architectures are explored for the digital VLSI implementation of adaptive bidirectional associative memory (BAM) neural network. A single instruction stream many data stream (SIMD)-based parallel processing architecture, is developed for the adaptive BAM neural network, taking advantage of the inherent parallelism in BAM. This novel neural processor architecture is named the sliding feeder BAM array processor (SLiFBAM). The SLiFBAM processor can be viewed as a two-stroke neural processing engine, It has four operating modes: learn pattern, evaluate pattern, read weight, and write weight. Design of a SLiFBAM VLSI processor chip is also described. By using 2-mum scalable CMOS technology, a SLiFBAM processor chip with 4+4 neurons and eight modules of 256x5 bit local weight-storage SRAM, was integrated on a 6.9x7.4 mm(2) prototype die. The system architecture is highly flexible and modular, enabling the construction of larger BAM networks of up to 252 neurons using multiple SLiFBAM chips.
Genetic parameters for growth performance of the Malaysian local goats and their crossbreds with the German (improved) Fawn goats

Hirooka H, Mukherjee TK, Panandam JM, Horst P

J. Anim. Breed. Genet., 1997 Jan 12;114(1-6):191-9.
PMID: 21395815 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0388.1997.tb00505.x

Growth performance data of the local goats of Malaysia and their crossbreds with the German (Improved) Fawn goats were analysed using animal models with maternal effects, in order to estimate additive genetic and crossbreeding parameters. Two different genetic models, the Dickerson (1969, 1973) model and the Kinghorn (1980, 1983) model, were used to estimate crossbreeding parameters. Coefficients of additive breed, heterosis (dominance), and recombination (epistatic) loss were fitted in the animal models as covariates. In general, the individual breed effects for birth, 6-month, and 9-month weights, and maternal breed effects for traits until weaning, were significant, indicating large differences for growth performance between the German Fawn and the local breeds. Heterosis effects by the Dickerson model were small and non-significant, while dominance effects by the Kinghorn model, for some of traits, were large and significant. Highly significant individual recombination loss effects by the Dickerson model, and epistatic loss effects by the Kinghorn model, were obtained for birth and 9-month weights. The estimates of total heritability by an animal model incorporating maternal effects were moderate (0.18-0.35). The differences between heritabilities, estimated by different genetic models (the Dickerson model vs. the Kinghorn model), were small. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG: Genetische Parameter von Wachstumseigenschaften Malaysischer Lokalziegen und ihrer Kreuzung mit Deutscher Rehbrauner Ziege Die Daten wurden mittels Tiermodellen mit Maternalwirkung zur Schätzung additiv genetischer und Kreuzungsparameter analysiert. Zur Schätzung letzterer wurden Modelle von Dickerson (1969, 1973) und Kinghorn (1980, 1983) angewendet. Koeffizienten der additiven Rassenwirkungen, Heterosis (Dominanz) und Rekombinations-wirkungen wurden im Tiermodell als Kovarialbe berücksichtigt. Im allgemeinen waren individuelle Rassenwirkungen für Geburts-, 6- und 9-Monatsgewicht und maternale Rassenwirkungen für Merkmale während der Säugezeit signifikant, eine Folge großer Rassenunterschiede. Das Dickerson Modell führte zu geringen, nicht signifikanten Heterosiswirkungen, während beim Kinghorn Modell diese sich für mehrere Merkmale als groß und signifikant erwiesen haben. Hoch signifikante individuelle Rekombinationsverluste und epistatische Verluste ergaben sich bei beiden Modellen für Geburtsgewicht und 9 Monatsgewicht. Heritabilitätswerte waren mäßig hoch (0.18 bis 0.35), enthielten auch die maternalen Wirkungen und unterschieden sich zwischen beiden Modellen nur geringfügig.
Lead exposure among Malaysian school children using delta-aminolevulinic acid as an indicator

Ming LO, Surif S, Abdullah A

Sci Total Environ, 1997 Jan 30;193(3):207-13.
PMID: 9092077

A study on lead exposure among school children aged between 7 and 12 years from Kajang and Sepang in the state of Selangor, Malaysia was carried out using delta-aminolevulinic acid (delta-ALA) levels in the urine as an index. The delta-ALA levels in urine were linked to variables which could contribute to lead exposure. Out of 1628 school children studied [Kajang (43.5%) and Sepang (56.5%)], only 194 subjects (16 and 8.8% from Kajang and Sepang, respectively) had urinary delta-ALA levels between 0.6 and 2.0 mg/100 ml. However, chi 2 analysis demonstrated significant association between delta-ALA of this group to some of the variables. The strongest association was found in the habit of biting fingernails (P < 0.025). Other statistically significant correlations were found between delta-ALA and father's occupation (P < 0.05) and the amount of time spent playing in the field (P < 0.01). Generally, this study indicates that school children in Kajang and Sepang are still relatively safe from excessively high lead exposure. However, a more sensitive indicator, which is based on a lower tolerable lead limits, such as lead in blood, are necessary to affirm this finding.

MeSH terms: Aminolevulinic Acid/metabolism; Aminolevulinic Acid/urine*; Child; Environmental Exposure*; Ethnic Groups; Family Health; Female; Humans; Lead/analysis*; Lead/metabolism; Malaysia/epidemiology; Male; Nail Biting; Reference Values; Rural Health; Sex Factors; Time Factors; Urban Population/statistics & numerical data; Models, Statistical; Occupational Exposure
A study of Malaysian drug addicts with human immunodeficiency virus infection

Yoong KY, Cheong I

Int J STD AIDS, 1997 Feb;8(2):118-23.
PMID: 9061411

A cross-sectional study was undertaken to determine the clinical profile, haematological and biochemical changes, seroprevalence of common opportunistic pathogens, and AIDS-defining events in 49 Malaysian male drug addicts with HIV infection. Their mean age was 33.2 years, the majority had been injecting drugs for more than 5 years and 88% reporting sharing needles. Fatigue, weight loss and night sweats were common presenting symptoms and the most frequent physical findings were hepatomegaly (57%), lymphadenopathy (35%) and thrush (29%). Pulmonary infections were the commonest complications seen (61%) and of these, 13 had septic pulmonary emboli, 7 had bacterial pneumonias, 7 had pulmonary tuberculosis, and 4 had Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia. Eight patients had infective endocarditis and 5 had infected pseudoaneurysm in the groin. Anaemia (82%), leucocytosis (53%), hypoalbuminaemia (43%), hyperglobulinaemia (88%), elevated liver enzymes and hyponatraemia (57%) were frequent laboratory findings. The prevalence of HCV, HBV, cytomegalovirus and toxoplasma infection (by serology) were 100%, 12.2%, 72.7% and 59% respectively. All 7 patients with AIDS (4 P. carinii pneumonia, 2 extrapulmonary tuberculosis, and one oesophageal candidiasis) presented with their AIDS-defining illness, suggesting that HIV-infected intravenous drug user (IVDU) patients present late in the course of the disease.

MeSH terms: Adult; Anemia; Cross-Sectional Studies; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Malaysia; Male; Substance Abuse, Intravenous*; CD4-CD8 Ratio; CD4 Lymphocyte Count; Substance-Related Disorders
Robertsonian chromosomal variation in the house musk shrew (Suncus murinus, Insectivora:Soricidae) and the colonization history of the species

Rogatcheva MB, Borodin PM, Oda SI, Searle JB

Genome, 1997 Feb;40(1):18-24.
PMID: 9061910

A high-resolution G-banding technique was used to identify five metacentrics that characterize Suncus murinus from Sri Lanka. These metacentrics were shown to be the product of Robertsonian fusion of acrocentric chromosomes identical to those in the standard karyotype defined by M.B. Rogatcheva et al. Two of the metacentrics in the Sri Lankan shrews (Rb(10.12) and Rb(14.15)) were the same as those reported by C.H. Sam et al. in Malayan populations of S. murinus. This finding provides strong support for the suggestion of T.H. Yosida that metacentric-carrying shrews colonized Malaya from Sri Lanka and hybridized with individuals of standard karyotype, generating the Robertsonian polymorphism now observed. In addition to the Robertsonian variation in S. murinus, we have used our high resolution technique (G- and C-banding) to characterize variants on chromosome 7, the X chromosome, and the Y chromosome.

MeSH terms: Animals; Chromosome Banding; Female; Karyotyping; Male; Shrews/genetics*; Translocation, Genetic*; Genetic Variation*
A high-performance liquid chromatography analysis of plasma artemisinin using a glassy carbon electrode for reductive electrochemical detection

Chan KL, Yuen KH, Jinadasa S, Peh KK, Toh WT

Planta Med, 1997 Feb;63(1):66-9.
PMID: 9063097

A high-performance liquid chromatography assay equipped with a glassy carbon electrode for electrochemical detection (HPLC-ECD) was developed at reductive mode for the analysis of artemisinin, the antimalarial drug from Artemisia annua (Asteraceae) in human plasma. This method was selective, sensitive, and produced satisfactory recovery, precision, and accuracy. Analysis of plasma samples from 8 male volunteers given 10 mg kg-1 of artemisinin orally as an aqueous suspension showed a mean peak plasma concentration (Cmax) of 580.89 ng ml-1 +/- 88.64 SD at 2.5 h +/- 0.5 SD after dosing, and the mean area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC0-infinity) was 2227.57 ng h ml-1 +/- 677.22 SD. In addition, the elimination rate constant (Ke), elimination half-life (t1/2), and apparent volume of distribution (Vd) were calculated to be 0.2971 h-1 +/- 0.0644 SD, 2.42 h +/- 0.46 SD, and 16.26 l kg-1 +/- 3.44 SD, respectively.

MeSH terms: Adult; Antimalarials/blood*; Antimalarials/pharmacokinetics; Carbon; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid/methods*; Electrochemistry; Electrodes; Humans; Male; Sesquiterpenes/blood*; Sesquiterpenes/pharmacokinetics; Reproducibility of Results; Artemisinins*
Cytotoxicity and electron microscopy of cell death induced by goniothalamin

Ali AM, Mackeen MM, Hamid M, Aun QB, Zauyah Y, Azimahtol HL, et al.

Planta Med, 1997 Feb;63(1):81-3.
PMID: 9063100

The cytotoxicity of goniothalamin was found to be strong towards both cancerous (HGC-27, MCF-7, PANC-1, HeLa), and non-cancerous (3T3) cell lines, especially in cases of dividing cells. Drug exposure studies indicated that the cytotoxic action of goniothalamin was time- and dose-dependent. At the ultrastructural level, goniothalamin-induced cytotoxicity revealed a necrotic mode of cell death towards MCF-7 cells.

MeSH terms: Animals; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic/pharmacology*; Humans; Microscopy, Electron; Pyrones/pharmacology*; Tumor Cells, Cultured; 3T3 Cells; Cell Death/drug effects*; Mice
A national study of risk factors associated with mortality in very low birthweight infants in the Malaysian neonatal intensive care units. Malaysian Very Low Birth Weight Study Group

J Paediatr Child Health, 1997 Feb;33(1):18-25.
PMID: 9069039

OBJECTIVE: To determine the risk factors associated with mortality in very low birthweight (VLBW) infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care units (NIUC) in Malaysia.
METHOD: A prospective observational study of outcome of all VLBW infants born between 1 January 1993 and 30 June 1993 and admitted to the NICU.
RESULTS: Data of 868 VLBW neonates from 18 centres in Malaysia were collected. Their mean birthweight was 1223 g (95% confidence intervals: 1208-1238 g). Thirty-seven point four per cent (325/868) of these infants died before discharge. After exclusion of all infants with congenital anomalies (n = 66, and nine of them also had incomplete records) and incomplete records (n = 82), stepwise logistic regression analysis of the remaining 720 infants showed that the risk factors that were significantly associated with increased mortality before discharge were: delivery in district hospitals, Chinese race, lower birthweight, lower gestation age, persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn, pulmonary airleak, necrotizing enterocolitis of stage 2 or 3, confirmed sepsis, hypotension, hypothermia, acute renal failure, intermittent positive pressure ventilation, and umbilical arterial catheterization. Factors that were significantly associated with lower risk of mortality were: use of antenatal steroid, oxygen therapy, surfactant therapy and blood transfusion.
CONCLUSION: The mortality of VLBW infants admitted to the Malaysian NICU was high and was also associated with a number of preventable risk factors.

MeSH terms: Analysis of Variance; Cause of Death; Humans; Infant Mortality*; Infant, Newborn; Intensive Care Units, Neonatal*; Malaysia/epidemiology; Prospective Studies; Risk Factors; Logistic Models; Hospital Mortality; Infant, Very Low Birth Weight*
Haematological remission induced by donor leukocytes infusion in a case of Philadelphia positive acute lymphoblastic leukaemia relapsing after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation

Saw MH, Teh A, Wong HC, Bosco J

Int J Hematol, 1997 Feb;65(2):173-8.
PMID: 9071823
MeSH terms: Adolescent; Female; Humans; Recurrence; Transplantation, Homologous; Bone Marrow Transplantation*; Leukocyte Transfusion*; Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma/pathology; Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma/therapy*
Motives for intergenerational transfers: evidence from Malaysia

Lillard LA, Willis RJ

Demography, 1997 Feb;34(1):115-34.
PMID: 9074835

In this paper we discuss a number of hypotheses about motives for intergenerational transfers within the family. We use data on time and money transfers between generations in Malaysia, where there is neither Social Security nor Medicare, to explore these hypotheses empirically. We find evidence supporting the hypotheses that children are an important source of old age security and that old age security is, in part, children's repayment for parental investments in their education. This repayment is partly a function of the children's income and, in the case of females, a function of their spouse's income. We also find evidence supporting the hypotheses that parents and children engage in the exchange of time help for money.

MeSH terms: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Education/economics*; Family/psychology*; Female; Humans; Income*; Malaysia; Male; Marriage; Middle Aged; Motivation*; Surveys and Questionnaires; Sex Factors; Social Support; Time Factors; Intergenerational Relations*; Models, Econometric*
Risk factors for developing neonatal septicaemia at a Malaysian hospital

Wong NA, Hunt LP, Marlow N

J Trop Pediatr, 1997 02;43(1):54-8.
PMID: 9078832 DOI: 10.1093/tropej/43.1.54

A case-control study of antecedents of neonatal septicaemia was performed using 50 cases of neonatal septicaemia and 73 comparison infants from a Malaysian hospital nursery. Multivariate analysis indicated the following independent risk factors: maternal primiparity, pre-eclampsia, prolonged rupture of membranes, twin pregnancy, prematurity, assisted ventilation, umbilical catheterization, and formula feeding. Although the spectrum of causative organisms varied between our study and past studies from Western countries, the risk factors for developing neonatal septicaemia were strikingly similar. Therefore, preventative guidelines based on risk factors described in Western countries, should help reduce the incidence of neonatal septicaemia at this Malaysian hospital.

MeSH terms: Female; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Malaysia/epidemiology; Male; Nurseries, Hospital*; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; Risk Factors; Multivariate Analysis; Chi-Square Distribution; Logistic Models; Odds Ratio; Case-Control Studies; Sepsis/etiology*; Sepsis/epidemiology
Genotypes of Japanese encephalitis virus isolated in three states in Malaysia

Tsuchie H, Oda K, Vythilingam I, Thayan R, Vijayamalar B, Sinniah M, et al.

Am J Trop Med Hyg, 1997 Feb;56(2):153-8.
PMID: 9080873

Two hundred forty nucleotides from the pre-membrane gene region of 12 Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) strains isolated from three different regions of Malaysia from 1993 to 1994 were sequenced and compared with each other and with the JEV strains from different geographic areas in Asia. These 12 Malaysian isolates were classified into two genotypes. The four JEV strains isolated from Sarawak in 1994 and the four JEV strains isolated from Sepang, Selangor in 1993 were classified into one genotype that included earlier isolated strains from Malaysia (JE-827 from Sarawak in 1968 and WTP/70/22 from Kuala Lumpur in 1970). The four JEV strains from Ipoh, Perak in 1994 were classified into another genotype that included JEV strains isolated from northern Thailand and Cambodia. In an earlier report, 10 JEV strains from Sabak Bernam, Selangor in 1992 were classified into the largest genotype that included strains isolated in temperate regions such as Japan, China, and Taiwan. The data indicate that at least three genotypes of JEV have been circulating in Malaysia.

MeSH terms: Amino Acid Sequence; Animals; Base Sequence; DNA, Viral/chemistry*; Encephalitis Virus, Japanese/classification; Encephalitis Virus, Japanese/genetics*; Genotype; Humans; Insect Vectors/virology; Malaysia; Molecular Sequence Data; Culicidae/virology; RNA, Viral/genetics*; Swine; Sequence Analysis, DNA; DNA Primers/chemistry
Incidence of postnatal depression in Malaysian women

Kit LK, Janet G, Jegasothy R

J Obstet Gynaecol Res, 1997 Feb;23(1):85-9.
PMID: 9094824

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence of postnatal depression of Malaysias women at 6 week postpartum and a survey of their sociocultural practices.
METHODS: A hundred and fifty-four women who were 6 weeks postpartum attending the postnatal clinic between May and July 1995 at Maternal and Child Health Clinic, Seremban, Malaysia. Maternal socio-demography, depression by Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), postnatal care and practices e.g. pantang larang (prohibited behaviour and practices), diet and partnering were evaluated.
RESULTS: Postnatal depression was 3.9%. Indians had the highest rate at 8.5% as compared to Malays (3.0%) and none in Chinese (p < 0.05). There were no demographic differences in the study groups. Average score of EPDS was 4.05 which ranged from 0 to 20. During the confinement 85.7% of women took special diet; 64.3% followed pantang larang and 78.8% had someone to look after them. The incidence of postnatal depression is low in Malaysia at 3.9%. Majority of Malaysian women still observed the traditional postnatal beliefs and practices.

MeSH terms: Adult; China/ethnology; Data Collection; Female; Humans; India/ethnology; Malaysia/epidemiology; Socioeconomic Factors; Incidence; Depression, Postpartum/epidemiology*; Postpartum Period/psychology*
Asia. Vancouver Conference Review

Brown T

AIDS Care, 1997 Feb;9(1):43-9.
PMID: 9155914
MeSH terms: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/epidemiology; Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/prevention & control; Adult; Asia/epidemiology; Disease Outbreaks; Female; Humans; Male; Preventive Health Services; Sexual Behavior; HIV Infections/epidemiology*; HIV Infections/prevention & control; Prevalence; Risk Assessment
Therapeutic drug monitoring of gentamicin: a 6-year follow-up audit

Ismail R, Haq AH, Azman M, Rahman AF

J Clin Pharm Ther, 1997 Feb;22(1):21-5.
PMID: 9292398

In 1984 a therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) service was established in Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM) and gentamicin concentrations were measured and used to design optimal regimens for the antibiotic. In this study we report on a 6-year follow-up audit since our first assessment of the service.

MeSH terms: Adult; Aged; Anti-Bacterial Agents/administration & dosage; Anti-Bacterial Agents/adverse effects; Anti-Bacterial Agents/blood; Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use*; Creatinine/blood; Follow-Up Studies; Gentamicins/administration & dosage; Gentamicins/adverse effects; Gentamicins/blood; Gentamicins/therapeutic use*; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Injections, Intravenous; Middle Aged; Drug Monitoring*
The dental identification of victims of an aircraft accident in Malaysia

Nambiar P, Jalil N, Singh B

Int Dent J, 1997 Feb;47(1):9-15.
PMID: 9448783

On 15 September 1995 a Malaysian Airlines (MAS) Fokker 50 plane plunged while descending and crashed, killing thirty-four passengers aboard. The dental disaster victim identification team comprising dental surgeons from the Dental faculty, University of Malaya; Ministry of Health, Sabah; and the Malaysian Defence Forces played an active role in the identification process. Most of the bodies were badly mutilated, disfigured and severely incinerated. Problems were encountered due to inadequate facilities and space at the mortuary. Difficulties were also encountered during the procurement and deciphering of information from dental records. This disaster has however created greater awareness amongst Malaysians of the important role of forensic odontology in mass disasters.

MeSH terms: Accidents, Aviation*; Adolescent; Adult; Dental Records; Dentition; Dermatoglyphics; Disasters*; DNA/analysis; Family; Female; Forms and Records Control; Hospitals, Rural; Humans; Malaysia; Male; Medical Records; Radiography, Dental; Forensic Anthropology
Conjugal transfer of plasmids and antibiotic resistance among Escherichia coli isolated from animals in a rural area in Sarawak (Malaysia)

Son R, Rusu G, Karim MI

J Appl Microbiol, 1997 Feb;82(2):240-4.
PMID: 12452600

Thirty-six strains of Escherichia coli isolated from animals in Bario, a remote area in Sarawak, Malaysia, were examined for presence of plasmid DNA and their susceptibility to nine antimicrobial agents. Of the total 36 isolates, five bovine and six canine isolates were found to contain plasmid DNA ranging in sizes from 2.6 to 70 kilobases. All were susceptible to chloramphenicol, erythromycin, gentamicin, nalidixic acid and neomycin but resistance to ampicillin (47%), erythromycin (19%), streptomycin (25%) and tetracycline (11%) was observed. Resistance was associated with carriage of a 47 kb (SC98), 70 kb, (SC133) and 56 and 4.6 kb (SC119) plasmids which were transmissible to the Escherichia coli K12 recipient. It is concluded that animals form a potential reservoir of R plasmids carrying E. coli in the study area.

MeSH terms: Animals; Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology*; Conjugation, Genetic*; Drug Resistance, Microbial/genetics; Erythromycin/pharmacology; Escherichia coli/drug effects*; Escherichia coli/genetics*; Malaysia; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Plasmids/drug effects; Plasmids/genetics*; Streptomycin/pharmacology

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