Trigona thoracica propolis is known to have antimicrobial properties, however its antileptospiral properties and its synergistic effects with commonly prescribed antibiotics are scarcely documented. This study aimed to evaluate the antileptospiral properties of Trigona thoracica against pathogenic Leptospira species (spp.) and to study its synergistic effects with commonly prescribed antibiotics. Materials and Methods: The tested Leptospira serovars were Australis, Bataviae, Canicola and Javanica.Aqueous extract propolis (AEP) and ethanolic extracts propolis (EEP) were used. Broth dilution methods were used to determine the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC), Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) and the synergistic effects between the propolis and the tested antibiotics. The synergistic effects was evaluated by using the fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) index. Morphological changes of the treated Leptospira were observed under a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Results: The AEP and EEP were found to have antileptospiral properties against the tested Leptospiraspp. The synergy result showed that only combination of AEP and penicillin G against serovar Australis has demonstrated synergistic effect with the FIC index of 0.38. Morphological study using SEM showed significant structural changes of the treated Leptospira spp. Conclusions: The result suggests that Trigona thoracicapropolis could potentially be used as either a complimentary or an alternative therapeutic agent against pathogenic Leptospiraspp.
Malaysia is one of the developing countries that are facing an increase population
with an increasing and significant generation of waste. Environmental problems may
arise when the solid waste management is improper. The rate of generation is
increasing and the composition is also changing as the nation becomes more
urbanized and industrialized. The objective of this study is to present the data of
municipal solid waste (MSW) generated in Taman Universiti, Skudai, Johor Bahru,
Malaysia. The composition of MSW was studied by segregating it into different
components such as food waste, paper, glass, plastics, metal and tin aluminums. It
was observed that Taman Universiti area produced around 40% plastics waste which
was the highest component compared to other waste, followed by food waste and
papers with 38.2% and 21% respectively. Meanwhile, food waste was recorded the
highest moisture content with 38.2% while glass had the lowest moisture content
with 0.4%. The reliable estimate of MSW generated is important for proper waste
management planning. These data could enhance in implementation of waste
management system in that area.