Displaying publications 121 - 140 of 183 in total

Abstract:
Sort:
  1. Analysis of human infectious avian influenza virus: hemagglutinin genetic characteristics in Asia and Africa from 2004 to 2009
    Zhang J, Lei F
    Integr Zool, 2010 Sep;5(3):264-71.
    PMID: 21392344 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-4877.2010.00212.x
    In the present study, we used nucleotide and protein sequences of avian influenza virus H5N1, which were obtained in Asia and Africa, analyzed HA proteins using ClustalX1.83 and MEGA4.0, and built a genetic evolutionary tree of HA nucleotides. The analysis revealed that the receptor specificity amino acid of A/HK/213/2003, A/Turkey/65596/2006 and etc mutated into QNG, which could bind with á-2, 3 galactose and á-2, 6 galactose. A mutation might thus take place and lead to an outbreak of human infections of avian influenza virus. The mutations of HA protein amino acids from 2004 to 2009 coincided with human infections provided by the World Health Organization, indicating a "low-high-highest-high-low" pattern. We also found out that virus strains in Asia are from different origins: strains from Southeast Asia and East Asia are of the same origin, whereas those from West Asia, South Asia and Africa descend from one ancestor. The composition of the phylogenetic tree and mutations of key site amino acids in HA proteins reflected the fact that the majority of strains are regional and long term, and virus diffusions exist between China, Laos, Malaysia, Indonesia, Azerbaijan, Turkey and Iraq. We would advise that pertinent vaccines be developed and due attention be paid to the spread of viruses between neighboring countries and the dangers of virus mutation and evolution.
    Matched MeSH terms: Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype/genetics*
  2. Behavioral responses to the influenza A(H1N1) outbreak in Malaysia
    Wong LP, Sam IC
    J Behav Med, 2011 Feb;34(1):23-31.
    PMID: 20680674 DOI: 10.1007/s10865-010-9283-7
    In the setting of the new A(H1N1) outbreak, the study was conducted to assess: (1) fear of the A(H1N1) pandemic; (2) risk avoidance behavior; (3) health-protective behavior; and (4) psychosocial impact in the ethnically diverse population of Malaysia. A cross-sectional, computer-assisted telephone interview was conducted between July 11 and September 12, 2009. A total of 1,050 respondents were interviewed. Fear about the pandemic was high, with 73.2% of respondents reporting themselves as Slightly fearful/Fearful. High risk avoidance and health protective behavior were reported, with 78.0 and 99.0% reporting at least one avoidance and protective behavior respectively. Knowledge was a significant predictor for practice of healthprotective behavior across the three ethnic groups. Level of fear was significantly correlated with number of protective and avoidance behaviors. The study highlights the need for provision of accurate information that increases risk avoidance and health protective behaviors, while at the same time decreases fear or panic in the general public.
    Matched MeSH terms: Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype*
  3. Temporal changes in psychobehavioral responses during the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic
    Wong LP, Sam IC
    Prev Med, 2010 Jul;51(1):92-3.
    PMID: 20403375 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2010.04.010
    This paper aimed to examine the temporal changes in psychobehavioral responses in relation to reported 2009 H1N1 influenza deaths.
    Matched MeSH terms: Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype*
  4. Knowledge and attitudes in regard to pandemic influenza A(H1N1) in a multiethnic community of Malaysia
    Wong LP, Sam IC
    Int J Behav Med, 2011 Jun;18(2):112-21.
    PMID: 20835855 DOI: 10.1007/s12529-010-9114-9
    BACKGROUND: Assessment of general public's knowledge and attitudes toward the development and prevention of new disease outbreaks is imperative because they have profound effects on health behaviors and may contribute to the control of the epidemic.
    PURPOSE: To investigate the level of knowledge and attitudes towards the influenza A(H1N1) outbreak across various ethnic groups and socio-demographic backgrounds in Malaysia.
    METHOD: A cross-sectional, population-based, computer-assisted telephone interview exploring knowledge and attitudes regarding influenza A(H1N1) was conducted in Malaysia. Between July 11 and September 12, 2009, a total of 1,050 respondents were interviewed (response rate 69.3%).
    RESULTS: The mean total knowledge score for the overall sample was 7.30 (SD ± 1.961) out of a possible score of 13 (Chinese had the highest scores, followed by Indians, then Malays). Some erroneous beliefs about the modes of transmission were identified. The majority of the participants (73.8%) perceived the A(H1N1) infection as often deadly. Despite the overestimation of the severity of A(H1N1) infection, high confidence in preventing infection and low perceived susceptibility of infection were reported. Influenza A(H1N1)-related stigma was prevalent and exhibited differences across ethnic groups.
    CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that provision of education and clear information are essential to correct the misconceptions, and increase perceived susceptibility to infection so that the general public will take precautions against A(H1N1) infection.
    Matched MeSH terms: Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype/immunology
  5. Preventive behaviours towards influenza A(H1N1) and factors associated with the intention to take influenza A(H1N1) vaccination
    Naing C, Tan RY, Soon WC, Parakh J, Sanggi SS
    J Infect Public Health, 2012 Dec;5(6):412-9.
    PMID: 23287612 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2012.07.005
    PURPOSE: (i) To determine knowledge of, and self-protecting preventive behaviours towards influenza A(H1N1) and (ii) to identify the factors influencing intention to take influenza A(H1N1) vaccination among the study population.
    MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a cross-sectional survey carried out in Mantin Town, a semi-urban area of Malaysia. A structured questionnaire consisted of sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge of pandemic influenza symptoms, mode of transmission, self-protecting preventive behaviours, and intention to receive the influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 vaccine was used for face-to-face interviews with the household members.
    RESULTS: Of 230 who heard about pandemic influenza A(H1N1), 86% had misconception about mode of transmission of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09, and 52% had sufficient self-protecting behaviours. A majority (58.3%; 134/230) had intended to receive the vaccine. In the multivariate analysis, the intention to get vaccinated was significantly higher among 'those who trusted in efficacy of vaccine for prevention of influenza A(H1N1)' (p<0.001), 'those who were equipped with higher education level' (p=0.015) and 'those who worry about themselves contracting illness' (p=0.008).
    CONCLUSIONS: Our findings highlight the need to scale up the community's knowledge regarding influenza A(H1N1). Recognizing the factors affecting the acceptance of vaccination documented in this study will allow decision makers to devise effective and efficient vaccination strategies.
    Matched MeSH terms: Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype*
  6. [How dangerous is avian flu for mankind?]
    Allwinn R, Doerr HW
    Med. Klin. (Munich), 2005 Nov 15;100(11):710-3.
    PMID: 16328178
    Avian influenza, an infectious disease of birds, is caused by type A strain of the influenza virus. The disease, which was first identified in Italy more than 100 years ago, occurs worldwide. Avian influenza viruses are mainly distributed by migratory birds. Various animals like birds, pigs, horses, sea mammals and, finally, humans are susceptible to influenza A viruses. The high possibility of genomic changes like gene shift and drift are caused by the segmented RNA genome.
    Matched MeSH terms: Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype*
  7. Fulltext A returning migrant worker with avian influenza A (H7N9) virus infection in Guizhou, China: a case report
    Wang D, Tang G, Huang Y, Yu C, Li S, Zhuang L, et al.
    J Med Case Rep, 2015;9:109.
    PMID: 25962780 DOI: 10.1186/s13256-015-0580-1
    Human infection with avian influenza A (H7N9) virus was first reported on March, 2013 in the Yangtze River Delta region of China. The majority of human cases were detected in mainland China; other regions out of mainland China reported imported human cases, including Hong Kong SAR, Taiwan (the Republic of China) and Malaysia, due to human transportation. Here, we report the first human case of H7N9 infection imported into Guizhou Province during the Spring Festival travel season in January 2014.
    Matched MeSH terms: Influenza A Virus, H7N9 Subtype/genetics*
  8. A case-control study of influenza vaccine effectiveness among Malaysian pilgrims attending the Haj in Saudi Arabia
    Mustafa AN, Gessner BD, Ismail R, Yusoff AF, Abdullah N, Ishak I, et al.
    Int J Infect Dis, 2003 Sep;7(3):210-4.
    PMID: 14563225
    To determine influenza vaccine effectiveness against clinically defined influenza-like illness among Malaysian pilgrims attending the Haj in Saudi Arabia.
    Matched MeSH terms: Influenza A virus/immunology
  9. Fulltext Influenza in Malaysian adult patients hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia, acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or asthma: a multicenter, active surveillance study
    Pang YK, Ismail AI, Chan YF, Cheong A, Chong YM, Doshi P, et al.
    BMC Infect Dis, 2021 Jul 05;21(1):644.
    PMID: 34225647 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-021-06360-9
    BACKGROUND: Available data on influenza burden across Southeast Asia are largely limited to pediatric populations, with inconsistent findings.

    METHODS: We conducted a multicenter, hospital-based active surveillance study of adults in Malaysia with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) and acute exacerbation of asthma (AEBA), who had influenza-like illness ≤10 days before hospitalization. We estimated the rate of laboratory-confirmed influenza and associated complications over 13 months (July 2018-August 2019) and described the distribution of causative influenza strains. We evaluated predictors of laboratory-confirmed influenza and severe clinical outcomes using multivariate analysis.

    RESULTS: Of 1106 included patients, 114 (10.3%) were influenza-positive; most were influenza A (85.1%), with A/H1N1pdm09 being the predominant circulating strain during the study following a shift from A/H3N2 from January-February 2019 onwards. In multivariate analyses, an absence of comorbidities (none versus any comorbidity [OR (95%CI), 0.565 (0.329-0.970)], p = 0.038) and of dyspnea (0.544 (0.341-0.868)], p = 0.011) were associated with increased risk of influenza positivity. Overall, 184/1106 (16.6%) patients were admitted to intensive care or high-dependency units (ICU/HDU) (13.2% were influenza positive) and 26/1106 (2.4%) died (2.6% were influenza positive). Males were more likely to have a severe outcome (ICU/HDU admission or death).

    CONCLUSIONS: Influenza was a significant contributor to hospitalizations associated with CAP, AECOPD and AEBA. However, it was not associated with ICU/HDU admission in this population. Study registration, NMRR ID: NMRR-17-889-35,174.

    Matched MeSH terms: Influenza A Virus, H3N2 Subtype*
  10. Fulltext Molecular cloning of full-length haemagglutinin (H5HA) gene of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAI) H5N1
    Mustapha Bala Abubakar, Aini Ideris, AbdulRahman Omar, Mohd Hair Bejo
    Buletin Persatuan Genetik Malaysia, 2009;15(1):20-23.
    MyJurnal
    Avian Influenza viruses belonging to the Orthomyxoviridae family are enveloped viruses with segmented negative sense RNA genome surrounded by a helical symmetry capsid. Influenza viruses, especially the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAI) such as H5 or H7 subtype are the most important pathogens for the poultry industry in recent times. The haemagglutinin protein and neuraminidase, serves as the target for the immune response of the host. Due to recurrent genetic reassortments between avian and human influenza viruses, global pandemics may emerge and the naive human immunity could not withstand pressure by the novel hybrid virus. The emergence of genetic engineering technology provided the industry with new methods of manufacturing diagnostics tools and vaccines. After extraction of RNA from the cell culture of strain influenza A/Chicken/Malaysia/2004(H5N1) of AIV, the viral RNA was converted to cDNA by a specific primer. The cDNA was amplified by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and analyzed
    by agarose gel electrophoresis. The intact PCR product of full length haemagglutinin gene was cloned in TO POTM TA Cloning vector. The full-length HA-encoding gene of H5N1 AIV was subcloned into a pPICZA vector. After successful ligation, the constructed plasmid was transformed into E.coli.Top10, Plasmid DNA from transformed bacteria was extracted in white colony and positive clones were confirmed by restriction digestion with Sacl and Not1 restriction enzymes, colony PCR screening and nucleotide sequencing. Construction of a recombinant pPICZA/H5HA plasmid containing the full length haemagglutinin gene was achieved as a first step
    towards the expression in Pichia pastoris.
    Matched MeSH terms: Influenza A virus; Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype
  11. Molecular docking, synthesis, and biological evaluation of naphthoquinone as potential novel scaffold for H5N1 neuraminidase inhibition
    Sharma G, Vasanth Kumar S, Wahab HA
    J Biomol Struct Dyn, 2018 01;36(1):233-242.
    PMID: 28013578 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2016.1274271
    A series of dimeric naphthoquinones containing natural 2-hydroxy-1-4-naphthoquinone moiety was designed, synthesized, and evaluated against neuraminidase of H5N1 virus. p-hydroxy derivatives showed higher inhibition when compared to p-halogenated compounds. Molecular docking studies conducted with H5N1 neuraminidase clearly demonstrated different binding modes of the most active compound onto the open and closed conformations of loop 150. The results thus provide not only evidences of a novel scaffold evaluated as inhibitor, but also a rational explanation involving molecular modeling and the role of loop 150 in the binding.
    Matched MeSH terms: Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype/enzymology*
  12. Antiviral activities of Cholistani plants against common poultry viruses
    Shahzad MI, Anwar S, Ashraf H, Manzoor A, Naseer M, Rani U, et al.
    Trop Biomed, 2020 Dec 01;37(4):1129-1140.
    PMID: 33612765 DOI: 10.47665/tb.37.4.1129
    Herbal medicines are becoming more popular and acceptable day by day due to their effectiveness, limited side effects, and cost-effectiveness. Cholistani plants are reported as a rich source of antibacterial, antifungal, antiprotozoal, antioxidant, and anticancer agents. The current study has evaluated antiviral potential of selected Cholistani plants. The whole plants were collected, ground and used in extract formation with n-hexane, ethyl acetate and n-butanol. All the extracts were concentrated by using a rotary evaporator and concentrate was finally dissolved in an appropriate vol of the same solvent. All of the extracts were tested for their antiviral potential by using 9-11 days old chick embryonated eggs. Each extract was tested against the Avian Influenza virus H9N2 strain (AIV), New Castle Disease virus Lasoota strain (NDV), Infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) and an Infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV). Hemagglutination test (HA) and Indirect Hemagglutination (IHA) tests were performed for different viruses. The overall order of the antiviral potential of Cholistani plants against viruses was NDV>IBV>IBDV>AIV. In terms of antiviral activity from extracts, the order of activity was n-butanol>ethyl acetate>n-hexane. The medicinal plants Achyranthes aspera, Neuroda procumbens, Panicum antidotale, Ochthochloa compressa and Suaeda fruticose were very effective against all four poultry viruses through their extracts. The low IC50 values of these extracts confirm the high antiviral potential against these viruses. It is worth to mention that Achyranthes aspera was found positive against IBDV through all its extracts which overcome the problem of unavailability of any known drug against IBDV. In short, the study proved that Cholistani plants are rich source of antiviral agent and their extracts can be used as good source of antiviral drugs both in crude and in purified form.
    Matched MeSH terms: Influenza A Virus, H9N2 Subtype/drug effects*
  13. QSAR model for predicting neuraminidase inhibitors of influenza A viruses (H1N1) based on adaptive grasshopper optimization algorithm
    Algamal ZY, Qasim MK, Lee MH, Ali HTM
    SAR QSAR Environ Res, 2020 Nov;31(11):803-814.
    PMID: 32938208 DOI: 10.1080/1062936X.2020.1818616
    High-dimensionality is one of the major problems which affect the quality of the quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) modelling. Obtaining a reliable QSAR model with few descriptors is an essential procedure in chemometrics. The binary grasshopper optimization algorithm (BGOA) is a new meta-heuristic optimization algorithm, which has been used successfully to perform feature selection. In this paper, four new transfer functions were adapted to improve the exploration and exploitation capability of the BGOA in QSAR modelling of influenza A viruses (H1N1). The QSAR model with these new quadratic transfer functions was internally and externally validated based on MSEtrain, Y-randomization test, MSEtest, and the applicability domain (AD). The validation results indicate that the model is robust and not due to chance correlation. In addition, the results indicate that the descriptor selection and prediction performance of the QSAR model for training dataset outperform the other S-shaped and V-shaped transfer functions. QSAR model using quadratic transfer function shows the lowest MSEtrain. For the test dataset, proposed QSAR model shows lower value of MSEtest compared with the other methods, indicating its higher predictive ability. In conclusion, the results reveal that the proposed QSAR model is an efficient approach for modelling high-dimensional QSAR models and it is useful for the estimation of IC50 values of neuraminidase inhibitors that have not been experimentally tested.
    Matched MeSH terms: Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype/enzymology*
  14. Fulltext Interferon Regulatory Factors IRF1 and IRF7 Directly Regulate Gene Expression in Bats in Response to Viral Infection
    Irving AT, Zhang Q, Kong PS, Luko K, Rozario P, Wen M, et al.
    Cell Rep, 2020 11 03;33(5):108345.
    PMID: 33147460 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.108345
    Bat cells and tissue have elevated basal expression levels of antiviral genes commonly associated with interferon alpha (IFNα) signaling. Here, we show Interferon Regulatory Factor 1 (IRF1), 3, and 7 levels are elevated in most bat tissues and that, basally, IRFs contribute to the expression of type I IFN ligands and high expression of interferon regulated genes (IRGs). CRISPR knockout (KO) of IRF 1/3/7 in cells reveals distinct subsets of genes affected by each IRF in an IFN-ligand signaling-dependent and largely independent manner. As the master regulators of innate immunity, the IRFs control the kinetics and maintenance of the IRG response and play essential roles in response to influenza A virus (IAV), herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1), Melaka virus/Pteropine orthoreovirus 3 Melaka (PRV3M), and Middle East respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection. With its differential expression in bats compared to that in humans, this highlights a critical role for basal IRF expression in viral responses and potentially immune cell development in bats with relevance for IRF function in human biology.
    Matched MeSH terms: Influenza A virus/immunology
  15. Prevalence of avian influenza (H9N2) in commercial quail, partridge, and turkey farms in Iran, 2014-2015
    Mehrabadi MHF, Bahonar A, Mirzaei K, Molouki A, Ghalyanchilangeroudi A, Ghafouri SA, et al.
    Trop Anim Health Prod, 2018 Mar;50(3):677-682.
    PMID: 29027604 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-017-1438-x
    Avian influenza virus (AIV) H9N2 subtype is endemic in Iran and causes substantial economic loss to the growing poultry industry within the country. In this study, a cross-sectional analysis was carried out to determine the sero-prevalence of H9N2 in several commercial farms between the years 2014 and 2015. The comparison of the mean of serum titers and the ratio of sero-positive birds between all units were analyzed using one-way ANOVA test. In 2014, a total of 77 farms (58 turkey farms, 14 quail farms, and 5 partridge farms) and 894 birds (682 turkeys, 154 quails, and 58 partridges) were sampled while in 2015, a total of 69 farms (54 turkey farms, 8 quail farms, and 7 partridge farms) and 856 birds (675 turkeys, 105 quails, and 76 partridges) were sampled. Of that, 52 of 77 sampled farms (67.5%) and 437 of 894 samples (48.9%) were positive for H9N2 in 2014 while. Forty-one of 69 farms (59.4%) and 307 of 856 sera (35.9%) were positive in 2015. Furthermore, the mean titer of partridge farms was significantly lower than that of turkey farms (p  0.05). Our results indicated that H9N2 is circulating in these farms. Since many more such farms are being established for operations, in addition to the threat of emergence and continuous reemergence of the disease in these farms, enhanced veterinary biosecurity measures on farms are required for mitigation.
    Matched MeSH terms: Influenza A Virus, H9N2 Subtype*
  16. Influenza A virus neuraminidase protein interacts with Hsp90, to stabilize itself and enhance cell survival
    Kumar P, Gaur P, Kumari R, Lal SK
    J Cell Biochem, 2019 04;120(4):6449-6458.
    PMID: 30335904 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.27935
    Neuraminidase protein (NA) of influenza A virus (IAV) is popularly known for its sialidase function to assist in the release of progeny virus. However, involvement of NA in other stages of the IAV life cycle also indicates its multifunctional nature and necessity to interact with other host proteins. Here, we report a host protein-heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90), as a novel interacting partner of IAV NA. A classical yeast two-hybrid screen was conducted to identify a new host interacting partner for NA and the interaction was further validated by coimmunoprecipitation from cells, transiently expressing both proteins and also from IAV-infected cells. Confocal imaging showed that both proteins colocalized in the cytoplasm in transfected host cells. Interestingly, increased levels of NA in the presence of Hsp90 was observed, which tends to decrease if adenosine triphosphatase activity of Hsp90 is inhibited using 17-N-allylamino-17-demethoxygeldanamycin (17AAG). This establishes viral NA as a client protein of host chaperone Hsp90 contributing toward NA's stability via the NA-Hsp90 interaction. This is the first report showing the interaction of NA with Hsp90 and its role in stabilizing viral NA thus preventing it from degradation. Enhanced cell survival in the presence of this interaction was also observed, thus suggesting the requirement of stable viral NA, post-IAV infection, for efficient virus production in infected mammalian cells.
    Matched MeSH terms: Influenza A virus/physiology*
  17. Fulltext A virtual screening approach for identifying plants with anti H5N1 neuraminidase activity
    Ikram NK, Durrant JD, Muchtaridi M, Zalaludin AS, Purwitasari N, Mohamed N, et al.
    J Chem Inf Model, 2015 Feb 23;55(2):308-16.
    PMID: 25555059 DOI: 10.1021/ci500405g
    Recent outbreaks of highly pathogenic and occasional drug-resistant influenza strains have highlighted the need to develop novel anti-influenza therapeutics. Here, we report computational and experimental efforts to identify influenza neuraminidase inhibitors from among the 3000 natural compounds in the Malaysian-Plants Natural-Product (NADI) database. These 3000 compounds were first docked into the neuraminidase active site. The five plants with the largest number of top predicted ligands were selected for experimental evaluation. Twelve specific compounds isolated from these five plants were shown to inhibit neuraminidase, including two compounds with IC50 values less than 92 μM. Furthermore, four of the 12 isolated compounds had also been identified in the top 100 compounds from the virtual screen. Together, these results suggest an effective new approach for identifying bioactive plant species that will further the identification of new pharmacologically active compounds from diverse natural-product resources.
    Matched MeSH terms: Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype/enzymology*
  18. Fulltext Pandemic influenza A (H1N1) and its prevention: a cross sectional study on patients' knowledge, attitude and practice among patients attending primary health care clinic in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
    Latiff LA, Parhizkar S, Zainuddin H, Chun GM, Rahiman MA, Ramli NL, et al.
    Glob J Health Sci, 2012 Feb 29;4(2):95-102.
    PMID: 22980156 DOI: 10.5539/gjhs.v4n2p95
    The World Health Organization confirmed that the novel influenza A, H1N1 as a pandemic on 11 June 2009. After less than three months, 182 countries were affected by the pandemic accounting for about 150,000 infected cases and 3000 mortality. Successful H1N1 pandemic management strategies' shaped by making changes in health behavior. The aim of this study was to document patients' knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) regarding the pandemic influenza A (H1N1) and its prevention. We performed a cross-sectional study on knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) on preventive measures of Influenza A (H1N1) involving 322 patients attending Klinik Kesihatan Jinjang, a primary health care clinic in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from May 10 to 26, 2010 using a face to face interview with a structured pre-tested questionnaire. The majority of the respondents were females (56.8%), Malays (43.2%) aged between 18-27 years old (28.9%). There were significant association between knowledge on the complication of H1N1, effectiveness of the treatment, preventive measures of Influenza A (H1N1) and race (p<0.001) and educational level (p<0.001). There were also significant associations between attitude scores of these patients and their gender (p=0.03), and educational level (p=0.001). Practice scores related to H1N1 were found to be significantly associated with race (p<0.001) and educational level (p<0.001). The significant associations were observed between knowledge and attitude (p<0.001), knowledge and practices (p<0.001), as well as attitude and practices related to H1N1 (p<0.001). Knowledge has a crucial effect on patients' attitude and practice particularly in a pandemic spread. So health policy makers should attempt to disseminate information about preventive measures to community in order to improve their preventive practices during pandemics.
    Matched MeSH terms: Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype*
  19. Fulltext Initial psychological responses to Influenza A, H1N1 ("Swine flu")
    Goodwin R, Haque S, Neto F, Myers LB
    BMC Infect Dis, 2009 Oct 06;9:166.
    PMID: 19807908 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2334-9-166
    BACKGROUND: The outbreak of the pandemic flu, Influenza A H1N1 (Swine Flu) in early 2009, provided a major challenge to health services around the world. Previous pandemics have led to stockpiling of goods, the victimisation of particular population groups, and the cancellation of travel and the boycotting of particular foods (e.g. pork). We examined initial behavioural and attitudinal responses towards Influenza A, H1N1 ("Swine flu") in the six days following the WHO pandemic alert level 5, and regional differences in these responses.

    METHODS: 328 respondents completed a cross-sectional Internet or paper-based questionnaire study in Malaysia (N = 180) or Europe (N = 148). Measures assessed changes in transport usage, purchase of preparatory goods for a pandemic, perceived risk groups, indicators of anxiety, assessed estimated mortality rates for seasonal flu, effectiveness of seasonal flu vaccination, and changes in pork consumption

    RESULTS: 26% of the respondents were 'very concerned' about being a flu victim (42% Malaysians, 5% Europeans, p < .001). 36% reported reduced public transport use (48% Malaysia, 22% Europe, p < .001), 39% flight cancellations (56% Malaysia, 17% Europe, p < .001). 8% had purchased preparatory materials (e.g. face masks: 8% Malaysia, 7% Europe), 41% Malaysia (15% Europe) intended to do so (p < .001). 63% of Europeans, 19% of Malaysians had discussed the pandemic with friends (p < .001). Groups seen as at 'high risk' of infection included the immune compromised (mentioned by 87% respondents), pig farmers (70%), elderly (57%), prostitutes/highly sexually active (53%), and the homeless (53%). In data collected only in Europe, 64% greatly underestimated the mortality rates of seasonal flu, 26% believed seasonal flu vaccination gave protection against swine flu. 7% had reduced/stopped eating pork. 3% had purchased anti-viral drugs for use at home, while 32% intended to do so if the pandemic worsened.

    CONCLUSION: Initial responses to Influenza A show large regional differences in anxiety, with Malaysians more anxious and more likely to reduce travel and to buy masks and food. Discussions with family and friends may reinforce existing anxiety levels. Particular groups (homosexuals, prostitutes, the homeless) are perceived as at greater risk, potentially leading to increased prejudice during a pandemic. Europeans underestimated mortality of seasonal flu, and require more information about the protection given by seasonal flu inoculation.

    Matched MeSH terms: Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype*
  20. Cytotoxicity and immunological responses following oral vaccination of nanoencapsulated avian influenza virus H5 DNA vaccine with green synthesis silver nanoparticles
    Jazayeri SD, Ideris A, Zakaria Z, Shameli K, Moeini H, Omar AR
    J Control Release, 2012 Jul 10;161(1):116-23.
    PMID: 22549012 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2012.04.015
    DNA formulations provide the basis for safe and cost effective vaccine. Low efficiency is often observed in the delivery of DNA vaccines. In order to assess a new strategy for oral DNA vaccine formulation and delivery, plasmid encoding hemagglutinin (HA) gene of avian influenza virus, A/Ck/Malaysia/5858/04 (H5N1) (pcDNA3.1/H5) was formulated using green synthesis of sliver nanoparticles (AgNP) with polyethylene glycol (PEG). AgNP were successfully synthesized uniformly dispersed with size in the range of 4 to 18 nm with an average size of 11 nm. Cytotoxicity of the prepared AgNP was investigated in vitro and in vivo using MCF-7 cells and cytokine expression, respectively. At the concentration of -5 log₁₀AgNP, no cytotoxic effects were detected in MCF-7 cells with 9.5% cell death compared to the control. One-day-old specific pathogen-free (SPF) chicks immunized once by oral gavage with 10 μl of pcDNA3.1/H5 (200 ng/ml) nanoencapsulated with 40 μl AgNP (3.7×10⁻² μg of Ag) showed no clinical manifestations. PCR successfully detect the AgNP/H5 plasmid from the duodenum of the inoculated chicken as early as 1h post-immunization. Immunization of chickens with AgNP/H5 enhanced both pro inflammatory and Th1-like expressions, although no significant differences were recorded in the chickens inoculated with AgNP, AgNP/pcDNA3.1 and the control. In addition, serum samples collected from immunized chickens with AgNP/H5 showed rapidly increasing antibody against H5 on day 14 after immunization. The highest average antibody titres were detected on day 35 post-immunization at 51.2±7.5. AgNP/H5 also elicited both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in the immunized chickens as early as day 14 after immunization, at 7.5±2.0 and 20±1.9 percentage, respectively. Hence, single oral administrations of AgNP/H5 led to induce both the antibody and cell-mediated immune responses as well as enhanced cytokine production.
    Matched MeSH terms: Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype/genetics*; Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype/immunology
Related Terms
Filters
Contact Us

Please provide feedback to Administrator ([email protected])

External Links