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  1. Fulltext Respiratory diphtheria in three paediatric patients
    Lee JK, Huda S, Francis A, Aisai, Jusoh M
    Med J Malaysia, 1999 Sep;54(3):377-82.
    PMID: 11045069
    From August till November 1998, the Paediatric and Anaesthetic Units of Hospital Kuala Terengganu managed three patients from Kuala Terengganu District who were ventilated for respiratory diphtheria. Their ages were 5, 4 and 7 years old and their immunisation for diphtheria were not complete. All three patients presented with respiratory distress and were ventilated for upper airway obstruction. Their treatment included intravenous penicillin and diphtheria antitoxin. One patient died of cardiogenic shock with secondary pneumonia. Pharyngeal and tonsillar swabs of all three patients grew toxigenic Corynebacterium diphtheriae biotype mitis. There were 765 throat cultures taken from contacts. The confirmed positive cultures grew 2 toxigenic and 3 non-toxigenic Corynebacterium diphtheriae biotype mitis and surprisingly, 10 non-toxigenic biotype gravis. A prevalence study is needed to document the endemicity of diphtheria in Kuala Terengganu and to determine the carrier rate of both biotypes. Steps have been taken to increase the immunisation coverage in children. The giving of regular booster doses of diphtheria toxoid to the adult population should be considered.
    Matched MeSH terms: Respiratory Tract Infections/microbiology
  2. Causative organisms in acute exacerbation of chronic airways disease and response to ofloxacin therapy
    Sufarlan AW, Zainudin BM, Pit S, Ishak I
    Drugs, 1995;49 Suppl 2:442-5.
    PMID: 8549394
    Matched MeSH terms: Respiratory Tract Infections/microbiology*
  3. Fulltext Viral agents of acute respiratory infections in young children in Kuala Lumpur
    Ong SB, Lam KL, Lam SK
    Bull World Health Organ, 1982;60(1):137-40.
    PMID: 6282479
    The results of this study indicate that the important viral agents associated with lower respiratory tract infections in young children are respiratory syncytial virus, rhinovirus, and parainfluenza virus, particularly in those under 2 years of age. This is in close agreement with studies done in temperate climates. Influenza A virus is seasonal and plays an important role in upper respiratory tract infections in older children.
    Study site: Inpatients and outpatients, University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
    Matched MeSH terms: Respiratory Tract Infections/microbiology*
  4. Serotyping of Haemophilus paragallinarum isolated in Malaysia
    Zain ZB, Iritani Y
    J Vet Med Sci, 1992 Apr;54(2):363-5.
    PMID: 1606267
    Matched MeSH terms: Respiratory Tract Infections/microbiology
  5. Fulltext Pulmonary non-tuberculous mycobacterial infections: current state and future management
    Chin KL, Sarmiento ME, Alvarez-Cabrera N, Norazmi MN, Acosta A
    Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis, 2020 May;39(5):799-826.
    PMID: 31853742 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-019-03771-0
    Currently, there is a trend of increasing incidence in pulmonary non-tuberculous mycobacterial infections (PNTM) together with a decrease in tuberculosis (TB) incidence, particularly in developed countries. The prevalence of PNTM in underdeveloped and developing countries remains unclear as there is still a lack of detection methods that could clearly diagnose PNTM applicable in these low-resource settings. Since non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are environmental pathogens, the vicinity favouring host-pathogen interactions is known as important predisposing factor for PNTM. The ongoing changes in world population, as well as socio-political and economic factors, are linked to the rise in the incidence of PNTM. Development is an important factor for the improvement of population well-being, but it has also been linked, in general, to detrimental environmental consequences, including the rise of emergent (usually neglected) infectious diseases, such as PNTM. The rise of neglected PNTM infections requires the expansion of the current efforts on the development of diagnostics, therapies and vaccines for mycobacterial diseases, which at present, are mainly focused on TB. This review discuss the current situation of PNTM and its predisposing factors, as well as the efforts and challenges for their control.
    Matched MeSH terms: Respiratory Tract Infections/microbiology*
  6. Antibiotic use in a co-infection of respiratory syncytial virus and pathogenic bacteria in children in a resource-limited setting in northeast Peninsular Malaysia
    Liew CSL, Guad RM, Taylor-Robinson AW, Teck KS, Mandrinos S, Duin EV, et al.
    Trop Biomed, 2024 Sep 01;41(3):310-315.
    PMID: 39548785 DOI: 10.47665/tb.41.3.011
    To investigate co-infection of bacterial isolates associated with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in children aged less than two years who were admitted to hospital with confirmed lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) in Kelantan, Malaysia. The demographic data, clinical history, case management, haematological as well as infectious parameters (white blood cell differential and count, plus C-reactive protein, CRP) of the patients were systematically recorded. Less than one-third of cases were RSV-positive (21.03% and 26.23% were diagnosed as acute bronchiolitis or pneumonia, respectively). Blood cultures from approximately 10% of patients demonstrated growth of Haemophilus influenzae, Staphylococcus aureus, coagulase-negative Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas stutzeri, haemolytic Streptococcus group A, and Bacillus subtilis. Further analysis indicated that children with positive bacterial growth had an insignificant predictive value of CRP (2.32-7.16 mg/dl). The total white cell counts were 2.97-7.33 x 109sup>/L despite increased lymphocyte values in the bacteria-positive blood culture. Platelet counts were also within normal limits except for a single case of H. influenzae infection (685.50 x 109sup>/L). Interestingly, 95.01% of patients were treated with antibiotics; 66.23% of RSV infection cases were administered with a combination of antibiotics and 33.77% with only a single antibiotic. The data indicate that the use of antibiotics, either singly or in combination, is not always effective in treating LRTI in infants. Alternative therapeutic regimens should be considered, especially in Asian countries that may have limited resources.
    Matched MeSH terms: Respiratory Tract Infections/microbiology
  7. Pseudomonas putrefaciens from clinical material
    Thong ML
    Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health, 1976 Sep;7(3):363-6.
    PMID: 1025737
    Three strains of Pseudomonas putrefaciens were isolated from routine clinical specimens at the University Hospital, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Their cultural and biochemical characteristic, and antibiotic susceptibilities are presented. Characteristics of diagnostic value were stressed. Two isolates appeared to have played a pathogenic role in chronic otitis media.
    Matched MeSH terms: Respiratory Tract Infections/microbiology
  8. Fulltext Clinical risk factors for life-threatening lower respiratory tract infections in children: a retrospective study in an urban city in Malaysia
    Nathan AM, Rani F, Lee RJ, Zaki R, Westerhout C, Sam IC, et al.
    PLoS One, 2014;9(10):e111162.
    PMID: 25360811 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0111162
    Lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) are an important cause of morbidity and mortality, especially in low income countries. The aim of this study was to determine risk factors of life-threatening LRTIs in hospitalised children in Malaysia.
    Matched MeSH terms: Respiratory Tract Infections/microbiology
  9. Fulltext Endotoxin, ergosterol, fungal DNA and allergens in dust from schools in Johor Bahru, Malaysia- associations with asthma and respiratory infections in pupils
    Norbäck D, Markowicz P, Cai GH, Hashim Z, Ali F, Zheng YW, et al.
    PLoS One, 2014;9(2):e88303.
    PMID: 24523884 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0088303
    There are few studies on associations between respiratory health and allergens, fungal and bacterial compounds in schools in tropical countries. The aim was to study associations between respiratory symptoms in pupils and ethnicity, chemical microbial markers, allergens and fungal DNA in settled dust in schools in Malaysia. Totally 462 pupils (96%) from 8 randomly selected secondary schools in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, participated. Dust was vacuumed from 32 classrooms and analysed for levels of different types of endotoxin as 3-hydroxy fatty acids (3-OH), muramic acid, ergosterol, allergens and five fungal DNA sequences. Multiple logistic regression was applied. Totally 13.1% pupils reported doctor's diagnosed asthma, 10.3% wheeze and 21.1% pollen or pet allergy. Indian and Chinese children had less atopy and asthma than Malay. Carbon dioxide levels were low (380-690 ppm). No cat (Fel d1), dog (Can f 1) or horse allergens (Ecu cx) were detected. The levels of Bloomia tropicalis (Blo t), house dust mite allergens (Der p 1, Der f 1, Der m 1) and cockroach allergens (Per a 1 and Bla g 1) were low. There were positive associations between levels of Aspergillus versicolor DNA and daytime breathlessness, between C14 3-OH and respiratory infections and between ergosterol and doctors diagnosed asthma. There were negative (protective) associations between levels of C10 3-OH and wheeze, between C16 3-OH and day time and night time breathlessness, between cockroach allergens and doctors diagnosed asthma. Moreover there were negative associations between amount of fine dust, total endotoxin (LPS) and respiratory infections. In conclusion, endotoxin at school seems to be mainly protective for respiratory illness but different types of endotoxin could have different effects. Fungal contamination measured as ergosterol and Aspergillus versicolor DNA can be risk factors for respiratory illness. The ethnical differences for atopy and asthma deserve further attention.
    Matched MeSH terms: Respiratory Tract Infections/microbiology*
  10. Fulltext Profiling of Burkholderia cepacia secretome at mid-logarithmic and early-stationary phases of growth
    Mariappan V, Vellasamy KM, Hashim OH, Vadivelu J
    PLoS One, 2011;6(10):e26518.
    PMID: 22046299 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0026518
    Burkholderia cepacia is a Gram-negative pathogen that causes serious respiratory infections in immunocompromised patients and individuals with cystic fibrosis. This bacterium is known to release extracellular proteins that may be involved in virulence.
    Matched MeSH terms: Respiratory Tract Infections/microbiology
  11. Young Malaysian children with lower respiratory tract infections show low incidence of chlamydial infection
    Ngeow YF, Weil AF, Khairullah NS, Yusof MY, Luam L, Gaydos C, et al.
    J Paediatr Child Health, 1997 Oct;33(5):422-5.
    PMID: 9401887
    OBJECTIVE: The incidence of Chlamydia pneumoniae and Chlamydia trachomatis infection was studied among infants and young children admitted to hospital for the management of lower respiratory tract infections, over a 12 month period.

    METHODOLOGY: Respiratory secretions were examined for chlamydiae by cell culture, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and polymerase chain reaction-enzyme immunoassay. Sera were tested by micro-immunofluorescence for chlamydial IgG, IgM and IgA. Other bacterial and viral pathogens were also looked for by standard cultural and serological methods.

    RESULTS: Of 87 patients aged 2 months-3 years, an aetiologic diagnosis was made in 41 (47.1%). C. pneumoniae and C. trachomatis were each detected in 1 (1.2%) of the patients. Among common bacterial pathogens, Haemophilus influenzae (13.8%) and Streptococcus pneumoniae (8.1%) were the most frequently identified. Respiratory viruses and elevated Mycoplasma pneumoniae antibodies were found in 10.3% and 9.1% of patients, respectively.

    CONCLUSION: Chlamydiae are infrequent causes of community-acquired acute lower respiratory tract infections in infants and very young children in Malaysia.

    Matched MeSH terms: Respiratory Tract Infections/microbiology
  12. Antibiotic susceptibility and serotype distribution of Streptococcus pneumoniae in Malaysian children
    Cheong YM, Jegathesan M, Henrichsen J, Wong YH, Ng AJ, Louis A
    J Trop Pediatr, 1988 08;34(4):182-5.
    PMID: 3172328 DOI: 10.1093/tropej/34.4.182
    Matched MeSH terms: Respiratory Tract Infections/microbiology
  13. Fulltext High frequency of Haemophilus influenzae associated with respiratory tract infections among Malaysian Hajj pilgrims
    Nik Zuraina NMN, Sarimah A, Suharni M, Hasan H, Suraiya S
    J Infect Public Health, 2018 08 07;11(6):878-883.
    PMID: 30097415 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2018.07.010
    BACKGROUND: Overcrowding during the annual Hajj pilgrimage has been known to increase the risk of infectious diseases transmission. Despite the high prevalence of respiratory illness among Malaysian Hajj pilgrims, knowledge about the etiologic pathogens is yet very limited. Thus, this study aimed to determine the spectrum of bacterial respiratory pathogens among the Hajj pilgrims returning to Malaysia in year 2016.

    METHODS: Expectorated sputum specimens were collected from the Hajj pilgrims with symptomatic respiratory tract infections (RTIs). Subsequently, the bacterial pathogens were identified using the standard bacteriological culture method and Vitek II system.

    RESULTS: This study indicated that 255 (87.33%) out of 292 cultured sputa were positive with at least one potential pathogenic bacteria. Out of 345 total bacterial isolates, 60% (n=207) were Haemophilus influenzae, which was associated with both single bacterium infection (132/173, 76.3%) and multiple bacterial infections (75/82, 91.5%). The other bacterial isolates included; Klebsiella pneumoniae (n=37, 10.7%), Moraxella catarrhalis (n=27, 7.8%), Haemophilus parainfluenzae (n=25, 7.2%), Streptococcus group G (n=18, 5.2%), Klebsiella spesies (n=16, 4.6%), Streptococcus pneumoniae (n=11, 3.2%) and few other organisms.

    CONCLUSION: High frequency of H. influenzae was isolated from Malaysian Hajj pilgrims, especially those with respiratory symptoms. Further study should evaluate the actual pathogenicity of the organism and the interactions between the respiratory microbiota towards developing effective prevention strategies of RTIs among the local pilgrims.

    Matched MeSH terms: Respiratory Tract Infections/microbiology
  14. Bifidobacterium longum BB536 alleviated upper respiratory illnesses and modulated gut microbiota profiles in Malaysian pre-school children
    Lau AS, Yanagisawa N, Hor YY, Lew LC, Ong JS, Chuah LO, et al.
    Benef Microbes, 2018 Jan 29;9(1):61-70.
    PMID: 29065707 DOI: 10.3920/BM2017.0063
    This 10-months randomised, double-blind, parallel and placebo-controlled study evaluated the effects of Bifidobacterium longum BB536 on diarrhoea and/or upper respiratory illnesses in 520 healthy Malaysian pre-school children aged 2-6 years old. The subjects randomly received a one-gram sachet containing either BB536 (5×109 cfu) or placebo daily. Data analysis was performed on 219 subjects who fully complied over 10-months (placebo n=110, BB536 n=109). While BB536 did not exert significant effects against diarrhoea in children, Poisson regression with generalised estimating equations model indicated significant intergroup difference in the mean number of times of respiratory illnesses over 10 months. The duration of sore throat was reduced by 46% (P=0.018), with marginal reduction for duration of fever (reduced by 27%, P=0.084), runny nose (reduced by 15%, P=0.087) and cough (reduced by 16%, P=0.087) as compared to the placebo. Principal coordinate analysis at genus level of the gut microbiota revealed significant differences between 0 and 10 months in the BB536 group (P<0.01) but not in placebo group (P>0.05). The abundance of the genus Faecalibacterium which is associated with anti-inflammatory and immuno-modulatory properties was significantly higher in the BB536 group (P<0.05) compared to the placebo group. Altogether, our present study illustrated the potential protective effects of BB536 against upper respiratory illnesses in pre-school Malaysian children, with gut microbiota modulating properties.
    Matched MeSH terms: Respiratory Tract Infections/microbiology*
  15. Fulltext Annotated genome sequence of Mycobacterium massiliense strain M154, belonging to the recently created taxon Mycobacterium abscessus subsp. bolletii comb. nov
    Choo SW, Wong YL, Tan JL, Ong CS, Wong GJ, Ng KP, et al.
    J Bacteriol, 2012 Sep;194(17):4778.
    PMID: 22887675 DOI: 10.1128/JB.01043-12
    Mycobacterium massiliense has recently been proposed as a member of Mycobacterium abscessus subsp. bolletii comb. nov. Strain M154, a clinical isolate from the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of a Malaysian patient presenting with lower respiratory tract infection, was subjected to shotgun DNA sequencing with the Illumina sequencing technology to obtain whole-genome sequence data for comparison with other genetically related strains within the M. abscessus species complex.
    Matched MeSH terms: Respiratory Tract Infections/microbiology
  16. Isolation and polymerase chain reaction detection of Mycoplasma pneumoniae in Malaysian patients with respiratory tract infections
    Tay ST, Habsah MY, Tan SC, Rohani MY
    Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health, 2000 Dec;31(4):688-92.
    PMID: 11414413
    Isolation and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were performed for detection of Mycoplasma pneumoniae from respiratory tract specimens obtained from 200 adult and 200 pediatric patients. M. pneumoniae was isolated from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of 1(0.5%) adult patient and 4(2.0%) tracheal aspirates of pediatric patients. PCR was positive for only one (0.5%) broncoalveolar lavage fluid of an adult patient and fifteen (7.5%) tracheal aspirates of pediatric patients. This study suggested that M. pneumoniae was more frequently detected in pediatric patients and PCR appears to have advantages over isolation, in terms of rapidity and sensitivity.
    Matched MeSH terms: Respiratory Tract Infections/microbiology*
  17. Bacteriology and antimicrobial susceptibility of ENT infections in a tropical hospital
    Chew YK, Cheong JP, Ramesh N, Noorafidah MD, Brito-Mutunayagam S, Khir A, et al.
    Ear Nose Throat J, 2014 Jun;93(6):E5-8.
    PMID: 24932831
    We conducted a retrospective observational study to determine the spectrum and antibiotic sensitivity pattern of organisms isolated in otorhinolaryngologic (ORL) infections. We reviewed the laboratory culture and sensitivity records of 4,909 patients-2,773 males (56.5%) and 2,136 females (43.5%), aged 2 to 90 years (mean: 45.3 ± 12.6)-who had been seen at two government hospitals in Malaysia. Of this group, 4,332 patients had a respiratory tract infection (88.2%), 206 had an ear infection (4.2%), 188 had a deep neck infection (3.8%), and 183 had an oropharyngeal infection (3.7%). The most common isolated organisms were Klebsiella spp, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-susceptible S aureus, coagulase-negative S aureus, and Acinetobacter baumannii. We also identified the antimicrobial susceptibility of these organisms. We conclude that since the spectrum of causative pathogens in some infections differs between tropical and nontropical areas of the world, tropical hospitals should not completely adopt the antibiotic guidelines for ORL infections that have been recommended for hospitals in nontropical regions. We hope that our review and analysis of local data will help practitioners in Malaysia develop an appropriate prescribing policy with respect to ORL pathogens and antimicrobial susceptibility. The goal is to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with these infections.
    Matched MeSH terms: Respiratory Tract Infections/microbiology*
  18. Prevalence, characterization and antibiotic resistance of Pasteurella multocida isolated from bovine respiratory infection
    Jamali H, Rezagholipour M, Fallah S, Dadrasnia A, Chelliah S, Velappan RD, et al.
    Vet J, 2014 Nov;202(2):381-3.
    PMID: 25201254 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2014.07.024
    The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence, characterization and antibiotic resistance of Pasteurella multocida isolated from calves with respiratory infection in Iran. P. multocida was detected in 141/169 bovine respiratory infection cases on Iranian dairy and beef farms. P. multocida were grouped into serogroups A (126/141), D (12/141), and B (3/141). Of the P.  multocida isolates, all harboured the psl, ompH, oma87, fimA, ptfA, nanB, and nanH genes, 139/141 had hsf-2, and 115/141 pfhA, and tadD. The isolates were most frequently resistant to penicillin G (43/141 resistant isolates; 30.5%) and streptomycin (31/141; 22%).
    Matched MeSH terms: Respiratory Tract Infections/microbiology
  19. Fulltext Breastfeeding at 6 months and effects on infections
    Chye JK, Lim CT
    Singapore Med J, 1998 Dec;39(12):551-6.
    PMID: 10067400
    AIMS: To examine the pattern of and the influence of some socio-demographic factors on infant milk feedings, and the protective role of breastfeeding against infections.
    METHODS: Mothers who breastfed their infants (exclusively or partially) at 6 weeks postpartum, and who had singleton pregnancies and healthy infants at birth, were interviewed when their infants had reached 6 months of age.
    RESULTS: Of the 234 mothers studied, only 31 (13%) mothers were practising exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) and 133 (57%) mothers were using exclusive infant formula feeding (EIF). Solid and semi-solid foods were introduced between 4 to 6 months of life in 89% of the infants. On logistic regression analysis, mothers who were in paid employment [OR 0.25, 95% CI 0.15, 0.42] and not breast feeding at 6 weeks [OR 0.32, 95% CI 0.19, 0.54] had decreased odds of EBF. Antenatal plans to breastfeed, breast-feeding difficulties, ethnicity, level of parental education, parental ages, fathers' income, primigravida status and infants' gender were not significant co-variates. In comparison, EIF was more likely in mothers who worked, practised mixed feedings at 6 weeks and of Chinese descent. There were no significant differences in the rates of upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) or diarrhoeal illnesses between the infants who were or were not being breast-fed.
    CONCLUSIONS: Most mothers were unable to breastfeed their infants exclusively in the recommended first 4 to 6 months of life. Complementary changes outside the hospital and maternity services are essential in improving breastfeeding rates. Breastfeeding does not appear to confer significant protection to either URTI or gastrointestinal tract infections.
    Study site: Postnatal clinic, University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
    Matched MeSH terms: Respiratory Tract Infections/microbiology
  20. General practitioners' knowledge, attitude and prescribing of antibiotics for upper respiratory tract infections in Selangor, Malaysia: findings and implications
    Hassali MA, Kamil TK, Md Yusof FA, Alrasheedy AA, Yusoff ZM, Saleem F, et al.
    Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther, 2015 Apr;13(4):511-20.
    PMID: 25704246 DOI: 10.1586/14787210.2015.1012497
    BACKGROUND: Antibiotics are widely prescribed especially for upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs). Their irrational use can increase costs and resistance.
    AIM: Assess knowledge, attitude and prescribing of antibiotics for URTIs in Selangor, Malaysia, using a cross-sectional survey among general practitioners (GPs) working in private clinics in 2011.
    RESULTS: One hundred and thirty-nine physicians completed the questionnaire (response rate = 34.8%). 49.6% (n = 69) agreed antibiotics are helpful in treating URTIs, with most GPs agreeing antibiotics may reduce URTI duration and complications. The majority of GPs reported they felt patients expected antibiotics, with 36.7% (n = 51) agreeing patients would change doctors if they did not prescribe antibiotics and 21.6% (n = 30) agreeing when requested they prescribe antibiotics even if they believe them to be unnecessary. When assessed against six criteria, most GPs had a moderate level of knowledge of prescribing for URTIs. However, antibiotic prescriptions could be appreciably reduced.
    CONCLUSION: Further programs are needed to educate GPs and patients about antibiotics building on current initiatives.
    KEYWORDS: Malaysia; antibiotics; education programs; irrational use of medicines; patients; physicians; respiratory tract infections
    Matched MeSH terms: Respiratory Tract Infections/microbiology
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