Indonesian Journal of Tropical and Infectious Disease

In Silico Analysis of Inhibitor Potential of Punicalagin Compound in Pomegranate (Punica granatum) Against NS5 DENV-3 Protein

Radinal Kautsar — 2024-03-06

Indonesia is one of the Dengue Virus (DENV) endemic areas which are dominated by DENV-2 and DENV-3. Until now, no specific drug therapy has been found to cure Dengue Virus Infection (DVI). Punicalagin is one of the active compounds that have the potential to be used as an antiviral. Unfortunately, not many studies have used punicalagin as a DENV antivirus. This study aims to determine the inhibitory potential of punicalagin compounds against NS5 DENV-3 protein through molecular docking. Molecular docking was performed using AutoDock Tools, ChemDraw, and Discovery Studio Visualizer. The target protein used is NS5 DENV-3 protein with PDB ID code: 4V0Q. The ribavirin compound was used as a positive control. The results obtained show that the punicalagin compound has the ability to attach to target receptors in the C-Terminal domain complex. This docking produces a bond free energy (ΔG) of -6.39 kcal/mol. This result is better than the ΔG of the control compound. Punicalagin's Inhibition Constant (Ki) value also showed better results than ribavirin. So it can be seen that the compound punicalagin effectively inhibits DENV replication and has the potential as a DENV drug candidate.

Examining convalescent plasma transfusion in severe COVID-19 patients, recent research highlights the significance of S-RBD antibodies and IL-10 levels

Aditea Etnawati Putri — 2023-12-07

Convalescent plasma (CP) may be an option for people with severe COVID-19. However, its efficiency remains unknown. A study was done to determine whether the levels of Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Spike Receptor-Binding Domain (S-RBD) antibodies and IL-10 in COVID-19 patients who had CP transfusion were related to their survival status. The observational cohort study included 40 patients with severe COVID-19 who were followed for 28 days after receiving a CP transfusion. Antibody and IL-10 levels were assessed on Day 1 before to CP transfusion and on Days 1, 2, and 7 following CP transfusion. Twenty six (65%) of the 40 patients survived. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 S-RBD antibody levels were observed to be significantly higher on Days 1, 2, and 7 following CP transfusion (p-value 0.05). Furthermore, IL-10 levels dropped significantly on Days 2 and 7 (p-value 0.05). However, neither the CT value nor the patients' survival status were linked to greater antibody levels or changes in IL-10 levels. According to the findings, CP transfusion can greatly enhance anti-SARS-CoV-2 S-RBD antibody levels while drastically decreasing IL-10 levels. These findings may have therapeutic implications for the use of CP as a COVID-19 therapy option. More research is needed to determine its efficacy in enhancing the survival rate of COVID-19 patients with severe symptoms.

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte and Platelet-to-lymphocyte Ratio as Predictors of CD4 Count among People Living with HIV

Zahra Roidah Amalia Hasna — 2024-03-06

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection remains a global health concern characterized by the reduction of CD4 lymphocyte cells and weakened immune systems. Knowing the CD4 count and the factors affecting it is crucial for assessing the immune status of HIV patients. Hematological markers, including neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), have been recognized as prognostic tools that were associated with CD4 Count. The goal of this study was to determine the impact of NLR and PLR on CD4 count among people living with HIV (PLHIV). This study used analytic observational method with a cross-sectional on HIV-positive individuals who were treated at Moewardi Hospital, Surakarta, Indonesia. The Chi-Square and Pearson correlation tests were performed to identify the correlation between variables and the linear regression test was done to investigate the association between NLR and PLR with CD4 count. A total of 80 PLHIV were identified for this study, with the median CD4 count of 103 cells/mm3. NLR and PLR were found to be 3.06 and 181.03, respectively. This study found that opportunistic infection, duration on ARV treatment, body mass index, total lymphocyte count, and hemoglobin were significantly associated with CD4 count. The Pearson correlation test revealed a strong correlation between NLR and PLR to CD4 count. Linear regression analyses showed that NLR and PLR could predict the CD4 count. These findings indicate that NLR and PLR could serve as alternative prognostic parameters for monitoring treatment outcomes in PLHIV, particularly in health facilities where access to CD4 count testing is limited.

Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Glycyrrhizic Acid in Liver Implication in Dengue Infection: A Case Report

Indah Sagitaisna Putri — 2024-03-06

Dengue is one of the most common infectious diseases affecting humans. The virus is transmitted between humans by the Aedes mosquito. It occurs hyperendemically in tropical and subtropical climates worldwide. Dengue infection can affect numerous organs, with the liver being the most frequently affected organ. The clinical spectrum of liver disorders ranges from mild elevation of transaminase enzymes to severe conditions such as acute liver failure. Several mechanisms have been proposed to describe hepatic dysfunction observed in dengue fever and dengue hemorrhagic fever, such as immunological injury, hypoxic injury, and direct viral damage due to reduced hepatic perfusion during shock. Glycyrrhizic acid, extracted in the form of glycyrrhizin from the root of the licorice plant Glycyrrhiza glabra, is referred to as Stronger Neo-Minophagen-C (SNMC®). It has shown effectiveness in reducing serum aminotransferase and bilirubin levels, attenuating hepatocyte apoptosis, and producing endogenous interferon. The following is a case report of a 23-year-old woman with dengue fever and elevated liver enzyme level. The patient’s vital signs were stable. A physical examination revealed no abnormalities. A complete blood count test showed thrombocytopenia without an elevation of the hematocrit. AST level was 901 U/L after admission. Causes of other hepatitis infections, such as hepatitis A, B, and C, were excluded. The dengue IgM and IgG antibody levels were reactive. After several days of hospitalization, the patient experienced clinical improvement after supportive therapy and the administration of glicyrrhizic acid or SNMC®.

Screening of Legionella pneumophila from Well Water in Magetan Regency, Indonesia

Nafisah Nurul Hapsari — 2023-12-07

Legionellosis is a respiratory infection caused by Legionella pneumophila, a bacterium that can infect protozoa and human lung cells. The disease can be mild or severe, and sometimes fatal, especially in immunocompromised people. Some types of antibiotics that can be used to treat Legionella disease are macrolides such as rifampicin, azithromycin and clarithromycin, as well as fluoroquinolones such as levofloxacin and moxifloxacin. The aim was to investigate the distribution and prevalence of Legionella in well water. This study collected and tested water samples from a different well water in Magetan Regency, East Java, Indonesia using DNA extraction, two-step PCR methods, and visualization with 1.5% agarose gel in UV transluminator. The results were visualized with QGIS 3.28.6 and compared with other tests. The results showed that none of the eight water samples were contaminated with L. pneumophila compared with positive control (403 bp).

The Effect of C-Reactive Protein Levels, Neutrophil, and Lymphocyte Count to Mortality of COVID-19 Patients with Sepsis in Referral Hospital

Avina Norma Malikhah — 2024-03-06

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by infection of Severe Acute Respiratory
Distress Syndrom Coronavirus-2 (SARS CoV-2). COVID-19 patients may develop sepsis, the disregulation of
the immune system that causes organ dysfunction and life-threatening situations. High mortality of COVID-19
and sepsis make it important to study. The purpose of this study is to analyze the effect of CRP levels, neutrophil,
and lymphocyte count to mortality of COVID-19 patients with sepsis. This study is an analytic observational study
with a cross-sectional approach. Samples were randomly retrieved of COVID-19 patients with sepsis admitted
in referral hospital. Univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analysis used SPSS 26th version of Windows. The
results of this study indicate a significant effect of CRP levels and neutrophil count on mortality of COVID-19
patients with sepsis. Meanwhile, lymphocyte count had no significant effects. The multivariate analysis showed
its significance value. Partially, the effect of neutrophils on the patient's mortality has a significant value. The
conclusion of this study is CRP levels and neutrophil count simultaneously have an effect on higher mortality of
COVID-19 patients with sepsis.

Risk Factors Associated with Suspected Clostridium difficile Infection (CDI) in Elderly Diarrhea Patients at Prof. Dr. I.G.N.G. Ngoerah Hospital

I Gusti Putu Suka Aryana — 2023-12-07

Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is a typical healthcare-associated infection that contributes to a significant proportion of morbidity and mortality among hospitalized patients. Anaerobe microbiological laboratory examinations cannot be performed at Prof. Dr. I.G.N.G. Ngoerah Hospital, leading to many undetected cases; therefore, it is crucial to determine the risk factors. Identification of cases may help to prevent, recognize, and appropriately treat CDI, reducing morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to determine the risk factors associated with suspected CDI in elderly patients with diarrhea due to their vulnerability to immunosenescence. This research used medical records as secondary data to determine the risk factors associated with suspected CDI in elderly diarrhea patients at Prof. Dr. I.G.N.G. Ngoerah Hospital during the year period of 2017 to 2021 with total of 70 samples who met inclusion criteria by purposive sampling technique. One hundred percent of all samples had a history of hospitalization for ³ 48 h. There were 53 patients (77.1%) had a history of antibiotic use, 26 (37.1%) proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), 66 (94.3%) chemotherapy, 66 (94.3%) urinary tract infections, 6 (8.6%) kidney disease, and 7 (10%) myocardial infarction. Seven (10%) patients had vascular disease, and 11 (15.7%) had diabetes mellitus. Risk factors associated with suspected CDI in elderly patients with diarrhea at Prof. Dr. I.G.N.G. Ngoerah Hospital include hospitalization ³ for 48 hours, use of antibiotics in the last few months, proton pump inhibitors, decreased immune system, urinary tract infection, kidney disease, myocardial infarction, vascular disease, and diabetes mellitus.

The Existence of Leptospira interrogans on Rats and The Transmission Potency in Public Areas: School, Traditional Market, and Settlement in Yogyakarta

Raden Roro Upiek Ngesti Wibawaning Astuti — 2023-08-08

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease caused by bacterial infection, Leptospira interrogans. Indonesia is known for being an endemic country of this disease and Yogyakarta Special Province has become one of the regions with high cases of Leptospirosis. There was lack of information on the L. interrogans prevalence on rats at the public areas, such as school and traditional market. This research was conducted to determine and predict the potential Leptospirosis transmission in public areas, especially in schools, traditional markets,. and the settlement of Yogyakarta. Wild rats were collected from several public places (elementary schools, traditional markets, and Settlement areas) by using single live traps. The rat's blood was centrifuged to obtain the serum. The serum was tested by using immunochromatography of Leptotek Lateral Flow. The collected rats and shrews were euthanized and then identified for the species and the morphological features. Total of 27 rats (67.5%) and shrews 13 (32.5%) were collected. There were six species of collected rats, namely Rattus argentiventer, Rattus norvegicus, Rattus tanezumi, Rattus tiomanicus, and Bandicota bengalensis, while the collected shrew species was Suncus murinus. The rats and shrews from traditional market were negative with L. interrogans, however the positive results was in elementary schools (14.28%), that were from R. norvegicus and S. murinus, moreover the positive infection also showed in the settlements (57.14%), that were from R. argentiventer, R. norvegicus, and R. tiomanicus. These findings indicated that school and settlement must be a concern for the leptospirosis transmission.

Diagnostic Test of Blood Eosinophil Level as a Marker of Ascaris lumbricoides Infection

Said Munazar Rahmat — 2023-08-08

A. lumbricoides infection is one from 17 neglected tropical diseases in Indonesia. But, Infection of A. lumbricoides in Indonesia often undiagnosed. This is because stool examination with Kato-Katz’s method still rarely done. So it needs something alternative examination that more practical and can be routinely carried out. This study was a diagnostic test for blood eosinofil levels in diagnosing A. lumbricoides infection. This research was conducted at a hospital in Medan. This study involved 63 children who had their parents approval. Children stool were examined by Kato-Katz method as a gold standard and blood eosinofil levels was examined as an index in this study. The results showed sensitivity level of eosinofil is 25% and specificity 96,08%, positive predictive value 60%, negative predictive value 84%, positive likelihood ratio 6,38% and negative likelihood ratio 0,78%. The conclusion is elevated blood eosinofil levels cannot be used as an alternative test Kato-Katz in diagnosing Infection of A. lumbricoides.

Nigella sativa 3% Inhibition Test of Nаturаl Toothpаste Compаred Cetylpyridinum chloride (CPC) Toothpаste 0.01-0.1% on Аggregаtibаcter actinomycetemcomitаns

Ernie Maduratna Setiawatie — 2023-12-07

Periodontitis generаlly begins with gingivitis progresses to alveolar bone increаsing the risk of systemic diseаse. The primаry etiologicаl fаctor in the etiology of periodontаl diseаse is Аggregаtibаcter аctinomycetemcomitаns bacteria. Cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) has a bactericidal effect by disrupting the function of bacterial membranes in the cytoplasm. CPC can also absorb negative charges from bacteria, increase bacterial cell wall permeability, decrease cell metabolism, and reduce bacterial attachment to teeth. Use of аntimicrobiаl toothpаste, such as Cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC), is one strategy to prevent periodontаl disease, but CPC is hаzаrdous in some quаntities. Аs а result, it should be compared to a natural toothpaste, specifically Nigellа sаtivа toothpаste. The objective of this study is to compare the аntibаcteriаl аctivity of nаturаl toothpаste contаining Nigellа sаtivа 3% with toothpаste contаining CPC 0.01% - 0.1% on Аggregаtibаcter аctinomycetemcomitаns. Experimentаl studies are used in this kind of research. The colony count method wаs used to аssess the nаturаl toothpаstes Nigellа sаtivа 3% аnd toothpаste contаining CPC 0.01- 0.1% for their cаpаcity in inhibiting the Аggregаtibаcter аctinomycetemcomitаns. Natural toothpаste containing Nigellа sаtivа 3% wаs completely inhibiting Аggregаtibаcter аctinomycetemcomitаns, compared to 0.01-0.1% CPC toothpаste. The significаnce level for the stаtisticаl test results wаs 0.000 (p<0.05). The conclution of this research are the nаturаl toothpаste contаining Nigellа sаtivа 3% аnd toothpаste contаining CPC 0.06%–0.1% can effectively suppress the growth of the microorgаnisms Аggregаtibаcter аctinomycetemcomitаns.