Current Biomedicine

Correlation of polymerase chain reaction results with hematocrit levels and platelet counts in dengue patients in Batam City

Kristina Simangunsong, Betty Nurhayati, Eem Hayati, Fusvita Merdekawati — Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Background Dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) is a viral disease transmitted by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, posing global public health challenge. The Riau Islands Province has the highest incidence of DHF in Indonesia.

Objective This study aimed to investigate the relationship between hematocrit and platelet levels with the cycle threshold (Ct) values of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) results in DHF cases in Batam City, Riau Islands Province.

Methods A descriptive correlation study was conducted using data from 102 patients infected with the dengue virus. Hematocrit and platelet counts were measured using a hematology analyzer, while Ct values for DENV1, DENV2, DENV3, and DENV4 were obtained through real-time qRT-PCR. Pearson's correlation test was employed to analyze the relationship between these variables.

Results The study found no significant gender difference in DHF incidence (males: 50%, females: 50%). The highest prevalence was observed in the 6–11 years age group (44.1%), followed by the 12–18 years group (25.5%), the >18 years group (24.5%), and the 1–5 years group (11.8%). DENV3 was identified as the dominant serotype. No statistically significant correlation was found between Ct values and hematocrit (p = 0.607) or platelet counts (p = 0.323).

Conclusion DHF cases in this study showed no gender disparity, with the most affected group being children aged 6–11 years, and DENV3 was the prevalent serotype. Ct values did not show a statistically significant correlation with hematocrit levels or platelet counts, suggesting that these hematological parameters may not predict viral load in DHF cases.

Sensitivity and specificity of the lipoarabinomannan test compared to GeneXpert in urine samples for tuberculosis diagnosis

Danni Irawan, Zuri Rismiarti, Acep Tantan, Fusvita Merdekawati — Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Background Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) is the causative agent of tuberculosis (TB), primarily affecting lung tissue but also capable of infecting pleura, lymph nodes, bones, and other extrapulmonary sites. Lipoarabinomannan (LAM) is a critical lipopolysaccharide in the outer wall of mycobacterial cells and can be detected in the urine of TB patients as an antigen.

Objective This study aimed to assess the sensitivity and specificity of the LAM test compared to GeneXpert in urine samples from suspected TB patients.

Methods A quasi-experimental design was employed, where urine samples were collected from patients diagnosed with TB at Sidawangi Lung Hospital, West Java Province. The LAM test was performed on 40 samples by applying 60 µL of urine onto LAM test strips, while MTB presence in urine was examined using GeneXpert.

Results LAM test results showed 32.5% positivity, while 67.5% were negative. GeneXpert results indicated 20% positivity and 80% negativity. The LAM test demonstrated a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 79.4% compared to GeneXpert, with an area under the curve (AUC) value of 0.897.

Conclusion The LAM test showed high sensitivity and moderate specificity compared to GeneXpert in urine samples of suspected TB patients.

Confirmation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis culture results with Ziehl-Neelsen staining and MPT64 antigen test

Witri Indrasari, Iis Kurniati , Asep Dermawan, Hafizah Ilmi Sufa — Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Background Culture of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) using egg-based solid media like Lowenstein Jensen (LJ) is the gold standard for tuberculosis diagnosis but requires extended incubation time. Rapid diagnostic tests, such as Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) staining and the MPT64 antigen rapid test, are essential for early detection.

Objective This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of ZN staining and the MPT64 rapid test in detecting MTB and Mycobacterium other than tuberculosis (MOTT) during different culture times.

Methods Using a cross-sectional design, 110 culture-positive samples were analyzed from Hasan Sadikin Hospital Bandung over two months. Specimens were cultured on LJ media for eight weeks, with weekly observation of colony growth. ZN staining and MPT64 tests were performed on growing colonies.

Results Less than four weeks culture, 61 samples (55.5%) were culture-negative, 45 (40.9%) were positive for MOTT, and the remainder were contaminated. In more than four weeks culture, 48 samples (43.6%) were positive for MTB, 45 samples (40.9%) were positive for MOTT, and 13 (11.8%) were culture-negative, and the remaining were contaminated. ZN-positive and MPT64-negative results indicated MOTT in less than four weeks culture, while ZN-positive and MPT64-positive results indicated MTB in more than four weeks culture.

Conclusion While ZN staining was positive for both MTB and MOTT colonies, the MPT64 rapid antigen test was specific for MTB, supporting its use in confirming MTB detection alongside culture methods.

Anticoagulant effects of combined extracts of Curcuma xanthorrhiza Roxb., Mimusops elengi Linn., and Averrhoa carambola in mice

Min Rahminiwati, Rafika Ulandari, Rahmat Hidayat — Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Background Curcuma xanthorrhiza Roxb. rhizome, the Mimusops elengi Linn. leaves, and Averrhoa carambola leaves contain bioactive compounds such as alkaloids and flavonoids. Flavonoids influence calcium ion levels, which play critical roles in cardiovascular functions, including heart function and blood coagulation. However, the effects of these plant extracts on blood clotting remain unclear.

Objective This study aimed to evaluate the anticoagulant effects of a combination of these plant extracts in mice.

Methods Twenty-five mice were divided into five treatment groups, receiving either distilled water (0.5 mL/25 g BW), aspirin (0.2 mg/20 g BW), Curcuma xanthorrhiza extract (0.1344 mg/20 g BW), or a combination of the three extracts at two doses (0.63 mg/20 g BW and 2.52 mg/20 g BW). Extracts were administered orally, bleeding and coagulation times were measured at 3-, 6-, and 9-hours post-administration.

Results The combined extract significantly prolonged bleeding and coagulation times compared to a single Curcuma xanthorrhiza extract. The most pronounced effect was observed at a dose of 2.52 mg/20 g BW, with the peak effect occurring at the 3rd hour.

Conclusion The combination of Curcuma xanthorrhiza, Mimusops elengi, and Averrhoa carambola extracts demonstrated significant anticoagulant activity, with the highest potency observed at a dose of 2.52 mg/20 g BW, surpassing the effects of aspirin. The synergistic interaction between these extracts is suggested to enhance their anticoagulant properties.

In silico prediction of multi-epitope vaccine candidates against Mycobacterium leprae

Almas Shabrina, Asep Iin Nur Indra, Sonny Feisal Rinaldi, Fusvita Merdekawati — Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Background Leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease, is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae. Despite ongoing efforts to control the disease, leprosy remains a global health concern, with Indonesia ranking third in the world for the highest number of cases.

Objective This study aims to identify epitopes that can induce T and B cell immune responses through an in silico approach, to design a multi-epitope vaccine candidate against Mycobacterium leprae.

Methods The study used an in silico vaccine design approach utilizing ESAT6, Ag85B, ML2028, ML2380, and ML2055 proteins from Mycobacterium leprae. The process involved sequence alignment, T cell (CTL and HTL) and B cell epitopes identification, and antigenicity, allergenicity, and toxicity assessment. Selected epitopes were constructed into a multi-epitope vaccine candidate using linkers. The tertiary structure of the vaccine was modeled with AlphaFold and evaluated via Prosa-web. The stability and interaction between the vaccine candidate and TLR4 were analyzed using molecular docking.

Results The vaccine candidate demonstrated stable interactions with TLR4, with a binding free energy of -13.9 kcal/mol. The vaccine candidate was also predicted to be stable, antigenic, non-allergenic, non-toxic, and hydrophilic.

Conclusion This in silico design of a multi-epitope vaccine candidate shows potential for development as a vaccine against leprosy.

Antidiarrheal potential of Nigella sativa L. infusion in mice: a phytochemical and efficacy evaluation

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Background Nigella sativa L., commonly known as black cumin, is a medicinal plant widely recognized for its therapeutic properties. However, limited pharmacological evidence supports its antidiarrheal potential when prepared as an infusion.

Objective This study aimed to evaluate the phytochemical composition and antidiarrheal efficacy of Nigella sativa infusion in mice.

Methods A total of 30 mice were divided into five groups: negative control (Tween 80 [1%]), positive control (Loperamide HCl), and treatment groups receiving Nigella sativa infusion at concentrations of 25%, 50%, and 100%. Antidiarrheal activity was assessed using the intestinal protection method, with parameters including defecation frequency, stool consistency, diarrheal onset time, and diarrheal duration.

Results Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, and saponins in Nigella sativa infusion. The infusion demonstrated significant antidiarrheal activity across all tested concentrations (25%–100%), with the 50% concentration showing the highest efficacy, comparable to Loperamide in reducing defecation frequency, improving stool consistency, delaying diarrheal onset, and shortening diarrheal duration.

Conclusion Nigella sativa infusion at 50% concentration exhibits promising antidiarrheal potential and warrants further development as a herbal remedy.