?Since its first discovery in 1996, Carbapenem-resistant Enterobactericeae (CRE) has been increasingly reported as a cause of infections particularly in immuno-compromised patients. With limited treatment options, these multidrug-resistant organisms are associated with high mortality rates and are now recognized as an important cause of health-care associated infections. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of CRE at a 500-bedded tertiary hospital in Selangor, Malaysia. This study identified and analyzed CRE culture results from January 2015 to December 2016. The isolates were identified by conventional and Vitek 2� methods. Susceptibility tests were done by disk diffusion technique and confirmed by E-test. Polymerase chain reaction was performed to identify NDM-1, KPC, OXA-48, VIM and IMP genes. Demographic data and clinical characteristics were collected from the Hospital Information System. The prevalence of CRE in 2015 and 2016 was 0.3% (5/1590) and 1.2% (17/1402) respectively. 65% of the patients had underlying haematological disorders. Majority (81.8%) of the isolates were Klebsiella pneumoniae, followed by Serratia marcescens, Escherichia coli, and Citrobacter koseri. Klebsiella pneumoniae that co-produced NDM-1 and OXA48 genes were the most common encounter (41%), followed by OXA-48 (35%), NDM-1 (12%) and KPC (6%). All isolates were resistant to all generations of cephalosporin and carbapenem. The rate of resistance to tigecycline, polymyxin B and colistin were quite high; 46% (5 from 12 isolates), 17% (2/12) and 17% (3/17) respectively. The prevalence of CRE in this institution was relatively low. However, there is a high prevalence of OXA-48 and NDM co-producer amongst CRE isolates. Physicians should have high index of CRE suspicion in hematological patients. � 2018, Malaysian Society for Parasitology. All rights reserved.

Vibrio alginolyticus is a halophilic gram-negative marine pathogen. The modes of transmission are mainly via direct contact with seawater and indirect contact through marine creatures. We report here a 28-year-old accountant diagnosed with right leg abscess after being bitten and scratched by a stray cat. Vibrio alginolyticus was isolated from the pus sample. The patient gave no history of contact with ocean water immediately before or after the cat scratch episode. The patient did apply commercial sea cucumber oil to the wound; we presume this is the cause of the Vibrio alginolyticus wound infection. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of Vibrio alginolyticus wound infection caused by commercially available sea cucumber oil.

The present study, in principle, aims to introduce an archipelago figure who was once the focus of knowledge seekers in the Holy City of Makkah, Shaykh Muhammad Mahfuz Al-Tarmasiy. This scholar had also left behind significant contributions in his birthplace in the Island of Java. To identify his stature in the field of Islamic studies, scholarly works that bring to light the aesthetics of his writings will be briefly highlighted, fitting with the requirements of research papers. The methodology used in the present study is inclined towards qualitative research that encompasses the various sources of information in the form of his writings, be it from published books, untouched original manuscripts, theses and dissertation that look into his manuscripts and books, and the official website of the institution that was established by his successors. Interviews with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren living across the country will also be utilized as one of the methods used in identifying this figure, his background and the general view about his stature. The results of the study found that, al-Tarmasiy's stature in the area of Islamic studies is indeed superior based on two factors: First: The establishment of traditional and modern educational institutions in Java that were inspired by his enthusiasm and struggles for the sake of knowledge. Second: The impact of his meticulous works that span over twenty books on the academic world and on the traditional talaqqi education system. � 2018 Authors.

Introduction: Invasive Candida infections cause significant mortality and morbidity worldwide. Information on recent trends in species distribution and antifungal resistance in local settings is essential. Methodology: Yeast isolates identified through standard culture methods throughout 2014 and 2015 from Hospital Ampang, Malaysia were retrospectively studied. The antifungal susceptibility of Candida species was determined using colorimetric broth microdilution method and MIC values interpreted according to CLSI breakpoints. Results: Out of all the 149 yeast cultures collected, most were from blood (55.7%) and respiratory specimens (33.6%). Candida tropicalis was the most common (28.9%), followed by C. albicans (26.2%), C. parapsilosis (15.4%), C. glabrata (14.1%), Crytococcus neoformans (6.7%), Trichosporon asahi (3.4%), C. krusei (2.0%), C. famata, C. rugose, C. guilliermondii, C. dublinensis and Trichosporon spp. (0.7% each). Occurrence of C. tropicalis in candidaemia cases was significantly associated to presence of an underlying haematological disorder, while C. albicans isolates in blood were significantly found in absence of such disorders. The four most common Candida species isolated showed high susceptibility to amphotericin B (100%), anidulafungin (100%), micafungin (100%), caspofungin (98.4%), flucytosine (98.4%) and voriconazole (84.1%). However, drug susceptibility to itraconazole and fluconazole was comparatively lower (57.9% and 72.2%, respectively). C. glabrata and C. tropicalis were the least susceptible to these azoles. Conclusion: Prevalence of the high number of non-albicans Candida species with slight predominance of C. tropicalis over C. albicans was observed. Low susceptibility to itraconazole among C. glabrata and C. tropicalis isolates and to fluconazole among C. glabrata isolates warrants for continued surveillance to monitor emerging antifungal resistance.

This article identifies that in social and religious discourse in Malaysia the use of Hadith texts (tradition meaning a report of the teachings, deeds and sayings of Mohamad p.b.u.h) serves social and political as well as religious practical teaching. It also identifies that the development of the Hadith in Malaysia and its significance for Malay Muslims was signified by several issues raised by Malay religious scholars. This includes the consciousness and critique of Malay Muslims on the misconduct in their lives, as well as the national awakening particularly since the introduction into Malaysia of the twentieth century �reformist� movement, serious polemics have arisen among Malay scholars between Youth Group (Kaum Muda) and Old Group (Kaum Tua). � 2014, Mediterranean Center of Social and Educational Research. All rights reserved.

Introduction: Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) are undoubtedly less virulent as compared to other common pathogenic bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus. However the presence of VRE is a matter of concern, as VRE infections are associated with high mortality, particularly in immunocompromised patients. The resistant gene is transferable to Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Materials and Methods: VRE cases from clinical samples in a tertiary government hospital were identified retrospectively over a period of 12 months. VRE genotype was confirmed by molecular method. Patients' clinical data were obtained from the hospital information system. Results: 2.88% (n=7/243) of all Enterococcal spp isolated from clinical samples were resistant to vancomycin (VRE). All were from haematological patients, six were diagnosed with neutropaenic sepsis. All VRE were isolated within eight to 37 days after chemotherapy. Six out of seven cases where VRE were isolated had received carbapenem in their therapy. There were four samples from central venous catheter, one from peripheral blood, one from pus and one from urine sample. Only three patients were treated with Linezolid. However, all patients recovered well. All isolates carry vanA gene with vancomycin MIC of > 256 ug/mL. Conclusions: The prevalence of VRE in this current study is higher than an earlier study done in Malaysia. This finding showed that patients from haematological ward had higher risk of VRE colonization or infection. Periodic screening is necessary to monitor the prevalence of multidrug resistant organism in order to encourage healthcare workers towards practicing proper infection control measures.