Objective: Influenza is considered as an emerging disease until today. The present study was undertaken to determine the prevalent genotypes of Influenza A virus in Malaysia. Methods: Influenza A virus was identified from respiratory specimens by real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR). Phylogenetic analysis of the identified isolates was performed and genotypes were detected. Results: A total number of 505 throat swabs and nasopharyngeal aspirates were examined by rRT-PCR at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC) in which 65(12.87%) were positive for influenza A. The identified isolates were successfully genotyped by phylogenetic analysis. The identified influenza A genotypes were: H1N1 (42), H3N2 (20) and H5N1 (3). Conclusion: The findings indicated that 3 genotypes were circulating in Malaysia during 2011 in which H1N1 was the predominant. Results added new genotype (H5N1) identification record in Malaysia that may be added in data base of WHO and CDC.

Objectives: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of respiratory illness in young children worldwide. Its detection by viral culture and immunofluorescent assay is time consuming and has low sensitivity. The objective of the study was to develop In House Light Cycler Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction for Rapid Detection of Respiratory Syncytial Virus. Methodology: In house developed Light Cycler Real-Time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (LC-RT-PCR) assay was standardized using designed primers for the rapid identification of clinical samples of RSV. Results: A total of 130 samples (throat swab and nasopharyngeal aspirate) obtained from University Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, were efficiently tested and of which 54 (42%) were RSV positive. Conclusion: This study indicated that this newly developed in house rRT-PCR assay proved to be an excellent method for the rapid detection of RSV.

Objective: Respiratory infections represent a major public health problem worldwide. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of respiratory syncytial and influenza virus infections and analyzed in respect to demography and clinical perspective. Methods: The specimens were processed by cell culture and immunofluorescent assay (IFA) and real-time reverse transcriptase-PCR (rRT-PCR) for detection of respiratory viruses. Results: Out of 505 specimens 189 (37.8%) were positive, in which RSV was positive in 124(24.8%) cases and influenza A was positive in 65(13%) cases. Positive cases for influenza virus A and RSV were analyzed based on demography: age, gender, ethnicity and clinical symptoms. There were no significant differences among gender, ethnicity and clinical symptoms in both RSV and influenza A virus infections. It was observed that children below 3 years of ages were more prone to RSV infections. On the contrary, influenza virus A infected all age groups of humans. Conclusion: RSV infects mostly child below 3 years of age and influenza virus infects all age group. No specificity of RSV and influenza infection in relation to demography.

Objective: To determine the efficacy of cell culture, immunoflourescence Assay (IFA) and real time polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) in relation to diagnosis of influenza and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). Methods: Total 2781 specimens of throat swabs and nasopharyngeal aspirates were obtained from patients suspected of respiratory viruses' infections from January 2009 to December 2011 at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre(UKMMC). The specimens were processed by cell culture and immunoflurescence assay (FA) and (rRT-PCR). Results: Thirty three (1.19%) specimens were positive for influenza virus A and 42 (1.51%) were positive for RSV by cell culture and IFA. On the other hand, rRT-PCR was able to identify 189 of 505 (37.43%) specimens in which 65 were influenza A virus and 124 were RSV. Sensitivity of rRT-PCR was 100% for both influenza A virus and RSV and specificity was 88% and 77% for influenza A virus and RSV, respectively. Conclusion: rRT-PCR diagnosed respiratory viruses in shorter time with a high level of sensitivity in comparison to conventional assays - cell culture and IFA. These advantages help in managing patients by saving cost and hospitalization stay.

Background: In line with Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia's (USIM) tagline 'Exploring Islamic Science, Spearheading Knowledge', we embarked on a new paradigm of teaching by integrating naqli components into the microbiology and immunology curriculum. The main objective of this integration was to enhance students' appreciation towards Islam and Science, so that they would become good Muslim doctors. The naqli components were delivered through various teaching and learning techniques such as lectures, seminars, and online assignments. Methods: A total of eighty year 3 students from Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, USIM were involved in this study. They were exposed to the new method of teaching for the whole academic year, session 2014/2015. The effectiveness of this program was evaluated through questionnaires, given at the end of academic session. Outcome: More than 90% students agreed that the integration were clearly delivered, relevant to the topics at hand and enhanced their knowledge. Most students (>90%) preferred interactive lectures rather than students' initiated method such as seminar and speaker's corner. About two third of the students did not prefer online method. Moreover, 15.9% of them said the allotted time was insufficient and 46% agreed that there was inadequate resources in the library. Conclusions: The integration of naqli components into microbiology subject was favoured by students. However, it should be improved with allocation of more slots, upgrading of online system and increment of relevant library resources. Looking forward, we are convinced this is the way to go in producing holistic doctors equipped with necessary knowledge, both in aqli and naqli to further advance Medicine and Islam.

Introduction: Baseline information on knowledge, attitude and practice towards HPV vaccination is crucial to establish a progress track on the current HPV immunization program. Aims: This study was designed to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice towards human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, cervical cancer and HPV vaccination practice among secondary school students in rural areas of Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in several schools in rural areas of Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. The respondents were selected using simple random sampling method. Data was collected by face-to-face interview using standardized and validated questionnaire. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 21.0. Results: A total of 380 respondents participated in this study. Females scored significantly higher for the knowledge items compared to the males. Majority of respondents (86.6%) indicated their intention to get HPV vaccines. Willingness to be vaccinated was significantly associated with the level of knowledge of cervical cancer (AOR 1.658; 95% CI 1.018-2.698; p=0.042). Gender (AOR 3.289; 95% CI 1.999-5.412; p<0.001) is a significant predictor for someone who rejects vaccination due to side effects. In this study, 89.8% of female respondents had been vaccinated against HPV. Conclusion: Respondents showed poor knowledge level despite high HPV vaccination practice. Intention to get vaccinated was significantly associated with knowledge of cervical cancer. Therefore, it is necessary to educate the community members on HPV and HPV vaccine as HPV vaccination is the most effective way to prevent cervical cancer and its related diseases.

Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is an important cause of acute respiratory tract infection in infants and young children. Phylogenetic analysis for RSV in Malaysia has not been reported before. We investigated the genetic features of RSV in respiratory specimens from March to August 2011 with molecular methods. From a total of 130 throat swab and nasopharyngeal aspirate specimens, 54 (41.5%) were positive with RSV, identified by in-house real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) assay. Thirty-four out of 54 (63.0%) RSV positive patients were children below two years old and two (1.4%) were adults. Phylogenetic analysis showed 39 isolates were genotype GA5, 13 genotypes GA2, one genotype GA1 and one genotype GA7. The findings indicated four genotypes of RSV circulating in the country and the predominant genotype is GA5.