• Review Article

    Current Advances in Antiviral Potential of Artemisia Against Major Viral Infections
    Fredmoore Legaspi Orosco
    Artemisia, a genus rich in bioactive compounds, has garnered considerable attention for its potential antiviral properties. This review consolidates current research … + READ MORE
    Artemisia, a genus rich in bioactive compounds, has garnered considerable attention for its potential antiviral properties. This review consolidates current research on Artemisia’s efficacy against a spectrum of viral infections, encompassing SARS- CoV-2, human and avian influenza viruses, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and herpes simplex virus (HSV). This comprehensive review aims to synthesize key findings regarding the antiviral potential of Artemisia, elucidating the mechanisms of action, highlighting significant outcomes from experimental studies, and providing insights into the gaps and future directions for research in this domain. Artemisia exhibits substantial antiviral activity across diverse viral families. Mechanisms range from direct interference with viral replication to modulation of host immune responses. In conclusion, the collective evidence underscores Artemisia as a promising candidate for antiviral interventions. The diverse array of compounds found in different Artemisia species demonstrates efficacy against a range of viruses. However, while substantial progress has been made, further research, especially clinical trials, is crucial to validate Artemisia’s therapeutic potential and facilitate its integration into mainstream antiviral strategies. This review serves as a roadmap for future investigations in harnessing Artemisia’s antiviral prowess. - COLLAPSE
    31 December 2023
  • Original Article

    A Study on the Detection Rate of Hepatitis A from Gastroenteritis Patients and the Genotype Analysis of Hepatitis A Virus in Busan
    Sun Hee Park, Chanhee Kim, Summi Lee, Jihye Jeong, Junghye Choi, Seung Ju Lee
    In this study, we investigated the detection rate of the hepatitis A virus gene in the enteric pathogens active surveillance network to … + READ MORE
    In this study, we investigated the detection rate of the hepatitis A virus gene in the enteric pathogens active surveillance network to confirm the efficiency of early recognition to prevent hepatitis A outbreak. Additionally, individual case samples were also investigated to confirm the genotype of the hepatitis A virus prevalent in Busan. A total of 1793 stool and 12 blood samples were collected from the surveillance from 2019 to 2022, and from patients and carriers with hepatitis A in 2022, respectively. Genes specific to the hepatitis A virus were detected using polymerase chain reaction analysis, and the genotypes were confirmed through sequencing. Hepatitis A-specific genes were detected in one stool sample and five blood samples, with detection rates of 0.06% and 41.7%, respectively. Among these six samples, the genotypic analysis revealed the presence of the three subtypes IA (three), IIIA (two), and IB (one). Hence, in accordance with the domestic genotype pattern, genotypes I and III were found to be prevalent in Busan. The detection rate of the hepatitis A virus through laboratory surveillance was low, making laboratory surveillance less efficient for detecting target pathogens. However, the epidemic could be effectively analyzed using the samples collected from the patients. Therefore, to prevent and establish countermeasures to the spread of the hepatitis A virus in Busan, it is necessary to analyze not only the circulating genotypes by establishing a laboratory network with hospitals but also the data related to the clinical symptoms and accumulated scientific evidence. - COLLAPSE
    31 December 2023
  • Original Article

    A Study on Enterovirus Genotypes in Busan, Korea from 2017 to 2022
    Nam-Ho Kim, Young-A Jung, Hyeon-Jeong Kwon, Han-Nwi You, Seung-Ju Lee
    Human enteroviruses (HEV) are pathogens that cause a wide variety of clinical illness such as a hand-foot-mouth disease, herpangina, skin rash, encephalitis, … + READ MORE
    Human enteroviruses (HEV) are pathogens that cause a wide variety of clinical illness such as a hand-foot-mouth disease, herpangina, skin rash, encephalitis, aseptic meningitis and even death in young children. This study was aimed to investigate the prevalence of HEV infection in young children in Busan, Korea and analyze the various genotypes of enterovirus. We collected the stool, throat swab and cerebrospinal fluid samples from admitted pediatrics from 2017 to 2022. HEV detection and genotype identification were performed by real-time RT-PCR and RT-PCR and phylogenetic trees were constructed by neighbor-joining method compared with reference strains. A total of 1,412 samples were collected and 128 cases (9.1%) were detected. Based on partial VP1 sequencing, a total 93 enterovirus isolates were resolved into 4 genotypes and 18 serotypes; Human enterovirus A, B, D (HEV-A, B, D) and Rhinovirus. HEV-A is 30 isolates included 7 serotypes, HEV-B is 63 isolates included 10 serotypes, HEV-D is 1 isolates included 1 serotypes and Rhinovirus is 5 isolated included 3 serotypes. Prevalent serotype was coxsakievirus A10 in 2017, coxsakievirus B5 in 2018, Echovirus 30 in 2019. The temporal distribution of HEV epidemics in Busan showed a remarkable seasonal pattern, from June to September. The genotypes of circulating enteroviruses were diverse from year to year and most of the sequences circulated in Busan showed homology with reference sequences in neighboring countries such as China. Monitoring and genotyping of these enteroviruses will play a role in preventing the development of serious diseases caused by enteroviruses and genotype analysis can be used as a basic data for epidemiological studies. - COLLAPSE
    31 December 2023
  • Original Article

    Etiology of Bacteremia Under Haemodialysis Patients and Antibiotics Susceptibility Profile of Isolated Bacteria
    Assane Dieng, Magatte Niang, Awa Ba Diallo, Maria Faye, Gora Lo, Serigne Mbaye Lo Ndiaye, Alioune Tine, Safietou Ngom Cisse, Habsa Diagne, Moustapha Cisse, Sény Ndiaye, Djibril Boiro, Ndiaye Halimatou Diop, Camara Makhtar
    In nephrological pathology, incidence of bacteria is mainly correlated with the increased use of central or peripheral venous catheters, which is unavoidable … + READ MORE
    In nephrological pathology, incidence of bacteria is mainly correlated with the increased use of central or peripheral venous catheters, which is unavoidable in hemodialysis. The aim of this study is to determine bacteriological etiologies of bacteremia among hemodialysis patients between January and December 2021 and to determine their antibiotics susceptibility profiles. Blood culture balloons received from the Nephrology Department were immediately incubated in the Bactec FX 40. With the detection of an alarm due to growing suspicion of microorganisms, identification of the suspected germ and antimicrobial susceptibility testing were performed. 37 (53%) blood cultures were positive with a predominance in women (54%). Gram negative bacteria was most isolated in bacteremia with 59% rate. Among bacteria responsible of bacteremia, Staphylococcus aureus (n=13; 36%), Enterobacter cloacae (n=8; 22%), Escherichia coli (n=6; 16%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (n=4; 11%) were most important. Regarding antibiotics susceptibility of bacteria, oxacillin (83%), tobramycin (92%), gentamycin (100%) and vancomycin (100%) were most active in S. aureus. For E. cloacae, cefepim (88%), cefixim (75%), tobramycin (88%), imipenem (100%) and tigecyclin (100%) were most active. Regarding of E. coli, imipenem (100%), ceftazidim (83%), cefoxitin (83%), amikacin (100%) and gentamicin (83%) were most active. In conclusion, this study shows the high rate of bacteremia in nephrology department of CHNU Aristide Le Dantec with antibiotics more or less active. - COLLAPSE
    31 December 2023
  • Original Article

    Characteristics of Legionella Species Isolated from the Public Facilities in Busan, 2013-2022
    Su-Jeong Hwang, Su-Jin Shin, Ji-Hye Kang, Young-Ran Na, Eun-hee Park
    Analysis of the distribution of Legionella species in public water systems and investigation of the degree of contamination are the best ways … + READ MORE
    Analysis of the distribution of Legionella species in public water systems and investigation of the degree of contamination are the best ways to establish a preemptive management system that can respond quickly in the event of an outbreak. In this study, distribution of Legionella species isolated from public water systems in Busan facilities from 2013 to 2022 was analyzed. Culture and PCR methods were performed for 15,161 environmental water samples collected from public water systems including buildings, hotels, shopping centers, hospitals, public baths, and welfare facilities. Of these samples, a total of 2,156 strains (14.2%) of Legionella species were detected. A total of 1,512 (70.1%) isolates of L. pneumophila were obtained and non-L. pneumophila species were identified in 468 strains (21.7%) with 176 (8.2%) strains showing co-detection. Legionella species were detected in different facilities, including public baths (19.4%), hotels (19.3%), ships (18.6%), buildings (14.2%), hospitals (12.1%), welfare facilities (9.8%), others (9.3%), and shopping centers (9.0%). Detection results for water sources included hot water (19.9%), cooling tower water (15.3%), tank water (11.3%), cool water (8.2%), and others (7.6%). Legionella species were detected mainly in summer, although statistically significant differences in detection among different seasons were not found. High colonization was more frequently detected in water sources from cooling tower water in buildings and hot water in public baths. These results might be useful for preventing and controlling future outbreaks of legionellosis. - COLLAPSE
    31 December 2023
  • Original Article

    Characterization of Spotted Fever Group Rickettsia in Ticks Collected from South Korea
    Yeon-Joo Choi, Jeoungyeon Kim, Taeuk Kang, Heung-Chul Kim, Terry A Klein, Sung-Tae Chong, Hye-Jin Park, Won-Jong Jang
    Recently, numbers of newly emerging spotted fever group Rickettsia spp. were observed in ticks. Here, we explored to determine the prevalence of … + READ MORE
    Recently, numbers of newly emerging spotted fever group Rickettsia spp. were observed in ticks. Here, we explored to determine the prevalence of rickettsia species found in ticks from 2 northeastern provinces (Gyeonggi, and Gangwon) of South Korea. A total of 1,798 Ixodid ticks were collected by tick drag methods from August to September 2009 in two northeastern provinces. 204 samples were screened for the rickettsial 17-kDa antigen gene using nested PCR (nPCR), and 25 samples showed positivity. Of the 25 samples, 16 (64%), 11 (44%), and 9 (36%) were positive for rickettsial outer membrane protein A (ompA) gene, outer membrane protein B (ompB) gene, and surface cell antigen 4 (sca4) gene, respectively. BLAST results of ompB, ompA and sca4 sequences were obtained from the two identified genotypes designated as Rickettsia sp. str. koreansis, formerly named as HlR/D91, (from Haemaphysalis longicornis) and InR/D372 (from Ixodes nipponensis). The ompA small part (645bp) of Rickettsia sp. str. koreansis shared 99.8% similarity with Rickettsia sp. FuJ98 (firstly identified in China) while ompA large part (1651bp) of Rickettsia sp. str. koreansis showed 98.8% similarity with R. heilongjiangensis. Further, ompB (1848bp) and sca4 (1705bp) of Rickettsia sp. str. koreansis showed 97.9% and 97.6% sequence similarities with R. hulinensis and R. japonica, respectively, while ompA (small & large parts), ompB, and sca4 derived from Rickettsia sp. InR/D372 clustered with R. monacensis (99.8%) and R. tamurae (99.6%), respectively. These data suggest that the potentially new Rickettsia sp. str. koreansis was closely related to R. japonica, R. heilongjiangensis in northeastern Korea. - COLLAPSE
    31 December 2023
  • Original Article

    Study on the Distribution of Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) in Busan, 2022
    Kyeong-A Kim, Hye-sook Heo, Hye-jun Kim, Su-jin Shin, Young-ran Na
    This study was conducted on the incidence of as carbapenemase-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) infection and carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) gene distribution in Busan … + READ MORE
    This study was conducted on the incidence of as carbapenemase-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) infection and carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) gene distribution in Busan to prepare basic data for preventing the spread of CRE infection by confirming the regional characteristics of CRE infection. The total of 2,429 strains from 92 clinics were obtained from rectal swab, sputum, stool, urine, blood, wound, bile, transtracheal aspiration, pus, ascetic fluid, bronchial washing, catheter tip, genital, skin, sore, tissue, from January to December 2022. The CRE infection was tested by the method tested by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA). Species identification was confirmed by VITEK 2. Klebsiella pneumoniae which was detected in 1,698 (70.2%), was the most common isolated CRE, followed by Escherichia coli in 430 (17.8%), Enterobacter cloacae 90 (3.7%) and Citrobacter freundii 44 (1.8%). Among the identified CREs, 2,029 (83.5%) strains were identified as CPE. More than half of the detected CPE types were 1,680 (69.2%) of KPC-2 (Klebsiella pneumonia carbapenases-2), followed by 166 (6.8%) of NDM-1 (New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase-1), 58 (2.4%) of KPC-3, and 51 (2.4%) of NDM-5. These findings provide good basic data for comprehensive surveillance of CREs, suggesting that KPC and NDM are widespread in Busan. In the analyzed CRE samples, Ertapenem resistance was the most common at 99.5%, imipenem resistance 72.3%, meropenem resistance 67.9%, and doripenem resistance 48.7%. It is expected that this study can be used as basic data for preparing suitable countermeasures against CRE infection in the community in the future. - COLLAPSE
    31 December 2023
  • Original Article

    Serotype Distribution and Antimicrobial Resistance of Salmonella Isolates in Seoul, 2020-2022
    Young Hee Jin, Young A Yu, Mi Ok Song, Eun Young Kwon, Jin Kyoung Kim, Hyo Sun Suh, So Yune Baek, Eun Sung Kim, Young Ok Hwang, Jib Ho Lee
    Salmonella enterica is the most representative water and foodborne disease pathogen in Korea and worldwide. This study investigated the serotype distribution and … + READ MORE
    Salmonella enterica is the most representative water and foodborne disease pathogen in Korea and worldwide. This study investigated the serotype distribution and antimicrobial resistance of Salmonella isolated in Seoul between 2020 and 2022. A total of 494 Salmonella strains were isolated in three years. The identified Salmonella strains showed 61 serotypes, the most common being Enteritids 138 (27.9%), followed by I 4,[5],12:i:- 61 (12.3%), Typhimurium 57 (11.5.%), Infantis 50 (10.1%), and Bareilly 27 (5.5%), which accounted for 67.4% of the total serotypes. As a result of antimicrobial susceptibility test of Salmonella, the antimicrobials with high resistance rates were nalidixic acid (36%), ampicillin (33.2%), ampicillin/sulbactam (28.5%), tetracycline (26.1%). Characteristically, the antimicrobial resistance patterns were different for each serotypes, and I 4,[5],12:i:- had the highest antimicrobial resistance rate among the major serotypes. In addition, the pattern of antimicrobial multidrug resistance (MDR) showed a clear difference in serotypes. Serotype I 4,[5],12:i:- demonstrated the highest MDR rate (77. 0%), and showed the most diverse types of resistance. In conclusion, the characteristic of Salmonella isolated from Seoul during 2020- 2022 is that various serotypes have been identified every year, and the proportion of Salmonella I 4,[5],12:i:- with high antimicrobial resistance is increasing compared to Salmonella Typhimurim. - COLLAPSE
    31 December 2023
  • Original Article

    Reduction in Antimicrobial Resistance Prevalence in Escherichia coli and Enterococcus Species from a Swine Farm in Korea following All-In/All-Out Management
    Chang Min Jung, Kyung-Hyo Do, Kwangwon Seo
    All-In/All-Out (AIAO) is a management strategy in pig farming where all animals within a specific production group are introduced into a facility … + READ MORE
    All-In/All-Out (AIAO) is a management strategy in pig farming where all animals within a specific production group are introduced into a facility at the same time and are subsequently removed together when the production cycle is complete. The aim of this study was to analyzing whether the application of AIAO system in pig farm in Korea affects the reduction of antimicrobial resistance. A total of 60 Escherichia coli (E. coli) and 60 Enterococcus species (spp.) isolates were tested in this study: 30 from “Before application of AIAO”, and “After application of AIAO”. All E. coli and Enterococcus spp. isolates were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility using the disc diffusion test. We found that there were significant decrease of resistance rates to cefoxitin (40.0% to 20.0%), cefepime (20.0% to 0.0%), gentamicin (50.0% to 20.0%), kanamycin (80.0% to 40.0%), sulfisoxazole (73.3% to 40.0%), and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (86.7% to 40.0%) in E. coli, and ampicillin (6.7% to 0.0%), penicillin (53.3% to 40.0%), ciprofloxacin (66.7% to 40.0%), and gentamicin (86.7% to 60.0%) in Enterococcus spp. after the application of AIAO. Through this, we suggest the application of AIAO management system as the decreasing antimicrobial resistance model for pig farms. This could contribute to the development of approaches for research on antimicrobial resistance and its effective management. - COLLAPSE
    31 December 2023
  • Original Article

    Spa Typing and Virulence Attributes of Multidrug-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Goat: A Veterinary Hospital-Based Cross-Sectional Study
    Avijit Dutta, Chandan Nath, Md. Moktadir Billah Reza, Tridip Das, Eaftekhar Ahmed Rana, Ayesha Sultana, Mohammad Shah Jalal
    Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) not only causes significant loss of livestock production but also has potential public health risks. This … + READ MORE
    Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) not only causes significant loss of livestock production but also has potential public health risks. This study was conducted with the objective of characterizing the antibiogram of S. aureus from goats attending a Teaching Veterinary Hospital in Bangladesh. We aimed to study the spa type, potential virulence factor(s), and the presence of methicillin and vancomycin resistance genes in the isolates. From a total of 200 goat nasal swab samples S. aureus was confirmed by PCR. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using the disc diffusion method followed by mecA and vanA gene PCR. Staphylococcal protein A (spa) typing was conducted for selected isolates. A set of major virulence determinants, including sea, seb, pvl, and tst were investigated by PCR. A total 11.5% (n=23) of S. aureus isolates were obtained. Ciprofloxacin resistance was the highest (100%; n=23) followed by cefoxitin (74%; n=17). About 91% of the isolates (n=21) were multidrug-resistant (resistant to ≥3 antimicrobial classes). One (6%) isolate was MRSA harboring mecA. Among 13 vancomycin-resistant isolates, three (23%) were vanA-positive. Of the virulence genes screened, sea was recorded in four (17%) isolates. The spa typing of two randomly selected strains revealed that one isolate belonged to spa type t5259, and the other seemed to be novel. Goats having cutaneous and mucosal lesions had higher S. aureus carriage (P=0.01) with a significant variation across the breeds (P= 0.02). This study provides insights into S. aureus strains circulating in the goat population in Bangladesh. - COLLAPSE
    31 December 2023
  • Original Article

    Effects of Liquid Administering Antimicrobial Agents on Reducing Antimicrobial Resistance in Weaned Piglets in Korea
    Seong-Won Lee, Kyung-Hyo Do, Kwangwon Seo
    Antimicrobial agents are typically delivered through two primary oral routes: either liquid administering into drinking water or powder administering into feed. The … + READ MORE
    Antimicrobial agents are typically delivered through two primary oral routes: either liquid administering into drinking water or powder administering into feed. The aim of study was to analyze the effects of liquid administering antimicrobial agents on antimicrobial resistance. We selected 5 pig farms that have both a weaner house with a proportional liquid dispenser, and a weaner house that does not have proportional liquid dispenser, and confirmed that weaned piglets in weaner house with proportional liquid dispenser were treated antimicrobial agents via drinking water, and weaned piglets in weaner house without proportional liquid dispenser were treated antimicrobial agents with powder administering into feed. A total of 80 Escherichia coli (E. coli) and 79 Enterococcus species (spp.) isolates were tested in this study. All E. coli and Enterococcus spp. isolates were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility using the disc diffusion test. We found that isolates from house with proportional liquid feeding showed a significantly lower antimicrobial resistance rates to chloramphenicol (77.8%) in E. coli compared to that from house without proportional liquid dispenser (90.9%), and tetracycline (80.0%), florfenicol (77.5%), and kanamycin (87.5%) in Enterococcus spp. compared to those from house without proportional liquid dispenser (89.7%, 92.3%, and 97.4%, respectively). The findings suggest that utilizing drinking water as a means of administering antimicrobial agents is a favorable approach for disease management in pig production. - COLLAPSE
    31 December 2023
  • Original Article

    Development of a Blocking ELISA Method for Detection of Getah Virus Antibodies in Horse Sera
    Dong-Kun Yang, Yu-Ri Park, Ha-Hyun Kim, Hye Jeong Lee, Subin Oh, Bang-Hun Hyun
    Recent climate change and global warming are likely to increase mosquito-borne diseases. Getah virus (GETV) is a mosquito-borne virus that infects horses … + READ MORE
    Recent climate change and global warming are likely to increase mosquito-borne diseases. Getah virus (GETV) is a mosquito-borne virus that infects horses and other mammals, including humans. Currently, GETV infection in horse sera is confirmed by the virus neutralization (VN) test. Therefore, there is a need for a new enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect GETV-antibody in a large number of horse serum samples. We aimed to develop a blocking ELISA (B-ELISA) method for the specific detection of GETV antibodies in horse serum samples. Antibodies against GETV in the sera of 175 horses were measured using the VN test. The purified QIAG9301-100P virus was used as an antigen for the B-ELISA. A monoclonal antibody (1E1) was conjugated with horseradish peroxidase and used as a detection antibody. For the establishment of the B-ELISA, antigen concentration, serum dilution factor, and conjugate dilution concentration were determined as 5 µg/mL, 20 times, and 3.6 µg/mL, respectively. We evaluated the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the B-ELISA using sera from 175 horses. The B-ELISA had a diagnostic sensitivity of 91.4%, a specificity of 94.0%, and an accuracy of 93.1% compared with that of the VN test. The B-ELISA was significantly correlated with the VN test (r = 0.83). The new B-ELISA could replace the VN test and be useful for the sero-surveillance of GETV in horse sera. It is also expected to be able to detect GETV antibodies in the serum of various animals including pigs. - COLLAPSE
    31 December 2023