{"title":"Prevalence and characteristics of tuberculous meningitis in Malaysia (2015-2020).","authors":"S Maniam, S Ghazali, A Razali, S R Ramli","doi":"10.47665/tb.42.3.010","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47665/tb.42.3.010","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the top 10 causes of death and the leading cause of morbidity from a single infectious agent. Tuberculous meningitis (TBM) is a subtype of tuberculosis which constitutes about 5% of all extrapulmonary tuberculosis and about 1-2% of active tuberculosis. This study was conducted to analyse the annual incidence of TBM in Malaysia from 2015-2020. Through this study we were also able to study the demographic characteristics and clinical profiles of TBM patients. It was a cross sectional study using data collected from Malaysia national case-based TB registry (MyTB) between year 2015 and 2020. Descriptive analysis was used and univariate analysis was performed using binary logistic regression. All the statistical analyses with p-value less than 0.05 is considered significant with the 95% confidence interval. There were total of 2072 TBM cases from year 2015 until 2020, which comprised of 1.38% of total TB cases within 6 years. Most of the patients were Malaysian (1682 cases (81.2%)) while only 390 (18.8%) cases were reported among foreigners. Most cases were detected among the age group of 35-44 with average of 77.8 (22.5%) cases per year, followed by age group 35-44 with average of 66.8 (19.35%) cases per year. Of all the TBM cases, 23.2% patients were known case of HIV while 1.45% diagnosed as HIV later. TBM is a disease with poor prognosis as the consequence of the half of the affected patient is death or severe disability which is evidenced by 42.7% patients passed away. TBM imposes a great challenge in both diagnosis and management, as most affected patients will be left with severe long-term complications even with treatment. It is important to understand the epidemiology and characteristics of tuberculous meningitis in Malaysia to improve the management and enhance the control of this deadly disease.</p>","PeriodicalId":101343,"journal":{"name":"Tropical biomedicine","volume":"42 3","pages":"313-319"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145319011","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
G N Teoh, W A Nazni, A Noor-Aisyah, M Tanusshni, B Saleena
{"title":"Characteristics of VectoBac® WG spray, a Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) strain AM65-62 water-dispersible granule formulation, from a backpack sprayer Stihl® SR420 to achieve effective dengue vector control in operational programs.","authors":"G N Teoh, W A Nazni, A Noor-Aisyah, M Tanusshni, B Saleena","doi":"10.47665/tb.42.3.006","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47665/tb.42.3.006","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The productive outdoor larval habitats of dengue vectors are widespread, cryptic and hard-to-reach. It is a challenge to larvicide such habitats using traditional manual sprayers. A wide-area treatment with Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) microdroplets dispersed from a motorized backpack sprayer into such habitats is a proven method to suppress the vector population and interrupt disease transmission. This paper provides the answers to the constant inquiries by program operators on the characteristics of a Bti wide-area spray from a motorized backpack sprayer. The Bti spray mix can be either 125g or 250g in 10 liters water with a walking speed of 1m in 6 secs or 1m in 3 secs, respectively, to achieve the recommended dose of 400g/ha-500g/ha. The spray dispersed at a flowrate of 567mL-650mL through the No. 2 sprayer orifice, reached a 16m swath. A 90%-100% larval mortality was obtained in containers that were left outdoors for 7 to 14 days post spray under a shade, exposed to ambient temperature and sunlight. Higher Bti doses, at 2x and 3x to the recommended dose, achieved 90%-100% mortality in containers left outdoors for more than 14 days, but higher doses are not recommended in areas with persistent rainfall.</p>","PeriodicalId":101343,"journal":{"name":"Tropical biomedicine","volume":"42 3","pages":"278-290"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145319082","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
A A Rauff-Adedotun, I L Lee, P Bathmanaban, Z S Yahaya, M T Farah Haziqah
{"title":"Blastocystis subtypes in ruminant livestock from Perak and assessment of zoonotic transmission risks from livestock in Peninsular Malaysia.","authors":"A A Rauff-Adedotun, I L Lee, P Bathmanaban, Z S Yahaya, M T Farah Haziqah","doi":"10.47665/tb.42.2.007","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47665/tb.42.2.007","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Blastocystis is a ubiquitous intestinal protist of humans and animals. It is a genetically diverse organism whose part in the health and disease is still uncertain. This study provides information on Blastocystis STs in cattle, goats, and sheep in Perak, Malaysia, and the likely role of livestock animals in Blastocystis transmission to humans in Malaysia. Faecal samples from a total of 151 livestock animals consisting of cattle, goats, and sheep from Perak were examined by PCR analysis of the barcode region. Blastocystis ST10, ST14, and ST21 were identified in this study, and ST10 was common to all three ruminant livestock animal groups involved. Findings from previously published studies on Blastocystis in ruminant and non-ruminant livestock animals in Malaysia support indications that livestock animals may serve as reservoirs of human infections, being as one or more of the following Blastocystis subtypes: ST1, ST2, ST3, ST4, ST5, and ST6, have been isolated from both humans and livestock animals within similar regions of the country. Animal handlers are, therefore, advised to exercise proper hygiene to prevent possible transmission of Blastocystis from their animals, while further studies on the genetic variants of Blastocystis in farm animals and their keepers are required to better understand the role of these animals in human Blastocystis.</p>","PeriodicalId":101343,"journal":{"name":"Tropical biomedicine","volume":"42 2","pages":"146-154"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144577488","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
M S Mohd Yusof, N Ahmed, S N I Bakhir, R V Shiva Shanghari, M Hashairi Fauzi
{"title":"The prevalence of leptospirosis infections among humans in Malaysia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.","authors":"M S Mohd Yusof, N Ahmed, S N I Bakhir, R V Shiva Shanghari, M Hashairi Fauzi","doi":"10.47665/tb.42.2.013","DOIUrl":"10.47665/tb.42.2.013","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Leptospirosis is an infectious and zoonotic disease caused by pathogenic spirochetes of Leptospira. It affects global health issues, especially endemic in tropical and subtropical regions. This meta-analysis assessed the prevalence of leptospirosis in Malaysia and explored factors contributing to variability studies. A systematic review was conducted, which identified 301 records from six key databases. After eliminating duplicates and applying the inclusion criteria, 24 studies were selected for qualitative and quantitative analysis. Pooled prevalence and heterogeneity were calculated using a random-effects model. The pooled prevalence of leptospirosis was 26.7% (95% CI: 20.5-34.0%) with high heterogeneity (I² = 97.43%, p < 0.001). Thus, the reported prevalence decreased from 29.7% (2001-2010) to 18.1% (2011-2020). Additionally, cross-sectional studies reported a 27.4% prevalence, while prospective studies showed a higher rate (53.0%). Diagnostic methods affected the results, with MAT reporting 29.8% and combined PCR-MAT showing the highest prevalence at 31.9%. Leptospirosis remains common in Malaysia, demonstrating the need for better public health interventions, especially in flood-prone areas. Diagnostic techniques and surveillance must be improved and essential for better detecting and managing the disease.</p>","PeriodicalId":101343,"journal":{"name":"Tropical biomedicine","volume":"42 2","pages":"201-212"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144577432","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Therapeutic effects of bioconjugated Linalool-zinc oxide nanoparticles against Giardia lamblia infection through modulating serum electrolytes and inhibiting inflammation.","authors":"A F Shater, A J Alghabban","doi":"10.47665/tb.42.2.012","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47665/tb.42.2.012","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Nowadays, there has been a noticeable rise in the utilization of nanoparticles in a diverse array of fields, including medicine and industry. The current research seeks to evaluate the in vivo therapeutic efficacy of bioconjugated Linalool-zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZOP) in the treatment of G. lamblia infection. The impact of Linalool-ZOP at dosages of 20 mg/kg and 40 mg/kg, both individually and in conjunction with metronidazole (MTZ, 7.5 mg/kg) on the number and viability of Giardia cysts, the serum level of electrolytes of sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+), as well as the NF-kB signaling-related genes ((Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-a), Interleukin-1 (IL-1), IL-10, Nuclear Factor kappa B p65 (NF-kB p65), and Toll-like Receptor 4 (TLR4)) were assessed. We found that the average diameter of Linalool-ZOP was determined to be 105 nm. Following a seven-day treatment of G. lamblia-infected mice with LinaloolZOP mainly in conjunction with MTZ, the number and viability of G. lamblia cysts was significantly decreased (P<0.001). Linalool-ZOP, particularly in combination with MTZ, notably modulated the serum levels of Na and K in the infected mice (P < 0.001). The Linalool-ZOP, particularly in conjunction with MTZ independently led to a notable drop in the TNF-a, IL-1, NF-kB p65, and TLR4 genes, as well as a marked increase in IL-10 gene expression (P< 0.001) with no toxicity on vital organs in mice. The present study revealed that the Linalool-ZOP, mainly in combination with MTZ, significantly alleviated Giardia infection in murine models by reducing inflammation and rectifying serum electrolyte imbalances. Should additional mechanisms be clarified and subsequent clinical trials involving human subjects produce positive outcomes, these compounds could be considered potential candidates for developing a new therapeutic approach for giardiasis. Furthermore, we advocate for the initiation of human clinical trials and a more comprehensive assessment of the toxicity of Linalool-ZOP in more intricate models.</p>","PeriodicalId":101343,"journal":{"name":"Tropical biomedicine","volume":"42 2","pages":"194-200"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144577433","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
A Al Zahrani, S Al Qarni, E Al Mohammadi, N Al Zahrani
{"title":"Epidemiological and entomological aspects of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Saudi Arabia: A narrative review.","authors":"A Al Zahrani, S Al Qarni, E Al Mohammadi, N Al Zahrani","doi":"10.47665/tb.42.2.002","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47665/tb.42.2.002","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Leishmaniasis is an infectious disease caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania, transmitted through the bite of infected female phlebotomine sandflies. As a neglected tropical disease, it has recently garnered significant attention. Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a priority for disease control by the World Health Organization (WHO) in Saudi Arabia, among other countries. This narrative review focuses on the history of the disease, its epidemiological and entomological aspects, high-risk populations, and hard-to-reach areas. The review is based on a comprehensive analysis of literature published in English on leishmaniasis in Saudi Arabia. Articles were systematically filtered to ensure relevance to the scope of this paper. Findings from these studies were summarized and categorized geographically into five main regions: Northern, Southern, Eastern, Western, and Central Saudi Arabia.</p>","PeriodicalId":101343,"journal":{"name":"Tropical biomedicine","volume":"42 2","pages":"90-99"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144577490","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Potent antileishmanial and synergic effects of phellandrene through its immunomodulation, modulating oxidant/antioxidant, and apoptotic induction.","authors":"A J Alghabban","doi":"10.47665/tb.42.2.016","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47665/tb.42.2.016","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The primary pharmaceutical treatments for the cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) are linked to a range of negative complications. The development of innovative pharmacological agents aimed at enhancing cellular immune responses could denote a promising therapeutic approach for CL therapy. Here, the present study investigated the impact of phellandrene (PR), a cyclic monoterpene found in various plant species, on Leishmania tropica, focusing on its antileishmanial properties, immunomodulatory effects, antioxidant activity, and capacity to induce apoptosis. The antileishmaial and synergistic properties effects of PR alone and in conjunction with glucantime (GCT) on L. tropica promastigote and amastigote forms were investigated. As well, the influence of PR on the immunomodulatory-associated genes, antioxidant-associated genes, plasma membrane integrity, ROS generation, apoptosis induction, and nitric oxide (NO) production was assessed. We found that PR principally in conjunction with GCT notably reduced by the number of promastigote and amastigote forms within macrophages a dose-dependent reduction (p%lt;0.001). We found a significant upregulation in the expression of the iNOS, interferon gamma (IFN-g), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-a) genes in infected macrophages subsequent to treatment with RP, particularly in conjunction with GCT. Conversely, there was a notable downregulation in the expression of interleukin 10 (IL-10), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) genes; whereas, results in a substantial rise in NO release in macrophage cells (p<0.001). PR, GCT, PR+GCT resulted in a dose-dependent enhancement of caspase-3 activity, increase in plasma membrane integrity, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production (p<0.001). The findings indicate that the PR mainly along with GCT has a substantial effect on the inhibition and elimination of Leishmania parasites in controlled laboratory environments. Although certain cellular mechanisms of action have been recognized, including immune modulation cellular immunity response, the induction of apoptosis, ROS and NO production, reducing the antioxidant activity, and affecting membrane integrity in response to Leishmania, additional research is required to interpret its effectiveness in both animal models and human participants.</p>","PeriodicalId":101343,"journal":{"name":"Tropical biomedicine","volume":"42 2","pages":"226-235"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144577496","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
N Zabari, F S Abdul Hadi, Z Seman, B Y Tay, J Zahidi, S R Ramli
{"title":"Seropositivity of Bartonella henselae Among Suspected Cat Scratch Disease Patients in Malaysia: A 5-Year Retrospective Study (2015-2019).","authors":"N Zabari, F S Abdul Hadi, Z Seman, B Y Tay, J Zahidi, S R Ramli","doi":"10.47665/tb.42.2.009","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47665/tb.42.2.009","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Cat scratch disease (CSD) is a worldwide preventable zoonotic disease caused by a Gram-negative bacteria, Bartonella henselae (B. henselae). A retrospective study was performed to determine the seroprevalence of B. henselae and to identify its associated factors among cat scratch disease suspected patients in Malaysia from 2015-2019. A total of 3525 serum samples from Malaysian government and private hospitals were tested using an indirect immunofluorescence antibody (IFA) test kit. The IgM seropositivity of B. henselae was 41.8% and this rate showed an increasing trend each year. Among the states, Selangor had the highest B. henselae infection rate (23%), while Perlis had the lowest (1%). Further analysis revealed a significant association between B. henselae infection and female gender, as well as the younger age group between 10-19 years old (AOR 1.20, 95% CI: 1.04, 1.38; AOR 2.84, 95% CI: 2.13, 3.79). Patients presenting with fever, axillary and inguinal lymphadenopathy were found to be at a higher risk of B. henselae infection with AOR 1.73, 95% CI: 1.43, 2.09; AOR 3.71, 95% CI: 2.01, 6.84; AOR 1.91, 95% CI: 1.05, 3.48 respectively. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that B. henselae infection is not uncommon among at-risk patients in Malaysia. Clinicians should have a high level of suspicion when encountering patients with significant clinical presentations and risk factors of CSD.</p>","PeriodicalId":101343,"journal":{"name":"Tropical biomedicine","volume":"42 2","pages":"162-168"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144577431","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
N S M Zahidan, N U A Sabri, S N A Adnan, K Awang, N Ab Malik
{"title":"In vitro antibacterial potential of 1'S-1'-acetoxychavicol acetate (ACA) on oral opportunistic pathogens.","authors":"N S M Zahidan, N U A Sabri, S N A Adnan, K Awang, N Ab Malik","doi":"10.47665/tb.42.2.005","DOIUrl":"10.47665/tb.42.2.005","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Oral opportunistic pathogens resulting from poor oral health can lead to serious issues in elderly and immunocompromised individuals, including lower respiratory tract infections and aspiration pneumonia (AP). The main objective of this study is to evaluate the antibacterial effect 1'S-1'-acetoxychavicol acetate (ACA) isolated from Alpinia conchigera rhizome extract against selected oral opportunistic pathogens which are Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In this study, a total of 13 respondents were recruited to obtain the clinical isolates of selected oral opportunistic pathogens. From these samples, 3 strains of S. aureus, 1 strain of S. pneumoniae, 3 strains of K. pneumoniae and 1 strain of P. aeruginosa were obtained and further tested. To achieve the objective, disc diffusion assay (DDA), minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) and time kill assay were carried out to determine the antibacterial properties. Based on DDA results, ACA displayed good antibacterial activity against clinical isolates and ATCC strains of S. aureus, S. pneumoniae and P. aeruginosa with the zone of inhibition recorded at 25.07 ± 0.09 mm, 36.83 ± 0.85 mm and 14.00 ± 0.82 mm respectively while clinical isolates and ATCC strains of K. pneumoniae did not show any inhibition diameter. The range of MIC and MBC values for ACA recorded were between 0.39 mg/mL until 12.50 mg/mL. ACA exhibited both bacteriostatic and bactericidal properties mostly when treated with concentration of 2 × MIC and MIC at different time intervals. In conclusion, ACA possesses antibacterial effect against clinical isolates and ATCC strains of S. aureus, S. pneumoniae, K. pneumoniae and P. aeruginosa.</p>","PeriodicalId":101343,"journal":{"name":"Tropical biomedicine","volume":"42 2","pages":"130-140"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144577493","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
T Ganasen, S N I Mohd-Azami, J J Khoo, T L Peng, J Johari, N Sahimin, Z Ya'cob, S AbuBakar, S K Loong
{"title":"Rodent-borne zoonotic diseases in Southeast Asia: A narrative review.","authors":"T Ganasen, S N I Mohd-Azami, J J Khoo, T L Peng, J Johari, N Sahimin, Z Ya'cob, S AbuBakar, S K Loong","doi":"10.47665/tb.42.2.003","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47665/tb.42.2.003","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Rodent-borne zoonotic diseases, including hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, leptospirosis, and rickettsiosis, significantly impact public health. However, there is a limited understanding of these diseases in Southeast Asia, a region emerging as a hotspot for zoonotic diseases. To address this, the authors reviewed the recent developments in prevalent rodent-borne diseases in Southeast Asia from 2000 to 2024. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google, and Google Scholar, using keywords like \"rodent-borne diseases,\" \"prevalence,\" \"epidemiology,\" \"humans,\" and \"Southeast Asia.\". Leptospirosis is widespread in several Southeast Asian countries. Malaysia and Thailand have established effective national surveillance systems, tracking annual cases and fatalities. For viral diseases, such as haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome, most countries lack a structured reporting system. Vector-borne rodent diseases deal with similar underreporting, with diseases like bartonellosis and borreliosis noted only anecdotally, even in relatively-resourced countries like Thailand and Malaysia. This underreporting is concerning, as the causative pathogens are often detected in rodent reservoirs and their arthropod vectors around these regions during biosurveillance studies. Invasive rodents have long infiltrated into human environments and thrive as successful commensal species, facilitating the transmission of zoonotic pathogens to humans. Therefore, robust surveillance systems, often essential in disease control are urgently needed across the Southeast Asian region. Further scientific research and biosurveillance studies are crucial in understanding the impact of these diseases on human health, rodent populations, and the environment.</p>","PeriodicalId":101343,"journal":{"name":"Tropical biomedicine","volume":"42 2","pages":"100-122"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144577497","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}