BACKGROUND:Leprosy, caused by Mycobacterium leprae, remains a persistent public health challenge in endemic regions such as Indonesia. Despite global efforts toward elimination, hidden transmission through asymptomatic household contacts contributes to ongoing endemicity. Molecular detection methods, particularly polymerase chain reaction (PCR), have demonstrated superior sensitivity and specificity compared to conventional microscopy or clinical diagnosis. METHODS:A cross-sectional molecular survey was conducted at 12 primary healthcare facilities. Nasal swab samples were obtained from 37 leprosy patients (17 undergoing multidrug therapy, 20 released from treatment (RFT), and 89 household contacts. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) extraction used the Presto™ Buccal Swab Kit, followed by PCR targeting the pra gene (531 bp). RESULTS:Out of 126 samples, M. leprae DNA was detected in 14 (9.6%) by PCR analysis. Positive amplification was observed in 3 (11.8%) of 17 patients under treatment, 6 (17.1%) of 41 household contacts of patients under treatment, 1 (5.0%) of 20 RFT patients, and 4 (8.3%) of 48 household contacts of RFT patients. These findings highlight that household contacts of both active and previously treated leprosy patients may serve as potential reservoirs for ongoing transmission. CONCLUSION:PCR-based molecular detection of M. leprae from nasal swabs offers a reliable tool for identifying subclinical infection and monitoring transmission dynamics in endemic settings. Integrating molecular surveillance into public health strategies can significantly enhance early diagnosis and accelerate leprosy elimination programs.

Introduction: Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a significant pathogen in pediatric populations, yet serological diagnosis lacks specificity. This study aimed to identify active CMV infection through molecular methods in hospitalized children previously diagnosed serologically. Methods: a hospital-based descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2024 to March 2025 at Wahidin Sudirohusodo Hospital, a tertiary referral and teaching hospital in Makassar, Indonesia. Blood samples from 50 pediatric inpatients with serological evidence suggesting CMV exposure were subjected to conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the HindIII-X fragment (406 bp). PCR-positive samples were sequenced for local phylogenetic description. Descriptive statistics assessed molecular findings stratified by demographics, serology, and clinical manifestations. Results: of 50 blood samples examined, 9 (18%) were positive for CMV DNA by PCR. Positivity rates were higher in male children (21.4%) compared to females (13.6%), with the highest prevalence in infants <1 year (24.1%). Among serology-reactive cases, the highest detection rate was observed in patients with concurrent IgM and IgG reactivity (50%), compared to IgG alone (10.3%). Phylogenetic analysis of HindIII-X sequences revealed two descriptive, well-supported clades (bootstrap 98-99%) within human betaherpesvirus 5 in this hospital cohort. Notably, 82% of serologically positive samples were negative for CMV DNA in blood, suggesting limited systemic viremia despite positive antibody status; CMV replication may still occur in end-organ compartments without being detected in peripheral blood, particularly when using conventional PCR with lower analytic sensitivity than quantitative assays. Conclusion: molecular confirmation via PCR is essential to distinguish active CMV infection from serological evidence of past or latent infection. The substantial discordance between serology and blood PCR findings supports integration of molecular testing as a confirmatory standard in pediatric CMV evaluation, particularly in IgM-positive cases-to prevent unnecessary antiviral therapy and strengthen antimicrobial stewardship in resource-limited, high-seroprevalence settings.

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is regarded as one of the most challenging infectious diseases globally, posing significant obstacles in terms of diagnosis and treatment. The limited effectiveness of the Bacillus Calmette–Guérin vaccine and the low sensitivity of conventional diagnostic methods underscore the need for improved antigen-based detection strategies. This study aimed to clone, express, and characterize culture filtrate protein 10 (CFP-10) and resuscitation-promoting factor D (rpfD) and to predict potential T-cell and B-cell epitopes using in silico methods. Methods: Genes encoding Rv3874 (CFP-10) and Rv2389c (rpfD) were amplified from Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv, subsequently cloned into the pCold II vector and then expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3). Induction with isopropylthio-β-galactoside resulted in recombinant protein expression and confirmed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). In silico analysis included physicochemical characterization, secretion and localization prediction, and identification of T-cell and B-cell epitopes, followed by screening for antigenicity, allergenicity, and toxicity. Results: Polymerase chain reaction successfully produced fragments of 303 bp (Rv3874) and 465 bp (Rv2389c), and sequencing confirmed the correct construct. SDS-PAGE revealed recombinant proteins of ~11 kDa (CFP-10) and ~15–16 kDa (rpfD), consistent with theoretical sizes. Both proteins were predicted to be antigenic and extracellular. Multiple strong binding epitopes were identified with high antigenicity, which were nontoxic and nonallergenic which signal a large immunogenic capacity. Conclusions: CFP-10 and rpfD were successfully cloned and expressed and demonstrated promising immunogenic profiles in silico. These findings support the potential as complementary antigens in future vaccine platforms and immunodiagnostic tools for TB.

Aeromonas spp. are key pathogens responsible for motile Aeromonas septicemia (MAS) in freshwater fish. This research is focused on identifying Aeromonas spp. by employing matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) in conjunction with a custom peptide database developed from reference strains such as A. veronii, A. jandaei, A. schubertii, A. hydrophila, A. diversa, and A. punctata isolated from diseased fish. Peptides from these strains were used to construct main spectra profiles (MSPs), which were integrated into the MALDI Biotyper database. Validation involved 38 bacterial isolates. Distinct MSPs were observed, with species-specific clustering. Identification accuracy was assessed by comparing the MALDI Biotyper log scores to gyrB gene sequencing as the reference standard. Using the standard Biotyper library, 89.4

Respiratory diseases represent a significant global health issue. Currently, there is growing interest in using probiotics [e.g., Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG)] as adjunctive therapies for the management of respiratory diseases. However, the efficacy of LGG in respiratory diseases remains unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of LGG in preventing and treating respiratory diseases. A comprehensive literature search was performed using the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Scopus databases using keywords related to LGG and respiratory diseases. Studies were selected on the basis of predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, and data were extracted for qualitative and quantitative analyses. The Cochrane Risk of Bias tool was used to assess the methodological quality of the included studies, and RevMan 5.4 was used to perform the meta-analysis. Out of 155 studies that were initially identified, 13 randomized controlled trials met the inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis showed that LGG intervention, both as a preventive and therapeutic strategy, significantly reduced the incidence of respiratory disease episodes (mean difference: -0.14, 95% confidence interval: -0.27 to -0.01, P=0.03) and mitigated associated symptoms compared with placebo or no intervention. The results of subgroup analyses indicated that LGG was particularly effective in reducing the duration and severity of respiratory infections in children and high-risk populations. However, heterogeneity (I2=62%) was observed, which was likely because of variations in the study design, dosage, and patient populations. These findings suggest that LGG may be a promising adjunctive therapy for respiratory diseases, particularly in preventive settings.

Endophthalmitis is a severe intraocular infection that poses a substantial risk of permanent vision loss if not promptly diagnosed and treated. Among its diverse etiologies, infections caused by Mycobacterium species are notably rare yet clinically significant due to their slow-growing nature and atypical presentations, which complicate diagnosis and management. This systematic review examines the role of Mycobacterium species in cases of endophthalmitis, with a particular focus on their etiologies and diagnostic challenges. A comprehensive search of electronic databases yielded 14 studies published between 2014 and 2024, providing insights into the identification and characterization of these pathogens in intraocular infections. The findings highlight the importance of heightened clinical suspicion and the use of advanced microbiological techniques to detect Mycobacterium species, given their subtle clinical manifestations and prolonged culture requirements. Addressing these challenges is critical for timely intervention and optimizing patient outcomes. This review underscores the need for further research to establish standardized diagnostic protocols and effective treatment strategies for Mycobacterium-associated endophthalmitis. Such efforts will enhance understanding of these rare but impactful infections, ultimately contributing to improved clinical management and preservation of vision.

OBJECTIVE:The objective of the study is to assess the impact of Spiritual Emotional Freedom Technique (SEFT) intervention on pain severity, cortisol, and IL6 levels in stage III B cervical cancer patients undergoing chemoradiation. METHODS:A quasi-experimental study with a one-group pre-test post-test design was conducted at Gatot Soebroto Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia, focusing on stage III B cervical cancer patients who received chemoradiation. Pain severity was quantified using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), while cortisol and IL6 levels were determined via serum specimen collection and ELISA analysis. Statistical analysis revealed significant disparities in pain severity, cortisol levels, and IL6 levels pre- and post-intervention. A significant correlation emerged between pain severity, cortisol, and IL6 levels (p<0.001). RESULT:The average pre-intervention pain severity was 4.5 and the average post-intervention pain severity was 1.6. The average pre-intervention cortisol level was 632.9 and the average post-intervention cortisol level was 305.3 (p-value <0.001). The average pre-intervention IL6 level was 260.1 and the average post-intervention IL6 level was 106.7. CONCLUSION:The SEFT proves highly effective in alleviating pain among cervical cancer patients undergoing chemoradiation.

Background:Indonesia is currently experiencing a foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak in livestock, caused by the FMD virus (FMDV). FMDV is easily spread to cause outbreaks in new geographical locations. Identifying FMDV infection through early diagnostic testing is important to track and prevent the spread of FMD in Indonesia. The use of appropriate samples is a crucial step in a study or survey to provide accurate results for diagnosis. Aim:The aim of our study was to evaluate the sensitivity of relevant oral mucosal epithelial swabs, hypersalivation swabs, and blood plasma specimen samples for FMDV diagnosis using one-step real time PCR (3D). Methods:Sampling was carried out by judgment or purposive, namely selecting animals that showed symptoms of the disease. A total of 109 samples were collected consisting of 3 types of oral mucosal epithelial swab specimens, hypersalivation swabs, and blood plasma collected from each cow reported as suspected FMDs in 8 districts in South Sulawesi were tested for FMDV using one-step RT-PCR (3D). Results:FMDV infection in oral mucosal epithelial swabs (ct = 28.9), saliva (ct = 30.62), and blood plasma (ct = 37.17) compared to controls used from the Farma Veterinary Center (ct = 29.10) using RT PCR (3D gene). These results indicate that the sensitivity value of oral mucosal epithelial swab specimens is the same as positive controls, even more sensitive, than when compared to saliva or blood plasma specimens. Sensitivity depends on the cycle threshold (CT) value for each RT PCR test and should be preferred in crucial situations if possible. Conclusion:These findings indicate that using oral mucosal epithelial swab specimens is more sensitive to be used as superior samples for FMDV detection using RT-PCR (3D) as a powerful tool for early detection to enable faster and effective treatment.

INTRODUCTION:Chronic inflammation is associated to the pathogenesis of prostate cancer (PCa) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This study evaluated the correlation between inflammatory markers fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF2), interleukin (IL)-8, and IL-6 in PCa and BPH tissues to understand their involvement in disease progression. METHODS:A cross-sectional investigation was carried out, examining prostate specimens from 62 male patients diagnosed with PCA or BPH. Specimens were taken via transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and stained with hematoxylin and eosin to look for inflammatory infiltrates and aggressiveness. The levels of FGF2, IL-8, and IL-6 were evaluated using ELISA. Chi-square and logistic regression tests were used in the statistical analysis. RESULTS:High-grade inflammation was found in all BPH cases (100%), but not in PCa cases. In BPH tissues, elevated levels of IL-8 and IL-6 had a significant correlation with high-grade inflammation (p < 0.05). On the other hand, PCa tissues had considerably greater FGF2 levels than benign tissues (p < 0.05). Elevated FGF2 levels and the lack of high-grade inflammation in PCa tissues point to different pathogenic processes in PCa and BPH. CONCLUSIONS:This study emphasizes the importance of chronic inflammation in BPH development, with IL-8 and IL-6 playing essential roles. The results imply that treating BPH by focusing on IL-8 and IL-6 may be beneficial. Increased levels of FGF2 in PCa tissues suggest that this protein may be used as a biomarker and therapeutic target for PCa. These findings highlight the importance of targeting both inflammatory and growth factor pathways for treating prostatic disorders.

Abstract. Savitri AP, Massi MN, Hatta M, Santoso A, Fachri M, Djaharuddin I, Wahyuni S, Ilyas M, Iskandar H, Pattelongi I, Handayani I, Iskandar IW, Hidayah N, Angria N, Halik H. 2025. Analysis of miR-21-5p and miR-144-5p expression as biomarkers in active lung tuberculosis and home contacts. Biodiversitas 26: 831-836. Considering the central role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in development and disease, researchers have proposed that specific circulating miRNAs affect the outcome of tuberculosis (TB) infection and that blood miRNA levels might reflect the course of the disease. This study analyzed the expression of miR-21-5p and miR-144-5p as potential biomarkers in patients with active TB and their household contacts (individuals with latent TB and healthy contacts). This study used a cross-sectional design and enrolled 20 people with active TB, 22 household contacts with positive interferon-gamma release assay results, and 22 healthy controls. miR-21-5p and miR-144-5p expression was examined using quantitative real-time PCR. miR-21-5p expression was more than 37-fold higher in patients with active TB than in healthy contacts. Meanwhile, miR-21-5p expression was approximately 15-fold higher in patients with active TB than in those with latent TB. miR-21-5p expression was 2.5-fold higher in patients with latent TB than in healthy contacts, whereas miR-144-5p expression was 35-fold higher in patients with active TB than in healthy contacts, and approximately 52-fold higher in patients with active TB than in contacts with latent TB. miR-144-5p expression in latent TB was approximately 1.5-fold higher in healthy contacts than in contacts with latent TB. Receiver operating characteristic analysis illustrated that miR-21-5p and miR-144-5p could distinguish latent TB from active TB with areas under the curve of 0.811 (95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 0.67-0.953) and 0.818 (95% CI = 0.689-0.947), respectively. miR-21-5p and miR-144-5p expression was elevated in active TB, highlighting their potential as diagnostic biomarkers.

Background: Pregnancy reduces the effectiveness of cell-mediated immunity, making the body more vulnerable to Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infection. HPV comes in multiple variants, including non-pro-oncogenic varieties like 6 and 11. Less research has been done on low-risk HPV infections than on high-risk HPV since they are more frequently linked to genital warts and rarely result in cancer. Examples of these infections are types 6 and 11. It is necessary to conduct this study to ascertain whether asymptomatic pregnant women have been exposed to HPV types 6 and 11. Purpose: This study aims to determine prevalence HPV types 6 and 11 in pregnant women. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was carried out in Makassar in May 2023. The study Population consisted of pregnant women who underwent antenatal care at Tajuddin Chalid Hospital Makassar during the specified research period. After providing clarification and obtaining consent from eligible mothers, we collected a swab from the vaginal area. A PCR examination was conducted on the 167 maternal swabs that were received. Statistical analyses included frequency distribution using SPSS. Results: According to the study, 121 (72.5%) of the 167 samples tested positive for HPV type 6 DNA, while 46 (27.5%) tested negative. Meanwhile, 67% of 167 patients tested positive for HPV type 11 but were negative for the virus. Only 21 respondents with negative identification were found to be harboring both low-risk Human Papillomavirus types. In addition, 78 respondents received positive results for HPV types 6 and 11. Conclusion: Pregnant women can be infected with HPV types 6 and 11 even if they are asymptomatic. The high percentage of positive results suggests that routine maternal screening is recommended, especially during pregnancy.

Background:Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) is an inflammatory cytokine produced by macrophages in acute inflammatory processes and plays roles in cell signaling that cause necrosis and apoptosis. This study aimed to show whether there was an effect of Neuroaid (MLC 901) on TNF-α levels in rats with traumatic brain injury (TBI) measured using the Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in the peripheral blood. Methods:A total of 10 Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into two groups, one group was given MLC 901 (n = 5), and the other group was not given MLC 901 (NaCl 0.9%) (n = 5). All groups were treated with brain injury using the modified Marmarou model. The measurements of TNF-α were performed at 30 min and 6 weeks after brain injury. Results:At 30 min after brain injury, the TNF-α level in the MLC 901 group was higher (3564.8) than the 0.9% NaCl group (3453.6), but it was not statistically significant (P = 0.830). At 6 weeks of treatment, the TNF-α level in the MLC 901 group (2576.6) was higher than the 0.9% NaCl group (1383.4) and statistically significant (P = 0.001). This study showed that the administration of MLC 901 could increase TNF-α levels at 6 weeks after treatment. Conclusion:MLC 901 increases TNF-α levels in rats with TBI, with a significant rise observed at 6 weeks, suggesting a sustained inflammatory response.

BACKGROUND:The M72/AS01E tuberculosis vaccine candidate, currently on trial in Indonesia, includes PPE18 (Rv1196) and PepA (Rv0125) as key antigens. Genetic variation in these proteins may affect immune recognition and vaccine efficacy. This study aims to analyse the genetic diversity of Rv1196 and Rv0125 in Mycobacterium tuberculosis clinical isolates from Indonesia and assess the structural and immunological implications using in silico methods. METHODS:Rv1196 and Rv0125 genes from clinical isolates were sequenced and analysed for polymorphisms. PPE18 variants were modelled using I-TASSER (Iterative Threading ASSEmbly Refinement), and structural stability and HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigen) binding predictions (HLA-I and HLA-II) were performed using IEDB (Immune Epitope Database) tools. Molecular docking with TLR2 (Toll-like Receptor 2) was conducted to evaluate receptor interactions. RESULTS:A novel non-synonymous mutation (T22G, Ser8Ala) was identified in Rv0125, which was otherwise conserved. Rv1196 showed high variability with 58 polymorphic sites, including 38 non-synonymous mutations, a frequent Arg287Gln substitution, and a ΔThr163-Ala164 deletion. Structural modelling indicated preserved PPE18 fold but altered epitope binding in an allele-specific manner. Docking showed stronger TLR2 interactions for variants 6S31 and 6S32, suggesting enhanced IL-10 induction and a Th2-skewed immune response. CONCLUSIONS:PPE18 genetic variation may influence immune recognition and the effectiveness of M72/AS01E. Ongoing antigenic surveillance in endemic areas is essential to guide vaccine design and diagnostics.

Introduction:urinary tract infections (UTIs) during pregnancy pose significant health risks for both mother and fetus. While Escherichia coli is the most common causative agent, non-Escherichia coli gram-negative bacteria also contribute to UTIs, with their specific prevalence and characteristics in pregnant women needing further elucidation, particularly in local contexts. This study aimed to identify gram-negative non-Escherichia coli bacteria causing UTIs in pregnant women and to determine their epidemiological characteristics in Makassar, Indonesia. Methods:a cross-sectional study was conducted at the Clinical Microbiology Laboratory of Hasanuddin University Hospital, Makassar, from July to August 2024. The study utilized 38 non-Escherichia coli bacterial isolates from urine cultures of pregnant women diagnosed with UTIs at various community health centers. After re-culturing on MacConkey Agar, bacterial identification was performed using the API 20e system. Epidemiological data were collected from medical records and questionnaires. Results:among 38 non-Escherichia coli isolates, Enterobacter cloacae was most prevalent (34.2%), followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae spp. Pneumoniae (23.7%). Most isolates (76.3%) were lactose fermenters. Epidemiologically, the 25-34 age group dominated (71.0%), with the highest UTI incidence in first pregnancies (47.4%) and the second trimester (44.7%). Significantly, 97.4% of pregnant women with UTI symptoms did not seek treatment. Conclusion:Enterobacter cloacae is the most common non-Escherichia coli gram-negative UTI bacterium in this Makassar cohort. Key epidemiological characteristics were elucidated, revealing a substantial proportion of women not seeking treatment for UTI symptoms. These findings underscore the importance of local surveillance and targeted health education interventions for pregnant women regarding UTI management.

Aims: Acinetobacter baumannii is a Gram-negative bacterium that causes nosocomial infections. Many cases of A. baumannii infection have been reported in various countries. These bacteria can quickly become resistant to various antibiotics, including carbapenem antibiotics. One of the most important mechanisms of antibiotic resistance in A. baumannii is the production of the enzyme metallo-beta-lactamase (MBL). Acinetobacter baumannii is a critical priority pathogen that poses a major threat to health, so new types of antibiotics are needed to overcome this problem. This study aims to determine the incidence of A. baumannii resistance to carbapenem antibiotics at Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo Hospital and determine the presence of MBL-producing resistant genes by Combined disk test (CDT) and PCR methods. Methodology and results: The study was conducted in the Central Laboratory Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo Hospital and Hasanuddin University Medical Research Center (HUM-RC) laboratory. The research population chosen was isolates from patients diagnosed with infectious diseases caused by A. baumannii bacteria at Wahidin Sudirohusodo Hospital. The number of samples in this study was 50 based on the number of isolates from patients who had been diagnosed with infection based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Acinetobacterbaumannii resistance to carbapenem antibiotics in Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo Hospital was 56% (28 out of 50 isolates), and 18 produced MBL. The 15 resistant carbapenems were positive for MBL, and 3 sensitive carbapenems that produced MBL. The resistant gene of A. baumannii bacteria, the SPM gene, was found in 18 isolates, 9 (50%) of which were sensitive to carbapenems. Bacteria with positive OXA51 gene were found in 40 out of 50 samples, 15 (37.5%) of which were sensitive to carbapenems. Conclusion, significance and impact of study: This study concludes that there are resistant genes of A. baumannii from the MBL and oxacillinase classes with a not-too-high percentage. CDT and PCR methods can be used to confirm resistant and sensitive A. baumannii.