Samiul Iqbal | Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (original) (raw)
Papers by Samiul Iqbal
Indian Journal of Health Sciences and Biomedical Research (KLEU), 2021
CONTEXT: COVID-19 has caused unprecedented hazard not only to the health and economy but also to ... more CONTEXT: COVID-19 has caused unprecedented hazard not only to the health and economy but also to the environment worldwide. In the absence of an effective vaccine to the mass people, practice of preventive measures against coronavirus can only save the health and economy of a poor nation like Bangladesh. On one hand, poor practice of protective behavior against the novel coronavirus has been reported among the general population and on the other hand, sudden rise of personal protective equipments (PPEs) use are causing massive damage to the environment of the cities like Dhaka. AIMS: This study aims to understand the perception and practice of use and disposal of PPEs against COVID-19 by the residents of Dhaka city. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was designed with a mixed-method approach with an online survey and key informant interviews of the residents of Dhaka city. RESULTS: About 44% of respondents were regular mask users and 3% used gloves regularly while stayin...
Context: COVID-19 has caused unprecedented hazard not only to the health and economy but also to ... more Context: COVID-19 has caused unprecedented hazard not only to the health and economy but also to the environment worldwide. In absence of an effective vaccine to the mass people, practice of preventive measures against coronavirus can only save the health and economy of a poor nation like Bangladesh. In one hand, poor practice of protective behavior against the novel coronavirus has been reported among the general population and on the other hand, sudden rise of Personal Protective Equipements (PPEs) use are causing massive damage to the environment of the cities like Dhaka. Aims: This study aims to understand the perception and practice of use and disposal of PPEs against COVID-19 by the residents of Dhaka city. Methods and Material: A cross-sectional study was designed with a mixed method approach with an online survey and key informant interviews of the residents of Dhaka city Results: About 44% respondents were regular mask users and 3% used gloves regularly while staying out of...
Colistin is considered a last-resort reserved drug for the treatment of critical human infections... more Colistin is considered a last-resort reserved drug for the treatment of critical human infections by Gram-negative bacteria. Phenotypic colistin-resistance is strongly associated with plasmid-mediated mobile colistin resistance (mcr) genes. The mcr-bearing Enterobacteriaceae have been detected in many countries from environments, animals, and humans. This study investigated phenotypic colistin-resistance and the distribution of mcr-1, mcr-2, mcr-3, mcr-4, and mcr-5 genes in chicken-gut bacteria in Bangladesh. Bacteria were isolated from poultry- and native-chicken droppings, and their susceptibilities to colistin were determined by agar dilution and E-test minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) measurements. Multiplex polymerase chain reactions detected mcr-1 to mcr-5 genes. Overall, 61.7% (92/149) of the isolates showed colistin resistance by agar dilution assessment (MIC > 2.0 μg/mL). The phenotypic resistance was observed considerably higher in poultry-chicken isolates (64.6%,...
Pesqui Bras Odontopediatria Clin Integr, 2021
Objective: To identify etiologic microbiota associated periodontal diseases among diabetes patien... more Objective: To identify etiologic microbiota associated periodontal diseases among diabetes patients and the factors related to the most commonly identified bacteria species. Material and Methods: Periodontal plaque samples from 11 diabetic participants and 13 non-diabetic controls were collected to assess their aerobic and anaerobic bacterial growth. Different distinct colonies were identified by microscopic and 16srDNA sequencing. Pearson's chi-square tests were conducted to examine any association between categorical variables. Results: The diabetic subjects revealed a more intense plaque formation with a mean plaque index of 2.4 compared to 1.8 in non-diabetics. A total of 86 bacteria were isolated from 24 plaque samples, 44 were aerobic, and 42 were anaerobic. Only aerobic isolates, 22 from diabetic patients and 22 from non-diabetic patients, were evaluated in these analyses. Bacillus spp. (B. cereus mainly) and Klebsiella spp. (K. pneumoniae, K. aerogenes, K. oxytoca) were ...
Hospital Practice
Background: Prevalence rates of patients with diabetes are growing across countries, and Banglade... more Background: Prevalence rates of patients with diabetes are growing across countries, and Bangladesh is no exception. Associated costs are also increasing, driven by costs associated with the complications of diabetes including hypoglycemia. Long-acting insulin analogues were developed to reduce hypoglycemia as well as improve patient comfort and adherence. However, they have been appreciably more expensive, reducing their affordability and use. Biosimilars offer a way forward. Consequently, there is a need to document current prescribing and dispensing rates for long-acting insulin analogues across Bangladesh, including current prices and differences, as a result of affordability and other issues. Methods: Mixed method approach including surveying prescribing practices in hospitals coupled with dispensing practices and prices among community pharmacies and drug stores across Bangladesh. This method was adopted since public hospitals only dispense insulins such as soluble insulins free-ofcharge until funds run out and all long-acting insulin analogues have to be purchased from community stores. Results: There has been growing prescribing and dispensing of long-acting insulins in Bangladesh in recent years, now accounting for over 80% of all insulins dispensed in a minority of stores. This increase has been helped by growing prescribing and dispensing of biosimilar insulin glargine at lower costs than the originator, with this trend likely to continue with envisaged growth in the number of patients. Consequently, Bangladesh can serve as an exemplar to other low-and middle-income countries struggling to fund long-acting insulin analogues for their patients. Conclusions: It was encouraging to see continued growth in the prescribing and dispensing of longacting insulin analogues in Bangladesh via the increasing availability of biosimilars. This is likely to continue benefitting all key stakeholder groups.
Frontiers in Public Health
Background: Countries have introduced a variety of measures to prevent and treat COVID-19 with me... more Background: Countries have introduced a variety of measures to prevent and treat COVID-19 with medicines and personal protective equipment (PPE), with some countries adopting preventative strategies earlier than others. However, there has been considerable controversy surrounding some treatments. This includes hydroxychloroquine where the initial hype and misinformation lead to shortages, price rises and suicides. Price rises and shortages have also been seen for PPE. Such activities can have catastrophic effects on patients where there are high co-payment levels and issues of affordability. Consequently, there is a need to investigate this further.Objective: Assess changes in the availability, utilization and prices of relevant medicines and PPE during the pandemic among a range of Asian countries.Our approach: Narrative literature review combined with interviews among community pharmacists to assess changes in consumption, prices and shortages of medicines and PPE from the beginni...
Scientific Reports
Colistin is considered a last-resort reserved drug for the treatment of critical human infections... more Colistin is considered a last-resort reserved drug for the treatment of critical human infections by Gram-negative bacteria. Phenotypic colistin-resistance is strongly associated with plasmid-mediated mobile colistin resistance (mcr) genes. The mcr-bearing Enterobacteriaceae have been detected in many countries from environments, animals, and humans. This study investigated phenotypic colistin-resistance and the distribution of mcr-1, mcr-2, mcr-3, mcr-4, and mcr-5 genes in chicken-gut bacteria in Bangladesh. Bacteria were isolated from poultry- and native-chicken droppings, and their susceptibilities to colistin were determined by agar dilution and E-test minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) measurements. Multiplex polymerase chain reactions detected mcr-1 to mcr-5 genes. Overall, 61.7% (92/149) of the isolates showed colistin resistance by agar dilution assessment (MIC > 2.0 μg/mL). The phenotypic resistance was observed considerably higher in poultry-chicken isolates (64.6%,...
Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science
Objective: There are concerns with increased prices and drug shortages for pertinent medicines an... more Objective: There are concerns with increased prices and drug shortages for pertinent medicines and personal protective equipment (PPE) to prevent and treat COVID-19 enhanced by misinformation. Community pharmacists and drug stores play a significant role in disease management in Bangladesh due to high co-payments. Consequently, a need to review prices and availability in the pandemic. Materials and Methods: Multiple approach involving a review and questionnaire among pharmacies and stores early March to end May 2020. Results and Discussion: 170 pharmacies and drug stores took part, giving a response rate of 63.9%. Encouragingly, no change in utilization of antimalarial medicines in 51.2% of stores despite global endorsements. However, increased utilisation of antibiotics (70.6%), analgesics (97.6%), vitamins (90.6%) and PPE (over 95%). Encouragingly, increases in purchasing of PPE. No increase in prices among 50% of the stores for antimalarials, with a similar situation for antibiot...
Biomedical Research and Clinical Practice
Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a global problem. Most UTI research focuses on gram-negative eti... more Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a global problem. Most UTI research focuses on gram-negative etiology. Enterobacteriaceae was found to be the most prevalent UTI infection constituting more than 80% of all the reported cases. The major gram-positive bacteria in UTI cases are Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus agalactiae. Gram-positive pathogens were reported in multiple countries in both uncomplicated and complicated UTI. Antibiotic therapy of gram-positive bacteria is completely different than that of gram-negative UTI pathogens. However, symptoms associated with UTI caused by gram-positive and gram-negative are very similar. Without proper diagnosis, there is a high possibility of getting the wrong diagnosis and subsequent antibiotic therapy. Very limited studies are available focusing etiology and their antibiotic susceptibilities in Bangladesh perspective. We aimed to seek in this gap-filling research area. This study has detected 8.2% of gram-positive bacteria in UTI patients. The prevalence shows the harmony with the earlier published reports. Male and female were found to be infected equally by gram-positive UTI pathogens. Most of the earlier publication shows that female is more vulnerable to gram-negative UTI bacteria. Unlikely, our findings look males are equally vulnerable by gram-positive in comparison to females. Further studies with more sample sizes can warrant the preliminary findings. Antibiogram analyses showed amikacin and gentamicin as the most effective antibiotics against our tested isolates. In contrast, nitrofurantoin was found the most ineffective drug in this study. Findings of the study could help in prescribing antibiotics from this evidence-based study.
Indian Journal of Health Sciences and Biomedical Research (KLEU), 2021
CONTEXT: COVID-19 has caused unprecedented hazard not only to the health and economy but also to ... more CONTEXT: COVID-19 has caused unprecedented hazard not only to the health and economy but also to the environment worldwide. In the absence of an effective vaccine to the mass people, practice of preventive measures against coronavirus can only save the health and economy of a poor nation like Bangladesh. On one hand, poor practice of protective behavior against the novel coronavirus has been reported among the general population and on the other hand, sudden rise of personal protective equipments (PPEs) use are causing massive damage to the environment of the cities like Dhaka. AIMS: This study aims to understand the perception and practice of use and disposal of PPEs against COVID-19 by the residents of Dhaka city. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was designed with a mixed-method approach with an online survey and key informant interviews of the residents of Dhaka city. RESULTS: About 44% of respondents were regular mask users and 3% used gloves regularly while stayin...
Context: COVID-19 has caused unprecedented hazard not only to the health and economy but also to ... more Context: COVID-19 has caused unprecedented hazard not only to the health and economy but also to the environment worldwide. In absence of an effective vaccine to the mass people, practice of preventive measures against coronavirus can only save the health and economy of a poor nation like Bangladesh. In one hand, poor practice of protective behavior against the novel coronavirus has been reported among the general population and on the other hand, sudden rise of Personal Protective Equipements (PPEs) use are causing massive damage to the environment of the cities like Dhaka. Aims: This study aims to understand the perception and practice of use and disposal of PPEs against COVID-19 by the residents of Dhaka city. Methods and Material: A cross-sectional study was designed with a mixed method approach with an online survey and key informant interviews of the residents of Dhaka city Results: About 44% respondents were regular mask users and 3% used gloves regularly while staying out of...
Colistin is considered a last-resort reserved drug for the treatment of critical human infections... more Colistin is considered a last-resort reserved drug for the treatment of critical human infections by Gram-negative bacteria. Phenotypic colistin-resistance is strongly associated with plasmid-mediated mobile colistin resistance (mcr) genes. The mcr-bearing Enterobacteriaceae have been detected in many countries from environments, animals, and humans. This study investigated phenotypic colistin-resistance and the distribution of mcr-1, mcr-2, mcr-3, mcr-4, and mcr-5 genes in chicken-gut bacteria in Bangladesh. Bacteria were isolated from poultry- and native-chicken droppings, and their susceptibilities to colistin were determined by agar dilution and E-test minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) measurements. Multiplex polymerase chain reactions detected mcr-1 to mcr-5 genes. Overall, 61.7% (92/149) of the isolates showed colistin resistance by agar dilution assessment (MIC > 2.0 μg/mL). The phenotypic resistance was observed considerably higher in poultry-chicken isolates (64.6%,...
Pesqui Bras Odontopediatria Clin Integr, 2021
Objective: To identify etiologic microbiota associated periodontal diseases among diabetes patien... more Objective: To identify etiologic microbiota associated periodontal diseases among diabetes patients and the factors related to the most commonly identified bacteria species. Material and Methods: Periodontal plaque samples from 11 diabetic participants and 13 non-diabetic controls were collected to assess their aerobic and anaerobic bacterial growth. Different distinct colonies were identified by microscopic and 16srDNA sequencing. Pearson's chi-square tests were conducted to examine any association between categorical variables. Results: The diabetic subjects revealed a more intense plaque formation with a mean plaque index of 2.4 compared to 1.8 in non-diabetics. A total of 86 bacteria were isolated from 24 plaque samples, 44 were aerobic, and 42 were anaerobic. Only aerobic isolates, 22 from diabetic patients and 22 from non-diabetic patients, were evaluated in these analyses. Bacillus spp. (B. cereus mainly) and Klebsiella spp. (K. pneumoniae, K. aerogenes, K. oxytoca) were ...
Hospital Practice
Background: Prevalence rates of patients with diabetes are growing across countries, and Banglade... more Background: Prevalence rates of patients with diabetes are growing across countries, and Bangladesh is no exception. Associated costs are also increasing, driven by costs associated with the complications of diabetes including hypoglycemia. Long-acting insulin analogues were developed to reduce hypoglycemia as well as improve patient comfort and adherence. However, they have been appreciably more expensive, reducing their affordability and use. Biosimilars offer a way forward. Consequently, there is a need to document current prescribing and dispensing rates for long-acting insulin analogues across Bangladesh, including current prices and differences, as a result of affordability and other issues. Methods: Mixed method approach including surveying prescribing practices in hospitals coupled with dispensing practices and prices among community pharmacies and drug stores across Bangladesh. This method was adopted since public hospitals only dispense insulins such as soluble insulins free-ofcharge until funds run out and all long-acting insulin analogues have to be purchased from community stores. Results: There has been growing prescribing and dispensing of long-acting insulins in Bangladesh in recent years, now accounting for over 80% of all insulins dispensed in a minority of stores. This increase has been helped by growing prescribing and dispensing of biosimilar insulin glargine at lower costs than the originator, with this trend likely to continue with envisaged growth in the number of patients. Consequently, Bangladesh can serve as an exemplar to other low-and middle-income countries struggling to fund long-acting insulin analogues for their patients. Conclusions: It was encouraging to see continued growth in the prescribing and dispensing of longacting insulin analogues in Bangladesh via the increasing availability of biosimilars. This is likely to continue benefitting all key stakeholder groups.
Frontiers in Public Health
Background: Countries have introduced a variety of measures to prevent and treat COVID-19 with me... more Background: Countries have introduced a variety of measures to prevent and treat COVID-19 with medicines and personal protective equipment (PPE), with some countries adopting preventative strategies earlier than others. However, there has been considerable controversy surrounding some treatments. This includes hydroxychloroquine where the initial hype and misinformation lead to shortages, price rises and suicides. Price rises and shortages have also been seen for PPE. Such activities can have catastrophic effects on patients where there are high co-payment levels and issues of affordability. Consequently, there is a need to investigate this further.Objective: Assess changes in the availability, utilization and prices of relevant medicines and PPE during the pandemic among a range of Asian countries.Our approach: Narrative literature review combined with interviews among community pharmacists to assess changes in consumption, prices and shortages of medicines and PPE from the beginni...
Scientific Reports
Colistin is considered a last-resort reserved drug for the treatment of critical human infections... more Colistin is considered a last-resort reserved drug for the treatment of critical human infections by Gram-negative bacteria. Phenotypic colistin-resistance is strongly associated with plasmid-mediated mobile colistin resistance (mcr) genes. The mcr-bearing Enterobacteriaceae have been detected in many countries from environments, animals, and humans. This study investigated phenotypic colistin-resistance and the distribution of mcr-1, mcr-2, mcr-3, mcr-4, and mcr-5 genes in chicken-gut bacteria in Bangladesh. Bacteria were isolated from poultry- and native-chicken droppings, and their susceptibilities to colistin were determined by agar dilution and E-test minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) measurements. Multiplex polymerase chain reactions detected mcr-1 to mcr-5 genes. Overall, 61.7% (92/149) of the isolates showed colistin resistance by agar dilution assessment (MIC > 2.0 μg/mL). The phenotypic resistance was observed considerably higher in poultry-chicken isolates (64.6%,...
Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science
Objective: There are concerns with increased prices and drug shortages for pertinent medicines an... more Objective: There are concerns with increased prices and drug shortages for pertinent medicines and personal protective equipment (PPE) to prevent and treat COVID-19 enhanced by misinformation. Community pharmacists and drug stores play a significant role in disease management in Bangladesh due to high co-payments. Consequently, a need to review prices and availability in the pandemic. Materials and Methods: Multiple approach involving a review and questionnaire among pharmacies and stores early March to end May 2020. Results and Discussion: 170 pharmacies and drug stores took part, giving a response rate of 63.9%. Encouragingly, no change in utilization of antimalarial medicines in 51.2% of stores despite global endorsements. However, increased utilisation of antibiotics (70.6%), analgesics (97.6%), vitamins (90.6%) and PPE (over 95%). Encouragingly, increases in purchasing of PPE. No increase in prices among 50% of the stores for antimalarials, with a similar situation for antibiot...
Biomedical Research and Clinical Practice
Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a global problem. Most UTI research focuses on gram-negative eti... more Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a global problem. Most UTI research focuses on gram-negative etiology. Enterobacteriaceae was found to be the most prevalent UTI infection constituting more than 80% of all the reported cases. The major gram-positive bacteria in UTI cases are Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus agalactiae. Gram-positive pathogens were reported in multiple countries in both uncomplicated and complicated UTI. Antibiotic therapy of gram-positive bacteria is completely different than that of gram-negative UTI pathogens. However, symptoms associated with UTI caused by gram-positive and gram-negative are very similar. Without proper diagnosis, there is a high possibility of getting the wrong diagnosis and subsequent antibiotic therapy. Very limited studies are available focusing etiology and their antibiotic susceptibilities in Bangladesh perspective. We aimed to seek in this gap-filling research area. This study has detected 8.2% of gram-positive bacteria in UTI patients. The prevalence shows the harmony with the earlier published reports. Male and female were found to be infected equally by gram-positive UTI pathogens. Most of the earlier publication shows that female is more vulnerable to gram-negative UTI bacteria. Unlikely, our findings look males are equally vulnerable by gram-positive in comparison to females. Further studies with more sample sizes can warrant the preliminary findings. Antibiogram analyses showed amikacin and gentamicin as the most effective antibiotics against our tested isolates. In contrast, nitrofurantoin was found the most ineffective drug in this study. Findings of the study could help in prescribing antibiotics from this evidence-based study.