Anuruddhika Dissanayake | The University of New South Wales (original) (raw)

Papers by Anuruddhika Dissanayake

Research paper thumbnail of The diagnosis and treatment of acquired Myasthenia Gravis in two adult dogs using oral neostigmine bromide

Sri Lanka Veterinary Journal, 2016

Two adult dogs aged 3.5 and 9 years were diagnosed with acquired Myasthenia Gravis (MG) based on ... more Two adult dogs aged 3.5 and 9 years were diagnosed with acquired Myasthenia Gravis (MG) based on clinical signs and positive response to oral neostigmine bromide (0.25mg/Kg BW) within 4 hours of oral administration. Both patients were successfully treated using neostigmine (1mg/Kg BW daily) alone or with neostigmine (1mg/Kg BW daily) and prednisolone (1mg/Kg BW, q12h) combination. Serum alkaline phosphatase and albumin/ globulin ratio monitored in one of the above patients starting from one month prior to development of generalized clinical signs until complete recovery, showed significant alterations which can be used in diagnosing MG and in monitoring the response to treatment.

Research paper thumbnail of Occurrence of nontuberculous mycobacteria in aquatic sources of Sri Lanka

International Journal of Mycobacteriology, 2014

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) have been reported to cause opportunistic infections with incre... more Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) have been reported to cause opportunistic infections with increasing frequency, especially in immunocompromised patients. Water plays a major role in the epidemiology of nontuberculous mycobacterial infection in humans, as it is one of the natural sources for transmission of this group of organisms. The current study focused on determining the occurrence of NTM in different aquatic sources of Sri Lanka by using phenotypic tests and polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis of the rpob gene. Of 290 water samples, 45 (15%) were positive for NTM on culture. The percentage of mycobacteria identified at species level by phenotypic tests and PCR-RFLP analysis were 44% (20/45) and 73% (33/ 45), respectively. The frequency of isolation of mycobacteria from aquarium water, surface water, ground water and chlorinated water were 29% (20/70), 26% (20/76), 5% (4/76) and 1% (1/68), respectively. Eleven different NTM species were identified by PCR-RFLP analysis. M. fortuitum type I was the most frequently isolated species from all the four water sources. The current study suggests that water is an environmental source harboring NTM, a potential public health hazard especially for those with immunodeficiency.

Research paper thumbnail of Feline Panleukopenia virus infection in a captive-bred Bengal tiger (<em>Panther tigris tigris</em>) and a leopard (<em>Panthera pradus</em>)

Sri Lanka Veterinary Journal, 2017

Research paper thumbnail of Efficacy of calcium hypochlorite and ultraviolet irradiation against Mycobacterium fortuitum and Mycobacterium marinum

The International Journal of Mycobacteriology

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) cause opportunistic infections with increasing frequency in imm... more Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) cause opportunistic infections with increasing frequency in immunocompromised humans. Water is one of the natural sources for transmission of NTM and plays a major role in the epidemiology of NTM infections. This study evaluated the efficacy of calcium hypochlorite and ultraviolet irradiation (UV) to eliminate potentially zoonotic NTM species such as M. marinum and M. fortuitum. Bacterial suspensions containing1-4 × 105 CFU/ml were exposed to 5, 50, 100, 1,000 and 10,000 mg/L of Ca (OCl)2for 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30 and 60 minutes, and 6,000 μW/cm2 UV dose for 5, 10, 20, 30, 60 and 120 seconds. Of the two methods tested, UV irradiation was more effective than chlorine in achieving three log reduction in viable bacterial count (UV dose 6,000 μW/cm2, exposure time 60 S) as well as in eliminating the organisms (UV dose 17,000 μW/cm2, exposure time: 30 S). When 10,000 mg/L of chlorine was used, 10 and 20 min contact times were required to achieve three log inactivation and complete elimination of M. fortuitum respectively. Our study suggest that initial disinfection of water by chlorine at the water treatment plant followed by UV irradiation at the household level would minimise the spread of NTM to the susceptible population via drinking water.

Research paper thumbnail of Immunogenicity of Escherica coli rough mutant bacterin in chicken

Sri Lanka Veterinary Journal, 2016

Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) cause a wide range of economically significant infection... more Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) cause a wide range of economically significant infections in chickens. Control of these infections by antimicrobial drug is no longer possible due to high prevalence of multidrug resistance strains. Involvement of large number of serotypes in these infections left none serotype specific vaccine as the only option. It has been well established that the Lipopolysaccharide (LP) core specific antibodies are broadly cross protective. Present study determined the LPS core specific antibody titers of chickens immunized with a single dose of heat killed rough mutant E. coli strains comprising of LPS core types R1, R2, R3 and R4. Mean anti-LPS core antibody titres for all four core types increased significantly (p<0.05) in immunized group than in control group. Thus, the heat killed mixture of rough mutant E. coli strains can be used as a vaccine to enhance LPS core specific antibodies in chickens.

Research paper thumbnail of Acute heaptozoonosis caused by <em>Hepatozoon canis</em> in dogs in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka Veterinary Journal

BACKGROUND CASE PRESENTATION Canine Hepatozoonosis is a tickborne disease caused by Five dogs age... more BACKGROUND CASE PRESENTATION Canine Hepatozoonosis is a tickborne disease caused by Five dogs aged between five months to seven years apicomplexan haemoprotozoan parasites of the Genus recently diagnosed with different disease conditions Hepatozoon. Two species of hepatozoons, namely presented to Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Peradeniya Hepatozoon canis (H. canis) and Hepatozoon with paresis, chronic emaciation, muscular pain, had americanum (H. amaricanum) are known to infect dogs Hepatozoon like gamonts (4-12%) in the peripheral (Baneth et al., 2003). Of these two species, H.canis circulation. Though H.canis is commonly known to cause transmitted by the brown dog tick Rhipicephalus clinically inapparent infection, the clinical sanguineus is reported in Asian countries whereas H. manifestations, haematological parameters, serum amaricanum transmitted by Amblyomma maculatum is alkaline phosphate (ALP) levels and response to treatment limited to Southern United States. Comparatively, latter is of those five patients were evaluated to identify the factors known to cause severe infection characterized by which complicated the clinical presentation. exostosis and myositis (Vincent-Johnson et al. 1997). Signalements, clinical manifestations and the medical history of the five patients are given in Table 1. When first recognized in India in 1905, it was believed that H. canis only cause a milder disease resulting in Two of the five patients (patient 1 and 2) had been anaemia and lethargy (Vincent-Johnson et al. 1997). recently treated with immunosuppressive doses of However, it was later found out that certain factors corticosteroids. Third patient was on long-term including immunosuppression and co-infections can lead antimicrobial therapy (over five months) and the fourth to severe clinical manifestations due to Hepatozoonosis. A patient was on long term pancreatin. More than 4% (4n u m b e r o f n o n s p e c i f i c h a e m a t o l o g i c a l a n d 12%) of the neutrophils in peripheral blood contained haemochemical changes including non-regenerative capsule like gamonts (Figure 1). Multiplex polymerase a n a e m i a , t h r o m b o c y t o p e n i a , n e u t r o p h i l i a , chain reaction (PCR) was performed as described in hyperproteinaemia, hypoalbuminaemia, polyclonal Kledmanee et al. (2009) in order to determine whether the gammopathy, and elevated serum creatine kinase (CK) clinical complications were due to concurrent infection and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) have been seen in dogs with Ehrlichia canis or Babesia species. Electrophoresis infected with H. canis (O'Dwye et al., 2006). The of PCR amplicons confirmed Hepatozoon canis as the detection of capsule-like gammonts in the cytoplasm of Hepatozoon species observed in peripheral blood and the the neutrophils in blood smears is routinely used to dogs were not concurrently infected with E. canis or diagnose hepatozoonosis. Molecular diagnostic Babesia (Figure 2). techniques, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing are important for species identification. Peripheral vestibular syndrome (due to Malassezia pachydermatis, Otodectes cynotis), myasthenia gravis In recent times, we have observed that the Hepatozoon and intervertebral disk disease were included as causes emaciation, ataxia, paraplegia, circling differential diagnoses. Peripheral vestibular syndrome movements, difficulty in prehension and severe muscle was ruled out by the negative finding of parasites or fungi pain particularly among immunocompromised dogs. This in cytological examination of the external ear canals. The communication discusses the clinical manifestations and possibility of myasthenia gravis was also ruled out by the prognosis of five dogs affected with hepatozoonosis. negative response to oral neostigmine bromide test. SUMMARY: Canine hepatozoonosis caused by H. canis is usually recognized as a mild clinical disease characterized by mild anaemia and lethargy. Complicated clinical manifestations of H. Canis infection have been occasionally observed in dogs. This clinical communication describes acute hepatozoonosis in five dogs characterized by neurological symptoms, ataxia or paresis, emaciation and anaemia.

Research paper thumbnail of Persistent MRD before and after allogeneic BMT predicts relapse in children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia

British Journal of Haematology, 2014

Minimal residual disease (MRD) during early chemotherapy is a powerful predictor of relapse in ac... more Minimal residual disease (MRD) during early chemotherapy is a powerful predictor of relapse in acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) and is used in children to determine eligibility for allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in first (CR1) or later complete remission (CR2/CR3). Variables affecting HSCT outcome were analysed in 81 children from the ANZCHOG ALL8 trial. The major cause of treatment failure was relapse, with a cumulative incidence of relapse at 5 years (CIR) of 32% and treatment-related mortality of 8%. Leukaemia-free survival (LFS) and overall survival (OS) were similar for HSCT in CR1 (LFS 62%, OS 83%, n = 41) or CR2/CR3 (LFS 60%, OS 72%, n = 40). Patients achieving bone marrow MRD negativity pre-HSCT had better outcomes (LFS 83%, OS 92%) than those with persistent MRD pre-HSCT (LFS 41%, OS 64%, P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0·0001) or post-HSCT (LFS 35%, OS 55%, P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0·0001). Patients with B-other ALL had more relapses (CIR 50%, LFS 41%) than T-ALL and the main precursor-B subtypes including BCR-ABL1, KMT2A (MLL), ETV6-RUNX1 (TEL-AML1) and hyperdiploidy &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;50. A Cox multivariate regression model for LFS retained both B-other ALL subtype (hazard ratio 4·1, P = 0·0062) and MRD persistence post-HSCT (hazard ratio 3·9, P = 0·0070) as independent adverse prognostic variables. Persistent MRD could be used to direct post-HSCT therapy.

Research paper thumbnail of Int JMycobacteriol Roshani2

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are usually present in soil, water, and aerosol. Certain specie... more Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are usually present in soil, water, and aerosol. Certain species of NTM could cause opportunistic infections in humans and animals characterized by pulmonary infections and lymphadenitis as well as the disseminated infections in the skin, soft tissues, and bones. Currently, there is an increasing trend in the occurrence of NTM infections in humans, especially those with immunodeficiency disorders. Human-to-human transmission does not usually occur and the infection is thought to be acquired from the environment by ingestion, inhalation, or inoculation. Many studies identified that the contaminated water is the main source of NTM infections in humans. NTM species can survive in many water sources, including wastewater, surface water, recreational water, and groundwater with a wide range of pH and temperature conditions. Previous study conducted by us showed that the number of water sources in Sri Lanka has also been contaminated with various NTM species. According to the recent research, these NTM species are undoubtedly contributing a considerable proportion of pulmonary and extrapulmonary tuberculosis in human in Sri Lanka and appropriate measures need to be taken to minimize the spread of these organisms in the country. As there is no effective treatment against NTM infections, appropriate measures need to be taken to minimize the spread of these organisms among humans.

Research paper thumbnail of Characterization of NTM.pdf

Eighty nine fish including guppies (n=55), Siamese fighting fish (n=12), Swordtails (n=10), Plati... more Eighty nine fish including guppies (n=55), Siamese fighting fish (n=12), Swordtails (n=10), Platies (n=6) and goldfish (n=6) showing emaciation, scoliosis and loss of pigmentation, and 30 apparently healthy guppies collected from pet shops and fish breeding farms in Sri Lanka were examined and sampled to culture and isolate non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM). A total of 35 mycobacteria (diseased=28, healthy=7) isolated from these fish were subjected to biochemical identification and Polymerase Chain Reaction -Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Only 24 NTM isolated from diseased fish were identified at the species level, namely Mycobacterium fortuitum type I (n=7), M. fortuitum type II (n=3), M. kansasii type IV (n=5), M. marinum (n=8) and M. chelonae (n=1). Five of the seven NTM species isolated from apparently healthy fish were identified as M. fortuitum type I (n=2), M. fortuitum type II (n=1), M. kansasii type IV (n=1) and M. marinum (n=1). Irrespective of the NTM species involved, guppies most often showed skeletal deformities while chronic ulcers were common in goldfish and fighting fish. Histopathologically, granulomatous inflammation was minimum in guppies. All four NTM species isolated in this study are potentially zoonotic and it is necessary to implement appropriate biosecurity measures to prevent spread of these organisms.

Research paper thumbnail of efficacy of calcium hypochlorite and UV against NTM.pdf

Research paper thumbnail of Characterization of nontuberculous mycobacteria isolated from clinically diseased and apparently healthy fresh water ornamental fish in Sri Lanka

Eighty nine fish including guppies (n=55), Siamese fighting fish (n=12), Swordtails (n=10), Plati... more Eighty nine fish including guppies (n=55), Siamese fighting fish (n=12), Swordtails (n=10), Platies (n=6) and goldfish (n=6) showing emaciation, scoliosis and loss of pigmentation, and 30 apparently healthy guppies collected from pet shops and fish breeding farms in Sri Lanka were examined and sampled to culture and isolate non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM). A total of 35 mycobacteria (diseased=28, healthy=7) isolated from these fish were subjected to biochemical identification and Polymerase Chain Reaction -Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Only 24 NTM isolated from diseased fish were identified at the species level, namely Mycobacterium fortuitum type I (n=7), M. fortuitum type II (n=3), M. kansasii type IV (n=5), M. marinum (n=8) and M. chelonae (n=1). Five of the seven NTM species isolated from apparently healthy fish were identified as M. fortuitum type I (n=2), M. fortuitum type II (n=1), M. kansasii type IV (n=1) and M. marinum (n=1). Irrespective of the NTM species involved, guppies most often showed skeletal deformities while chronic ulcers were common in goldfish and fighting fish. Histopathologically, granulomatous inflammation was minimum in guppies. All four NTM species isolated in this study are potentially zoonotic and it is necessary to implement appropriate biosecurity measures to prevent spread of these organisms.

Research paper thumbnail of FELINE PANLEUKOPENIA VIRUS INFECTION IN A CAPTIVE-BRED BENGAL TIGER ( AND A LEOPARD ( ) Panther tigris tigris) Panthera pradus

Research paper thumbnail of THE DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF ACQUIRED MYASTHENIA GRAVIS IN TWO ADULT DOGS USING ORAL NEOSTIGMINE BROMIDE

Two adult dogs aged 3.5 and 9 years were diagnosed with acquired Myasthenia Gravis (MG) based on ... more Two adult dogs aged 3.5 and 9 years were diagnosed with acquired Myasthenia Gravis (MG) based on clinical signs and positive response to oral neostigmine bromide (0.25mg/Kg BW) within 4 hours of oral administration. Both patients were successfully treated using neostigmine (1mg/Kg BW daily) alone or with neostigmine (1mg/Kg BW daily) and prednisolone (1mg/Kg BW, q12h) combination. Serum alkaline phosphatase and albumin/ globulin ratio monitored in one of the above patients starting from one month prior to development of generalized clinical signs until complete recovery, showed significant alterations which can be used in diagnosing MG and in monitoring the response to treatment. BACKGROUND

Research paper thumbnail of IMMUNOGENICITY OF ESCHERICHIA COLI ROUGH MUTANT BACTERIN IN CHICKENS

Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) cause a wide range of economically significant infection... more Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) cause a wide range of economically significant infections in chickens. Control of these infections by antimicrobial drug is no longer possible due to high prevalence of multidrug resistance strains. Involvement of large number of serotypes in these infections left none serotype specific vaccine as the only option. It has been well established that the Lipopolysaccharide (LP) core specific antibodies are broadly cross protective. Present study determined the LPS core specific antibody titers of chickens immunized with a single dose of heat killed rough mutant E. coli strains comprising of LPS core types R1, R2, R3 and R4. Mean anti-LPS core antibody titres for all four core types increased significantly (p<0.05) in immunized group than in control group. Thus, the heat killed mixture of rough mutant E. coli strains can be used as a vaccine to enhance LPS core specific antibodies in chickens.

Research paper thumbnail of Population structure and virulence content of avian pathogenic Escherichia coli isolated from outbreaks in Sri Lanka

Veterinary Microbiology, 2014

Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) causes economically significant infections in poultry. T... more Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) causes economically significant infections in poultry. The genetic diversity of APEC and phylogenetic relationships within and between APEC and other pathogenic E. coli are not yet well understood. We used multilocus sequence typing (MLST), PCR-based phylogrouping and virulence genotyping to analyse 75 avian E. coli strains, including 55 isolated from outbreaks of colisepticaemia and 20 from healthy chickens. Isolates were collected from 42 commercial layer and broiler chicken farms in Sri Lanka. MLST identified 61 sequence types (ST) with 44 being novel. The most frequent ST, ST48, was represented by only six isolates followed by ST117 with four isolates. Phylogenetic clusters based on MLST sequences were mostly comparable to phylogrouping by PCR and MLST further differentiated phylogroups B1 and D into two subgroups. Genotyping of 16 APEC associated virulence genes found that 27 of the clinical isolates and one isolate from a healthy chicken belonged to highly virulent genotype according to previously established classification schemes. We found that a combination of four genes, ompT, hlyF, iroN and papC, gave a comparable prediction to that of using five and nine genes by other studies. Four STs (ST10, ST48, ST117 and ST2016) contained APEC isolates from this study and human UPEC isolates reported by others, suggesting that these STs are potentially zoonotic. Our results enhanced the understanding of APEC population structure and virulence association. ß

Research paper thumbnail of Occurrence of nontuberculous mycobacteria inaquatic sources of Sri Lanka

A B S T R A C T Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) have been reported to cause opportunistic infec... more A B S T R A C T Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) have been reported to cause opportunistic infections with increasing frequency, especially in immunocompromised patients. Water plays a major role in the epidemiology of nontuberculous mycobacterial infection in humans, as it is one of the natural sources for transmission of this group of organisms. The current study focused on determining the occurrence of NTM in different aquatic sources of Sri Lanka by using phenotypic tests and polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis of the rpob gene. Of 290 water samples, 45 (15%) were positive for NTM on culture. The percentage of mycobacteria identified at species level by phenotypic tests and PCR-RFLP analysis were 44% (20/45) and 73% (33/ 45), respectively. The frequency of isolation of mycobacteria from aquarium water, surface water, ground water and chlorinated water were 29% (20/70), 26% (20/76), 5%

Research paper thumbnail of Persistent MRD before and after allogeneic BMT predicts relapse in children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia

Minimal residual disease (MRD) during early chemotherapy is a powerful predictor of relapse in ac... more Minimal residual disease (MRD) during early chemotherapy is a powerful predictor of relapse in acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) and is used in children to determine eligibility for allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in first (CR1) or later complete remission (CR2/ CR3). Variables affecting HSCT outcome were analysed in 81 children from the ANZCHOG ALL8 trial. The major cause of treatment failure was relapse, with a cumulative incidence of relapse at 5 years (CIR) of 32% and treatment-related mortality of 8%. Leukaemia-free survival (LFS) and overall survival (OS) were similar for HSCT in CR1 (LFS 62%, OS 83%, n = 41) or CR2/CR3 (LFS 60%, OS 72%, n = 40). Patients achieving bone marrow MRD negativity pre-HSCT had better outcomes (LFS 83%, OS 92%) than those with persistent MRD pre-HSCT (LFS 41%, OS 64%, P < 0Á0001) or post-HSCT (LFS 35%, OS 55%, P < 0Á0001). Patients with B-other ALL had more relapses (CIR 50%, LFS 41%) than T-ALL and the main precursor-B subtypes including BCR-ABL1, KMT2A (MLL), ETV6-RUNX1 (TEL-AML1) and hyperdiploidy >50. A Cox multivariate regression model for LFS retained both B-other ALL subtype (hazard ratio 4Á1, P = 0Á0062) and MRD persistence post-HSCT (hazard ratio 3Á9, P = 0Á0070) as independent adverse prognostic variables. Persistent MRD could be used to direct post-HSCT therapy.

Research paper thumbnail of Population Structure and virulent content of APEC isolated from outbreaks in Sri lanka

Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) causes economically significant infections in poultry. T... more Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) causes economically significant infections in poultry. The genetic diversity of APEC and phylogenetic relationships within and between APEC and other pathogenic E. coli are not yet well understood. We used multilocus sequence typing (MLST), PCR-based phylogrouping and virulence genotyping to analyse 75 avian E. coli strains, including 55 isolated from outbreaks of colisepticaemia and 20 from healthy chickens. Isolates were collected from 42 commercial layer and broiler chicken farms in Sri Lanka. MLST identified 61 sequence types (ST) with 44 being novel. The most frequent ST, ST48, was represented by only six isolates followed by ST117 with four isolates. Phylogenetic clusters based on MLST sequences were mostly comparable to phylogrouping by PCR and MLST further differentiated phylogroups B1 and D into two subgroups. Genotyping of 16 APEC associated virulence genes found that 27 of the clinical isolates and one isolate from a healthy chicken belonged to highly virulent genotype according to previously established classification schemes. We found that a combination of four genes, ompT, hlyF, iroN and papC, gave a comparable prediction to that of using five and nine genes by other studies. Four STs (ST10, ST48, ST117 and ST2016) contained APEC isolates from this study and human UPEC isolates reported by others, suggesting that these STs are potentially zoonotic. Our results enhanced the understanding of APEC population structure and virulence association. ß

Research paper thumbnail of Knowledge, attitudes, and practices survey of rabies in a community in Sri Lanka

Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine, 2007

Objectives The primary objective of this study was to determine the level of knowledge, attitudes... more Objectives The primary objective of this study was to determine the level of knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of rabies management and control of a sample population. The secondary objective was to compare the KAP with respect to rabies management and control between urban and rural areas and between pet and non-pet owners. Methods This cross-sectional study was carried out by conducting face-to-face interviews using structured questionnaires among 1570 respondents from selected households in the Kandy District, Sri Landa. Results Approximately 58% of the sample population was pet owners. Among all the respondents, there was a high level of awareness (90%) that dogs are the most common rabies reservoir, that the disease is fatal (79%), and that rabies can be prevented by vaccination (88%). Most of the subjects (96%) would seek treatment from a doctor or a hospital after being bitten by a dog. Although 76% of the respondents said that their pet dogs were vaccinated, only one-half were able to present a vaccination certificate upon request. The subjects from the urban areas would submit the head of an animal for rabies evaluation (69%) compared with those from the rural areas (57%). Pet owners (93%) are more aware that dog rabies vaccines are available from authorized offices than non-pet owners (87%). Conclusions The level of awareness of rabies and the level of receptiveness to rabies control measures are high. There is a difference in the attitudes and pet care practices relevant to rabies control between urban and rural areas. Pet owners tend to be more cooperative to rabies control activities. The attitudes and practices of the respondents may reflect the inaccessibility of facilities and the lack of services that would enable community participation in rabies control.

Research paper thumbnail of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Survey of Rabies in a Community in Sri Lanka

Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine, 2007

Objectives: The primary objective of this study was to determine the level of knowledge, attitude... more Objectives: The primary objective of this study was to determine the level of knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of rabies management and control of a sample population. The secondary objective was to compare the KAP with respect to rabies management and control between urban and rural areas and between pet and non-pet owners.

Research paper thumbnail of The diagnosis and treatment of acquired Myasthenia Gravis in two adult dogs using oral neostigmine bromide

Sri Lanka Veterinary Journal, 2016

Two adult dogs aged 3.5 and 9 years were diagnosed with acquired Myasthenia Gravis (MG) based on ... more Two adult dogs aged 3.5 and 9 years were diagnosed with acquired Myasthenia Gravis (MG) based on clinical signs and positive response to oral neostigmine bromide (0.25mg/Kg BW) within 4 hours of oral administration. Both patients were successfully treated using neostigmine (1mg/Kg BW daily) alone or with neostigmine (1mg/Kg BW daily) and prednisolone (1mg/Kg BW, q12h) combination. Serum alkaline phosphatase and albumin/ globulin ratio monitored in one of the above patients starting from one month prior to development of generalized clinical signs until complete recovery, showed significant alterations which can be used in diagnosing MG and in monitoring the response to treatment.

Research paper thumbnail of Occurrence of nontuberculous mycobacteria in aquatic sources of Sri Lanka

International Journal of Mycobacteriology, 2014

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) have been reported to cause opportunistic infections with incre... more Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) have been reported to cause opportunistic infections with increasing frequency, especially in immunocompromised patients. Water plays a major role in the epidemiology of nontuberculous mycobacterial infection in humans, as it is one of the natural sources for transmission of this group of organisms. The current study focused on determining the occurrence of NTM in different aquatic sources of Sri Lanka by using phenotypic tests and polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis of the rpob gene. Of 290 water samples, 45 (15%) were positive for NTM on culture. The percentage of mycobacteria identified at species level by phenotypic tests and PCR-RFLP analysis were 44% (20/45) and 73% (33/ 45), respectively. The frequency of isolation of mycobacteria from aquarium water, surface water, ground water and chlorinated water were 29% (20/70), 26% (20/76), 5% (4/76) and 1% (1/68), respectively. Eleven different NTM species were identified by PCR-RFLP analysis. M. fortuitum type I was the most frequently isolated species from all the four water sources. The current study suggests that water is an environmental source harboring NTM, a potential public health hazard especially for those with immunodeficiency.

Research paper thumbnail of Feline Panleukopenia virus infection in a captive-bred Bengal tiger (<em>Panther tigris tigris</em>) and a leopard (<em>Panthera pradus</em>)

Sri Lanka Veterinary Journal, 2017

Research paper thumbnail of Efficacy of calcium hypochlorite and ultraviolet irradiation against Mycobacterium fortuitum and Mycobacterium marinum

The International Journal of Mycobacteriology

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) cause opportunistic infections with increasing frequency in imm... more Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) cause opportunistic infections with increasing frequency in immunocompromised humans. Water is one of the natural sources for transmission of NTM and plays a major role in the epidemiology of NTM infections. This study evaluated the efficacy of calcium hypochlorite and ultraviolet irradiation (UV) to eliminate potentially zoonotic NTM species such as M. marinum and M. fortuitum. Bacterial suspensions containing1-4 × 105 CFU/ml were exposed to 5, 50, 100, 1,000 and 10,000 mg/L of Ca (OCl)2for 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30 and 60 minutes, and 6,000 μW/cm2 UV dose for 5, 10, 20, 30, 60 and 120 seconds. Of the two methods tested, UV irradiation was more effective than chlorine in achieving three log reduction in viable bacterial count (UV dose 6,000 μW/cm2, exposure time 60 S) as well as in eliminating the organisms (UV dose 17,000 μW/cm2, exposure time: 30 S). When 10,000 mg/L of chlorine was used, 10 and 20 min contact times were required to achieve three log inactivation and complete elimination of M. fortuitum respectively. Our study suggest that initial disinfection of water by chlorine at the water treatment plant followed by UV irradiation at the household level would minimise the spread of NTM to the susceptible population via drinking water.

Research paper thumbnail of Immunogenicity of Escherica coli rough mutant bacterin in chicken

Sri Lanka Veterinary Journal, 2016

Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) cause a wide range of economically significant infection... more Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) cause a wide range of economically significant infections in chickens. Control of these infections by antimicrobial drug is no longer possible due to high prevalence of multidrug resistance strains. Involvement of large number of serotypes in these infections left none serotype specific vaccine as the only option. It has been well established that the Lipopolysaccharide (LP) core specific antibodies are broadly cross protective. Present study determined the LPS core specific antibody titers of chickens immunized with a single dose of heat killed rough mutant E. coli strains comprising of LPS core types R1, R2, R3 and R4. Mean anti-LPS core antibody titres for all four core types increased significantly (p<0.05) in immunized group than in control group. Thus, the heat killed mixture of rough mutant E. coli strains can be used as a vaccine to enhance LPS core specific antibodies in chickens.

Research paper thumbnail of Acute heaptozoonosis caused by <em>Hepatozoon canis</em> in dogs in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka Veterinary Journal

BACKGROUND CASE PRESENTATION Canine Hepatozoonosis is a tickborne disease caused by Five dogs age... more BACKGROUND CASE PRESENTATION Canine Hepatozoonosis is a tickborne disease caused by Five dogs aged between five months to seven years apicomplexan haemoprotozoan parasites of the Genus recently diagnosed with different disease conditions Hepatozoon. Two species of hepatozoons, namely presented to Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Peradeniya Hepatozoon canis (H. canis) and Hepatozoon with paresis, chronic emaciation, muscular pain, had americanum (H. amaricanum) are known to infect dogs Hepatozoon like gamonts (4-12%) in the peripheral (Baneth et al., 2003). Of these two species, H.canis circulation. Though H.canis is commonly known to cause transmitted by the brown dog tick Rhipicephalus clinically inapparent infection, the clinical sanguineus is reported in Asian countries whereas H. manifestations, haematological parameters, serum amaricanum transmitted by Amblyomma maculatum is alkaline phosphate (ALP) levels and response to treatment limited to Southern United States. Comparatively, latter is of those five patients were evaluated to identify the factors known to cause severe infection characterized by which complicated the clinical presentation. exostosis and myositis (Vincent-Johnson et al. 1997). Signalements, clinical manifestations and the medical history of the five patients are given in Table 1. When first recognized in India in 1905, it was believed that H. canis only cause a milder disease resulting in Two of the five patients (patient 1 and 2) had been anaemia and lethargy (Vincent-Johnson et al. 1997). recently treated with immunosuppressive doses of However, it was later found out that certain factors corticosteroids. Third patient was on long-term including immunosuppression and co-infections can lead antimicrobial therapy (over five months) and the fourth to severe clinical manifestations due to Hepatozoonosis. A patient was on long term pancreatin. More than 4% (4n u m b e r o f n o n s p e c i f i c h a e m a t o l o g i c a l a n d 12%) of the neutrophils in peripheral blood contained haemochemical changes including non-regenerative capsule like gamonts (Figure 1). Multiplex polymerase a n a e m i a , t h r o m b o c y t o p e n i a , n e u t r o p h i l i a , chain reaction (PCR) was performed as described in hyperproteinaemia, hypoalbuminaemia, polyclonal Kledmanee et al. (2009) in order to determine whether the gammopathy, and elevated serum creatine kinase (CK) clinical complications were due to concurrent infection and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) have been seen in dogs with Ehrlichia canis or Babesia species. Electrophoresis infected with H. canis (O'Dwye et al., 2006). The of PCR amplicons confirmed Hepatozoon canis as the detection of capsule-like gammonts in the cytoplasm of Hepatozoon species observed in peripheral blood and the the neutrophils in blood smears is routinely used to dogs were not concurrently infected with E. canis or diagnose hepatozoonosis. Molecular diagnostic Babesia (Figure 2). techniques, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing are important for species identification. Peripheral vestibular syndrome (due to Malassezia pachydermatis, Otodectes cynotis), myasthenia gravis In recent times, we have observed that the Hepatozoon and intervertebral disk disease were included as causes emaciation, ataxia, paraplegia, circling differential diagnoses. Peripheral vestibular syndrome movements, difficulty in prehension and severe muscle was ruled out by the negative finding of parasites or fungi pain particularly among immunocompromised dogs. This in cytological examination of the external ear canals. The communication discusses the clinical manifestations and possibility of myasthenia gravis was also ruled out by the prognosis of five dogs affected with hepatozoonosis. negative response to oral neostigmine bromide test. SUMMARY: Canine hepatozoonosis caused by H. canis is usually recognized as a mild clinical disease characterized by mild anaemia and lethargy. Complicated clinical manifestations of H. Canis infection have been occasionally observed in dogs. This clinical communication describes acute hepatozoonosis in five dogs characterized by neurological symptoms, ataxia or paresis, emaciation and anaemia.

Research paper thumbnail of Persistent MRD before and after allogeneic BMT predicts relapse in children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia

British Journal of Haematology, 2014

Minimal residual disease (MRD) during early chemotherapy is a powerful predictor of relapse in ac... more Minimal residual disease (MRD) during early chemotherapy is a powerful predictor of relapse in acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) and is used in children to determine eligibility for allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in first (CR1) or later complete remission (CR2/CR3). Variables affecting HSCT outcome were analysed in 81 children from the ANZCHOG ALL8 trial. The major cause of treatment failure was relapse, with a cumulative incidence of relapse at 5 years (CIR) of 32% and treatment-related mortality of 8%. Leukaemia-free survival (LFS) and overall survival (OS) were similar for HSCT in CR1 (LFS 62%, OS 83%, n = 41) or CR2/CR3 (LFS 60%, OS 72%, n = 40). Patients achieving bone marrow MRD negativity pre-HSCT had better outcomes (LFS 83%, OS 92%) than those with persistent MRD pre-HSCT (LFS 41%, OS 64%, P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0·0001) or post-HSCT (LFS 35%, OS 55%, P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0·0001). Patients with B-other ALL had more relapses (CIR 50%, LFS 41%) than T-ALL and the main precursor-B subtypes including BCR-ABL1, KMT2A (MLL), ETV6-RUNX1 (TEL-AML1) and hyperdiploidy &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;50. A Cox multivariate regression model for LFS retained both B-other ALL subtype (hazard ratio 4·1, P = 0·0062) and MRD persistence post-HSCT (hazard ratio 3·9, P = 0·0070) as independent adverse prognostic variables. Persistent MRD could be used to direct post-HSCT therapy.

Research paper thumbnail of Int JMycobacteriol Roshani2

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are usually present in soil, water, and aerosol. Certain specie... more Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are usually present in soil, water, and aerosol. Certain species of NTM could cause opportunistic infections in humans and animals characterized by pulmonary infections and lymphadenitis as well as the disseminated infections in the skin, soft tissues, and bones. Currently, there is an increasing trend in the occurrence of NTM infections in humans, especially those with immunodeficiency disorders. Human-to-human transmission does not usually occur and the infection is thought to be acquired from the environment by ingestion, inhalation, or inoculation. Many studies identified that the contaminated water is the main source of NTM infections in humans. NTM species can survive in many water sources, including wastewater, surface water, recreational water, and groundwater with a wide range of pH and temperature conditions. Previous study conducted by us showed that the number of water sources in Sri Lanka has also been contaminated with various NTM species. According to the recent research, these NTM species are undoubtedly contributing a considerable proportion of pulmonary and extrapulmonary tuberculosis in human in Sri Lanka and appropriate measures need to be taken to minimize the spread of these organisms in the country. As there is no effective treatment against NTM infections, appropriate measures need to be taken to minimize the spread of these organisms among humans.

Research paper thumbnail of Characterization of NTM.pdf

Eighty nine fish including guppies (n=55), Siamese fighting fish (n=12), Swordtails (n=10), Plati... more Eighty nine fish including guppies (n=55), Siamese fighting fish (n=12), Swordtails (n=10), Platies (n=6) and goldfish (n=6) showing emaciation, scoliosis and loss of pigmentation, and 30 apparently healthy guppies collected from pet shops and fish breeding farms in Sri Lanka were examined and sampled to culture and isolate non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM). A total of 35 mycobacteria (diseased=28, healthy=7) isolated from these fish were subjected to biochemical identification and Polymerase Chain Reaction -Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Only 24 NTM isolated from diseased fish were identified at the species level, namely Mycobacterium fortuitum type I (n=7), M. fortuitum type II (n=3), M. kansasii type IV (n=5), M. marinum (n=8) and M. chelonae (n=1). Five of the seven NTM species isolated from apparently healthy fish were identified as M. fortuitum type I (n=2), M. fortuitum type II (n=1), M. kansasii type IV (n=1) and M. marinum (n=1). Irrespective of the NTM species involved, guppies most often showed skeletal deformities while chronic ulcers were common in goldfish and fighting fish. Histopathologically, granulomatous inflammation was minimum in guppies. All four NTM species isolated in this study are potentially zoonotic and it is necessary to implement appropriate biosecurity measures to prevent spread of these organisms.

Research paper thumbnail of efficacy of calcium hypochlorite and UV against NTM.pdf

Research paper thumbnail of Characterization of nontuberculous mycobacteria isolated from clinically diseased and apparently healthy fresh water ornamental fish in Sri Lanka

Eighty nine fish including guppies (n=55), Siamese fighting fish (n=12), Swordtails (n=10), Plati... more Eighty nine fish including guppies (n=55), Siamese fighting fish (n=12), Swordtails (n=10), Platies (n=6) and goldfish (n=6) showing emaciation, scoliosis and loss of pigmentation, and 30 apparently healthy guppies collected from pet shops and fish breeding farms in Sri Lanka were examined and sampled to culture and isolate non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM). A total of 35 mycobacteria (diseased=28, healthy=7) isolated from these fish were subjected to biochemical identification and Polymerase Chain Reaction -Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Only 24 NTM isolated from diseased fish were identified at the species level, namely Mycobacterium fortuitum type I (n=7), M. fortuitum type II (n=3), M. kansasii type IV (n=5), M. marinum (n=8) and M. chelonae (n=1). Five of the seven NTM species isolated from apparently healthy fish were identified as M. fortuitum type I (n=2), M. fortuitum type II (n=1), M. kansasii type IV (n=1) and M. marinum (n=1). Irrespective of the NTM species involved, guppies most often showed skeletal deformities while chronic ulcers were common in goldfish and fighting fish. Histopathologically, granulomatous inflammation was minimum in guppies. All four NTM species isolated in this study are potentially zoonotic and it is necessary to implement appropriate biosecurity measures to prevent spread of these organisms.

Research paper thumbnail of FELINE PANLEUKOPENIA VIRUS INFECTION IN A CAPTIVE-BRED BENGAL TIGER ( AND A LEOPARD ( ) Panther tigris tigris) Panthera pradus

Research paper thumbnail of THE DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF ACQUIRED MYASTHENIA GRAVIS IN TWO ADULT DOGS USING ORAL NEOSTIGMINE BROMIDE

Two adult dogs aged 3.5 and 9 years were diagnosed with acquired Myasthenia Gravis (MG) based on ... more Two adult dogs aged 3.5 and 9 years were diagnosed with acquired Myasthenia Gravis (MG) based on clinical signs and positive response to oral neostigmine bromide (0.25mg/Kg BW) within 4 hours of oral administration. Both patients were successfully treated using neostigmine (1mg/Kg BW daily) alone or with neostigmine (1mg/Kg BW daily) and prednisolone (1mg/Kg BW, q12h) combination. Serum alkaline phosphatase and albumin/ globulin ratio monitored in one of the above patients starting from one month prior to development of generalized clinical signs until complete recovery, showed significant alterations which can be used in diagnosing MG and in monitoring the response to treatment. BACKGROUND

Research paper thumbnail of IMMUNOGENICITY OF ESCHERICHIA COLI ROUGH MUTANT BACTERIN IN CHICKENS

Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) cause a wide range of economically significant infection... more Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) cause a wide range of economically significant infections in chickens. Control of these infections by antimicrobial drug is no longer possible due to high prevalence of multidrug resistance strains. Involvement of large number of serotypes in these infections left none serotype specific vaccine as the only option. It has been well established that the Lipopolysaccharide (LP) core specific antibodies are broadly cross protective. Present study determined the LPS core specific antibody titers of chickens immunized with a single dose of heat killed rough mutant E. coli strains comprising of LPS core types R1, R2, R3 and R4. Mean anti-LPS core antibody titres for all four core types increased significantly (p<0.05) in immunized group than in control group. Thus, the heat killed mixture of rough mutant E. coli strains can be used as a vaccine to enhance LPS core specific antibodies in chickens.

Research paper thumbnail of Population structure and virulence content of avian pathogenic Escherichia coli isolated from outbreaks in Sri Lanka

Veterinary Microbiology, 2014

Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) causes economically significant infections in poultry. T... more Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) causes economically significant infections in poultry. The genetic diversity of APEC and phylogenetic relationships within and between APEC and other pathogenic E. coli are not yet well understood. We used multilocus sequence typing (MLST), PCR-based phylogrouping and virulence genotyping to analyse 75 avian E. coli strains, including 55 isolated from outbreaks of colisepticaemia and 20 from healthy chickens. Isolates were collected from 42 commercial layer and broiler chicken farms in Sri Lanka. MLST identified 61 sequence types (ST) with 44 being novel. The most frequent ST, ST48, was represented by only six isolates followed by ST117 with four isolates. Phylogenetic clusters based on MLST sequences were mostly comparable to phylogrouping by PCR and MLST further differentiated phylogroups B1 and D into two subgroups. Genotyping of 16 APEC associated virulence genes found that 27 of the clinical isolates and one isolate from a healthy chicken belonged to highly virulent genotype according to previously established classification schemes. We found that a combination of four genes, ompT, hlyF, iroN and papC, gave a comparable prediction to that of using five and nine genes by other studies. Four STs (ST10, ST48, ST117 and ST2016) contained APEC isolates from this study and human UPEC isolates reported by others, suggesting that these STs are potentially zoonotic. Our results enhanced the understanding of APEC population structure and virulence association. ß

Research paper thumbnail of Occurrence of nontuberculous mycobacteria inaquatic sources of Sri Lanka

A B S T R A C T Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) have been reported to cause opportunistic infec... more A B S T R A C T Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) have been reported to cause opportunistic infections with increasing frequency, especially in immunocompromised patients. Water plays a major role in the epidemiology of nontuberculous mycobacterial infection in humans, as it is one of the natural sources for transmission of this group of organisms. The current study focused on determining the occurrence of NTM in different aquatic sources of Sri Lanka by using phenotypic tests and polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis of the rpob gene. Of 290 water samples, 45 (15%) were positive for NTM on culture. The percentage of mycobacteria identified at species level by phenotypic tests and PCR-RFLP analysis were 44% (20/45) and 73% (33/ 45), respectively. The frequency of isolation of mycobacteria from aquarium water, surface water, ground water and chlorinated water were 29% (20/70), 26% (20/76), 5%

Research paper thumbnail of Persistent MRD before and after allogeneic BMT predicts relapse in children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia

Minimal residual disease (MRD) during early chemotherapy is a powerful predictor of relapse in ac... more Minimal residual disease (MRD) during early chemotherapy is a powerful predictor of relapse in acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) and is used in children to determine eligibility for allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in first (CR1) or later complete remission (CR2/ CR3). Variables affecting HSCT outcome were analysed in 81 children from the ANZCHOG ALL8 trial. The major cause of treatment failure was relapse, with a cumulative incidence of relapse at 5 years (CIR) of 32% and treatment-related mortality of 8%. Leukaemia-free survival (LFS) and overall survival (OS) were similar for HSCT in CR1 (LFS 62%, OS 83%, n = 41) or CR2/CR3 (LFS 60%, OS 72%, n = 40). Patients achieving bone marrow MRD negativity pre-HSCT had better outcomes (LFS 83%, OS 92%) than those with persistent MRD pre-HSCT (LFS 41%, OS 64%, P < 0Á0001) or post-HSCT (LFS 35%, OS 55%, P < 0Á0001). Patients with B-other ALL had more relapses (CIR 50%, LFS 41%) than T-ALL and the main precursor-B subtypes including BCR-ABL1, KMT2A (MLL), ETV6-RUNX1 (TEL-AML1) and hyperdiploidy >50. A Cox multivariate regression model for LFS retained both B-other ALL subtype (hazard ratio 4Á1, P = 0Á0062) and MRD persistence post-HSCT (hazard ratio 3Á9, P = 0Á0070) as independent adverse prognostic variables. Persistent MRD could be used to direct post-HSCT therapy.

Research paper thumbnail of Population Structure and virulent content of APEC isolated from outbreaks in Sri lanka

Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) causes economically significant infections in poultry. T... more Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) causes economically significant infections in poultry. The genetic diversity of APEC and phylogenetic relationships within and between APEC and other pathogenic E. coli are not yet well understood. We used multilocus sequence typing (MLST), PCR-based phylogrouping and virulence genotyping to analyse 75 avian E. coli strains, including 55 isolated from outbreaks of colisepticaemia and 20 from healthy chickens. Isolates were collected from 42 commercial layer and broiler chicken farms in Sri Lanka. MLST identified 61 sequence types (ST) with 44 being novel. The most frequent ST, ST48, was represented by only six isolates followed by ST117 with four isolates. Phylogenetic clusters based on MLST sequences were mostly comparable to phylogrouping by PCR and MLST further differentiated phylogroups B1 and D into two subgroups. Genotyping of 16 APEC associated virulence genes found that 27 of the clinical isolates and one isolate from a healthy chicken belonged to highly virulent genotype according to previously established classification schemes. We found that a combination of four genes, ompT, hlyF, iroN and papC, gave a comparable prediction to that of using five and nine genes by other studies. Four STs (ST10, ST48, ST117 and ST2016) contained APEC isolates from this study and human UPEC isolates reported by others, suggesting that these STs are potentially zoonotic. Our results enhanced the understanding of APEC population structure and virulence association. ß

Research paper thumbnail of Knowledge, attitudes, and practices survey of rabies in a community in Sri Lanka

Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine, 2007

Objectives The primary objective of this study was to determine the level of knowledge, attitudes... more Objectives The primary objective of this study was to determine the level of knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of rabies management and control of a sample population. The secondary objective was to compare the KAP with respect to rabies management and control between urban and rural areas and between pet and non-pet owners. Methods This cross-sectional study was carried out by conducting face-to-face interviews using structured questionnaires among 1570 respondents from selected households in the Kandy District, Sri Landa. Results Approximately 58% of the sample population was pet owners. Among all the respondents, there was a high level of awareness (90%) that dogs are the most common rabies reservoir, that the disease is fatal (79%), and that rabies can be prevented by vaccination (88%). Most of the subjects (96%) would seek treatment from a doctor or a hospital after being bitten by a dog. Although 76% of the respondents said that their pet dogs were vaccinated, only one-half were able to present a vaccination certificate upon request. The subjects from the urban areas would submit the head of an animal for rabies evaluation (69%) compared with those from the rural areas (57%). Pet owners (93%) are more aware that dog rabies vaccines are available from authorized offices than non-pet owners (87%). Conclusions The level of awareness of rabies and the level of receptiveness to rabies control measures are high. There is a difference in the attitudes and pet care practices relevant to rabies control between urban and rural areas. Pet owners tend to be more cooperative to rabies control activities. The attitudes and practices of the respondents may reflect the inaccessibility of facilities and the lack of services that would enable community participation in rabies control.

Research paper thumbnail of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Survey of Rabies in a Community in Sri Lanka

Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine, 2007

Objectives: The primary objective of this study was to determine the level of knowledge, attitude... more Objectives: The primary objective of this study was to determine the level of knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of rabies management and control of a sample population. The secondary objective was to compare the KAP with respect to rabies management and control between urban and rural areas and between pet and non-pet owners.