Papers by Julieta Z. Dungca
Clinical microbiology, Nov 28, 2016
While there has been a number of literatures suggesting the direct positive effects of increasing... more While there has been a number of literatures suggesting the direct positive effects of increasing temperature on bacterial density, there has been scarcity of data, however, describing how temperature may impact the efficacy of antibiotics. In this study, the effect of rising temperatures brought about by global warming on the antibiotic susceptibility pattern of bacteria isolated from the surface water of Pasig River, Philippines was investigated. Nine bacterial isolates belonging to three families namely: Aeromonadaceae (Aeromonas sobria (3), Aeromonas veronii (1) and Aeromonas caviae (1)); Enterococcaceae (Enterococcus gallinarum (1)); and Enterobacteriaceae (Klebsiella oxytoca (2) and Citobacter sedlakii (1)) were tested for their activities against six antibiotics namely: Gentamicin (10 μg), Chloramphenicol (30 μg), Tetracyline (30 μg), Erythromycin (15 μg), Vancomycin (30 μg) and Bacitracin (10 units) using Kirby Bauer disk diffusion method at varying incubation temperature (37o C, 39o C, 42o C and 45o C). Bacterial density at the time of sampling was also determined. The mean heterotrophic plate count was estimated at 3.7029×104 CFU/ml. All the nine bacterial isolates were found to be multiple drug resistant (MDR) (55.6% being triresistant while 44.4% being tetraresistant). It is surprising to note that all the nine isolates were able to tolerate high temperature exposure and that all of them exhibited resistance to erythromycin, vancomycin and bacitracin. Out of the nine isolates, eight (88.9%) and seven (77.8%) were sensitive to gentamicin and chloramphenicol, respectively, suggesting that these were still effective in killing these bacteria. A very high positive correlation (r=0.868, p=0.001) between antibiotics and zones of inhibition across varying temperatures was noted. These data may suggest possible beneficial effect of increasing temperature on the activity of some antibiotics against bacteria. Further, it implies that thermotolerant MDR bacterial strains have gone through the river water system which may pose potential threat to the public.
KnE Social Sciences, Jun 4, 2018
Infections by intestinal parasites are considered as one of the major health concerns in developi... more Infections by intestinal parasites are considered as one of the major health concerns in developing countries afflicting different groups of people including food handlers and food vendors and are linked to poor personal hygiene and sanitation. This raises public health issues as food vendors and handlers may potentially become agents for the fecal-oral transmission of intestinal parasitic infections to consumers. This study focused on determining the prevalence of intestinal parasites among slaughter house workers and food vendors and examined their personal and food hygiene practices. A small-scale survey was conducted and selected a total of 91 slaughter house workers and food vendors from different areas in Metro Manila. Microscopic examination of the fecal samples collected was done following standard procedures by the World Health Organization (WHO) thru direct smear, formalin-ethyl acetate sedimentation and staining methods. Participants were also interviewed on their food and personal hygiene practices using a questionnaire. The overall prevalence of parasitic infection was 90% with helminthic predominating protozoan infections. Eight (8) different intestinal parasites were identified: Entamoeba histolytica/Entamoeba dispar (15.6%), Balantidium coli (8.4%), Giardia lamblia (4.2%), Ascaris lumbricoides (30%), Trichuris trichiura (14.9%), Ancyclostoma duodenale/ Necator americanus (2.3%). Taenia spp. (2.4%), and Enterobius vermicularis (2.9%). Other amoeba-like protozoans (19.2%) were also observed suggestive of exposure to fecal materials. Based on the results obtained, there is high levels of parasitic infections among slaughter house workers and food vendors. Raising awareness on proper food handling, improved personal hygiene and sanitation is needed to prevent further transmission of parasites to the public.
Microorganisms isolated from the Smokey Mountain abandoned dumpsite were screened for the presenc... more Microorganisms isolated from the Smokey Mountain abandoned dumpsite were screened for the presence of low density polyethylene (LDPE)-degrading activities. Degradation was monitored after 60 and 180 days of incubation in terms of the changes on surface morphology using Scanning Electron Microscope, and changes in the mechanical properties using the Thermal Mechanical Analyzer. LDPE films that showed remarkable crumple and perforations were further analyzed for changes on their thermal properties using the Differential Scanning Calorimetry and possible functionalization of the film using the Fourier Transform Infra Red Spectroscopy. Five mixed cultures were able to degrade the LDPE films as shown by the pronounced crumple and appearance of microcracks and perforations on the film surface as compared to the control LDPE films that were not exposed to the cultures. Such changes on the gross morphology was confirmed using SEM. Degradation of LDPE did not produce pronounced changes on the mechanical and thermal properties of the LDPE films. Results of FT-IR did not show a new functional group but suggest free radical mechanism. The conditions for an effective LDPE-degrading activities were optimized using two mixed cultures showing positive degradation, at different pHs (5, 7 and 8) at different temperatures (24 0C, 37 0C and 42 0C), and at different cell densities (9 X 108 , 1.2 X 109 and 1.5 x 109 cells ml-1). Results showed that LDPE degradation was optimal at pH 8, temperature of 37 0C and cell density of 1.5 x 109 cells ml-1. Microorganisms that were found to possess LDPE-degrading activities were identified to be the bacteria Micrococcus luteus, Micrococcus varians, Bacillus cereus, and Chryseomonas luteola, and the fungi Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus oryzae, Penicillium sp. and Radiomyces sp
Microorganisms isolated from an abandoned dumpsite (Smokey Mountain) in Manila, Philippines, were... more Microorganisms isolated from an abandoned dumpsite (Smokey Mountain) in Manila, Philippines, were screened for the presence of low density polyethylene (LDPE)-degrading abilities. Degradation was monitored after 60 and 180 d of incubation in terms of changes in the surface morphology using scanning electron microscope (SEM), and changes in the mechanical properties using the thermal mechanical analyzer (TMA). LDPE films that showed remarkable crumple and perforations were further analyzed for changes in their thermal properties using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and possible functionalization of the films using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Five mixed cultures were able to degrade the LDPE films as shown in the pronounced crumple and the appearance of microcracks and perforations on the film surface compared with the control LDPE films that were not exposed to the cultures. These changes in the gross morphology were confirmed using SEM. Degradation of LD...
Background: Despite the amount of awareness created, waterborne disease still poses threat, espec... more Background: Despite the amount of awareness created, waterborne disease still poses threat, especially in developing countries. Due to the scarcity of reported data on waterborne parasites, the consumption of unsafe water prolongs. Thus, the occurrences of waterborne parasites from various samples were investigated from one of the Southeast Asian country, the Philippines. Methods: A total of thirty three samples, each consisting of twelve liters, were collected and processed to obtain the sediment. Ten liters of sample each was processed to detect Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia spp. using an immunomagnetic separation method prior to enumeration via fluorescence microscope. Meanwhile, the remaining two liters were cultured to detect Acanthamoeba and Naegleria through microscopy examination and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis.
Tropical biomedicine, 2015
Plasmodium is a blood protozoan parasite that is responsible for malaria. To date, Plasmodium fal... more Plasmodium is a blood protozoan parasite that is responsible for malaria. To date, Plasmodium falciparum has shown multi-drug resistance, particularly in Thailand, Myanmar and Malaysia. The aim of the study is to screen the plant extracts that can effectively inhibit P. falciparum 3D7, a common lab strain malaria parasite. Nine plants were collected and processed through maceration using hexane, chloroform and ethanol, resulting in 24 crude plant extracts. Of these, extracts from Artabotrys crassifolius, Pericampylus glacus and Leuconotis eugeniifolia showed promising antiplasmodial activities at IC50 of 15.32 to 39.75 µg/mL in a modified schizont maturation assay. Further studies are warranted to explore its efficacies and lead compounds of these three plant extracts for the development of antiplasmodial drugs.
Journal of Public Health Policy, 2019
We used a qualitative cross-sectional study in 20 elementary schools in an area of Cagayan Valley... more We used a qualitative cross-sectional study in 20 elementary schools in an area of Cagayan Valley, Philippines where soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) is endemic, to analyze the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats for three intervention components for STH control: mass drug administration (MDA), health education, and sanitation. School teachers and staff generally perceived MDA to be a welldelivered program, but opportunities exist to strengthen other control strategies: health education and school rules on hygiene and sanitation at school. Complete and consistent monitoring of program impact and the availability of up-to-date reports on prevalence of the infection can guide teachers' efforts to promote interventions for STH elimination.
Asian Pacific Journal of Health Sciences, 2018
The study investigated the presence of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in the water system from an un... more The study investigated the presence of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in the water system from an untapped indigenous community inhabited by the Tuwali ethno-linguistic group of the Philippines. These protozoa parasites were detected from river, creek and water pumps using direct fluorescence antibody (DFA) test and immunomagnetic separation (IMS) technique. In situ measurement of physico-chemical parameters such as pH, temperature, and total dissolved solids of the water samples were done. From the 24 samples collected during the month of April 2017, seven samples were positive for Cryptosporidium (29%) and one sample was positive for Giardia (4.2%). The concentration of parasites were typically one to two (oo)cysts per 10 liters of water. The quality of water was generally acceptable for primary contact recreation, irrigation and livestock watering based on the standards set by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources of the Philippines. The occurrence of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in the community is an important indicator of the occurring zoonosis in the community. This calls for a wider scale of the detection for waterborne protozoan parasites within the region before a possible outbreak could happen.
Epidemiology and Health, 2018
For the first time, Boliwong, an indigenous community in the Philippines, was surveyed for the pr... more For the first time, Boliwong, an indigenous community in the Philippines, was surveyed for the prevalence of Cryptosporidium from April to December 2017. METHODS: Cryptosporidium oocysts were detected in samples from the river, creek, and water pumps via immunomagnetic separation techniques, and from human and animal concentrated faecal samples using the modified Ziehl-Neelsen technique. RESULTS: Seven of the 24 water samples (29.2%) were positive for Cryptosporidium, with the highest concentration (0.8 oocyst/L) detected in the creek. Of 35 fecal samples from different animal groups, 8 (21.6%) were positive for Cryptosporidium oocysts. The highest intensity of oocyst shedding was detected in dogs (χ 2 =8.00). Of the 137 human fecal samples, 39 (28.5%) were infected with Cryptosporidium. In this study, 3 risk factors were found to be associated with infection: (1) location (crude odds ratio [cOR], 16.39; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.11 to 127.41; p=0.008), (2) drinking water from the natural spring (cOR, 0.29; 95% CI, 0.11 to 0.82; p<0.05), and (3) using an open pit as a sanitary toilet facility (cOR, 2.44; 95% CI, 1.14 to 5.20; p<0.05). When the cOR was adjusted, using an open pit as a sanitary toilet facility remained a significant risk factor of infection (adjusted OR, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.19 to 0.90; p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: There is a potentially emerging Cryptosporidium zoonosis in Boliwong, Lagawe, Philippines. It is recommended that the toilet facilities and the water system in the community be rehabilitated to avoid any possible disease outbreak. Health education is also needed in the community to maintain proper hygiene and sanitation practices.
PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases, 2014
Background: Many small studies have been done in Honduras estimating soil-transmitted helminthias... more Background: Many small studies have been done in Honduras estimating soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) prevalence but a country-wide study was last done in 2005. The country has the highest burden of malaria among all Central American countries. The present study was done to estimate country-wide STH prevalence and intensity, malaria prevalence and nutritional status in school going children. Methods and Findings: A cross-sectional study was conducted following PAHO/WHO guidelines to select a sample of school going children of 3 rd to 5 th grades, representative of ecological regions in the country. A survey questionnaire was filled; anthropometric measurements, stool sample for STH and blood sample for malaria were taken. Kato-Katz method was used for STH prevalence and intensity and rapid diagnostic tests, microscopy, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were used for malaria parasite detection. A total of 2554 students were studied of which 43.5% had one or more STH. Trichuriasis was the most prevalent (34%) followed by ascariasis (22.3%) and hookworm (0.9%). Ecological regions II (59.7%) and VI (55.6%) in the north had the highest STH prevalence rates while IV had the lowest (10.6%). Prevalence of one or more high intensity STH was low (1.6%). Plasmodium vivax was detected by PCR in only 5 students (0.2%), all of which belonged to the same municipality; no P. falciparum infection was detected. The majority of children (83%) had normal body mass index for their respective age but a significant proportion were overweight (10.42%) and obese (4.35%). Conclusions: Biannual deworming campaigns would be necessary in ecological regions II and VI, where STH prevalence is. 50%. High prevalence of obesity in school going children is a worrying trend and portends of future increase in obesity related diseases. Malaria prevalence, both symptomatic and asymptomatic, was low and provides evidence for Honduras to embark on elimination of the disease.
Journal of Parasitology, 2004
Prevalence of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii in cattle and swine in the Netherlands: Towards an ... more Prevalence of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii in cattle and swine in the Netherlands: Towards an integrated control of livestock production. Veterinary Quarterly 17: 87-91.
This study investigated the health status of 90 male and 169 female community-dwelling individual... more This study investigated the health status of 90 male and 169 female community-dwelling individuals ≥ 60 yrs in terms of the hematological values, nutritional status and medical history. Hematological test results were obtained using an automated hematology analyzer. Interviews and pretested questionnaires were used to obtain the demographic profile, medical history and nutrient intake based on a 24-hour recall. Based on the WHO criteria of anemia (Hb < 120 g/L for female and < 130 g/l for male), 21.6% were anemic. Of these, 78.6% have normocytic normochromic type, while 10.7% have hypochromic microcytic type. Leukocytosis was observed in 8.1%, eosinophilia in 26% , and lymphocytosis in 7.7% of the participants. Age was found to be inversely correlated with the erythrocyte count (p<0.01) but positively correlated with the mean corpuscular volume (p<0.01). Arthritis (36%) and hypertension (29.3%) were the most common health complaints. Inadequate protein, energy and calciu...
Infectious diseases of poverty, Jan 13, 2016
Access to clean and safe drinking water that is free from pathogenic protozoan parasites, especia... more Access to clean and safe drinking water that is free from pathogenic protozoan parasites, especially Cryptosporidium parvum and Giardia lamblia that cause gastrointestinal illness in humans, is still an issue in Southeast Asia (SEA). This study is the first attempt to detect the aforementioned protozoan parasites in water samples from countries in SEA, using real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assays. A total of 221 water samples of 10 l each were collected between April and October 2013 from Malaysia (53), Thailand (120), the Philippines (33), and Vietnam (15). A physicochemical analysis was conducted. The water samples were processed in accordance with the US Environmental Protection Agency's methods 1622/1623.1, microscopically observed and subsequently screened using qPCR assays. Cryptosporidium oocysts were detected in treated water samples from the Philippines (1/10), with a concentration of 0.06 ± 0.19 oocyst/L, and untreated water samples from Thailand (25/93), Ma...
Epidemiology and Health, 2018
OBJECTIVES: For the first time, Boliwong, an indigenous community in the Philippines, was surveye... more OBJECTIVES: For the first time, Boliwong, an indigenous community in the Philippines, was surveyed for the prevalence of
Cryptosporidium from April to December 2017.
METHODS: Cryptosporidium oocysts were detected in samples from the river, creek, and water pumps via immunomagnetic
separation techniques, and from human and animal concentrated faecal samples using the modified Ziehl-Neelsen technique.
RESULTS: Seven of the 24 water samples (29.2%) were positive for Cryptosporidium, with the highest concentration (0.8
oocyst/L) detected in the creek. Of 35 fecal samples from different animal groups, 8 (21.6%) were positive for Cryptosporidium
oocysts. The highest intensity of oocyst shedding was detected in dogs (χ2
=8.00). Of the 137 human fecal samples, 39 (28.5%)
were infected with Cryptosporidium. In this study, 3 risk factors were found to be associated with infection: (1) location (crude
odds ratio [cOR], 16.39; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.11 to 127.41; p=0.008), (2) drinking water from the natural spring (cOR,
0.29; 95% CI, 0.11 to 0.82; p<0.05), and (3) using an open pit as a sanitary toilet facility (cOR, 2.44; 95% CI, 1.14 to 5.20; p<0.05).
When the cOR was adjusted, using an open pit as a sanitary toilet facility remained a significant risk factor of infection (adjusted
OR, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.19 to 0.90; p<0.05).
CONCLUSIONS: There is a potentially emerging Cryptosporidium zoonosis in Boliwong, Lagawe, Philippines. It is recommended that the toilet facilities and the water system in the community be rehabilitated to avoid any possible disease outbreak. Health
education is also needed in the community to maintain proper hygiene and sanitation practices.
Journal of Public Health Policy, 2019
We used a qualitative cross-sectional study in 20 elementary schools in an area of Cagayan Valley... more We used a qualitative cross-sectional study in 20 elementary schools in an area of Cagayan Valley, Philippines where soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) is endemic, to analyze the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats for three intervention components for STH control: mass drug administration (MDA), health education, and sanitation. School teachers and staff generally perceived MDA to be a well-delivered program, but opportunities exist to strengthen other control strategies: health education and school rules on hygiene and sanitation at school. Complete and consistent monitoring of program impact and the availability of up-to-date reports on prevalence of the infection can guide teachers’ efforts to promote interventions for STH elimination.
Frontiers in Microbiology, 2014
Toxoplasma gondii, is one of the infectious agents of congenital TORCH infections, causes severe ... more Toxoplasma gondii, is one of the infectious agents of congenital TORCH infections, causes severe clinical outcomes in fetus and newborns. Nevertheless this life-threatening parasitic disease is preventable by simple preventive measures related to lifestyle during pregnancy. We aim to study on the knowledge about toxoplasmosis and practices that prevents this infection among the pregnant women. Total of 2598 pregnant women from Malaysia, Philippines, and Thailand were randomly surveyed to determine the knowledge and their practices on Toxoplasma infection. The questionnaire covered respondents' general information and knowledge on plausible risks factors, symptoms, timing of infection, prevention knowledge, and preventive behavior regarding Toxoplasma infection. Majority of these pregnant women were in their age group of 20-29 years (50.9%), completed secondary level of education (51.7%), in their second trimester of pregnancies (38.1%), non-parous (36.6%), and had no history of abortion (90.4%). Based on this survey, only 11% of these pregnant women had read, heard, or seen information regarding toxoplasmosis and 3.5% of them were aware of being tested for the infection. A small percentage of these pregnant women knew that T. gondii were shed in the feces of infected cats (19.4%) and sometimes found in the raw or undercooked meat (11.0%). There was 16.1% of responding women knew that toxoplasmosis is caused by an infection. Demographic profiles such as age group, level of education, pregnancy term, and number of children of the pregnant women showed significant association with their responses toward prevention knowledge and preventive behavior related questions (P < 0.05). Thus, it is suggested that health education on toxoplasmosis and primary behavioral practices should be consistently offered to reproductive age women in general and pregnant women in particular. This information could help to reduce vertical transmission of Toxoplasma infection during pregnancy.
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Papers by Julieta Z. Dungca
Cryptosporidium from April to December 2017.
METHODS: Cryptosporidium oocysts were detected in samples from the river, creek, and water pumps via immunomagnetic
separation techniques, and from human and animal concentrated faecal samples using the modified Ziehl-Neelsen technique.
RESULTS: Seven of the 24 water samples (29.2%) were positive for Cryptosporidium, with the highest concentration (0.8
oocyst/L) detected in the creek. Of 35 fecal samples from different animal groups, 8 (21.6%) were positive for Cryptosporidium
oocysts. The highest intensity of oocyst shedding was detected in dogs (χ2
=8.00). Of the 137 human fecal samples, 39 (28.5%)
were infected with Cryptosporidium. In this study, 3 risk factors were found to be associated with infection: (1) location (crude
odds ratio [cOR], 16.39; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.11 to 127.41; p=0.008), (2) drinking water from the natural spring (cOR,
0.29; 95% CI, 0.11 to 0.82; p<0.05), and (3) using an open pit as a sanitary toilet facility (cOR, 2.44; 95% CI, 1.14 to 5.20; p<0.05).
When the cOR was adjusted, using an open pit as a sanitary toilet facility remained a significant risk factor of infection (adjusted
OR, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.19 to 0.90; p<0.05).
CONCLUSIONS: There is a potentially emerging Cryptosporidium zoonosis in Boliwong, Lagawe, Philippines. It is recommended that the toilet facilities and the water system in the community be rehabilitated to avoid any possible disease outbreak. Health
education is also needed in the community to maintain proper hygiene and sanitation practices.
Cryptosporidium from April to December 2017.
METHODS: Cryptosporidium oocysts were detected in samples from the river, creek, and water pumps via immunomagnetic
separation techniques, and from human and animal concentrated faecal samples using the modified Ziehl-Neelsen technique.
RESULTS: Seven of the 24 water samples (29.2%) were positive for Cryptosporidium, with the highest concentration (0.8
oocyst/L) detected in the creek. Of 35 fecal samples from different animal groups, 8 (21.6%) were positive for Cryptosporidium
oocysts. The highest intensity of oocyst shedding was detected in dogs (χ2
=8.00). Of the 137 human fecal samples, 39 (28.5%)
were infected with Cryptosporidium. In this study, 3 risk factors were found to be associated with infection: (1) location (crude
odds ratio [cOR], 16.39; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.11 to 127.41; p=0.008), (2) drinking water from the natural spring (cOR,
0.29; 95% CI, 0.11 to 0.82; p<0.05), and (3) using an open pit as a sanitary toilet facility (cOR, 2.44; 95% CI, 1.14 to 5.20; p<0.05).
When the cOR was adjusted, using an open pit as a sanitary toilet facility remained a significant risk factor of infection (adjusted
OR, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.19 to 0.90; p<0.05).
CONCLUSIONS: There is a potentially emerging Cryptosporidium zoonosis in Boliwong, Lagawe, Philippines. It is recommended that the toilet facilities and the water system in the community be rehabilitated to avoid any possible disease outbreak. Health
education is also needed in the community to maintain proper hygiene and sanitation practices.