A5049629025- Mosquito-borne diseases and control
- Malaria Research and Control
- Viral Infections and Vectors
- Dengue and Mosquito Control Research
- Biosensors and Analytical Detection
- SARS-CoV-2 detection and testing
- Vector-borne infectious diseases
- Insect symbiosis and bacterial influences
- COVID-19 epidemiological studies
- HIV/AIDS drug development and treatment
- Zoonotic diseases and public health
- Advanced biosensing and bioanalysis techniques
- Biomedical Text Mining and Ontologies
- HIV Research and Treatment
- Food Safety and Hygiene
- SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 Research
- Computational Drug Discovery Methods
- Listeria monocytogenes in Food Safety
- Infection Control and Ventilation
- Hepatitis C virus research
- Insect behavior and control techniques
- Virology and Viral Diseases
- Vibrio bacteria research studies
- Child Nutrition and Water Access
- Herpesvirus Infections and Treatments
National Environment Agency
2015-2024
Agencia de Medio Ambiente y Agua de Andalucía
2024
Griffith University
2021
University of Helsinki
2021
Tulane University
2021
Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research
2021
University of Kelaniya
2006-2009
Thammasat University
2009
Chulalongkorn University
2009
Universidad de Antioquia
2009
Taxonomy that utilizes morphological characteristics has been the gold standard method to identify mosquito species. However, identification is challenging when expertise limited and external characters are damaged because of improper specimen handling. Therefore, we explored applicability mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase subunit 1 (COI) gene-based DNA barcoding as an alternative tool In present study, compared specimens with their differentiation based on COI barcode, in order establish a...
The sensitivity and specificity of two in-house MAC-ELISA assays were tested compared with the performance commercially-available CTK lateral flow rapid test EUROIMMUN IFA for detection anti-Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) IgM. Each assay used a whole virus-based antigen derived from genetically distinct CHIKV strains involved in chikungunya disease outbreaks Singapore (2008); January outbreak strain alanine at amino acid residue 226 E1 glycoprotein (CHIKV-A226) May-to-September that possessed...
Chikungunya fever swept across many South and South-east Asian countries, following extensive outbreaks in the Indian Ocean Islands 2005. However, molecular epidemiological data to explain recent spread evolution of virus (CHIKV) region are still limited. This study describes genetic Characteristics evolutionary relationships CHIKV strains that emerged Sri Lanka Singapore during 2006–2008. The viruses isolated also included those imported from Maldives (n=1), India (n=2) Malaysia (n=31). All...
Singapore has experienced periodic dengue epidemics despite maintaining a low Aedes house index. Each epidemic was associated with switch in the predominant serotype. We investigated temporal dynamics of fever and virus (DENV) analyzed epidemiological entomological patterns from 2004 to 2016. The case surveillance is based on mandatory notification system that requires all medical practitioners report clinically suspected laboratory-confirmed cases. Circulating serotypes are monitored...
Wastewater-based surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 has been used the early warning of transmission or objective trending population-level disease prevalence. Here, we describe a new use-case conducting targeted wastewater to complement clinical testing case identification in small community at risk COVID-19 transmission. On 2 July 2020, cluster cases two unrelated households residing on different floors same stack an apartment building was reported Singapore. After were conveyed healthcare...
Dengue virus type 2 (DENV-2) contributes substantially to the dengue burden and dengue-related mortality in tropics sub-tropics. DENV-2 includes six genotypes, among which cosmopolitan genotype is most widespread. The present study investigated evolution, intra-genotype heterogeneity dispersal of understand unique genetic characteristics that have shaped molecular epidemiology distribution lineages. spatial analysis demonstrated a wide geo-distribution through an extensive inter-continental...
This paper summarises the lessons learnt in dengue epidemiology, risk factors, and prevention Singapore over last half a century, during which evolved from city of 1.9 million people to highly urban globalised city-state with population 5.6 million. Set tropical climate, urbanisation among green foliage has created ideal conditions for proliferation Aedes aegypti albopictus, mosquito vectors that transmit dengue. A vector control programme, largely malaria, was initiated as early 1921, but...
Arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses) are transmitted by arthropod vectors to humans, leading disease outbreaks mainly in tropical regions of the world.1Weaver SC Charlier C Vasilakis N Lecuit M Zika, chikungunya, and other emerging vector-borne viral diseases.Annu Rev Med. 2018; 69: 395-408Crossref PubMed Scopus (234) Google Scholar Although many arboviruses known, three Aedes-spp-borne particularly concerning for humans at a global scale due recurring large expanding epidemic dengue virus,...
In June 2023, a local cluster of 15 Zika cases was reported in neighbourhood Northeastern Singapore. The last significant transmission virus (ZIKV) with more than 450 2016-2017. To monitor the situation and mitigate further transmission, case, entomological wastewater-based surveillance were carried out.
Abstract Local transmission of chikungunya, a debilitating mosquito-borne viral disease, was first reported in Singapore January 2008. After 3 months absence, locally acquired Chikungunya cases resurfaced May 2008, causing an outbreak that resulted total 231 by September The circulating viruses were related to East, Central, and South African genotypes emerged the Indian Ocean region 2005. local due wild-type virus (alanine at codon 226 envelope 1 gene) occurred area where Aedes aegypti...
Dengue resurged in Singapore during 2013-14, causing an outbreak with unprecedented number of cases the country. In present study, we summarise epidemiological, virological and entomological findings gathered through dengue surveillance programme highlight drivers epidemic. We also describe how system facilitated preparedness to moderate epidemic transmission The case was based on a mandatory notification that requires all medical practitioners report clinically-suspected...
A nanoporous alumina membrane-based ultrasensitive DNA biosensor is constructed using 5′-aminated probes immobilized onto the channel walls. Alumina membrane-like structure carved over platinum wire electrode of 76 µm diameter dimension by electrochemical anodization. The hybridization complementary target with probe molecules attached inside pores influences pore size and ionic conductivity. demonstrates linear range 6 order magnitude detection limit 9.55×10−12 M for quantification ss-31...
Wastewater-based surveillance has been widely used as a non-intrusive tool to monitor population-level transmission of COVID-19. Although various approaches are available concentrate viruses from wastewater samples, scalable methods remain limited. Here, we sought identify and evaluate SARS-CoV-2 virus concentration protocols for high-throughput testing. A total twelve polyethylene glycol (PEG) precipitation four ultrafiltration-based were evaluated across two phases. The first phase...
Abstract Background Even though dengue has been recognized as one of the major public health threats in Pakistan, understanding its molecular epidemiology is still limited. The genotypic diversity Dengue virus (DENV) serotypes involved outbreaks since 2005 Pakistan not well studied. Here, we investigated origin, diversity, genetic relationships and geographic distribution DENV to understand evolution during recent expansion Pakistan. Methods study included 200 sera obtained from...
Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is an arthropod-borne responsible for recent epidemics in the Asia Pacific regions. A customized gene expression microarray of 18,760 transcripts known to target Aedes mosquito genome was used identify host genes that are differentially regulated during infectious entry process CHIKV infection on C6/36 cells. Several such as epsin I (EPN1), epidermal growth factor receptor pathway substrate 15 (EPS15) and Huntingtin interacting protein (HIP1) were identified be...
There has been no local transmission of malaria in Sri Lanka for 6 years following elimination the disease 2012. Malaria vectors are prevalent parts country, and imported cases continue to be reported. The country is therefore at risk being re-established. first case introduced vivax reported here, surveillance response system that contained further spread this infection described. Diagnosis was based on microscopy rapid diagnostic tests. Entomological anophelines used standard techniques...
The frequency of locally transmitted dengue virus (DENV) infections has increased in Europe recent years, facilitated by the invasive mosquito species Aedes albopictus, which is well established a large area Europe. In Italy, first indigenous outbreak was reported August 2020 with 11 acquired cases Veneto region (northeast Italy), caused DENV-1 viral strain closely related to previously described circulating Singapore and China. this study, we evaluated vector competence two Italian...
Abstract Dengue virus (DENV) is currently the most prevalent mosquito-borne viral pathogen. DENVs naturally exist as highly heterogeneous populations. Even though descriptions on DENV diversity are plentiful, only a few studies have narrated dynamics of intra-epidemic at fine scale. Such accounts important to decipher reciprocal relationship between evolutionary and disease transmission that shape dengue epidemiology. In current study, we present micro-scale genetic analysis monophyletic...
As the preparation of salads involves extensive handling and use uncooked ingredients, they are particularly vulnerable to microbial contamination. This study aimed determine safety quality pre-packed salad bar ingredients sold in Singapore, so as identify public health risks that could arise from consuming areas for improvement management food safety. The most frequently encountered organism samples was B. cereus, pasta (33.3%, 10/30). commonly detected L. monocytogenes, particular seafood...
Fomite-mediated transmission has been identified as a possible route for the spread of COVID-19 disease caused by SARS-CoV-2. In healthcare settings, environmental contamination SARS-CoV-2 found in patients’ rooms and toilets. Here, we investigated presence non-healthcare settings assessed efficacy cleaning disinfection removing virus contamination. A total 428 swabs six air samples was taken from accommodation rooms, toilets elevators that have used cases. By using reverse transcription...
Aedes albopictus (Skuse) is a competent vector of arboviruses public health importance, including dengue virus (DENV) and chikungunya viruses. Ae. the primary in Singapore. However, despite being ubiquitous, it plays secondary role DENV transmission. The vectorial capacity for field settings appears to be weak because primarily occurs aegypti (L.)-dominated, urban country. As host-seeking behavior one determinants capacity, we screened 6,762 female from rural, semiurban, locations Singapore...