https://repository.auw.edu.bd/handle/123456789/702 2026-05-15T09:24:08Z https://repository.auw.edu.bd/handle/123456789/851 Molecular characterization of Streptococcus agalactiae and Streptococcus dysgalactiae causing bovine mastitis in the southern region of Bangladesh Saha, Ayan Objective: This study was conducted to validate polymerase chain reaction (PCR) as a confirma- tory diagnostic tool to find out the presence and frequency of Streptococcus agalactiae (S. aga- lactiae) and Streptococcus dysgalactiae (S. dysgalactiae) in mastitic milk samples obtained from dairy cows in the southern region of Bangladesh. Materials and Methods: A total of 196 samples of bovine milk were collected from various dairy farms in the Chattogram metropolitan area of the southern part of Bangladesh. DNA extracted from isolates obtained by culturing California mastitis test (CMT)-positive mastitic milk samples (n = 146) on 5% sheep blood agar was used as a template for PCR. Two sets of specific primers based on the 16S rRNA gene were used to discriminate between S. agalactiae and S. dysgalactiae. Four PCR products were subjected to sequencing, followed by phylogenetic analysis. Results: The PCR analyses revealed that out of the 146 CMT-positive milk samples tested, 29 samples were positive for S. agalactiae (19.86%), while 26 samples were positive for S. dysgalac- tiae (17.81%). Further sequence analysis of the corresponding PCR products and bioinformatics analysis verified the results. Conclusion: The study proves the efficiency of PCR as a useful diagnostic approach to deter- mine the presence and prevalence of S. agalactiae and S. dysgalactiae in mastitic milk samples obtained from dairy cows. 2022-01-01T00:00:00Z https://repository.auw.edu.bd/handle/123456789/850 Risk factors associated with self-medication among the indigenous communities of Chittagong Hill Tracts, Bangladesh Saha, Ayan Background In developing countries like Bangladesh, self-medication has become a predicament associ- ated with health risks and clinical complications. To date, no studies have been conducted on the practice of self-medication among the indigenous population living in Chittagong Hill Tract (CHT). Objectives This study was aimed to determine the prevalence of self-medication and analyzing the fac- tors associated with it among the indigenous population in CHT. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted from late October to early December 2020; among different indigenous group populations residing in the three districts of CHT aged 18 or more. A pre-tested and semi-structured questionnaire was developed to collect data on socio-demographic characteristics, health status, frequency of self-medication, reasons for self-medication in last one year, as well as other variables. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to assess associated factors with self-medication. Results A total of 1350 people from different indigenous populations were interviewed, among whom 49.9% practiced self-medication. The rate of self-prescribed antibiotics usage (80.9%) was significantly higher compared to other drugs. Self-prescribed medications were mostly used for diarrhea and food poisoning (60.6%), cough, cold and fever (51.4%), and headache (51.4%). A common source of self-prescribed medicines was community or retail pharmacy and the most reported reason for self-prescribed medication was the long-dis- tance of healthcare facilities from home. Conclusion The prevalence of self-medication is substantially high among indigenous people and the effect is alarming. Particular concern is the misuse of antibiotics and analgesic drugs. Increasing awareness among the population of the negative effect of self-medication and implementation of proper policies and actions are urgently needed to prevent self-medica- tion among indigenous population in Bangladesh. 2022-01-01T00:00:00Z