BackgroundKnowledge of risk factors and their relative importance in different settings is essential to develop effective health education material for the prevention of typhoid. In this study, we examine the effect of household level and individual behavioural risk factors on the risk of typhoid in three Indonesian islands (Sulawesi, Kalimantan and Papua) in the Eastern Indonesian archipelago encompassing rural, peri-urban and urban areas.MethodsWe enrolled 933 patients above 10 years of age in a health facility-based case-control study between June 2010 and June 2011. Individuals suspected of typhoid were tested using the typhoid IgM lateral flow assay for the serodiagnosis of typhoid fever followed by blood culture testing. Cases and controls were defined post-recruitment: cases were individuals with a culture or serology positive result (n = 449); controls were individuals negative to both serology and culture, with or without a diagnosis other than typhoid (n = 484). Logistic regression was used to examine the effect of household level and individual level behavioural risk factors and we calculated the population attributable fraction (PAF) of removing each risk significant independent behavioural risk factor.ResultsWashing hands at critical moments of the day and washing hands with soap were strong independent protective factors for typhoid (OR = 0.38 95% CI 0.25 to 0.58 for each unit increase in hand washing frequency score with values between 0 = Never and 3 = Always; OR = 3.16 95% CI = 2.09 to 4.79 comparing washing hands with soap sometimes/never vs. often). These effects were independent of levels of access to water and sanitation. Up to two thirds of cases could be prevented by compliance to these practices (hand washing PAF = 66.8 95% CI 61.4 to 71.5; use of soap PAF = 61.9 95%CI 56.7 to 66.5). Eating food out in food stalls or restaurant was an important risk factor (OR = 6.9 95%CI 4.41 to 10.8 for every unit increase in frequency score).ConclusionsMajor gains could potentially be achieved in reducing the incidence of typhoid by ensuring adherence to adequate hand-washing practices alone. This confirms that there is a pivotal role for ‘software’ related interventions to encourage behavior change and create demand for goods and services, alongside development of water and sanitation infrastructure.

is an International, peer-reviewed scientific journal that publishes original article in experimental & clinical medicine and related disciplines such as molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, biophysics, bio-and medical technology. JMS is issued four times per year on paper and in electronic format.

Introduction: Individuals with poor oral health have a greater risk factor for systemic diseases. Caries, periodontal disease, and root canal infections are a common dental and oral diseases caused by dominance of Streptococcus mutans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Enterococcus faecalis bacteria (S. mutans, P. gingivalis, and E. faecalis). An alternative way to prevent dental and oral diseases is to use herbal medicine as one of the active ingredients for mouthwash or toothpaste. One of the herbs that can be used is Beluntas leaves (Pluchea indica (L.) Less leaves). The objective of study was to analyze the antibacterial activity of ethanol extract of Pluchea indica (L.) Less leaves on the growth of Streptococcus mutans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Enterococcus faecalis. Methods: This research was experimental laboratory with post test only control design, using disk diffusion method. There were five concentrations (2.5, 3.5, 4.5, 5.5 and 6.5%, positive controls, and negative controls. Data analysis was performed using One Way Anova and post Hoc test. Results: The ethanol extract of Pluchea indica (L.) Less leaves has moderate-strong antibacterial activity against Streptococcus mutans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Enterococcus faecalis. The largest diameter of inhibitory zone in Enterococcus faecalis at a concentration of 6.5% followed by Streptococcus mutans and Porphyromonas gingivalis at the same concentration and the smallest diameter of inhibition zone in Porphyromonas gingivalis, followed by Enterococcus faecalis and Streptococcus mutans at 2.5% concentration. Conclusion: The ethanol extract of Pluchea indica (L.) Less leaves with a concentration of 2.5, 3.5, 4.5, 5.5, and 6.5% has antibacterial activity in inhibiting the growth of Streptococcus mutans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Enterococcus faecalis.

Background: Indonesia has many types of plants, which have medicinal properties and are used to cure various diseases. One of plant that has medicinal properties is the Angsana plant (Pterocarpus indicus Willd.) which traditionally can cure dental and oral diseases. Normal flora that can cause dental and oral diseases especially dental caries is Streptococcus mutans. One of alternative medications to prevent the disease by using natural products as antibacterial. The purpose of this research to know the antibacterial activity of the Angsana plant parts of the leaves ethanol extract, stem bark, and Angsana latex in inhibiting the growth of Streptococcus mutans. Method: This research used experimental laboratory with disc diffusion methods. Angsana (Pterocarpus indicus Willd.) was taken from as city ornamental tree in Samarinda city. The bacteria which used were Streptococcus mutans. The samples consisted of 11 treatment groups is leaves ethanol extract, stem bark, and Angsana latex respectively with concentration 25%, 50%, 75%, positive control group (chlorhexidine 0,2%), and negative control group (sterile aquades). Data analysis using Shapiro-Wilk test and One-Way Annova test. Result: The results showed that leaves ethanol extract, stem bark, and Angsana latex (Pterocarpus indicus Willd.). All concentrations have antibacterial activity against the growth of Streptococcus mutans. The highest and the lowest concentrations that can inhibit the growth of Streptococcus mutans are 50% ethanol stem bark extract and 25% leaves ethanol extract. Conclusion:The conclusion of this study proves that the leaves, stem bark ethanol extract, and Angsana latex (Pterocarpus indicus Willd.) Have antibacterial activity against the growth of Streptococcus mutans.

Tahongai (Kleinhovia hospita Linn) merupakan tanaman herbal yang banyak dijadikan obat tradisional oleh masyarakat suku Dayak. Tahongai memiliki berbagai khasiat yang dapat digunakan untuk menunjang kesehatan tubuh. Didalam tanaman ini juga terdapat senyawa aktif yang dapat berfungsi sebagai zat antibakteri. Terutama pada bagian daun Tahongai, memiliki kandungan senyawa aktif seperti flavonoid, alkaloid, saponin, dan terpenoid yang dapat berfungsi sebagai senyawa antibakteri. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui efek antibakteri dari ekstrak daun tanaman Tahongai terhadap pertumbuhan bakteri Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans secara In-vitro. Desain penelitian ini adalah post test only control group design dengan menggunakan uji Disc Diffusion (Kirby-Bauer). Penelitian ini menggunakan bakteri A. actinomycetemcomitans yang diberi perlakuan ekstrak etanol daun Tahongai (K. hospita Linn) dengan konsentrasi 5%, 10%, 15%, dan 20%. Kemudian dilakukan pengulangan sebanyak lima kali. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa ekstrak etanol daun Tahongai (K. hospita Linn) tidak mampu menghambat pertumbuhan bakteri A. actinomycetemcomitans pada konsentrasi 5%, 10%, 15%, dan 20%.