The MSPTM Photography Competition 2021 was held from 15 November 2021 to 28 February 2022. The competition is organised with the aim of obtaining photographs for society’s promotion materials, such conference backdrop image, bunting, banners, and website image. The winner’s photos will be used as the cover photos for MSPTM’s official journal, Tropical Biomedicine in 2022.
A panel of three judges were nominated from members of the society, namely:
(1) Dr. Low Van Lun (UM, representing Editorial Team of Tropical Biomedicine)
(2) Ms. Adela Ida Jiram (IMR, representing MSPTM Council)
(3) Assoc. Prof. Dr.Tengku Shahrul Anuar (UiTM)
(4) Dr. Hazlin Anita Zainal Abidin (UiTM)
(5) Mr. Ramzi Ramli (UM)
Four winners were selected by the panel of judges:
(1) Ms. Adedolapo Aminat Rauff- Adedotun (USM)
(2) Dr. Tan Li Peng (UMK)
(3) Dr. Wan Norafiqah Binti Othman (UiTM)
(4) Dr. Alok Kumar Dixit (India)
Each winner will be awarded RM200.00 cash prize and a certificate of recognition.
“Blastocystis sp., a century-long enigma”
By Ms. Adedolapo Aminat Rauff-Adedotun, Universiti Sains Malaysia
This image shows the scanning electron micrograph of Blastocystis sp. isolated from Malaysian quail birds. Blastocystis is a ubiquitous intestinal unicellular protist of human and several other animals. This isolate is spherical, with a dimpled and fibrous spongy cell surface. Bacteria colonies are seen attached to the cell surface. The speciation of Blastocystis and its role in host gut health and disease is still unclear. Understanding the ultrastructure of Blastocystis may aid in the deciphering of Blastocystis biology.
The LIVE Chia-seeds
By Dr. Tan Li Peng, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan City Campus Pengkalan Chepa, Kota Bharu
The shown image is the southern cattle tick, Rhipicephalus microplus (formerly Boophilus microplus) nymphs that are ready to molt into next stage. This tick species is considered to be the most economically important parasite of livestock worldwide. Rhipicephalus microplus can transmit various protozoal parasites such as Babesia and Anaplasma. The nymphs of this species have an oval body which is wider at front; orange-brown scutum. The engorged nymphs with the greyish coloured body in this picture resemble the soaked chia seeds that are ready to be consumed!
