Browsing by Author "Kawshalya, I."

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Open Access
Genome-Based Analysis of Mutations Driving Ciprofloxacin Resistance in Klebsiella pneumoniae
(Department of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Humanities and Sciences,SLIIT, 2025-10-10) Akram, A.; Kawshalya, I.
Klebsiella pneumoniae functions as a major pathogenic microorganism that causes pneumonia infections, urinary tract infections, and bloodstream infections. The advanced resistance of K. pneumoniae against ciprofloxacin presents medical professionals with significant management issues for treatment strategies.This research examined ciprofloxacin resistance-related genetic mutations and alterations in K. pneumoniae through detailed analysis of essential DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV genes: gyrA, gyrB, parC, and parE. The research analysed alterations between resistant and susceptible microbial strains through bioinformatics methodology. The scientific confirmation established that ciprofloxacin resistance exhibits a strong relationship with gyrA mutations at Ser83, along with Asp87 positions. Research confirms thatenzyme structure changes caused by these alterations lead to decreased ciprofloxacin binding effectiveness. The mutation of Ser359Ala and Ser367Thr in gyrB increased bacterial resistance slightly when compared to gyrA mutations. Ser80Ile and Glu84Val parC mutations showed a reduction in ciprofloxacin binding ability, thus causing an increase in resistance. The drug-binding site of ciprofloxacin became stronger through parE mutations that included Ile529Leu and Ser458Ala, which reinforced ciprofloxacin resistance. Genomic surveillance must remain active because these research results verify the contribution of these mutations to ciprofloxacin resistance. Research into K. pneumoniae resistance molecular pathways becomes vital for developing antimicrobial strategies as well as for stopping resistance strain proliferation.
Open Access
Influence of Climatic Factors on Dengue Transmission and Larval indices: A Comparative Analysis between Colombo and Nuwara Eliya districts, Sri Lanka
(Department of Applied Sciences. Faculty of Humanities and Sciences,SLIIT, 2025-10-10) Selvaratnam, S.; Kawshalya, I.; Jayawardena, T.
Dengue fever remains a major public health threat in Sri Lanka, with significant geographic and seasonal variability in incidence rates. This study investigated the impact of climatic variables - temperature, rainfall, and humidity- on dengue transmission dynamics in two ecologically contrasting districts: Colombo, alowland urban tropical zone, and Nuwara Eliya, a high-altitude, cooler region. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study analysed quantitative data from 2017 to 2023 sourced from the Dengue Control Unit and the Department of Meteorology, including monthly dengue cases, precipitation, temperature, relative humidity, and vector indices such as the House Index (HI) and Breteau Index (BI). Qualitative insights were gathered through expert interviews. Findings revealed consistently higher dengue incidence in Colombo, with peak outbreaks aligning with the Yala monsoon season (May–August). In contrast, Nuwara Eliya exhibited lower overall transmission, with occasional peaks during the Maha season (September– December). Elevated HI and BI values in Colombo (HI = 16.6; BI = 25.3 in May 2022) reflect more favourable conditions for Ae. aegypti breeding, while cooler temperatures in Nuwara Eliya generally suppressed vector development, though a notable rise in indices in late 2023 suggested emerging risks due to climaticanomalies. A statistical analysis between dengue incidence and climatic variables, particularly temperature and rainfall were conducted. The study underscores the importance of integrating climate-sensitive entomological surveillance into public health strategies. Tailored vector control efforts, especially in highrisk urban zones like Colombo, and continuous monitoring in emerging-risk areas such as Nuwara Eliya,are essential for early warning and prevention.