Berita Kedokteran Masyarakat

The role of inflammatory biomarkers in adolescent major depressive disorder: a systematic review

2026-02-02T11:13:20+07:00

Purpose: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in adolescents is an escalating mental health problem with underlying biological pathways. Increasing evi- dence highlights the role of inflammatory response and immune dysregulation in its development and progression. This study aims to explore the role of inflammatory biomarkers in Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) among adolescent populations, elucidating their potential utility for more effective treatment strategies.

Methods: A systematic review was conducted using Ebsco, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases. Studies published between 2019 and 2025 that focused on adolescent MDD (aged 10-19 years) and inflammation were included. Study quality was evaluated using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) tool, and narrative analyses were conducted for data synthesis. The PICOS (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome, and Study Design) framework is used to ensure clarity in defining the research question and inclusion criteria. The systematic review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251129403).

Results: A total of 29 articles met the inclusion criteria for this study. Across the included studies, elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, particularly inter- leukin-6 (IL-6) and Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha (TNF-α), were consistently associated with MDD in adolescents. Dysregulation of the Hypothalamic- Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis and alterations in anti-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-10 were also observed. These biomarkers were linked to changes in stress hormone regulation.

Conclusion: Inflammatory biomarkers play a significant role in the pathophysiology of MDD among adolescents, offering promising avenues for early detection and personalised intervention. Integrating biomarker assessment into clinical practice may improve diag- nosis and guide targeted treatments.

The hospital environment as an ecological driver of multidrug-resistant organisms: evidence from intensive isolation and operating rooms

2026-02-04T14:46:04+07:00

Purpose: Multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) present a significant challenge for hospital infection control, with environmental surfaces acting as key reservoirs. This study sought to identify MDRO species, evaluate their biofilm-forming capacity, and quantify microbial bioburden in intensive care isolation and operating rooms.

Methods: Environmental sampling was conducted in 16 rooms. Air and surface samples, including floors, walls, and bedside monitors, were collected using a microbiological air sampler and sterile swabs. Samples were cultured to determine total bioburden and detect MDROs, with bacterial identification performed using VITEK 2. Antimicrobial resistance was assessed using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion test, and bioburden levels were compared to national standards.

Results: Forty-nine MDRO isolates were identified: 3 methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA, 6.12%), 19 methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative staphylococci (MRCONS, 38.78%), 24 carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter spp. (CRA, 48.98%), and 3 extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacterales (6.12%). Mean microbial bioburden remained within acceptable limits for air (57.44 CFU/m³), walls (70.63 CFU/100 cm²), and bedside monitors (22.63 CFU/100 cm²), but exceeded thresholds on floors (753.75 CFU/100 cm²). Biofilm-forming capacity varied: MRCONS (26.32% strong biofilm), CRA (8.33% strong biofilm), and ESBL-producing Enterobacterales (66.67% weak biofilm).

Conclusion: MDROs were detected in all sampled rooms, with CRA as the predominant species. Floors exhibited microbial loads above acceptable standards, highlighting the necessity for improved cleaning protocols. Enhanced environmental infection control strategies are essential to reduce MDRO transmission in healthcare settings.

Inequality dimensions of childhood vaccination coverage in Indonesia: a scoping review

2026-01-30T22:33:07+07:00

Purpose: To map existing evidence on inequalities in childhood immunization coverage in Indonesia using the Social Determinants of Health and PROGRESS-Plus frameworks.

Methods: This scoping review included original studies published between 2015 and 2025 that examined inequalities in childhood vaccination coverage in Indonesia. Searches were conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Garuda. The review followed PRISMA-ScR with consideration of the PRISMA-Equity extension. Data were charted using a standardized extraction form and synthesized descriptively using narrative and tabular approaches.

Results: Of 910 records identified, ten studies met the inclusion criteria. All were cross-sectional, and most used nationally representative data from household surveys or administrative sources (n = 9). Inequalities related to parental socioeconomic characteristics were most frequently examined. No studies assessed disparities related to race, ethnicity, culture, or language, indicating substantial gaps across key equity dimensions.

Conclusion: Evidence on childhood vaccination inequalities in Indonesia remains limited in scope and depth. Expanding equity-focused research, particularly on underexplored social and cultural determinants, is essential to support targeted policies and advance equitable immunization coverage in Indonesia.