ObjectivesThe AMANHI study aims to seek for biomarkers as predictors of important pregnancy–related outcomes, and establish a biobank in developing countries for future research as new methods and technologies become available.MethodsAMANHI is using harmonised protocols to enrol 3000 women in early pregnancies (8–19 weeks of gestation) for population–based follow–up in pregnancy up to 42 days postpartum in Bangladesh, Pakistan and Tanzania, with collection taking place between August 2014 and June 2016. Urine pregnancy tests will be used to confirm reported or suspected pregnancies for screening ultrasound by trained sonographers to accurately date the pregnancy. Trained study field workers will collect very detailed phenotypic and epidemiological data from the pregnant woman and her family at scheduled home visits during pregnancy (enrolment, 24–28 weeks, 32–36 weeks & 38+ weeks) and postpartum (days 0–6 or 42–60). Trained phlebotomists will collect maternal and umbilical blood samples, centrifuge and obtain aliquots of serum, plasma and the buffy coat for storage. They will also measure HbA1C and collect a dried spot sample of whole blood. Maternal urine samples will also be collected and stored, alongside placenta, umbilical cord tissue and membrane samples, which will both be frozen and prepared for histology examination. Maternal and newborn stool (for microbiota) as well as paternal and newborn saliva samples (for DNA extraction) will also be collected. All samples will be stored at –80°C in the biobank in each of the three sites. These samples will be linked to numerous epidemiological and phenotypic data with unique study identification numbers.Importance of the studyAMANHI biobank proves that biobanking is feasible to implement in LMICs, but recognises that biobank creation is only the first step in addressing current global challenges.

Prevalence of subclinical mastitis along with the etiological agents and their antimicrobial susceptibility were studied around the city of Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh. Milk samples from 30 apparently healthy buffaloes were subjected to microbiological examinations while subclinical mastitis was diagnosed based on California Mastitis Test (CTM). Seventy percent of the buffaloes examined were positive for subclinical mastitis. A total of 42 isolates of 5 different species were identified. Among them, Staphylococcus spp. was the most frequently identified bacterial species accounting for 50% of all the isolates, followed by E.coli (28.57%), Enterobacter (14.29%), Bacillus spp. (4.76%) and Proteus spp. (2.38%). Highest resistance was found against amoxicillin (21.43%) where chloramphenicol and ciprofloxac in proved to be a more successful antimicrobial agent, resistance against which wasonly 4.76%. Results from the present study suggest that contagious mastitis controlpractice along with good personal hygiene practice is required for mastitis control in the area.Bangladesh J Microbiol, Volume 30, Number 1-2,June-Dec 2013, pp 1-5