Comparison of different techniques and stains for direct diagnosis of Trichinella spiralis

Background: The aim of Trichinella inspection is to reliably detect larvae in meat at levels which are capable of causing human trichinellosis. Trichinoscopy is a rapid, cost effective but is less sensitive in detection of low muscle larvae (ML)numbers. Artificial digestion is more convenient, and flexible, but may destroy immature larvae. Baermann technique may enhance the efficiency of diagnosis. Giemsa and Leishman stains provide identical contrasting coloration as Hematoxylin and Eosin (H-E) with the both advantages of that they can be used for staining non-histological sectionsand rapid preparation.The primary aim of the study was to compare the efficiency of digestion and Baermann techniques for detection of ML in muscles. Secondary aim was detection of ML by Geimsa and Leishman stain and their comparison with routinely used stain H-E. Methods: Muscles from 36 mice orally infected with Trichinella spiralis encysted larvae were examined. Larvae from 1 g samples of different muscles were recovered by digestion and Baermann techniques after different dose of infection. Muscle samples were prepared for staining with Giemsa, Leishman and H-E. Results: Number of larvae recovered by Baermann was higher recovered by digestion method (P ˃0.5). Leishman stain was the best stain for rapid detection of ML after 30 min followed in validity by Geimsa then H-E. Conclusion: Baermann concentration technique showed higher sensitivity than digestion method. Leishman stain is superior to Giemsa stain as it takes less time. Both stains are considered good alternative to H-E for rapid and easy diagnosis of trichinellosis in post-mortem animals

COVID-19 in Sudan: Will the mitigation efforts win against the virus?

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has hit hard both the affluent and poor countries. The objective of this article is to highlight the efforts of the Ministry of Health in Sudan in mitigating the pandemic and reflecting on counteracting factors. Methods: We traced the reports and plans of the Federal Ministry of Health and looked at the models projecting the pandemic in Sudan. Results: The fundamental plan of the government of Sudan to cope up with the pandemic included the control of the source of infection, blocking transmission, and preventing the spread. The response mechanism had a multi-sector approach with involvement of government, civil society organizations, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). The action plans involved protocols for COVID-19 diagnosis and treatment, surveillance, epidemiological investigation, and management of case contacts. However, several factors continued to jeopardize the mitigation efforts of these plans. At the time of writing this article (at the end of the May 2020), there were about 4,000 confirmed cases, 300 recoveries, and 170 deaths. Although these numbers are below the projected numbers in many proposed models, in the light of the limited testing capacity, case identification and contact tracing, the exact situation might not be ascertained. Conclusion: Sudan has prepared a national plan to prevent and contain COVID19 pandemic. However, tremendous challenges are opposing these efforts. The poor health infrastructure, fragility of the health system, and the economic crisis are the major obstructions