Characterization of the hemocytes of susceptible and resistant biomphalaria alexandrina snail

The internal defense system consists of soluble components of hemolymph and circulating cells known as hemocytes. The circulating hemocytes play a central role in innate immunity. This work aimed to study the hemocytes of both susceptible and resistant B. alexandrina snails exposed to and mansoni infection using light and electron microscopes. Two tested groups were included in the study; 60 susceptible and 60 resistant B. alexandrina snails. Both tested groups were studied as regad the hemocyte count [before and after infection] and the morphological characteristics of both circulating and tissue hemocytes by light and electron microscopes. Before infection, there was no significant difference between the two groups as regard the hemocyte count, however after infection, there is a significant decrease in the circulating hemocytes of the resistant group. Light microscopy revealed five morphological types of circulating cells of both susceptible and resistant snails. Regarding scannig electron microscopy, hemocytes of susceptible snails appeared rounded with smooth or slightly rough surface. However, that of the resistant snails appeared irregular in shaped with corrugated surface. Furthermore, Light microscopy and the transmission electron microscopy revealed signs of cell activation in the hemocytes of the resistant group. The circulating hemocytes consist of five cell types in both susceptible and resistant B. alexandarina and morphologies of these cells are quite similar, but with more signs of cell activations in the resistant group. More specific studies on the functional activities of the hemocytes and mechanisms that may affect or influence the susceptibily and/or non-susceptibility of molluscs to invade microorganisms is essential and how they an act in the immune response

Impact of treatment with praziquantel supplemented by silymarin on schistosoma mansoni-induced fibrosis in mice

Schistosomiasis caused by S. mansoni continues to be the most common fibrotic disease resulting from inflammation and deposition of scar tissue around parasite eggs trapped in the liver. Because of the hepatic importance and its ability to regenerate, treating liver fibrosis is of vital significance. Silymarin, a flavinoid complex of Silybum marianum from a plant of the family Asteracea, has received much attention as a potential anti-fibrotic and hepatoprotective agent. To investigate the effect of combining silymarin with praziquantel [PZQ] in the treatment of liver fibrosis in mice infected with S. mansoni. The study was carried out on 120 mice; 96 of which were infected with 100 S. mansoni cercariae and the rest served as non infected controls. Mice were classified into 5 groups, 24 each. G1: Normal control; G2: Infected untreated control; G3: Infected and treated with PZQ, started 6 weeks post infection [PI]; G4: Infected and treated with silymarin, started 4 weeks PI and G5: Infected and treated with silymarin, 4 weeks PI followed by PZQ 6 weeks PI Eight mice from each group were sacrificed on the 10[th], 14[th] and 18[th] week PI. Parasitological, histopathological and biochemical parameters that reflect the disease severity and morbidity were studied. Deposition of extra-cellular matrix [ECM] was determined by estimation of trans-4 hydroxy-L-proline [Hyp] in hepatic cells. PZQ alone showed a significantly high reduction in the mean egg count/gm stool, liver and intestines and was associated with significant increase in the percentage of dead eggs all over the period of the experiment. Silymarin administered alone resulted in slight improvement of parasitological parameters. All the treated groups revealed significant decrease in granuloma diameter especially those after 18[th] week PI Groups treated with silymarin or when combined with PZQ revealed the highest decrease in granuloma diameter at all periods of sacrifice. All treated groups revealed a significant decrease in the Hyp hepatic content. However, the groups treated with silymarin alone or combined with PZQ revealed the most significant decrease in Hyp levels at all periods of sacrifice.The best results obtained, with most of the parameters studied, were in the groups of mice treated with silymarin in combination with PZQ. The use of silymarin combined with PZQ did not affect the chemotherapeutic effect of the latter, and can be safely used with PZQ in patients infected with S. mansoni. Co-administration of silymarin with PZQ reduced the granulomatous inflammatory reactions in the acute and chronic stages of infection. It also had the ability to attenuate liver fibrosis induced by S. mansoni infection. Silymarin can be safely used as an adjuvant with PZQ in the treatment of schistosomiasis mansoni

Evaluation of circulating immune complexes in filariasis

Seventy five individuals were selected from El Korein city [endemic area for filariasis in Sharkia Governorate]. They were classified into 4 groups: Group I [20 asymptomatic microfilaraemic]. Group II [20 symptomatic microfilaraemic including 7 patients with fever and retrograde lymphangitis, 5 patients with lymphadinitis and 8 patients with pitting oedema]. Group III [25 symptomatic amicrofilaraemic with chronic filarial presentation: 15 cases with elephantiasis, 5 cases with hydrocoele and 5 cases with chylurea]. Group IV [10 endemic control].Additional fifth group of healthy control from zagazig city which is non endemic for filariasis [l0 non endemic control]. Each group was subjected to complete history, clinical examination, urine and stool analysis, Thick blood film stained by Giemsa stain. Sera separated and tested for detection of circulating antigens and circulating immune complexes using polyclonal antibodies by sandwich ELISA technique, circulating antigens were detected in 85% and 75% of symptomatic microfilaraemic and asymptomatic microfilaraemic groups respectively with high significant difference [P < 0.001] compared to non endemic control. Antigenaemia was detected in 32% of chronic filariasis and in 20% of endemic control but with non significant difference [P> 0.05]. Circulating immune complexes were detected in 100% in both symptomatic microfilaraenic and chronic cases, but in 50% of asymptomatic microfilaraemic and in 20% of endemic control.O.D. reading showed high significant difference with control group [P < 0.001]. Patients with chylurea showed highest level of circulating immune complexes among all clinical presentation while patients with fever and retrograde lymphangitis showed highest level among acute cases. From these results we can conclude that presence of circulating immune complexes in sera of endemic control put this group in risk of developing clinical disease by time