ABSTRACT
We tested the frequency of occult hepatitis B infection [OBI] among Egyptian healthcare workers [HCWs]. We tested 132 HCWs for hepatitis B virus [HBV] DNA by nested polymerase chain reaction [PCR], and hepatitis C virus antibody [anti-HCV] by ELISA. HCV RNA was measured by nested PCR in anti-HCV-positive HCWs. HBV-DNA-positive HCWs were subjected to HBV genotyping. We included 132 HCWs who were negative for hepatitis B surface antigen and positive for hepatitis B core antibody [anti-HBc]. OBI was detected in 7 male HCWs, and HBV E genotype was detected in 3, HBV D in 2 and HBV D and E in 2. Two OBI-positive HCWs had a history of neonatal hepatitis B vaccination. Anti-HCV seropositivity was detected in 17 HCWs who were positive for anti-HBc; 15 of whom were positive for HCV RNA by nested PCR. HCV infection was confirmed by anti-HCV and HCV RNA in 1 of 7 HCWs with OBI. In conclusion, Egyptian HCWs have a significant rate of OBI and HBV E genotype is prevalent
Subject(s)
Humans , Female , Male , Young Adult , Adult , Middle Aged , Hepatitis B virus/pathogenicity , Polymerase Chain Reaction , Hepatitis C Antibodies/immunology , Hepatitis C/diagnosis , Hepatitis B Vaccines/therapeutic use , Cross-Sectional StudiesABSTRACT
Seventeen rhizobiophages infective against Rhizobium leguminosarwn were isolated from field grown Vicia faba in AI-Ibrahimia [Sharkia Governorate-Egypt]. Morphology, host range and inactivation pattern of the phage to heat and UV-light were studied. Isolated phages had isometric heads and tails which were contractile [2 phages], long and non contractile [7 phages], or very short tails [8 phages]. The phages were members of Bradley's basic morphological groups A, B and C. Most of these phages showed, specificity for their host [R. leguminosarune local strain] and distinct rates of sensitivity against heat and UV
Subject(s)
Bacteriophages/physiology , Bacteriophages/isolation & purification , Rhizobium leguminosarum/physiology , Rhizobium leguminosarum/isolation & purificationABSTRACT
The killer toxin of Hansenula anomala showed killer activity toward some different microrganisms. The killer toxin produced by this species was purified. This toxin inhibited completely the growth of 2 species of yeasts,. Candida albicans, and CKefyr; three species of dermatophytes, Microsporum gypseum, M. Canis and Trichophyton mentagrophytes; and 2 species of moulds Fusarium solani and Aspergillus terreus tested at concentrations 100 ul/ml or less. The minimum inhibitory concentration [MIC] of the killer toxin against Candida guilliermondii and C. parapsilosis tested was 20 ul/ml or more. [MIC] of the killer toxin against, M. audoiunii, Sepedomium chrysospermun and Penicillium Coryophilum tested was 60 ul/ml or more. Finally the [MIC] of this killer toxin against the following bacterial strains: Proteus Vulgaris. Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typh, E. coli and Rhizobium legumnosarum tested was 25 ul/ml or more. But the [MIC] of this toxin against the two species of: Bacillus subtilus and Pseudomonas areuginosa was 50 ul/ml or more. In this paper we found that the purified H. anomala killer toxin used for the determination the [MIC] of a wide range of yeasts, moulds and bacteria including a number of important species