Soluble CD14-subtype [prespsin] and hepcidin as diagnostic and prognostic markers in early onset neonatal sepsis

The clinical picture and laboratory markers of Early-onset neonatal sepsis [EONS] are nonspecific, however a variety of different molecules have been suggested as clinical biomarkers in sepsis. Presepsin [soluble CD14-subtype] has been identified as a protein whose level increases significantly in the blood of septic patients. Hepcidin, an iron homeostasis regulator, it can be used in diagnosis of neonatal sepsis. The aim of this study is to evaluate the role of new markers namely presepsin and hepcidin in diagnosis of EONS compared to CRP before and after antibiotic therapy. The study enrolled 62 neonates, 28 of them fulfilled the criteria of EONS, and 34 healthy neonates as a control group. Serum levels of presepsin, hepcidin, CRP, complete blood picture, blood gases, and serum iron parameters for all neonates and blood cultures were done for 28 of neonates with clinical picture of sepsis. Serum levels of presepsin, hepcidin, and CRP were significantly higher in neonates with sepsis than in healthy neonates. The presepsin was more sensitive and specific than hepcidin and CRP for diagnosis of EONS. After antibiotic therapy, the serum level of presepsin was dramatically decreased as compared to its pretreatment level. The same results was noted, but to a lesser degree for hepcidin and CRP. Additionally, the presepsin level was significantly correlated to blood culture results and CRP levels. Presepsin is considered a promising biomarker for early diagnosis of EONS with higher sensitivity and specificity rather than hepcidin and CRP. Its correlation to sepsis markers and response to treatment is more informative. Future large scale studies are needed to understand the role of hepcidin and presepsin in development of sepsis in other pediatric age groups

Prevlence of pityriasis versicolor in children

Pityriasis versicolor [pv] is a common fungal skin infection characterized by lighter or darker patches on the skin. Patches are most often found on the chest or back and prevent the skin from tanning evenly. It occurs mostly in adolescence and early adulthood [its prevalence 47%], but it is very rare in children. This condition results from an overgrowth of Malassezia furfur, which is part of normal skin flora and produces color changes only when it flourishes beyond normal levels. The aim to study the prevelance of pityriasis versicolor in infants and children in our locality. 150 children were randomly selected [76 males, 74 females: aged 2-8 years with mean age 5.1 +/- 1.7], through a period of 18 months, all above children are subjected to thorough clinical examination, Wood's lamp examination, 10% KOH examination of skin scrapings with addition of 20% blue-black ink and therapeutic test of antifungal drugs are taken for children who have pityriasis versicolor. 61 children were clinically and mycologically diagnosed as pityriasis versicolor. So the prevelance of pityriasis versicolor in this age was 40.7% most of this patients lived in rural areas [temprate areas and in summer months], boys and girls are equally affected in having pityriasis versicolor. The commonest site of involvement was the face and neck in 80.9% of the cases. Most of the cases presented in summer months. The high prevelance of pityriasis versicolor in these children is attributed to high humidity, especially that most of affected children are living in rural areas, beside that most of these children of low socioeconomic class [bad nutrition]. The current study makes a strong case for routine surveillance and evaluation of superficial mycoses in children especially in the warmer and humid countries of the tropics

Blastocystis hominis and quality of drinking water supply among hospital food handlers in Menoufiya Governorate

Blastocystis hominis is a common, yet neglected parasite with world-wide distribution. A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence of Blastocystis hominis and its relation to the quality of drinking water supply among hospital food handlers in Menoufiya governorate. Total of [313] hospital food handlers were enrolled in this study. Data were collected via a predesigned questionnaire. Stool specimens were examined by simple direct smear, zinc sulphate concentration floatation methods, Ziehl-Neelsen and Safranin blue stains. All water samples were subjected to physical, chemical and bacteriological examination. Results revealed that the prevalence rate of B hominis was 5.7% [11.4% among symptomatic and 3.8% among asymptomatic ones]. Frequent attacks of diarrhea and abdominal discomfort were the most common complaints. It was more prevalent among young adults and assistant food handlers [P<0.05]. There was no significant difference between food handlers with or without B. hominis regarding quality of their drinking water supply. However, some physical, chemical and bacteriological parameters of water quality exceed the acceptable drinking water quality standard in both groups. In conclusion, Blastocystis hominis is not uncommon protozoal infection associated with gastrointestinal manifestations among hospital food handlers