Effects of solanum nigrum leaves water extract on the penetration and infectivity of schidtosoma mansoni cercaria

A crude water extract of Solanum nigrum leaves was used as a chemical attenuate to Schistosoma mansoni cercariae prior to infection of Swiss female mice. Cercariae were exposed to 2.5, 5, 7.5 and 10 mg/l concentrations of the extract for 30 min. The effect on the ability of cercariae to penetrate mice skin as well as the effect on schistosome worm burden after 8 weeks of infection were measured. The observed reduction of cercarial penetration was significant at 7.5 and 10 mg/l concentrations. The mean number of worm burden declined from 28.3 worms/mouse in untreated group to 4.4 worms/mouse with 7.5 mg/l treatment. At a concentration of 10 mg/l, mice had no adult worm. The cercarial infectivity, as measured by the proportion of worms recovered in relation to the number of cercariae administrated, decreased with the increase in the extract concentration and was significant at a concentration of 7.5 mg/l. The number of schistosome eggs in hepatic tissue decreased in treated mice. The reduction in egg count [per gram liver] was significant at 5 mg/l and 7.5 mg/l. The treatment with Solanum water extract had no effect on female fecundity. These data indicated that Solanum is a promising agent for the control of schistosomiasis

Megaselia scalaris causing human intesinal myiasis in Egypt

Megaselia scalaris is a worldwide distributed insect of medical importance. In a laboratory-based study, stool samples with undefined maggot infestation were examined and the presence of M. scalaris maggots was confirmed. Binocular stereomicroscopy was used for identification of the maggots. Larvae were allowed to develop into adults onto a human stool culture. The larvae and the emerged flies were identified using standard keys. This may be the first report of M. scalaris as a causative agent of human myiasis in Egypt. Details of the third instar larva, pupa and adults were given

Farm animals' fascioliasis in Ezbat El-Bakly [tamyia center] Al-Fayoum governorate

To continue the study on fascioliasis in Tamyia Center, some farm animals were investigated for natural infection with Fasciola species by stool examination. The results showed 40% infection in sheep, 20% in buffalos, 6.7% in donkeys and zero% in horses. The overall percentage of infection was 25.5. The sheep [total dose 1800 mg] and the donkey [total dose [4500 mg.] were successfully treated with Mirajid R. On the other hand, one buffalo was successfully treated by a total dose 7500mg, the second one did not cured, but the eggs deposited per gm markedly decreased

Human giardiasis as an etiology of skin allergy: the role of adhesion molecules and interleukin - 6

In this work, the role of adhesion molecules [intercellular adhesion molecule-1 [ICAM-1] and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 [VCAM-1]] as mediators in the development of skin allergy caused by giardiasis and the controlling role of cytokine interleukin [IL]-6 on these adhesion molecules were studied. The work included 25 symptomatic giardiasis patients with skin allergy manifested by diffuse urticaria, pruritis, wheal and erythema as well as had positive serum anti-giardia immunoglobulin [Ig] E measured as the mean optical density [OD] value by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA], employed as an evidence of allergic sensitization [G I]. Those patients were compared with 30 symptomatic giardiasis patients [G II] and 20 apparently healthy control subjects [G III]. Both latter groups had negative serum anti- giardia IgE. The mean OD value of anti-giardia IgE was significantly increased in G I and insignificantly different in G II compared with G III. The serum levels of the soluble forms of adhesion molecules [sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1] and IL-6 were determined by ELISA. SICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 serum levels were significantly increased in G I compared with G III, showing an insignificant difference between Gs II and III. Serum IL-6 significantly increased in G I and G II compared with G III as well as and was significantly higher in G I than G II. Serum IL-6 was correlated positively with serum sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 in G I

Molluscicidal and cercaricidal efficacy of Acanthus mollis and Its binary and tertiary combinations with solanum nigrum and iris pseudacorus against Biomphalaria alexandrina

The molluscicidal activity of leaves of Acanthus mollis against Biomphalaria Alexandria was studied in this work. Its petroleum ether extract [LC50 values = 6.92 mg/L] was more potent than Solanum nigrum and Iris pseudacorus extracts. A binary combination [1:1] of A. mollis and S. nigrum as well as a binary combination [1:1] of A. mollis and I. pseudacorus extracts showed an additive effect on snails [24 hr LC50 = 5.09 mg/l and 3.76 mg/l, respectively]. A tertiary combination [1:1:1] of A. mollis, S. nigrum and I. pseudacorus extracts [24 hr LC50 = 4.01 mg/l] showed good results. Also, the petroleum ether extract of A. mollis leaves killed Schistosoma mansoni cercariae at concentrations of 20, 10 and 5 mg/1 within 30, 45 min and 1 hr, respectively. Mortality increased with increasing the exposure time and concentration

Nosocomial sources of cryptosporidial infection in newly admitted patients in Ain Shams University Pediatric Hospital

The present study included 104 patients and 27 contacts. Both were subjected to stool examination by modified Ziehl-Neelsen [MZN] stain. ELISA for the detection of cryptosporidium Ag in stool was further carried out for patients developed diarrhea after admission [12], patients admitted with diarrhea [17] and for contacts. Twenty-four water samples were collected from Pediatric Hospital and examined by MZN and ELISA. The results showed that 11.5% of the examined cases developed diarrhea after admission, 8% of them were positive for cryptosporidiosis by both MZN and ELISA. 17% of the contacts were negative by MZN stain. ELISA was found to be 100% sensitive and 94.1% specific. Water samples were found to be negative for C. parvum

Cellular immune response in Giardiasis

In this study, adult persons attending the outpatients clinics of Tropical Medicine in Mansoura University, Banha Branch, Zagazig University as well as in the Clinical Pathology of Ain-Shams Specialized Hospitals were subjected to stool examination using Kato thick smear and repeated concentration technique. There was a statistically significant difference between all groups of giardiasis patients regarding the grade of CD4 lymphocyte infiltration, being more marked in the symptomatic group. The prevalence of flatulence, anorexia and vomiting was more frequent in patients with heavy CD4 lymphocyte infiltration in duodenum. A high statistical significant increase was observed in the mean OD values of anti-giardia duodenal secretory IgA in patients with marked CD4 infiltration in duodenum. But, a statistical insignificant difference was found in the mean OD values of anti-giardia total serum Ig in patients with different grades of CD4 infiltration in the symptomatic group. There was a statistically significant increase in the mean OD values of anti- giardia total serum Ig in patients with marked intraepithelial CD8 lymphocyte infiltration in the duodenum in the asymptomatic group. There was a statistically insignificant difference in the mean OD values of anti-giardia total serum Ig in patients with different grades of intraepithelial CD8 infiltration in the symptomatic group. Also, there was statistically significant increase in the mean OD values of anti-giardia total serum Ig in patients with marked intraepithelial CD8 lymphocyte infiltration in the duodenum regarding the immunohistochemical staining of giardia antigen in duodenal biopsies

Fascioliasis among live and slaugthered animals in nine centers of Dakahlia governorate

This work clarified the status of animal fascioliasis in Daqahlia centers based on a parasitological examination of cows, buffalos, sheep and goats. The overall rates of infection were 12.31%, 9.73%, 17.84% and 5.40%, respectively. The mean eggs per gram stool were 22, 13.6, 148.3 and 8.6 for cows, buffalos, sheep and goats. The mean numbers of Fasciola worms/liver/animal were 69.1, 62.7 and 208.1 for cows, buffalos and sheep, respectively. The highly infected sheep were in Manzalla [23.07%] and the lowest were in Mataria [6.35%]. The highly infected cows were in Manzalla [20.9%] and the lowest were in Sherbeen [9.43%]. The highly infected buffalos were in Manzalla [19.29%], the lowest were in Mit-Ghamr [4.93%]. The relatively highly infected goats were in Manzalla [12.5%] and the lowest were in Mit- Ghamr. So, sheep are the main reservoir host for the environmental pollution and human fascioliasis. On the other hand, the overall partial condemnation of liver was 3.81% [1997], 3.24% [1998], 2.66% [1999] and 2.64% [2000]; it was 6.38% in cows, 1.74% in buffalos and 1.0% in sheep

Experimental murine toxocariasis larval migration to liver, with a general discussion

Street dogs were collected from Mansoura District and sacrificed. Toxocara canis worms were extracted from their intestines and females were dissected to collect the uteri ova. Maturation of the eggs developed larvae inside after a month. Male mice were orally infected with different inocula of these infective eggs [larvae-eggs] and sacrificed at 1, 2, 4, 5, 9, 13 and 17 weeks post-infection [PI]. Gross findings showed hepatomegaly, red spots on the surface, irregularity of the surface, yellowish spots and streaks. The histopathological examination revealed mild cellular infiltration in localized foci in group I [mice given 200 infective toxocara eggs], but extensive in groups II and III [mice given 500 and 1000 infective toxocara eggs, respectively]. Granulomas began to appear in mice sacrificed four weeks PI in the three groups, but it was multiple in group III. Congestion of hepatocytes and sinusoids were detected, fatty degeneration was encountered in group III. Signs of regeneration were reported in groups II and III

Distribution and abundance of house dust mites, Dermatophagoides SPP, in different ecological localities in Esna city, Kena governorate, Egypt

The distribution and abundance of house dust mites, Dermatophagoides spp. were studied in July, September and November 1995 in three different localities in Esna City, Qena Governorate, Upper Egypt. During these months, 15 houses were sampled in each locality. 87% of riverside houses were infested with mites, where D. pteronyssinus dominated [80%] over D. farinae. 60% of the valley houses sampled were infested, where D. farinae was dominant [66%]. Densities of both Dermatophagoides spp. were considerably higher in riverside than in the valley houses. Live mites were not found in the lightly infested houses sampled in the desert area [54% positive]. Relative humidity, which varied in houses located in different climatic localities in Esna City, was noted to be the principal limiting factor influencing the distribution and abundance of both species. Temperature did not appear to be an important factor influencing the distribution and abundance

Study of colonic myoelectrical activity and its relation to some gut hormones in diabetes mellitus before and after metoclopramide

The electrophysiological basis of colonic motor dysfunction in diabetes was assessed by studying the colonic myoelectrical activity [CMEA] under basal conditions and after intravenous meloclopramide injection. Among the many possible factors that control CMEA, gastrin and VIP as well as some clinicobiochemical parameters were studied in 20 diabetic patients matched to 10 apparently healthy controls. The pattern of slow wave activity in diabetics did not differ significantly from that in normal subjects. Spike activity, however, was significantly [P < 0.001] lower in diabetics. Intravenous metoctopramide significantly [P<0.001] changed all parameters of CMEA in controls. To the same level of significance and in the same direction these parameters had been changed in diabetics. The pattern of CMEA did not differ significantly in constipated vs. non-constipated diabetics. However, after meloctopramide both the absolute value and the increment in spike activity were higher in constipated ones. There was no significant difference in CMEA pattern in type I vs type II diabetics, except for the frequency of slow waves, which was significantly higher in type I diabetics [P<0.05]. Also, there was no significant difference in CMEA parameters in diabetics with and without autonomic neuropathy. There was no correlation between any of the parameters of CMEA and basal serum gastrin before and after meloctopramide in diabetics. However, the frequency of slow waves was positively correlated with plasma VIP before meloctopramide [P<0.05], and the amplitude of slow waves after meloctopramide [P<0.01]. Fasting blood sugar was inversely correlated with colonic spike activity in diabetics. It is concluded that diabetics have lower than normal spike activity, hence, contractile ability of the colon irrespective of the type of diabetes and presence or absence of autonomic neuropathy. Colonic smooth muscle responds adequately to meloctopramide in diabetics particularly in presence of constipation. Serum gastrin has no role to play in the genesis of CMEA in diabetics, while hyperglycemia contributes, either directly or indirectly, to the reduction of colonic contractile activity. On the other hand, the significance of association between VIP and increased slow wave activity has yet to be determined

Correlation between density of infection and blood picture in ancylostomiasis

A microcytic anaemia and haemoglobin percentage ranging from 2.8-11 gm/100 ml. with a total red count ranging from 3000.000-4000.000 were detected in 50 ancylostomiasis patients

Preliminary evaluation of dipetalonema evansi antigen in diagnosis of filariasis in Egypt by immunofluorescence antibody test

The IFAT and IHT were performed to test sera of 30 elephantiatic and 30 microfilaraemic patients and 15 controls, using intact and sonicated m.f. of W. bancrofti and D. evansi. Intact m.f. produced nonspecific fluorescence with both control and filarial sera, while sonicated m.f. produced on reaction with control sera and excellent results with filarial sera. Specificity obtained using sonicated m.f. of W. bancrofti with elephantiatic and microfilarial patients sera was 100% and 93.3% respectively. Although the percentage positivity produced by m.f. of W. bancrofti was higher than that with D. evansi yet this difference was found statistically insignificant and it is recommended to use m.f. of D. evansi as they are easier to obtain and prepare. Comparing IHT to IFAT it was found that IFAT is more sensitive, more specific and easier to perform

Comparison of counter-immunoelectrophoresis with other tests in the diagnosis of bancroftian filariasis

In bancroftian filariasis the IDT, and IHT, are non specific. On the other hand, CIEP, is specific, simple, rapid and needs smaller amounts of antigen when compared with IHT

Antibodies against some parasites in stray cats in Cairo

Forty-four stray cats were trapped alive from different areas in Cairo Governorate. Sera were examined for antibodies against toxoplasmosis by Sabin Feldman dye test and against amoebiasis, schistosomiasis and trichinosis by indirect haemagglutination tests. The results indicated that cats play a role in human public health. Stray cats should be collected and eradicated, and domestic ones should be given well cooked food, examined periodically and treated whenever indicated

Seasonal activity of rattus norvegicus and flea index in Port Said Governorate, Egypt

The seasonal activity of the most common and important rat, Rattus norvegicus was studied. Collection of rats was regularly done at two fixed stations, Port Said City and the custom area using the same number of standard wire-box traps with spring door. The trapped rats were enclosed in separate cotton bags, killed with chloroform, identified and counted. Ecto-parasites mainly fleas of the genus Xenopsylla were carefully collected on white sheet by the add of a stiff hard brush. Rats were common the whole year with a maximum peak in May. The flea indices on rats in the two stations of collection were calculated. The results were statistically studied and discussed