Role of fast-ELISA and western blot in diagnosis of human fascioliasis using crude adult worm and excretory/secretory fasciola antigens

Human fascioliasis is becoming one of the public health problems in Egypt. Because of the similarity of fascioliasis manifestations and other hepatobiiary diseases, the clinical diagnosis of this disease is usually difficult. Diagnosis of human fascioliasis using different worm antigens [crude worm antigen [CW] and excretory/secretory antigen [EIS]] and different methods [Falcon assay screening test enzyme linked immunosorbent assay [FAST-ELISA] and immnoelectrotransfer blot [Western Blot]]. The second objective is to compare between FAST-ELISA and Western Blot using the same antigen, also to compare between the use of [CW] antigen and [E/S] antigen in each method aiming to evaluate the immunodiagnostic potential of both techniques and both antigens. The third objective is to detect the most specific and sensitive immunoreactive bands in both CW and E/S Fasciola antigens by western blot technique. One hundred and fifteen individuals [40 with chronic fascioliasis, 15 with suspected acute fascioliasis, 40 infected with other parasites and 20 apparently healthy] were included in this study. Sera, urine samples and repeated stool samples were collected from all cases. The stool samples were examined for presence of different parasites and Fasciola eggs were counted by Kato-Katz technique. Fasciola [CW] and [E/S] antigens were prepared. Sera were tested by [FAST-ELISA] and [Western Blot] techniques using [CW] and [E/S] antigens. FAST-ELISA using [E/S] gave better results than that using CW antigen, as the recorded sensitivities and specificities were 97.5% and 98.3% with E/S antigen and 92.5% and 86.7% with crude antigen respectively. By using each of CW antigen and E/S antigen, Western blot was more sensitive and specific than FAST-ELISA in diagnosis of human fascioliasis. After fractionation of both antigens by electrophoresis and immunoblotting, it was found that 27 KDa of Fasciola E/S antigen was the best fraction [100% sensitive and specific]. Immnoelectrotransfer blot [western blot] is more sensitive and specific than FAST-ELISA. In immnoelectrotransfer blot, 27 KDa of E/S antigen was the most specific, sensitive and accurate band that could detect Fasciola antibodies in all Fasciola infected patients

Risk factors of a soil mediated helminthiasis: Toxocariasis among children [aged 4-16 years]

The present study was carried out to determine the seroprevalence and underlying risk factors of toxocariasis in Sharkia Governorate. A group of 828 [age ranged from 4 to 16 years] was selected by systematic random sampling, from rural and urban areas. Infection was serologically diagnosed by ELISA technique.Seropositive cases were found representing 153% of the whole sample, 20.6% of males versus 10.7% of females were seropositive and 18.7% of those living in rural areas compared to 11.7% in urban areas. The relationship between seroprevalence and host factors including age, sex, residence, socio-economic standard and risk factors as pet contact, geophagia and thumbsucking were explored. Eosinophilia was found as a characteristic highly significante sign related to toxocariasis in children. Logestic regression analysis revealed that the most influencing factors on seropositivity of toxocariasis were pet contact [Odds ratio = 4.6] followed by thumbsucking [Odds ratio = 3.54]. The geophagia, eosinophilia and host age "younger" were also found to add significantly to the model. So, the recognition of toxocariasis risk factors is the key for prevention and control

Studies on some parasitic infections in school children in Sharkia Governoate, Egypt

This study was performed on 350 school children chosen randomly from different cities and villages belonging to Sharkia Governorate. For each pupil, complete history taking and clinical examination were done. In addition, stool, urine and blood samples were examined. Those with positive stool samples were subjected to egg counting using the Kato/Katz modified egg counting technique, while those with negative stool and urine samples were examined serologically by IFAT test to detect Toxocara canis and Toxoplasma gondii antibodies. The results of stool and urine samples examination showed that the total prevalence of the examined parasitic infections was 48.8% among school children. Parasitic infection was found higher in rural than in urban areas. Also, IFAT test for Toxocara revealed 14% as a total prevalence. While that for Toxoplasma revealed 12.8%. Out of all those infected with Toxocara and/or Toxoplamsa, 4.2% of them were concomitant infections. Both were higher in rural than urban areas but this was insignificant statistically. Also, the results revealed that anaemia was prevalent among infected pupils. It was marked among highly infected pupils with Ancylostoma, Sch. mansoni, Ascaris and Giardia lamblia. Eosinophilia was higher among infected pupils than the non infected. The severer the infections with Ancylostoma, Sch. mansoni, Ascaris and higher titres in Toxocara infection, the higher was the eosinophilia. Accordingly suitable recommendations were given

On spermatogenesis, numbers of Sertoli cells and Leydig cells in stallions as modulated by age and season

The study used 56 testes collected from 28 Arab and native stallions [3-18 years] during a complete annual cycle. The consequences of seasonal and age-related changs in parenchymal weight and in numbers of spermatogonia, young and old primary spermatocytes, round spermatids, Sertoli cells and Leydig cells were evaluated. There were statistically significant seasonal and age effects on parenchymal weight, numbers of Sertoli cells, Leydig cells and spermatogenesis. Seasonal changes in the above testicular parameters were maximal in spring and winter, followed by summer, then reaching their minima in the autumn. The highest values for these criteria were reached by stallions of 6- <13 years, whereas the lowest values were observed later in life. Neither age nor season influenced tlie diameter of Sertoli cell nuclei, Leydig cell or leydig cell nuclei. The mechanisms by which the numbers of both somatic testicular cells fluctuate with the yearly reproductive cycle of the stallion were discussed. Evidence from the present results revealed that numbers of Sertoli cells, germ cells and parenchymal weight were interrelated. Numbers of spermatogonia, Sertoli cells and Leydig cells accounted for 59%, 58% and 48% of the variation in parenchymal weight, respectively. The relationships existed between the number of either of the two somatic testicular cells and spermalogenesis were also scrutinized. The present results emphasize the importance of age and seasonal changes in numbers of Sertoli cells and Leydig cells on regulation of stallions spermatogenesis