ABSTRACT
Cryptosporidium is an intracellular protozoan that is one of the most common parasitic enteric pathogens in humans. Infection is associated with gastrointestinal disease in sporadic self-limited outbreaks among immunocompetent hosts and chronic illness in immunosuppressed patients. Transmission occurs via spread from an infected person or animal, or from a fecally contaminated environment, such as a food or water source. Cryptosporidiosis is associated with a secretory diarrhea and with malabsorption. The parasite intracellular nature interferes with intestinal absorption and secretion. Infection can be asymptomatic, a mild diarrheal illness, or severe enteritis with or without biliary tract involvement. In immunocompetent hosts, illness usually spontaneously resolves without therapy, but among immunosuppressed host infection can be a chronic debilitating illness with wasting and persistent diarrhea. Diagnosis depends on enzyme immunoassay or by microscopic identification of oocysts in stool or tissue. Organisms may be present in duodenal aspirates, bile secretions, biopsy specimens from gastrointestinal tract, or respiratory secretions
ABSTRACT
The common bed bug, Cimex lectularius, is an obligate blood-feeding ectoparasite that preferentially feeds on humans. All stages feed on blood and require a blood meal to molt [nymphs] and reproduce [adults]. Differential diagnosis of bed bug bites is difficult and insufficient to determine the bed bugs or their extent. Infestation is a worldwide epidemic due to emergence of insecticide-resistant strains
ABSTRACT
Imported malaria is a health problem and needs continuous monitoring as many clinicians are not aware of it. In Yemen malaria is the main public health problem. Malaria cases were 16 in Almaza Military Fever Hospital, Cairo, 53 in Saudi Hospital at Pilgrimage, Yemen and in Saber Hospital at Aden, Yemen were studied. 9 cases [56.2%] of P. falciparum in Cairo were imported and 7 cases [43.8%] acquired P. vivax locally [October 2003 to July 2004]. They were all treated successfully by chloroquine. An imported case [6.3%] died by cerebral malaria due to delayed diagnosis. Five imported cases [31.3%] had severe malaria. In Pilgrimage, an infant [1.9%] had congenital malaria, 17 cases [32.1%] had severe malaria and 2 [3.8%] died by cerebral malaria. 43 patients [81.1%] had P. falciparum and 10 patients [18.9%] had P. vivax. All patients were treated by parenteral or oral quinine. In Aden, one patient [5%] suffered diarrhea without fever, early blood film was negative, and was positive later on. 18 cases [90%] had P. falciparum, 2 [10%] had P. vivax. 4 cases [20%] had severe malaria and a patient [5%] died by cerebral malaria. Patients in Aden severe cases were successfully treated by intramuscular artemether followed by oral Fansidar, and mild ones were treated by oral Quartem