Laboratory study on the molluscicidal effect of earth tec: an environmentally responsible copper sulfate product

Studies were carried out, under laboratory conditions to evaluate the molluscicidal activity of Earth Tec on Biomphalaria alexandrina snails, the intermediate host of Schistosoma mansoni. Earth Tec is an environmentally responsible copper sulfate product manufactured and marketed as an algicide/bactericide with an active ingredient form of copper ion [Cu++]. A single application of 1 ppm of copper equivalent, for 24 hours caused 100% mortality rate of the snails. Exposure for 48 hours to 1 ppm and 2 weeks to 0.25 ppm caused mortality rates of 84% and 100%, respectively. It was concluded that this chemical compound is a promising molluscicide. Field studies are ongoing and will be published in due time

Evaluation of cercarien hullen reaction [CHR] as a diagnostic test in chronic schistosomiasis and as a parameter for reinfection in acute cases

CHR was evaluated as a serodiagnostic test in relation to stool analysis, rectal snip and indirect hemagglutination test [IHA] in 25 cases with chronic active mansonian schistosomiasis. Sensitivities of CHR, IHA, rectal snip and stool analysis, respectively, proved to be 68%, 48%, 84%, and 52%. Rectal snip showed higher diagnostic efficacy 90% followed by CHR [77.5%], while IHA showed 67.5% diagnostic efficacy. To study CHR as parameter for pattern of reaction after treatment, 120 school children with acute mansonian schistosomiasis were examined. CHR was done before and one month after treatment. These children were followed up for one year by stool examination. Results of CHR test after treatment showed that the children who were not reinfected gave the highest degree of reaction, while those of high reinfection showed decrease in reaction. This denotes that anticercarial antibodies may play a role in resistance to reinfection and CHR test could be used as parameter for reinfection in such cases

Evaluation of direct and indirect methods in diagnosis of chronic intestinal schistosomiasis in Menoufia governorate

A comparative study of Kato thick smear method, modified Ritchie concentration technique [MRCT], rectal snip biopsy and indirect hemagglutination [IHA] test were done on 50 patients with chronic intestinal schistosomiasis from Monoufia Governorate, an area of Nile Delta endemic for schistosomiasis. Study revealed that a single Kato-preparation was not sufficient to determine correctly the prevalence of Schistosoma mansoni infection particularly in chronic cases [22%], the accuracy was maximized by examining stool samples obtained from the same patient by MRCT [46%]. Rectal snip biopsy and IHA test showed high positivity rate of 80% and 74%, respectively. It is recommended to combine stool examination by MRCT with either rectal snip or IHA test according to the condition of patient as the former can not be performed on routine basis

Seroepidemiology of toxoplasma infection in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

A total of 362 apparently healthy Saudis of both sexes living in Riyadh and aged 4-60 years, were investigated for toxoplasma antibodies using the indirect hemagglutination test [IHT]. Eighty-one [22.4%] were positive with titers of 1/64 or greater. A significantly higher prevalence of toxoplasma antibodies was correlated with age and association with cats. Economic status showed an apparent, but not significant, negative correlation with antibody prevalence rates. No significant association was found between toxoplasma infection and sex, consumption of raw or undercooked meat, and urban or rural residence. The results provide evidence that cats may be the main source of human infection with toxoplasma in Riyadh

Haematological values and parasitic infections in school children in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

A total of 1426 apparantly healthy Saudi children, were subjected to clinical and laboratory investigations of blood, urine and stools. Lower means were observed for Hb concentration, Hot ratio, RBC and WBC counts. The MCV was in the range of Western levels. Of 1343 stool specimens 156 [11.6%] were positive for intestinal parasites [5.4% pathogenic and 6.3% commensals]. The higher infection rate of commensals strongly suggests the presence of potentially infectious environmental sources and a public health problem. Giardia lamblia was the most common pathogenic parasite 3.6% and its high infection rate seemed to be associated with lower Hb level. So screening for parasitic infections especially among anaemic children is necessary as a part of the general health care programme

Parasitic infections and haemoglobin level among school children of different socioeconomic classes in Abha, Saudi Arabia

A total of 717 school children from Abha region, from upper, middle and lower social classes [182, 405 and 130 respectively], were examined for parasitic infections and haemoglobin level. Giardia Lamblia was found to be the most common intestinal parasite among children of all classes, Entamoeba histolytica followed among children of middle class, and Hymenolepis nana among those of lower one. Anaemia was more prevalent among parasitically infected children particularly the multi-infected ones of the lower social class

preliminary survey of parasitic infections and nutritional status among school children in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

A total of 320 school children in the Model Institute of the Capital in Riyadh, were clinically and parasitologically examined. Thirty-five [10.94%] had intestinal parasites. Entamoeba coli [61.91%] was found more frequently among the commensals, while Giardia lamblia [28.57%] was the most common pathogenic parasite. All urines were parasite free. The low infection rate with Giardia could be explained by the good physical and nutritional status and better sanitary and living conditions

intestinal parasitic infections among children in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

A total of 5421 children, 2726 apparently healthy and 2695 with clinical manifestations suggestive parasitic infection, were subjected to stool examinations. Giardia lamblia was found to be the most common intestinal parasitic infection among both groups, followed by Enterobius vermicularis among the patient group. Abdominal pain and pruritus ani were the most common causes of referral in the patient group. Other causes of referral were mainly associated with G. lamblia infection