ABSTRACT
To investigate the prevalence and risk factors of brucellosis in human and animal's communities in southern Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional sero-epidemiological study was conducted in Aseer and Jazan, Saudi Arabia (October 2017-October 2018). Human serum samples (n=339) were initially screened for Brucella antibodies and positive samples were further titrated for Brucella antibodies by immunocapture assay (titer of 1:320 as positive). Animal samples (n=828) were screened using the Rose Bengal test. Relationship status was dichotomized to measure and predict independent contributions to variations in human using univariate and multivariate stepwise binary logistic regression model. Results: The rate of brucellosis among the 339 human samples in the two regions was 33.9%, and the rate of acute brucellosis was 12.4%. The rate of brucellosis in animals was 4.7%. Human brucellosis among the target groups was higher in northwestern Aseer (53.3%) compared to Southeastern Aseer (25.9%) and Jazan region (20.6%). The disease was more prevalent among non-Saudi nationals (35.2%) compared to Saudis (30.5%). The rate of brucellosis among butchers and shepherds was 37.5% and 37.2%, respectively. The rate of brucellosis was 37.8% in people over 30 years of age. Our univariate analysis showed that residing in Aseer region (OR: 2.60, 95% CI: 1.50-4.40), especially residing in northwestern Aseer region (OR: 4.40, 95% CI: 2.40-7.90), frequent consumption of raw meat (OR: 2.90, 95% CI: 1.50-5.50), shepherds (OR: 2.10, 95% CI: 0.80-5.30), owning sheep (OR: 2.20, 95% CI: 1.10-4.40), daily contact with animals (OR: 2.10, 95% CI: 0.75-5.80), and those > 30-year-old (OR: 1.50, 95% CI: 1.00-2.40) were significantly associated with increased risks of brucellosis. Our multivariate analysis further showed that residing in northwestern Aseer (OR: 9.16, 95% CI: 3.39-24.76) and having sheep (OR: 1.16, 95% CI: 1.00-1.35) were significant and independent risks of brucellosis while residing in agricultural region (OR: 0.28, 95% CI: 0.10-0.78) was a significant and independent protector against brucellosis. Conclusions: The study concluded that residing in northwestern Aseer area and having animals (sheep) are associated with significantly increased risks of brucellosis.
ABSTRACT
Bronchial asthma is a complex inflammatory disease of the lung, although it is multifactorial in origin, the role of inflammatory process is believed to be the most popular hypothesis in pathogenesis of bronchial asthma. It is reported that Th2 cytokines play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of IL-13 in the pathogenesis of bronchial asthma. The study was carried out on 70 subjects out of which 50 were asthmatic patients and 20 were normal controls. Patients with bronchial asthma were further classified according to the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program [NAEPP] into 4 groups: mild persistent, moderate persistent, severe persistent, and intermittent. IL-13 serum levels were estimated in patients and controls by ELISA. Asthmatic patients showed a statistical significant elevation of serum IL-13 levels [mean = 76.8 +/- 66.4 pg/ml] as compared to controls [mean = 52.3 +/- 23.7 pg/ml]. When patients with different degrees of severity were compared, a significant increase in serum IL-13 was found in patients with intermittent asthma [mean = 105.7 +/- 104.6 pg/ml] as compared to those with mild [mean = 62.9 +/- 14.4 pg/ml] and severe persistent asthma [mean = 63.8 +/- 28.6 pg/ml]. Only patients with intermittent asthma showed a highly significant increase in serum IL-13 than controls. No statistically significant difference was found between patients not on steroid, patients on inhaled steroids and those on systemic steroids. A statistically significant increase in IL-13 serum levels was observed in patients not on steroids compared to normal controls. Also a statistically significant increase in BECs was found among asthmatic patients more than normal control and insignificant increase in severe persistent asthma more than other groups. In conclusion, IL-13 is a key cytokine with critical role in the immunopathogenesis of bronchial asthma. Steroids can down regulate IL-13, but inhaled steroids alone might not be able to abolish the airway remodeling process in asthmatics. Although patients with intermittent asthma are asymptomatic in between exacerbations, inflammation and remodeling are ongoing in their lungs
ABSTRACT
Two cases of Necrotizing fasciitis caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa in infants are presented. One is female 4 days old; the other is an 8 months old male. Both infants died despite aggressive treatment and intensive resuscitation. Both infants exhibited dark and bluish discoloration of some region of their skin. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was recovered from the blood culture in both infants. The aim of this communication is to report the occurrence of rare cases of necrotizing fasciitis caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa in infants
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Pseudomonas aeruginosa , Pseudomonas Infections/complicationsABSTRACT
Tuberculosis remains an important disease worldwide. It is difficult to estimate its incidence In children. The association between intestinal tuberculosis and glutenopathy was not reported before. Three hundred patients who presented with chronic diarrhea to Oaafar Ibn Auf Specialized Children Hospital, Khartoum Sudan were investigated for intestinal tuberculosis and gutenopathy. The children were divided into two groups both were put on treatment for tuberculosis. However, one group was put on gluten free diet as well. The serological markers and intestinal biopsies were taken initially, six months after commencement of treatment and six months later. Also their clinical response to treatment was encountered. Out of the 300 children who presented with chronic diarrhea, 30 were diagnosed to have intestinal tuberculosis. Their ages ranged between 2-10 years. At commencement of the study all the patients [30] had positive IgA and IgG antigliadin antibodies and anti tTG [table I]. The group which was put on gluten free diet showed rapid clinical, biochemical and histological response. Despite the limitation of this preliminary study; we can conclude that ITS can cause transient glutenopathy and gluten free diet may facilitate clinical recovery in patients with ITB