Molecular identification of coproantigens of Cryptosporidium parvum compared to conventional staining techniques

To compare the immunologic techniques with the conventional staining methods [mainly modified Ziehl-Neelsen, MZN], 93 children [65 immunocompromised and 28 immunocompetent] potentially at risk of Cryptosporidium parvum were studied. Using MZN, a prevalence of 10.7% in diarrheic children was found. ELISA coproantigen and detection of 23 kDa band of immunoblotting by serum IgG were sensitive and specific. They gave 85.7% sensitivity, 100% specificity, 100% diagnostic accuracy, 100% positive predictive value and 98.9% negative predictive value. ELISA detection of serum IgG gave 85.7% sensitivity, 97.7% specificity, 96.8% diagnostic accuracy, 75% positive predictive value and 98.9% negative predictive value. So, it was concluded that 23 kDa band determined by ELISA is a valuable sensitive and specific mean of diagnosing cryptosporidiosis, as this antigen is a consistent target of the humoral immune response

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