Morbidity of Schistosomiasis mansoni in rural Alexandria, Egypt

A parasitological survey of stool and urine of 2577 from 3281 individuals living in Abis village, Alexandria, was undertaken in 1998 in order to investigate the prevalence of schistosomiasis in this area and the risk factors for hepatic morbidity. A random sample of 1082 individuals was interviewed using a questionnaire regarding the risk factors for liver morbidity. All interviewed adults [total 728] were clinically examined for an evidence of organomegaly [hepatomegaly and/or splenomegaly]. Individuals with clinically detected organomegaly were referred for detailed investigations [total 65]. The criteria for severe hepatic morbidity were AST/ALT ratio higher than 1, prothrombin activity <70% and an evidence of portal hypertension

Effect of antischistosomal chemotherapy [praziquantel] on some immunochemical parameters in patients with hepatic schistosomiasis

Thirty male patients with active schistosomal hepatic fibrosis and splenomegaly without ascites were included in this study. They were divided into two groups: group I was treated with praziquantel [PZQ] in a single oral dose of 40 mg/kg body weight. Group II received PZQ in a total dose of 180 mg/kg body weight divided into 20 mg/kg body weight, three times daily for three consecutive days. Levels of circulating immune complexes [CIC's] as well as IgG and IgM were studied before treatment and 4 weeks after treatment. Although gamma-globulins, CIC's, IgG and IgM levels before treatment were all above the normal values, only IgM showed a significant decrease after treatment with the high dose of PZQ. PZQ in high split dose was more effective than in low single dose

Comparative study of plasma lipid pattern in schistosomiasis patients and patients with essential hypertension

20 patients with schistosomal hepatic fibrosis, 20 patients with essential hypertension as well as 20 healthy control subjects were investigated. Their plasma lipid pattern including total lipids, total cholesterol, cholesterol ester, high density lipoprotein [HDL] and low density lipoprotein [LDL] cholesterol, triglycerides and non-esterified fatty acids [NEFA] were determined as well as apo A and apo B. In the schistosomal group, the level of serum total lipids, total and ester cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, apo A and apo B were significantly lower when compared to both controls and hypertensive group. NEFA level was lower while HDL cholesterol was higher than the corresponding hypertensive group values. It could be concluded that the schistosomal group of patients was provided with many factors that diminish the possibility of atherosclerotic changes among them

Studies on human fascioliasis in Egypt 2-serum iron and copper in chronic fascioliasis

Twenty-three patients diagnosed as established fascioliasis were enrolled in the present study. Fasciola cases were investigated for serum iron, copper and their carrier proteins together with hemoglobin and some blood indices. A significant reduction in serum iron was detected in the examined group. This reveals the occurrence of iron deficiency anemia in patients with chronic fascioliasis