Molecular characterization of Egyptian Giardia lamblia isolates

Six Giardia lamblia strains [four from Egypt, one from the USA and one from Sudan] were used to study the phenotypic and genotypic variation in some Egyptian G. Lamblia strains compared with other G. lamblia strains, which may be responsible for the difference in their behavioral characteristics. By using sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis [SDS-PAGE] for antigenic study, E1 strain appeared different from the rest of the strains with two bands; one at 121 kDa and the other at 34 kDa, which were not present in other strains, while bands at 130 and 43 kDa were present in all strains, but absent in E1 strain. Another difference between E1 strain and the rest of the strains was obtained by cellulase acetate electrophoresis [CAE], using phosphor-glucomutase [PGM] enzyme, where E1 strain gave a different zymodeme than the other strains. Based on the computerized random amplified polymorphic deoxyribonucleic acid- polymerase chain reaction [RAPD-PCR] analysis, 4 rapdemes were identified; rapdeme 1 contained E1 strain, rapdeme 2 contained E2, E3 and E4 isolates, rapdeme 3 contained Sudan strain and rapdeme 4 contained USA strain. In conclusion, this study revealed a diversity between G. lamblia strains, especially E1 strain, which showed unique characters

Study of filariasis in Qualioubia governorate, Egypt

Seven hundred and fifty individuals were chosen randomly from five centers known to be endemic for filariasis in Qualubiya Governorate. These were Benha, Tokh, Qalyub, EI Khanka and Shebin EI-Kanater centers. Case sheet was designed to cover personal, present and past histories for filariasis. Thorough clinical examination was performed. Blood samples [taken at 10 p.m. -2 a.m.] were examined by wet preparation and counting chamber techinque. Microfilariae were detected in 68 cases [9.07%]. There was no statistical significance between positive cases as regards sex [p > 0.05] but there was high significance as regards age [p < 0.01]. The range of density of microfilariae in 1 ml venous blood was 10.7 - 34.18 [mean 22.5 /ml] and in 5 ml 47-176 [mean 111.5/5ml]. Fifty four cases [7.2%] showed clinical manifestations for filariasis [11 microfilaraemic and 43 amicrofilaraemic] in the form of limb itching, limb swelling, elephantiasis in one or more limb, hydrocele and chyluria. There was positive correlation between percentage of clinical cases and microfilaraemia [P<0.05] and no correlation between it and density of micro filariae [P<0.05]

Study of the present status of filariasis in an endemic area in Giza governorate, Egypt

In a trial to throw some light on the present status of filariasis in Giza Governorate, both human and mosquitoes were surveyed in two endemic areas, Kafr-Ghataty and Azizya. In Kafr-Ghataty the clinical cases detected were very rare [0.77%], while no microfilaremic cases were obtained. The situation was different in Azizya Village, where no clinical cases were detected, but microfilaremic cases were relatively higher [8%]. The results of the larval survey, carried out only in Kafr-Ghataty, showed that Culex pipiens larvae were predominant [99.57%]. They were found in all the breeding places, especially canals and seepages, while Theobaldia longiareolata larvae were rare [0.43%] and present only in wells and cesspits. Regarding the adult mosquitoes survey, Culex pipiens was the only species detected in both areas. The result of dissection of adult female mosquitoes showed that individual dissection failed to detect infection among mosquitoes, in contrast to mass dissection which gave positive results [0.27% in Kafr-Ghataty and 2.2% in Azizya]. It was also found that infective mosquitoes were 0% in Kafr-Ghataty and 1.1% in Azizya

Effect of immunomodulation on the course of experimental toxocara canis in mice

Immunosuppressed groups treated with cortisone showed fulmination of Toxocara canis infection in terms of significant increase in brain parasitism, total larval count and significant decrease in the percentage reduction of the total count. Suppression of the host inflammatory responses was detected in the liver, lungs, brain and muscles. Accelerated transit of larvae through the liver was observed when cortisone was given before infection. Whether BCG was given before or after infection, it showed no significant changes regarding all criteria compared with the control group. Induction of diabetes, whether before of after infection, led to persistence of larvae in the liver, insignificant increase in brain and total larval parasitism and insignificant decrease in the percentage reduction of the total count

Helminthotoxic capacity of eosinophils in case of eosinophilia

Helminthotoxic effect of eosinophils on schistosomula of S. mansoni was studied in thirty patients with peripheral eosinophilia of different causes. Ten cases presented with parasitic infections and twenty cases were parasite free. Twenty heatlhy persons with normal blood picture were tested as a control group. The adherence assay test of eosinophils and the assay of cell mediated damage of eosinophils to schistosomula were used. The percentages of the adherence and the toxic effect of eosinophils were the same for each group. They were 85.1% in the parasitic group, 85.45% in the non parasitic with other Causes group and 13.9% in the control group. The difference was statistically highly significant [P < 0.001]

Parasitic infections associated with mental retardation in Egypt

Examination of 150 mentally retarded patients for parasitic infections by urine and stool analysis revealed that 115 [76. 67%] were positive. The most prevalent parasites found were T. trichiura in 56%, A. Lumbricoides in 40.6% and A. duodenale in 21.33%. Double infection was present in 30.67%, triple infection in. 15.33% and quadriple infection in 6%. Eosinophilia was detected in 91 [64.08%] of 142 examined cases, all were suffering from intestinal parasites. S. stercoralis was present in 11.33% by stool examination and culture and in 24 [60%] out of 40 examined cases by the IFAT. Toxocara antibodies were present in 38 [56.72%] out of 67 examined cases by the IFAT. Toxoplasma antibodies were present in 106 [74.65%] out of 142 examined cases by the IFAT

relation between red cell antigens and the occurrence of filariasis and its complications

In a trial to assess the role of red cells antigens in pathogenesis of filariasis, 520 individuals from El Korean village were examined clinically to detect clinical filariasis, blood examined by counting chamber to detect microfilaraemic cases and red cell antigens [ABO system, Rh system and MN system] using slide method. The study showed no statistical significance association between filariasis [clinical and microfilaraemic] and red cells antigens

Evaluation of different methods of cultivation of filariform larvae of strongyloides stercoralis

Stool culture was found to be the most effective method used in detecting cases of strongyloidiasis. Test tube culture method was found the best for production of a good yield of active filariform larvae

Mass dissection technique versus individual dissection in diagnosis of infection of mosquitoes by filaria in Sharkia Governorate

Mosquitoes were collected by suction from indoors in Elkoreen, [a highly endemic area for filariasis in Egypt]. 800 mosquitoes were dissected by individual dissection and 900 by mass dissection. The number of filarial larvae found by individual dissection was 14 compared to 85 by mass dissection. So, Mass dissection technique is very simple, easy to perform and detect more filarial larvae

Immunological studies on concomitant infection of filariasis with schistosomiasis

426 inhabitants of El Koreen Village, Sharkiya Governorate, were examined for filariasis and schistosomiasis. Different groups representing single and concomitant infections were selected for immunological studies [serum protein, serum protein fractionation, immunoglobulins, C[3] and C[4]]. It was found that concomitant infection caused stimulation of the immune system

incidence and clinical picture of filariasis and the rate of infectivity of mosquitoes in Giza and Sharkia governorate, A.R.E.

A total of 1451 inhabitants and 2200 female Culex pipiens were examined for Bancroftian filariasis and filarial larvae respectively. The intradermal test and the counting chamber technique were found to be reliable for diagnosis. A direct relationship was found between the prevalence of filarial infection in mosquitoes and the prevalence and clinical picture in humans

Types of mosquitoes in Giza Governorate in reference to filaria

5550 larvae and 1980 adult mosquitoes were collected from Giza Governorate. Culex Pipeins larvae were detected in all districts, it forms 97.9% of all species, with maximum collection in winter season [55.8%]. Culex pipiens adult were the commonest species [99.5%] and more prevalent in spring season. Dissection of female C. pipiens revealed that infection with filaria was 0.38%, when individual dissection technique was used and 0.58% when mass dissection technique was used and the percentage of infective mosquitoes was 0.07%