ABSTRACT
Disseminated microsporidiosis among HIV/AIDS patients is life-threatening. The incidence may be actually higher than what has been reported. This is due to non-specific presentations of the disseminated cases and also the insensitivity of routine diagnostic technique which contribute to delay in the treatment of the disease. In the present study, we report the use of blood specimens to detect circulating microsporidia DNA, which has not been reported for diagnosis of disseminated microsporidiosis. Blood samples from HIV/AIDSpositive patients were collected over a period of one year. These samples were subjected to PCR assay using species-specific primer EBIEF1/EBIER1. Out of 100 patients, seven were confirmed positive for E. bieneusi by PCR. A fragment of 607 bp was successfully amplified. Identification of circulating microsporidia DNA in blood samples may aid in early diagnosis, thereby allows timely administration of anti-parasitic treatment.
ABSTRACT
Objectives :To assess the prevalence of nocturnal enuresis in primary school children; first grade (6-7 years old) in Assiut City and study its pattern and risk factors. Patients and Methods: A random cross-sectional study including 1519 children was conducted in 10 primary schools in Assiut City throughout a period of six months. A self-administered questionnaire was completed voluntarily by the parents. Children reporting two or more incidences of nocturnal enuresis per month during the past year were considered positive repliers and were subjected to further evaluation. The control group consisting of 100 age-matched non-enuretic children presenting for other urologic or non-urologic problems mandating a plain abdominal X-ray was subjected to the same evaluation. In these children the possible detection of spina bifida was the point of concern. Results: The response rate to the questionnaire was 79. The prevalence of enuresis was 20.2. Out of the enuretic children; 87.6complained of nocturnal enuresis only; 72.3of them were primary enuretics. Monosymptomatic enuresis was observed in 46.3of the cases. Marked enuresis (every night) affected 53.7of the total number of enuretic children. Statistically significant risk factors were deep sleep and a high educational level of the parents. Primary nocturnal enuresis was insignificantly associated with a positive family history; family size or birth rank. In primary nocturnal enuretics the results of the urogenital and neurological examinations were normal in 90.5and 80.6; respectively; and only 4received a specific treatment. A large amount of post-void residual urine was observed in 7.4. Spina bifida occulta was observed in 10.8of primary nocturnal enuretics and in 11 of the control group. Conclusions: This is the first large population-based study of the prevalence of age-related enuresis in Assiut; but it does not differ much from those reported in other parts of the world. Enuretic children and their parents are mildly concerned about enuresis. Investigations for monosymptomatic primary nocturnal enuresis are not of considerable diagnostic value or cost effectiveness