Role of fast-ELISA and western blot in diagnosis of human fascioliasis using crude adult worm and excretory/secretory fasciola antigens

Human fascioliasis is becoming one of the public health problems in Egypt. Because of the similarity of fascioliasis manifestations and other hepatobiiary diseases, the clinical diagnosis of this disease is usually difficult. Diagnosis of human fascioliasis using different worm antigens [crude worm antigen [CW] and excretory/secretory antigen [EIS]] and different methods [Falcon assay screening test enzyme linked immunosorbent assay [FAST-ELISA] and immnoelectrotransfer blot [Western Blot]]. The second objective is to compare between FAST-ELISA and Western Blot using the same antigen, also to compare between the use of [CW] antigen and [E/S] antigen in each method aiming to evaluate the immunodiagnostic potential of both techniques and both antigens. The third objective is to detect the most specific and sensitive immunoreactive bands in both CW and E/S Fasciola antigens by western blot technique. One hundred and fifteen individuals [40 with chronic fascioliasis, 15 with suspected acute fascioliasis, 40 infected with other parasites and 20 apparently healthy] were included in this study. Sera, urine samples and repeated stool samples were collected from all cases. The stool samples were examined for presence of different parasites and Fasciola eggs were counted by Kato-Katz technique. Fasciola [CW] and [E/S] antigens were prepared. Sera were tested by [FAST-ELISA] and [Western Blot] techniques using [CW] and [E/S] antigens. FAST-ELISA using [E/S] gave better results than that using CW antigen, as the recorded sensitivities and specificities were 97.5% and 98.3% with E/S antigen and 92.5% and 86.7% with crude antigen respectively. By using each of CW antigen and E/S antigen, Western blot was more sensitive and specific than FAST-ELISA in diagnosis of human fascioliasis. After fractionation of both antigens by electrophoresis and immunoblotting, it was found that 27 KDa of Fasciola E/S antigen was the best fraction [100% sensitive and specific]. Immnoelectrotransfer blot [western blot] is more sensitive and specific than FAST-ELISA. In immnoelectrotransfer blot, 27 KDa of E/S antigen was the most specific, sensitive and accurate band that could detect Fasciola antibodies in all Fasciola infected patients

Comparison between stressors and coping behaviors among wives and husbands undergoing assisted reproductive technologies [ART]

Infertility is one of the most stressful conditions for anyone to deal with in life. The present study was aiming to Compare Between Stressors and Coping Behaviors among Wives and Husbands Undergoing Assisted Reproductive Technologies [ART]. This aim was achieved through identifying physiological, psychological and socio-economical Stressors and assessing coping behaviors used by infertile couples to relieve these Stressors. The study was conducted at the Assisting Reproductive Technology Unit of Ain-Shams University Maternity Hospital. It started in May, 2004 and completed by June 2005 using descriptive design. A convenient technique of sampling was used to include 100 infertile couples undergoing Assisted Reproductive Technologies based on primary infertility criterion. Three tool were used for Data collection. A structured interviewing questionnaire sheet, Stressors sheet and coping behaviors sheet. The study revealed that wives perceived Stressors more than the husbands among different types of Stressors [physiological, psychological, and socioeconomic]. The couples are similar in using the positive coping behaviors, while concerning negative manners, they are used more by wives than husbands, however comparing the use of positive behaviors which include pray, and surrender to fate and negative behaviors by the couples, results revealed that positive manners are more used than negative once. The study recommended an educational program for infertile couple about ART and its steps before starting treatment