use of Ziehl-Neelsen stain, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and nested polymerase chain reaction in diagnosis of cryptosporidiosis in immuno-competent,- compromised patients

In the present study, Cryptosporidium parvum was diagnosed in stool by Ziehl-Neelsen [Z-N] stain, enzyme linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA] and polymerase chain reaction [PCR]. The detected cases were 5.3%, 8.3% and 9.6% by the previous three methods, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of the different techniques were evaluated. The Z-N stain showed the lowest sensitivity and accuracy in relation to either ELISA or PCR. Moreover, the study revealed that the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of ELISA detection of Cryptosporidium in relation to the detection of DNA in stool by PCR were 84.2%, 96% and 88.8%, respectively. Consequently, PCR showed the best results. From a practical point of view, ELISA was recommended for widespread use in the diagnosis of cryptosporidiosis

Evaluation of the effect of a plant alkaloid [berberin derived from berberis aristata] on trichomonas vaginalis in vitro

Berberine is a quaternary alkaloid derived from the plant Berberis aristata having antibanterial, antiamoebic, antifungal, antihelminthic, leishmanicidal and tuberculostatic properties. The effect of berberine sulphate salt on the growth of Trichomonas vaginalis in vitro was compared to the efficacy of metronidazole as a reference drug. Results showed that berberine sulphate was comparable to metronidazole as regards potency with the advantage of being more safe and possible replacement in metronidazole resistant cases