Identification of the diagnostic and epidemiological potential of camel strain G6 in human cystic echinococcosis

Recent molecular studies detected the presence of camel G6 genotype in human samples in different countries including Egypt. However, none of them studied the diagnostic and epidemiological role of camel G6 genotype in patients' sera with cystic echinococcosis [CE]. Detection of camel G6 strain in patients' sera by polymerase chain reaction [PCR] and determination of changes in the genotype profile that might be influenced by the predominant transmission cycle during a certain time. Eighty subjects were divided into 2 main groups with 3 subgroups in each: Group I [31 CE cases with positive G6 PCR in parasite material obtained from their cysts] subdivided into Group IA [21 hepatic CE], Group IB [5 pulmonary CE], Group IC [5 multiple organ CE], Group II [49 control subjects] including Group IIA [29 patients with other parasitic diseases], Group IIB [10 patients with space occupying lesions] and Group IIC [10 healthy individuals]. DNA was extracted from CE patients' sera for amplification and sequencing. Hot-start specific G6 PCR for patients' sera [PCRs] revealed that all CE cases [100%] were of G6 genotype, with 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity and a specific band at 254 bp. Indirect hemagglutination test [IHAT] showed 61.29% sensitivity and 95.92% specificity. DNA sequencing of the amplified DNA fragments of patient's sera showed 100% homology with extracts from parasite materials taken from their own cysts [Gen Bank under the accession no. from GQ476732 to GQ476735], as well as with that of an Argentinean reference strain [provided from WHO reference laboratory]

rapid screening test for identification of streptococcus pyogenes

Reveal colour strep A, antigen detection kit was compared with aerobic and anaerobic cultures for detection of Group A beta hemolytic streptococci [GAHS] in oropharyngeal swabs obtained from 50 patients with acute pharyngitis and/or acute tonsillitis. Quantitation of Streptococcal colonies on the plate was correlated with the results of reveal colour strep A and with the clinical symptoms of the patients. Anaerobic Gas Pak Culture produced the highest recovery rater. Aerobic incubation also gave a very acceptable result. The Reveal colour strep A kit detected 78% of culture positive swabs with a sensitivity of 82% compared to 85% and 84% for the anaerobic and aerobic cultivation respectively. Its specificity was 97% compared to 96% and 97% for the two culture methods. The predictive values of positive results were 95%, 96% and 91% while the predictive values of negative results were 89%, 87% and 88% for Reveal colour strep A, anaerobic and aerobic culture respectively. The results of Reveal colour strep A kit were found to be directly proportional to the number of CFU in the specimen and to the clinical manifestations. We concluded that Reveal colour strep A kit has the potential to provide rapid diagnosis of GAHS pharyngitis and thus facilitate the prompt initiation of appropriate antibiotic therapy. This test also has the potential to exclude GAHS pharyngitis rapidly and thereby preclude initiation of unnecessary antibiotic treatment. However, we recommended that if this test was negative, a backup throat culture is necessary and 2 oropharyngeal swabs from each patient must be obtained, one for culture and the other for antigen detection

Candiduria and bacteriuria in diabetic and non diabetic patients

Candida albicans as a causative organism of urinary tract infection [U.T.I.] was compared with other microorganisms causing U.T.I in 60 patients, 30 of them were diabetics while the remaining were non diabetics. Candiduria and bacteriuria were predominant in diabetics [17%] and [90%] as compared to non diabetics [6.7%] and [70%] respectively. E. Coli was the most common organism isolated. In addition the diabetic females were having the upper hand in Candida albicans infection. The results revealed that there was a relationship between pyuria and bacteriuria in diabetic and non diabetic patients, also, all the catheterized patients were having UTI caused mainly by staph. epidemidis and C. albicans. In addition it was found that all patients with antibiotic treatment were more susceptible to C. albicans infection. We recommend that, patients with UT.I must be investigated thoroughly for detection of the causative organisms and specific media for culture of fungi must be used with prolonged observation of the culture more than 48 hrs, also, we must suspect fungal infection in patients who give no response to antibiotics