Antifungal susceptibility testing: Application in cases of oculomycosis

We studied a total of 52 cases of fungal ocular infections in Saudi Arabia. Mycotic keratitis predominates the cases [84.6%]. History of trauma was given in 55.7% of cases, previous use of antibiotics in 40%., and use of steroids in only 9.6%. Majority of patients are middle-aged males [67.3%]. The most frequent cause of oculomycosis was found to be Aspergillus Spp. [53.8%]. Other etiologic organisms includes: Fusarium Spp. [23%]., yeast [9.6%], and dematecious molds [9.6%] Our disc microbroth antifungal susceptibility test was found to be comparable with the standardized National Committee of Clinical Laboratory Standardization [NCCLS] method. Azole group of drugs: Ketoconazole, Miconazole, and itraconazole showed excellent activity against yeasts and Aspergillus Spp. as 92-100% of strains are susceptible. 75% of Fusarium Spp. are also susceptible to itraconazole. 5-FIuorocytosin, on the other hand, showed poor activity against molds but active against Candida. Amphotericin-B showed variable activities but its high toxicity remains as a limiting factor

Evaluation of immunologic and laboratory tests for diagnosis of allergic eye diseases

We studied 39 cases of vernal keratoconjunctivitis [VKC] and 53 cases of atopic conjunctivitis [AC]. Local eosinophilia was found in conjunctival scrapings in 82% of VKC cases and 75% of AC cases and was correlated to severity of the condition. Circulating eosinophil levels were significantly increased only in severe cases, which were often associated with other extended allergies. Total serum IgE levels were significantly increased in 56% and 60% of VKC and AC cases respectively. Skin prick testing gave positive results in 82% of VKC cases and 96% of AC cases. Specific IgE testing showed comparable results to those of skin testing. This work was done in EI-Maghraby Eye Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

current epidemiologic profile of pulmonary tuberculosis in Saudi Arabia and the most appropriate antitubercular antibiotics

Indirect sensitivity test done for 135 strains of M. tuberculosis isolated patients suffering from primary pulmonary tuberculosis proved that the most effective antitubercular drugs are: Rifampin, P- nitrobenzoic acid and thiosemicarbazone; the least are kanamycin, ethambutol and cycloserine. The disease is not uncommon in Saudi Arabia, both native and foreigners are affected, the productive age group is the most vulnerable group, females are also affected but to a lesser extent than males

Chemoluorescent stains versus gram stain in diagnosis of infectious eye diseases

Two hundred forty three [243] consecutive cases of presumed eye infections were reviewed. Cultures were positive in 56.4% of cases [137 out of 243]. Chemofluorescent stains [Acridine orange and Calcoflour] sensitive [82% and 78.2% respectively] were significantly greater than Gram stain sensitivity [64.2%], [P 0.002]. Gram stain specificity was 93.3% Acridine orange 87.7% and Calcoflour white was 76.4%. In specimens with low or moderate growth chemoflourescent stains were positive in 76% as compared by 52% positively of Gram stain. In cases of heavy microbial +/- growth Gram stain was positive in%97 white chemoflourscent stains were 100%. This study demonstrates that both Gram and chemoflourescent stains are excellent in cases with heavy microbial growth, while Acridine orange and Calcoflour white are significantly better in cases with low amounts of organism. Therefore, the latters are considered as excellent alternative screening stains whenever low microbial growth is suspected as in Keratitis and endophthalmitis

Brucella infection in workers of Qualioubia animals farms

This epidemiological study was carried out on 188 workers at 15 animal farms in 3 district of Qualioubia Governorate to find out the extent of brucella infection among them and to study some ecological factors related to the disease. Using brucella ring test pooled milk of each farm it was found that one third of the farms were positive [Titre 1/80 or more considered positive]. The infection rate were found significantly associated with the state of the farm, age and degree or contact with animals shile sex and duration or exposure had no significant relation with incidence of infection