Role of toll-like receptor 4 in eliciting adaptive immune responses against recombinant BCG expressing the C-terminus of merozoite surface protein-1 of Plasmodium falciparum

Objective: To determine the role of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4) in eliciting cellular and humoral immune responses against recombinant Mycobacterium bovis bacille Calmette-Guérin (rBCG) expressing the C-terminus of merozoite surface protein-1 of Plasmodium falciparum. Methods: Six groups of mice (n=6 per group) were injected with phosphate buffered saline T80, BCG or rBCG intraperitoneally, in the presence or absence of a TLR-4 inhibitor; TAK-242. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was carried out for serum total IgG, IgG1, IgG2a and IgG2b determination. Spleens were also harvested and splenocytes cultured for determination of intracellular cytokines; IL-4 and IFN-γ via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: The production of total IgG, and the subclasses IgG1, IgG2a and IgG2b was significantly higher in rBCG-immunised mice than BCG and phosphate buffered saline immunised mice in the absence of TAK-242. A significant rise in total IgG occurred with more booster immunisations. The level of IgG2a was highest, followed by IgG2b, then IgG1. The production of both IL-4 and IFN-γ was also highest in the rBCG immunised groups. These significant rises were inhibited in the presence of TAK-242. Conclusions: We present evidence of the role of TLR-4 in the increased production of total IgG, IgG1, IgG2a and IgG2b, as well as IL-4 and IFN-γ in response to our rBCG construct.

Role of toll-like receptor 4 in eliciting adaptive immune responses against recombinant BCG expressing the C-terminus of merozoite surface protein-1 of Plasmodium falciparum

Objective:To determine the role of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4) in eliciting cellular and humoral immune responses against recombinant Mycobacterium bovis bacille Calmette-Guérin (rBCG) expressing the C-terminus of merozoite surface protein-1 of Plasmodium falciparum.Methods:Six groups of mice (n=6 per group) were injected with phosphate buffered saline T80,BCG or rBCG intraperitoneally,in the presence or absence of a TLR-4 inhibitor;TAK-242.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was carried out for serum total IgG,IgG1,IgG2a and IgG2b determination.Spleens were also harvested and splenocytes cultured for determination of intracellular cytokines;IL-4 and IFN-γ via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Results:The production of total IgG,and the subclasses IgG 1,IgG2a and IgG2b was significantly higher in rBCG-immunised mice than BCG and phosphate buffered saline immunised mice in the absence of TAK-242.A significant rise in total IgG occurred with more booster immunisations.The level of IgG2a was highest,followed by IgG2b,then IgG1.The production of both IL-4 and IFN-γ was also highest in the rBCG immunised groups.These significant rises were inhibited in the presence of TAK-242.Conclusions:We present evidence of the role of TLR-4 in the increased production of total IgG,IgG1,IgG2a and IgG2b,as well as IL-4 and IFN-γ in response to our rBCG construct.

Assessment of the osteogenic potential of alendronate on isolated adipose-derived stem cells: an ex-vivo and in-vivo study

Tissue engineering relies on the principle that mesenchymal stem cells are capable of differentiating to optimize almost all craniofacial structures. Temporary biomimetic scaffolds are necessary for accommodating cell growth and tissue genesis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of alendronate on adipose-derived stem cells [ADSCs] from dogs and to compare bone regeneration in critical-sized calvarial bone defect in dogs using ADSCs in the presence and the absence of locally delivered alendronate. Seven dogs were used for the study. After isolating the adipose tissue from the inguinal pad of fat, stem cells were harvested and expanded in culture. The effect of alendronate 1 mg/ml on stem cells' osteogenic differentiation was tested for 7 days. Three critical-sized calvarial defects were created in each dog. One defect was filled with stem cells seeded on a chitosan scaffold and soaked in an osteogenic media, the second was fi lled with stem cells seeded on a chitosan scaffold and soaked with osteogenic medium, and the third one was fi lled with stem cells seeded on a chitosan scaffold. Bone formation was tested histologically after 8 weeks in each defect. Alendronate is capable of inducing osteogenic differentiation of ADSCs after 7 days of in-vitro culture. Bones such as trabeculae were deposited in alendronate and osteogenic medium defects, whereas the control group showed only fibrous tissue formation. There was no statistically significant difference in the surface area of the deposited bone trabeculae between the alendronate group and the osteogenic medium group. The surface area of individual bone trabeculae in this group was 147.99 +/- 14.803 compared with the osteogenic group. Alendronate may be used locally at a concentration of 10 mg/ml to induce osteogenic differentiation of ADSCs both in vitro and in vivo. The combination of a local, short-term alendronate treatment with ADSCs and biodegradable chitosan scaffold enhances the bone repair of a critical-sized calvarial defect in vivo

Protective effect of olive oil against Teratogenecity induced by Mancozeb in albino rats

Aim: this study aimed to investigate the protective effect of extra-virgin olive oil [EVOO] against teratogenicity of the fungicide mancozeb

Methods: after pregnancy confirmation, 32 pregnant rats were divided into 4-groups [n=8]. The 1[st] group orally administered tap water [-ve control], the 2[nd] group [+ve control] was administered EVOO [0.5ml/dam] from the1[st] to 20[th] day of pregnancy. The 3rd and the 4[th] groups were administered 200 mg/kg mancozeb during the period of organogenesis, from the 6[th] to 15[th] day of pregnancy. The 4[th] group received the mentioned dose of EVOO prior to the pesticide administration. Cesarean section was performed on day 20 of pregnancy and the maternal and fetal parameters were recorded

Results: mancozeb induced maternal toxicity manifested as lower body weight gain of dams, increased number of late resorption sites/litter in comparison with the control group and mancozeb group pretreated with EVOO. Mancozeb evoked a decrease in fetal body weight, altered sex ratio [M/F] as well as increased incidence of fetal external, visceral and skeletal abnormalities. Treatment with virgin oil reduced the congenital malformations

Conclusively, the present study elucidates the protective role of EVOO as a result of antioxidant activity which scavenges the reactive oxygen species which induced cytotoxicity and increased prenatal mortalities.

Yellow Fever outbreak in Darfur, Sudan in October 2012; the initial outbreak investigation report

Sudan is subject to repeated outbreaks, including Viral Hemorrhagic Fever [VHF], which is considered to be a very serious illness. Yellow Fever [YF] outbreaks in Sudan have been reported from the 1940[s] through 2005. In 2012, a new outbreak of YF occurred in the Darfur region. To identify the potential for an outbreak, to diagnose the disease and to be able to recognize its cause among the initial reported cases. >This is a descriptive and investigative field study that applies standard communicable disease outbreak investigation steps. The study involved clinical, serological, entomological and environmental surveys. The field investigation confirmed the outbreak and identified its cause to be YF. National surveillance systems should be strong enough to detect VHF[s] in a timely manner. Local health facilities should be prepared to promptly treat the initial cases because the case fatality ratios [CFRs] are usually very high among the index cases

Screening for common mental disorders and substance abuse among temporary hired cleaners in Egyptian governmental hospitals, Zagazig city, Sharqia governorate

Informal employment is common in developing countries, including Egypt. This type of employment may have significant consequences on mental health. To determine the prevalence and risk factors of common mental disorders and substance abuse among temporary hired hospital cleaners. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 242 adult temporary cleaners and 209 permanent cleaners working in 4 governmental hospitals in Zagazig City, Sharqia Governorate, Egypt. All participants were invited to complete a structured questionnaire through a semi-structured interview which included the self-reporting questionnaire 20 items [SRQ-20] and the work stress scale. Assessment of drug use included urine-based screening tests for common substances abused. The prevalence of job stress, common mental disorders and substance abuse, particularly tramadol and cannabis [Bango], was significantly higher in the studied temporary cleaners compared to permanent cleaners. Risk factors associated with increased susceptibility of the temporary cleaners to common mental disorders were family history of substance abuse, high crowding index, history of physical illness, low educational level, and smoking; while being unmarried, male sex, family history of mental disorder, age > =40 years, smoking, and length of service > =8 years, were associated with substance abuse among the same group. Temporary hired hospital cleaners suffered from impaired mental health more than permanent cleaners. Therefore, expanding the coverage of current laws and occupational safety and health standards to cover workers in the informal sector especially in developing countries is recommended

Epilepsy cases: fMRI and MR tractography as qualitative and quantitative tools for proper localization and pre-operative planning

Functional MRI is a relatively new noninvasive brain imaging technique that has been used for neuroscience research applications since the early 1990s. This technique relies on the blood oxygenation level dependent [BOLD] effect. Diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging [DTI] is a noninvasive technique that can be used to assess the integrity of cerebral tissue. We evaluated 16 patients with unilateral MTLE. We did MRI for language and memory areas for localization and lateralization of the dominating cortical areas concerned with language and memory. Diffusion-weighted images along twelve different directions with a b value of 1000 s/mm2. A 1.5-T scanner was used to acquire those examinations. For DTI we compared the mean diffusivity [MD] and fractional anisotropy [FA] from symmetrical voxels by sampling the basal ganglia, thalamus, hippocampus and parahippocampus regions bilaterally. We compared measurements with the EEG, high-resolution MR imaging, as well as clinical data. For MR tractography, various tracts were traced including the Meyer's loop. Among the study group only 5 patients with partial epilepsy out of 16 are promising candidates for surgery representing only 31.25% among the study population 68.75% of our study population were excluded according to our quantitative and qualitative tools. Combined fMRI with MR tractography are valuable qualitative and quantitative tools for proper localization and lateralization of the eloquent areas including memory, language areas and Meyer's loop in the selection of promising epilepsy surgery candidates and for pre-operative planning

[Determining approach to human recourse development: [nursing management]]

Human resources development is a concept which is related to training and developing the employees in organizations. At the present time, caring management approach [process reengineering, total quality management, learning organization management resource development] have an important role in human resource development. This study explores the determination of effective approach in human resources development, of nursing managers. In this exploration study, a list of effective factors in human resources development was prepared. After wards, by using the expects, opinions, several polls were taken and at last seven factors were chosen. In the next step, the priority of factors was determined by the pair comparison method and four criteria and their weights were chosen by EC pro software. Consequently, the four approaches which were identified in the previous section were studied with analysis heiress presses. In this study, the factors affecting human resource development of nursing managers include: setting a common goal developing systematic insight, communication freedom and sharing [exchanging] information operation, taking suggestions, increasing work insight and access to the operation of and educational backgrounds of employees. Based on the experts' opinions, learning organization is the best application ever known in human resource development in nursing. The findings of this study suggest that the reinforcement of learning organization's insight in nursing management is an effective way in human resource development. So by using this approach and by considering the priority of effective factors, it can be suggested to nursing managers and similar managements as on operational model

Etecp cytology and EUS-FNA cytology in the diagnosis of malignant distal biliary and pancreatic duct strictures

Endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography [ERCP] with ductal brushings and pancreatic juice cytology is widely used in suspected pancreatic cancer, despite its low sensitivity. In contrast the accuracy rates of endoscopic ultrasound [EUS]-fine needle aspiration [FNA] for diagnosis of pancreatic malignancy is high. Aim of the study: To compare diagnostic performance of ERCP cytology [ERCP-C] with EUS-FNA in suspected patients with malignant pancreatic duct stricture. Patients and A prospective study included 56 patients with pancreatic duct stricture was performed. ERCP-C and EUS-FNA were carried out for cytopathological diagnosis. The final diagnosis was pancreatic malignancy in 60.7% patients and benign pancreatic disease in 39.3% patients. The sensitivity, specificity, positive [PPV] and negative [NPV] predictive values and accuracy of EUS-FNA for malignant pancreatic ductal stricture were 87.9%, 100%, 100%, 84.6% and 92.7, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NP V, and accuracy of ERCP brush cytology alone [41.4%, 100%, 100%, 55.3%, 66%, respectively], and combined with pancreatic juice cytology [48.3%, 100%, 100%, 58.3%, and 70%, respectively] were inferior to EUS-FNA. Significant dfferences between post ERCP-C and post-EUS-FNA pancreatitis were detected [P<0.001]. EUS-FNA is more sensitive and safer for cytopathological diagnosis of pancreatic duct stricture than ERCP-C

Comparison of physical activity patterns among diabetic and non diabetic adults in Saudi Arabia

Quantifying the magnitude and risk factors of Diabetes Mellitus in the community is essential for all intervention strategies. The objective of this study is to assess physical activity as a risk factor of diabetes mellitus by comparing physical activity patterns of diabetics and non diabetics. A community-based cross-sectional study using STEPwise approach among adults using a multistage, stratified, cluster random sample. Data was collected using a questionnaire which included patterns and durations of physical activity, sociodemographics, and history of diabetes, biochemical and anthropometric measurements. Of the total 4657 subjects, 712[15.3%] were diabetic [369[16%] for males and 343[14.6%] for females]. Of all subjects only 12.1, 20.2 and 46.1% were physically active in recreational, work and transport respectively. Diabetes was significantly negatively associated with total level of physical activity .All lower levels of physical activity in leisure, transport and work were significantly associated with increased risk of diabetes .Physical activity at work and walking or cycling for 10 minutes continuously were significant predictors of diabetes. Diabetes mellitus among adults in associated with lower levels of all patterns of physical activity. Specifically tailored and culturally sensitive physical activity interventions, is necessary for preventing, controlling diabetes. Females, elderly and retired persons need special attention

Evaluation of osseous response to bioglass/dextran composite in induced mandibular defects: an experimental study

This experimental study was made to evaluate the osteogenic potential of Bioglass/Dextran composite clinically, radiographically and histologically in induced mandibular bone defects in 12 mongrel dogs and suitability of this material to the ridge augmentation procedures. In the right mandibular side, first molar was removed followed by localized alveolectomy then the site was compressed with the composite graft while in the left side, a rectangular defect was surgically induced with dimensions 20 x l0x 5 mm just below the inferior alveolar canal then compressed with the graft material. Both grafted defects were compared with the control animals along intervals 3, 6 and 12 weeks postoperative periods clinically, radiographically, histologically and histomorphometrically. the current study proved that this composite is bioactive, has high osteogenic potential and could be used effectively in large osseous defects without any adverse inflammatory, allergic or cytotoxic reactions. In addition, this composite could be used in alveolar ridge augmentation procedures as it caused a statistically significant increase in rate and density of bone formation in these defects compared to the control animals. Bioglass/Dextran composite is an effective osteoconductive and osteostimulatory graft material that could be used in large osseous defects and in ridge augmentation procedures especially with the use of barrier membrane

Spectrophotometric and potentiometric methods for the determination of cefprozil, dropropizine and tizanidine hydrochloride in pharmaceutical preparations

Two simple, accurate spectrophotometric and potentiometric methods were developed for the determination of cefprozil, dropropizine and tizanidine hydrochloride in their pharmaceutical preparations. The spectrophotometric method is based on the selective oxidation of cefprozil or tizanidine with N-bromosuccinimide in an alkaline medium to given an intense yellow product with a maximum absorption at 396 or 384 nm, respectively. The reaction conditions were studied and optimized. The reaction obeyed Beer's law over the concentration range 5-40 and 10-80 micro g mI[-1] for cefprozil and tizanidine hydrochloride, respectively. The potentiometric method involves the direct titration of cefprozil and dropropizine with N-bromosuccinimide in sulphuric acid medium and the end point is determined potentiometrically using platinum electrode. Cefprozil and dropropizine can be determined quantitatively in the concentration range of 0.13-1.30 and 0.118-1.180 mg with recovery values of 98.46-100.77 and 99.58-100.85% and relative standard deviations 0.39-0.54 and 0.52-0.87% for cefprozil and dropropizine, respectively. The proposed methods are applied for the determination of these drugs in pure forms and in pharmaceutical preparations

Subclinical autoimmune thyroid disorders in Egyptian patients with untreated chronic hepatitis C virus infection

The frequency of anti-thyroid antibodies and subclinical thyroid disorders in Egyptian patients with untreated chronic hepatitis type C was estimated. In addition, it determines the correlation between the seropositivity of anti-thyroid antibodies and serum thyroid stimulating hormone level in chronic HCV positive patients. Also, the impact of hepatic decompensation in inducing thyroid autoimmunity in such patients was evaluated. This study included 56 untreated chronic hepatitis C patients and 28 healthy subjects of the same local population as a control group. The results showed that the mean thyroid stimulating hormone levels were significantly higher in patients with chronic hepatitis C than in controls. Patients with decompensated chronic hepatitis C had insignificantly higher subsequent autoimmune hypothyroidism than the compensated patients. A significant positive correlation between the level of thyroid stimulating hormone and anti-thyroglobulin, but not with anti-thyroperoxidase, was found. Therefore, there is an association between chronic hepatitis C virus infection and subclinical autoimmune thyroid disorders. Thyroid stimulating hormone and anti-thyroglobulin antibodies screening for all chronic HCV patients, even if antiviral treatment will not be initiated, should be done

Diagnosis and management of ureterovaginal fistula in a resource-constrained setting: experience at a district hospital in northern Nigeria

During 2007 we were invited at different times to review and manage four women with ureterovaginal fistula following caesarean section performed in different rural hospitals. We describe our experience of a simple technique of diagnosis and management of these indigent patients in a resource-constrained hospital. The condition was diagnosed by the three-swab test in all four patients, and abdominopelvic ultrasound was employed to help find the ureter involved. Transvesical ureteral implantation with a stent was carried out. Stent was removed after 2 weeks. All four patients were dry. Amidst the complexity of and sophistication of modern health care, it is important to remind ourselves of the common occurrence of this distressing condition following caesarean section and the use of a well known simple diagnostic technique and subsequent management in resource-poor communities

Successful treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus infection with peginterferon alpha-2a and ribavirin in patients with sickle cell disease

The objective of this case series was to determine the efficacy and safety of combined treatment with ribavirin and peginterferon alpha-2a in sickle cell disease [SCD] patients with chronic hepatitis C virus [HCV] hepatitis. Eight patients in King Abdulaziz Hospital and Oncology Center, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from 2003 and 2006 with chronic HCV infection were treated with peginterferon alpha-2a and ribavirin for one year. All 8 patients had a complete early virological response. Seven out of 8 had an end of treatment response with undetectable HCV RNA at the end of therapy, 5 of whom also maintained a sustained virological response when assessed 6 months after the end of treatment. Hemoglobin concentrations measured at one, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months of treatment showed no significant changes from that measured as baseline. Treatment of chronic HCV hepatitis in patients with SCD with peginterferon alpha-2a and ribavirin seems safe and effective

Effect of open reduction and internal fixation [ORIF] on salivary immunoglobulin a [SIgA] in parasymphyseal fractures of mandible

Oral and maxillofacial trauma studied has been directed extensively towards improvement of surgical approaches, appliances, and techniques, yet the study of surgical trauma with regards patient's immunocompetence has not received the same attention. The present investigation was directed to clarify the effect of open reduction and internal fixation [ORIF] and surgical insult in cases of parasymphyseal mandibular fractures on salivary immunoglobulin A [SIgA]. It was hoped to rationalize the trauma associated with surgery, especially in cases of already traumatized patients. This was an attempt to give the oral mucosal immune system the due attention in planning of different surgical techniques. Fourteen adult Egyptian patients with parasymphyseal mandibular fractures were the subjects of this study. All patients have been treated under general anaesthesia [G.A.]. Patients were divided randomly into two equal groups; Group I: parasymphyseal fractures were managed by non-surgical lingual splint. Group II: parasymphyseal fractures were managed by surgical open reduction and internal fixation [ORIF]. Unstimulated whole saliva samples were collected from the patients preoperatively [on the day of admission], postoperatively [before discharge], 24 hours postoperatively, then at one week, three weeks, six weeks, and eight weeks postoperatively. The quantitative determination of the concentration of salivary immunoglobulin A [SIgA] was done by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA]. The data was tabulated and statistically analyzed. Group II patients returned to normal level of SIgA by the seventh day of postoperatively. The results revealed that though it seems that the surgical procedures of the ORIF are more insulting to the oral mucosal immune system than the application of the interdental wires of the splint, but the results of the study showed that the lingual splint to be more traumatizing and insulting to the oral mucosa

Relationship of white blood cell counts, haemoglobin and ESR with IHD

To find any association of white blood cells, haemoglobin and ESR with ischemic heart disease in high risk native population. The study included 93 male patients with Ischemic heart disease, between 40 and 60 years of age; 96 age and gender matched subjects. All study participants were non-diabetics. Complete blood cells count, haemoglobin and ESR levels were compared between the patient and control groups. Total leukocyte counts along with neutrophils were significantly higher in the test group compared to the control population [p<0.001] and lymphocytes were significantly lower [p<0.001] in the patient group as compared to the control group. Haemoglobin levels were significantly lower [p<0.001] and EST was higher [p=0.030] in the patient group as compared to the control group. Although, our findings of the study variables extend previous reports, the prevalence and prognostic importance of these variables in IHD should be assessed in future experimental studies. These parameters could be important in public health because they are routinely measured by clinicians and may be helpful to predict the risk of future and secondary ischemic events in a high risk population

Perception of chin deviation by lay people

Symmetry plays an important role in the perception of beauty. Deviated nasal septum, flat cheek bones or prominent chin enhances facial asymmetry. A small degree of bilateral asymmetry exists in essentially all normal individuals. However it has been reported that orthodontists and lay people differ in their ability to perceive asymmetry. The objective of this study was to observe the minimum chin deviation that can be perceived by a lay person and thus establish or identify possible correlation between jaw asymmetry and treatment need. A photograph of a famous superstar with a symmetric face was selected and manipulated using a software to create 5 variants; the original, 2mm chin deviation to right, 2mm chin deviation to left, 4mm chin deviation to right and 4mm chin deviation to left. Lay persons with no medical or arts background were asked to score all the five photographs on a scale of 1 to 15 being excellent and 5 as unsatisfactory. 60 survey forms were filled. Chi square test showed a highly significant [p<0.01] association between the degree of asymmetry and the scores received by the photographs. For correlation between degree of asymmetry and scores received, Spearman's correlation gave a significant [p<0.05] result for original and photographs with 2mm deviation while it yielded a highly significant [p<0.01] result for the original and 4mm deviation photographs. Lay persons are able to perceive chin deviations as small as 2mm

Chemical constituents, cytotoxicity and anti-inflammatory of Maytenus arbutifolia growing in Saudi Arabia

The petroleum ether fraction of the aerial parts of Maytenus arbutifolia upon repeated chromatography afforded five compounds identifies as: beta -amyrin - 3 - tridecanoic acid ester [1], beta -amyrin [2], beta -sitosterol [3], lupeol oxide [4] and beta -sitosterol glucoside [5], while from the ethyl acetate fraction [-] epicatechin [6] was isolated. The structures of these compounds were established on bases of spectral [UV, IR, MS, [1]H and [13]C-NMR] as well as physical and chemical data. Antimicrobial activity for extracts indicated weak potency [200 micro g/ml]. The cytotoxic activity of all extracts conducted by the brine shrimp and the cell lines as well showed the same IC[50] [micro g/ml] on Hep-2 cell, whereas, the different extracts showed different activity on Hela cell [ethanol> ethyl acetate> pet.ether; IC[50] 103.5, 108.5 and 142 micro g/ml, respectively]. The Pharmacological activity of the different extracts showed sedative effect; slowing of respiration; dose-dependent decrease In arterial blood pressure by 40.1 mm Hg [at a dose 200 mg/kg]; decrease in the body temperature by 2.1[degree sign]C after 2hr [at a dose 120mg/kg]. The anti-inflammatory activity of the ethanolic extract [0.39 g/kg, i.p.] using formalin - induced oedema in rat hind paw, produced a significant dose-dependent anti-inflammatory effect: 19.6 +/- 9.1, 30.5 +/- 4.3 and 43.3 +/- 3.9% after 1, 2 and 3 hr. respectively

Detection of helicobacter pylori infection and upper gastrointestinal disorders among Zagazig university hospitals waste collectors: a comparative cross- sectional study

Hospital work, involving direct patient contact and poor sanitary conditions, constitutes a major risk factor for acquisition of H. pylori infection. 1] determining the prevalence and occupational risk of, pylori infection among hospital waste collectors, 2] identifying some of its associated risk factors, 3] investigating the validity of some non-invasive tests for the diagnosis of H. pylori infection in comparison with the gold-standard invasive test, esophagogastroduodenoscopy with biopsy, 4] comparing the diagnostic performance of salivary H. pylori IgG with that of serum H. pylori IgG, and 5] determining the percentages of upper gastrointestinal [GIT] symptoms and the endoscopic findings among hospital waste collectors and assessing their relation to H. pylori infection. This comparative cross-sectional study was conducted on 78 hospital waste collectors and 78 security and administrative workers from Zagazig University Hospitals as a control group. All participants filled pre-constructed questionnaires and were subjected to H. pylori stool antigen and serum and salivary anti-H. pylori IgG tests; while only 110 workers underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy with biopsy and rapid urease test. The results revealed absence of significant occupational risk of H. pylori infection acquisition among hospital waste collectors compared to the controls. Moreover, Male sex, smoking habit, low socioeconomic status, poor personal hygiene, and family history of upper GIT complaints were the risk factors significantly associated with active H. pylori infection. Fecal antigen test had the highest sensitivity, specificity, positive, and negative predictive values for the diagnosis of H, pylori infection compared to the other non-invasive tests. Moreover, there was a fair degree of agreement between salivary and serum H. pylori IgG tests regarding their diagnostic performance [0.34]. Also, absence of statistical significant differences between both studied groups regarding the percentages of upper gastrointestinal symptoms and different endoscopic findings was revealed. Finally, current H. pylori infection was found to be significantly associated with different types of gastritis; however, normal mucosa by endoscopy didn't exclude the presence of H, pylori infection. So, improving the overall standard of living in our country, environmental sanitation, introducing effective anti-infective sanitary regulations at work, mass screening through either stool antigen or serum IgG or salivary IgG tests to detect infected persons, and proper treatment of infected persons are mandatory