Zinc and magnesium levels in toxoplasmosis patients with and without liver cirrhosis versus cirrhosis

The influence of Zinc and Magnesium serum levels on selected chronic toxoplasmosis with and without liver cirrhosis versus pure liver cirrhosis was studied. Zn and Mg serum levels were measured in 199 male and female subjects [age range 19-62 years]. These were divided into 4 groups. GT: 100 patients with toxoplasmosis, G2: 25 toxoplasmosis patients with liver cirrhosis, G3: 25 patients with liver cirrhosis without toxoplasmosis and G4: 49 cross-matched liver parasites healthy control. A statistically significant reduction in the serum level of both Zn and Mg was recorded in G2 compared with G4. Also, a statistically significant reduction in serum level of both Zn and Mg in G2 compared to G3 in whom Zn and Mg were already depleted. However, patients with chronic toxoplasmosis and without cirrhosis [Gl] compared G4, showed a statistically significant reduction in serum Mg level, but reduction in Zn level was not significant

House dust mites and allergic manifestations among some children in Dammam, Saudi Arabia

The house dust mites is [= HDM] still one of the many causes of allergy, particularly atopic dermatitis. In the houses of children who were suffering allergic manifestations as atopic dermatitis, respiratory allergy, bronchitis, skin rash and fever. Double manifestations with fever were reported in four children. In the present study, two types of mites were recovered, Dermatophagoides farinae and Ornithonyssus bacoti. The immunoglobulins [G., M., A. and E] as well as complements [C3 and C4] were measured in the patients and cross-matched controls. The complements did not show any significant difference among patients and controls. Elevation was detected in IgG and 1gM, but not in IgA. However, high significant elevation was in IgE. The results were discussed on the light of regional work

Examination of urine for bacteria and parasites among elder persons in the rural area, in Dammam district

The asymptomatic bacteria and parasites in urines were studied in elder persons living in the rural areas of Dammam District. Complete history taking, clinical examination, urine analysis and culture, blood glucose level and haemoglobins in gm were performed for 43 elders of both sexes. The bacteria detected in urine in a descending order were Klebsiella sp. Staphyloccocus sp., Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas sp. The parasites detected were only Trichomonas vaginalis in three diabetic females. No doubt, regular urine examination is a must for the elders in rural areas

Sero-prevalence of toxoplasmosis in pregnant mothers and new-born infants in eastern province, Saudi Arabia

Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoa of worldwide distribution. In immunocompetent adults, it is usually the cause of asymptomatic infection. However, infection during pregnancy poses a special risk because of the teratogenic effect of toxoplasma. Determine the sero-prevalence of toxoplasmosis in pregnant women and newborn infants in King Fahd Hospital of the University, Al-Khobar, Eastern Province. In this hospital-based study. sera from 175 pregnant females were screened for toxoplasma IgG and 1gM. Results and A very low number [N = I/175, 0.57%] of pregnant mothers seroconverted during pregnancy, although many [N = 69/175, 39.4%] were recorded with inactive toxoplasmosis during pregnancy Delivery was normal in all cases except for a small number [N = I/175. 0.57%] of newborns [as recorded from cord blood] who were positive for toxoplasmosis

Continuing medical education on infectious diseases: a Saudi University Hospital experience

Continuing medical education [CME] is an important and useful activity for updating knowledge in order to improve for outcome of health care. A CME update symposium on Infectious Diseases was therefore organized at the King Fahd Hospital of the University [KFHU] Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia. Participants included clinicians, laboratory personnel and nursing staff from different hospitals and universities in Saudi Arabia. To report the proceedings of the first CME on Infectious Diseases in the region and to evaluate it using a questionnaire-based feedback. Methodology: This CME was evaluated on specific feedback obtained on standardized evaluation forms provided during the symposium. The responses of 194 participants were statistically analyzed for the various components of the symposium. Results and Salient important issues covered during the program are presented The CME included five sessions on: hospital acquired infections, immunology, mycotic diseases, malaria, lesihmaniasis and virology. Some lacunae were also identified. The evaluation of the scientific sessions showed a satisfaction level of 3.98 +/- 0.59, on a scale of five. As this CME activity proved successful on many counts, it was concluded that it was worthwhile to conduct updates on infectious diseases on a regular basis