ABSTRACT
Ebola virus is a filamentous, enveloped, non-segmented, single-stranded, negative-sense RNA virus. It belongs to the Filoviridae and was first recognized near the Ebola River valley in Zaire in 1976. Since then most of the outbreaks have occurred to both human and nonhuman primates in sub-Saharan Africa. Ebola virus causes highly fatal hemorrhagic fever in human and nonhuman primates. In addition to hemorrhagic fever, it could be used as a bioterrorism agent. Although its natural reservoir is yet to be proven, current data suggest that fruit bats are the possibility. Infection has also been documented through the handling of infected chimpanzees, gorillas, monkeys, forest antelope and porcupines. Human infection is caused through close contact with the blood, secretion, organ or other body fluids of infected animal. Human-to-human transmission is also possible. Ebola virus infections are characterized by immune suppression and a systemic inflammatory response that causes impairment of the vascular, coagulation, and immune systems, leading to multiorgan failure and shock. The virus constitutes an important public health threat in Africa and also worldwide as no effective treatment or vaccine is available till now.
ABSTRACT
Fasciolopsiasis is a disease caused by the largest food-borne intestinal trematode known as Fasciolopsis buski. Here we report a case of a 50-year-old female who presented with upper abdominal pain and vomiting for one month. She was previously diagnosed as a case of choledocholithiasis. Endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography (ERCP) revealed stones along with two leaf-shaped worms which were removed from the duodenum of the patient. The worms were identified as F. buski by its unique morphology. Awareness regarding this parasitic infestation, especially in the rural area, should gain attention while formulating strategies to prevent and manage such infestation.
ABSTRACT
Background: Among the several human species of malarial parasites, Plasmodium falciparum can cause severe infection and if left untreated, there may be fatal complications. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment have been proposed to reduce the morbidity and mortality from malaria. Objective: To assess the diagnostic efficacy of antigen detection by immunochromatographic test (ICT) at different levels of parasitemia for diagnosis of malaria. Materials and Methods: This study was carried out in the department of Microbiology, Mymensingh Medical College for a period of one year from July 2005 to June 2006. A total of 98 clinically suspected malaria patients were included in this study. Peripheral blood films (PBF) were examined under microscope and parasite count/μL of blood was performed. Subsequently ICT for malaria antigen was done for each case. Results: Out of 59 cases positive by microscopic examination of blood films, 54 cases had parasitemia >600 parasites/μL of blood and all these cases were positive by ICT for malaria antigen. Rest 5 cases showed parasitemia <600 parasites/μL of blood and one case was found positive by ICT for malaria antigen. Conclusion: Immunochromatographic test can be used for early diagnosis of malaria with hyperparasitemia, especially for cerebral malaria.
ABSTRACT
Background: Since antibiotic resistance of uropathogens has gradually been rising, knowledge of antimicrobial resistance pattern of Escherichia coli (Esch. coli), the predominant pathogen of urinary tract infection (UTI), is important in selecting empirical antimicrobial therapy. Objectives: To find out the common organisms causing UTI with their antimicrobial susceptibility pattern in Enam Medical College Hospital. Materials and Methods: This study was carried out in the department of Microbiology, Enam Medical College Hospital, Savar, Dhaka between January 2010 to June 2011 to see the antimicrobial resistance pattern of Esch. coli in urine sample. A total of 512 urine samples were studied from clinically suspected UTI cases irrespective of age and sex. Esch. coli were isolated and antibiogram of the isolates were done. Results: The results of antibiogram revealed the resistance pattern of the isolated Esch. coli to ampicillin (93.94%), cefradine (70.71%), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (48.49%), azithromycin (41.42%), ciprofloxacin (39.40%), ceftazidime (35.56%), nitrofurantoin (29.30%), ceftriaxone (10.11%), gentamicin (7.08%) and imipenem (3.04%). Conclusion: It can be inferred that our findings will render useful information to clinicians in determining the appropriately directed antimicrobial regimen when given empirically.