Molecular phylogenetic characyerization of Echinococcus spp. hydatid cyst based on internal transcribed spacer genes in Assiut, Egypt

Hydatidosis is one of the most important parasitic zoonosis and remains a public health and economic problem all over the world. The disease is endemic in many parts of the world. Reports on the species and strains of Echinococcus present in Egypt appear controversial. In the present study hydatid cysts were collected from freshly slaughtered camel at local abattoir, Assiut, Egypt. Hydatid cysts were genetically characterized by polymerase chain reaction [PCR] amplification and sequencing of internal transcribed spacer genes one and two [ITS1 and ITS2] of nuclear ribosomal DNA [rDNA] by using specific primers. The lengths of ITS1 and ITS2 sequences were 583 bp and 517 bp respectively for hydatid sample sequenced. Comparisons of ITS sequences of the examined hydatid sample in the present study revealed that collected hydatid represented Echinococcus Canadensis, which provides foundation for further studies on Echinococcus in Egypt. The data obtained will facilitate the development of diagnostic tools necessary to study the population genetic structure and epidemiology of this enigmatic parasite

Light and scanning electron microscopy studies of Oeslrus ovis first instar maggot causing ophthalmomyiasis

External ophthalmomyiasis refers to superficial infestation that involves the lids and conjunctiva in man by fly larvae [maggots of the order Diptera]. Ophthalmomyiasis is often a benign self-limiting disease. Oestrus ovis is the most common cause affecting mainly persons in rural areas such as shepherds and farmers. Numerous cases of external ophthalmomyiasis due to this fly were reported from Africa. Middle East, Australia, North America, Southern Europe and Egypt. The aim of this study is to describe the morphological characteristics of O. ovis 1[st] stage larvae using light microscopy [LM] and scanning electron microscopy [SEM] and to correlate between these larval structures and their pathogenesis. A 24 years-old-man presented with severe symptoms of conjunctivitis. On examination, 5 small sized larvae were observed in the bulbar conjunctiva. They were picked up, described and documented photographically by LM and SEM. The larvae were identified as O. ovis 1[st] stage larvae. They showed characteristic mouth parts, surrounded by crown shaped spines. More distinctive features revealed by SEM were mirror image papillae on the ventral side and rows of currycomb-shaped spines on the body segments. This study highlighted particular diagnostic structures of the anterior and posterior ends of O. ovis 1[st] stage larvae that may aid in larval identification and explain their mechanism of pathogenesis. Most important is the early diagnosis and treatment

In Vitro Effects of Some Herbs Used in Egyptian Traditional Medicine on Viability of Protoscolices of Hydatid Cysts

The present work evaluated the effects of alcoholic extracts of salvia (Salvia officinalis), thyme (Thymus vulgaris), and 2 pure compounds (thymol and menthol) on the viability of Echinococcus granulosus protoscolices in vitro. Four different concentrations of each extract (2,500, 1,500, 1,000, and 500 microg/ml) and 3 different concentrations each of thymol and menthol (50, 10, and 1 microg/ml) were used. Concentration of 2,500 microg/ml of both extracts showed a significant protoscolicidal activity on the 6th day. Complete loss of viability of protoscolices occurred with 500 microg/ml concentration of both extracts at day 6 and day 7 post-treatment (PT), respectively. Pure compounds, i.e., menthol and thymol, showed potent effects with 50 microg/ml concentration at day 2 and day 5 PT, respectively. These effects were compared with those of albendazole sulfoxide (800 microg/ml), a commonly used treatment drug for hydatidosis. Krebs-Ringer solution and the hydatid cystic fluid at a ratio of 4:1 was a good preservative solution which kept the protoscolices viable for 15 days.

Identification of forensically important ant beetles on exposed human left over parts in Assiut, Egypt during spring/summer season

Beetles [Coleoptera] have been recognized as significant entomological evidence in the medico4e gal field in estimating the postmortem interval [PMI], particularly with reference to dry human skeletal remains in the later stages of decomposition. Beetles are found as adults, larvae, pupae and also as cast skins and all are of equal importance. Histeridae [histerid beetles] occur wherever there is decay and putrefaction. They feed primarily on the blowfly maggots and pupae. Dermestidae [dermestid beetles] are well known to feed on dried skin and bones. They are considered true carrion feeders, playing an important role in carcass degradation. There are few published works about the beetle fauna of forensic importance in Egypt; therefore their identification in given area should be established. The study herein aimed to describe adults Coleoptera species involved in carrion succession and document their fauna in relation to decomposition stages of exposed human tissues in Assiut [Upper Egypt], which is known for its arid weather. Human left over parts from orthopaedic theatre were used. Collected beetles were identified according to their taxonomic parts and characters: Two Families were recognized; Family Histeridae including Saprinus blanchei and Saprinus gilvicornis and family Dermestidae represented by Dermestes frischii. The presented findings should provide data for use in legal investigations and medical purposes in our region