Human cystic echinococcosis: diagnostic value of different antigenic fractions of hydatid cyst fluid with different specific immunoglobulin g subclasses by enzyme linked immunoelectrotransfer blot

The present study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of immunoblot analysis of hydatid cyst fluid [HCF] for diagnostic verification of human cystic echinococcosis [CE]. HCF of camel origin was resolved by SDS-PAGE gel electrophoresis and transblotted on nitrocellulose membrane. Forty-four persons with other parasitic infections and 20 normal controls were analyzed. Total IgG and IgG subclass 1-4 in CE sera preferentially recognized several polypeptide bands in the range of 14-200 kDa. Sera from the normal controls did not recognize any of these polypeptides. These data suggested that detection of any of these polypeptides bands could be used for the confirmation of human cystic echinococcosis in Egypt

Fascioliasis as cause of hepatomegaly and eosinophilia in Egyptian children: a clinical and laboratory study

Fifty five children clinically suspected to have fascioliasis were classified according to clinical examination and absolute eosinophilic count into 3 groups; Group [I]: 17 cases with hepatomegaly and eosinophilia Group [II]: 18 cases with hepatomegaly. Group [Ill]: 20 cases with eosinophilia. Group [IV] consisted of 20 apparently healthy children as control. All patients and controls were subjected to repeated stool analysis by both direct smear and formol ether concentration method[FEC] and sera were examined by indirect haemagglutination test [IHA] for fascioliasis. Erythrocytic sedimentation rate [ESR in mm/hr] and haemoglobin [Hb in gm/dl] were also estimated. Results showed that first stool examination was positive for Fasciola eggs in 6 cases only. Other 3 cases showed positive stool analysis for fascioliasis after follow up for 4, 6 and 7 wks respectively. These 3 cases were showing persistently highly positive titres by IHA before the appearance of eggs. So, by interpretation of results of stool analysis and lHA, fascioliasis was proved in 9 cases out of 55 [incidence of 16.4%]. Clinical examination of the 9 fascioliasis cases showed hepatomegaly in 7 cases, splenomegaly in3 cases, fever in 7 cases, nausea and vomiting in 7 cases, diarrhea in 6 cases, right hypochondrial pain in 6 cases and jaundice in 5 cases. Eosinophilia was found in 7 cases. It was concluded that fascioliasis should be considered in differential diagnosis of children with eosinophilia and hepatomegaly [incidence of 29.4%]. Presence of either hepatomegaly or eosinophilia perse is also a guide to search tor fascioliasis [incidences of 11.1% and 10% respectively]. Repeated stool analysis using FEC for a period up to 3 months, at least, in clinically suspected stool negative fascioliasis children and application of IHA for fascioliasis in the period prior to appearance of eggs in stools are highly recommended