Seropositivity of Toxoplasmosis in Pregnant Women by ELISA at Minia University Hospital, Egypt

Toxoplasmosis is considered as an important risk factor for bad obstetric history (BOH) and one of the major causes of congenitally acquired infections. The present study aimed to estimate the seropositivity of T. gondii infection and associated risk factors among the attendees of high risk pregnancy and low risk antenatal care clinic of Minia Maternity and Pediatric University Hospital, Minia, Egypt. The study was carried out from April 2013 to April 2014 through 2 phases, the first phase was case-control study, and the second phase was follow-up with intervention. A total of 120 high risk pregnant and 120 normal pregnant females were submitted to clinical examinations, serological screening for anti-Toxoplasma IgM and IgG antibodies by ELISA, and an interview questionnaire. Seropositive cases were subjected to spiramycin course treatment. The results showed that the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in high-risk pregnancy group was 50.8%, which was significantly different from that of normal pregnancy group (P<0.05). Analysis of seropositive women in relation to BOH showed that abortion was the commonest form of the pregnancy wastage (56.5%). The high prevalence of T. gondii seropositive cases was observed in the age group of 21-30 years. Post-delivery adverse outcome was observed in 80.3% of high-risk pregnancy group compared to 20% of normal pregnancy group. There was a statistically significant relationship between seropositivity and living in rural area, low socioeconomic level, and undercooked meat consumption (P<0.05). Serological screening for anti-Toxoplasma antibodies should be routine tests especially among high-risk pregnant women.

Comparison between elisa and various stains techniques in laboratory diagnosis of cryptosporidiosis

Cryptosporidium spp. is an important parasitic protozoa causing diarrhea which is a severe life-threatening diarrhea especially in immunocompromised hosts. We aimed to evaluate the usefulness of detection of Cryptosporidium spp. copro-antigen from fecal specimens by using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA] test and comparing its sensitivity and specificity with some staining methods. The results revealed that Modified Acid-Fast stain is considered better than Giemsa in detecting Cryptosporidium species oocysts in faecal smears as their sensitivity were 67.5% and 53.75% respectively. On contrary, ELISA technique is considered the best method used for detection of cryptosporidial infection as its sensitivity is 90%

An Epidemiological Study of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Al-Jabal Al-Gharbi, Libya

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is an endemic parasitic infection in the Mediterranean region, including Libya and its Al-jabal Al-gharbi province. We aimed at studying the occupational relevance as well as other epidemiological aspects of CL. We investigated 140 CL cases who attended at Gharyan outpatient polyclinic during a period of 6 months in 2009. CL infection was clinically diagnosed and confirmed by demonstration of Leishmania parasites on smears from lesions. Our findings showed that males were more affected than females (P=0.04), and people above 10-years were more affected than younger ones (P=0.0001). A significant percent of CL cases belonged to Al-Kawasem subprovince (P=0.0001). Farm-related activities were the most frequent occupations among CL cases (P=0.04). In addition to farm workers, housewives and students are at risk groups since they are engaged at farm activities. Moreover, those who have occupations that require staying outdoors for a part of night, e.g., policemen, are also at risk. Compared to children, adult CL patients had multiple lesions (P=0.001) that were more prevalent in their upper and lower extremities than the face (P=0.0001). We conclude that CL is a major health problem in Al-jabal Al-gharbi province of Libya. The presence of rodents and sandflies makes it a suitable environment for Leishmania to spread in an endemic epidemiological pattern. Being engaged in farming activities or outdoor occupations increases the risk of infection. Various clinical patterns of CL suggest the presence of more than 1 species of Leishmania at Al-jabal Al-gharbi province. We propose that the 2 species responsible for CL in this area are L. major and L. tropica. Further investigations to identify the leishmanial species responsible for CL at Al-jabal Al-gharbi together with adoption of preventive and control programs are needed.

Oestrus ovis as a cause of red eye in Aljabal Algharbi, Libya

To study the common presenting signs of external ophthalmomyiasis caused by Oestrus ovis larvae in Aljabal Algharbi province, Libya. A prospective non- comparative study was conducted from September 2009 to July 2010 at the Gharian outpatient clinic, Gharian, Aljabal Algharbi, Libya. The common presenting features of patients with external ophthalmomyiasis and data on the organism that caused the disease were collected. Twenty one cases diagnosed with external ophthalmomyiasis were recorded. There were fourteen males [66.67%] and seven females [33.33%] in the cohort. The mean age was 14.29 +/- 3.46 years [range, 8 years to 22 years: males; 13.39 +/- 3.03 years and females; 16.67 +/- 3.75 years]. The main complaint was redness [100.00%], itching [71.43%] and tearing [57.14%]. Twelve patients [57.14%] were from rural areas and 9 patients [42.9%] were from urban areas. The causative organism was found to be first instar of Oestrus ovis larvae. External ophthalmomyiasis caused by Oestrus ovis can cause red eye in patients from Aljabal Algharbi, Libya and requires careful examination to ensure early diagnosis and proper treatment