Urban Flood Relief Management in COVID-19 Pandemic

Introduction: Urban floods were addressed as a separate disaster after the historical 2005 Mumbai floods. Urban flood peaks are 2-8 times and volume 6 times when compared with rural floods. We are now handling multiple disasters simultaneously due to the Covid-19 Pandemic. The river plains of north India are prone to floods in the monsoon season and geographical location of Prayagraj doubles the damage because it faces wrath from two sides. Very few researches have been conducted on urban floods and evidence needs to be generated from the field. Methodology: This qualitative research was planned with an objective to identify the difficulties faced in operating an urban flood relief camp during superimposed burden of COVID-19 Pandemic and to suggest remedial measures from the public health aspect. We conducted in-depth interviews of nodal officers, health staff and beneficiaries of the identified camps. Informed consent was taken from participant after explaining them about the research. Results: The findings from the interviews were categorized into 3phases of flood relief i.e. before the floods, during floods and lastly post flood. The most crucial work before floods is to spread awareness about do’s and don’ts in detail. Next was identification of the local people actually affected by flood. The space and facilities at few centers was low for the population load. Urban flood management needs a major overhauling of public health infrastructure to handle such disasters in future. Conclusion: The officials were working hard to make the homeless feel as if they are on a picnic. The database of beneficiaries should be strengthened and should also include students and labourers, anyone who is a flood victim and not only local flood victims.

Sex estimation from maxillary arch measurements in Egyptian populations: cross-sectional study / Estimación sexual a partir de mediciones del arco maxilar en poblaciones egipcias: estudio transversal

SUMMARY: Sex estimation is an essential step in personal identification and a cornerstone for developing biological profile from skeletal remains. The present study aimed to evaluate the role of maxillary arch widths and lengths as unique parameters in the estimation of sex in Egyptian populations. Maxillary arch measurements were collected from 1410 subjects where palatal impressions were obtained from each participant. Fourteen maxillary inter-teeth widths and lengths that excluded teeth dimensions were included The current study revealed that among the studied population, Egyptian men showed significant differences (p34.57 mm, it could predict the sex with sensitivity of 69.8 %, specificity of 58.8 % and p<0.05. The first molar could be considered as one of the most valid and reliable teeth in estimating sex in Egyptian populations. These measurements may be used as a reference in different populations in cases of mass disaster or relevant events.

RESUMEN: La estimación del sexo es un aspecto esencial en la identificación personal para desarrollar el perfil biológico a partir de restos óseos. El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar el papel del ancho y longitud del arco maxilar como parámetros únicos en la estimación del sexo en poblaciones egipcias. Se obtuvieron medidas del arco maxilar de 1410 sujetos, además de las impresiones palatinas de cada participante. El estudio actual reveló que entre la población estudiada, los hombres egipcios mostraron diferencias significativas (p 34,57 mm, podría predecir el sexo con sensibilidad de 69,8 %, especificidad de 58,8 % y p <0,05. El primer molar podría considerarse como uno de los dientes más confiables para estimar el sexo en las poblaciones egipcias. Estas mediciones se pueden utilizar como referencia en diferentes poblaciones en casos de desastres masivos o eventos relevantes.

Epidemiology of stress among Nursing Undergraduate Students

Background: Stress is a double-edged sword that can either invigorate or decrease the student’s performance. Longer the duration of stress poorer the performance. Nursing students may develop feeling of inadequacy regarding the activities required during professional education which may lead to stress Aims & Objectives: To study the level of stress among undergraduate nursing students of Lucknow city and to determine the risk factors causing stress. Material & Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 380 B.Sc. (Nursing) Students enrolled in government and private colleges of Lucknow city using semi-structured questionnaire and DASS 42 scale Results: 60 percent and 62 percent of total nursing student from government college and private nursing respectively were stressed. There was no statistical difference (p= 0.17) between median stress score of two colleges. Predictor for stress was gender (odds ratio =3.41) Conclusion: The study showed high level of stress among the nursing students from government college and private college. Risk factors which were responsible for stress among students were gender, sharing of room, educational expenses, academic performance, mobile phone and harassment in college.

Effects of perinatal risk factors on common neonatal respiratory morbidities beyond 36 weeks of gestation

To assess the incidence of respiratory morbidity [RM] in all single live neonates born >36 weeks of gestation, and the effects of perinatal characteristics on these morbidities. This is a prospective hospital based study covering a 12-month period. The study took place at the Department of Pediatrics, Jordan University Hospital, Amman, Jordan, between January and December 2009. The effects of different perinatal characteristics on RM including transient tachypnea of the newborn [TTN] and respiratory distress syndrome [RDS] were analyzed. A total of 2282 newborns were included. One thousand two hundred and seventy-six [55.9%] of the newborns were delivered by vaginal delivery and 1,006 [44%] by cesarean section [CS] [24.5% by emergency CS and 19.5% by elective CS]. Respiratory morbidity was reported in 3.7%. The incidence of TTN was 2.9% and RDS was 0.7%. Elective CS was found to be a risk factor for RM development when the gestational age was <39 weeks. Maternal hypertension and diabetes mellitus, and the absence of labor were independent risk factors for RM. The emergency CS and large for gestational age babies were risk factors for TTN, while male gender and GA <37[o+6] weeks were risk factor for RDS. The collaborative obstetric and neonatology responsibility helps to identify the risk factors for adverse respiratory outcome when considering the time and mode of delivery. The pregnant mother should be informed regarding this possibility if delivery by elective CS is performed before the 39[o+6] weeks of gestation

Detection of helicobacter pylori in hepatic tissue of patients with chronic hepatitis c and hepatocellular carcinoma: [immunohistochemical study]

Recent studies have suggested that bacterial coinfection with Helicobacter species in patients already infected with hepatitis C virus [HCV] could be involved in the development of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma [HCC]. A retrospective study was performed in order to explore the association between Helicobacter pylori and HCV in hepatic tissue of Egyptian patients with chronic hepatitis C and hepatocellular carcinoma. The presence of Helicobacter pylori was tested by immunohistochemistry on liver samples from two groups of patients; chronic hepatitis C [group I, n = 45] and hepatocellular carcinoma [group II, n = 15]. Group I [chronic hepatitis C] involved 31 males and 14 females [male/female, 2.2:1]. Their age ranged from 27 to 58 years with a mean of 45.8 +/- 7.0 years and HCC group involved 11 males and 4 females [male/female, 2.8:1]. Their age ranged from 48 to 78 years with a mean of 60.2 +/- 10.0 years. Immunostaining revealed H. pylori microorganisms in 33/45 biopsies [73.3%] of chronic hepatitis C group and 5/15 [33.3%] of HCC group [p = 0.005]. H. pylori organisms were present in liver tissues of HCV and HCC patients with significantly higher proportion in the former. Further studies are needed to ascertain its possible role, if ever, in the pathogenesis of cirrhosis and hepatic malignancy in Egyptian patients

correlation of cyclin A with dtug resistance in adult acute non lymphoblastic leukemia

Acute Non Lymphoblastic Leukemia is one of the most common malignant tumors of haematology. With the recent progress in chemotherapy and supportive therapy, the remission and survival rate have been markedly improved. In this study, cyclin A2 and multidrug resistance expression was measured by flow cytometry and RT-PCR in 52 de novo AML patients with acute myeloid leukemia. Their expression was correlated with other prognostic criteria, response to treatment and to overall survival. The rate of CR and PR was significantly higher in the group of positive expression of cyclin A2, compared to that with negative expression. However a statistically significant difference was only reached by PCR [p=0.02]. By flow cytometry, the overall Survival [OS] in the group with positive cyclin A2 expression is significantly higher than that in the group of negative cyclin A2 expression, p=0.03. Regarding MDRI, it was expressed in 39% of our patients and the level of expression was slightly higher by RT-PCR. The rate of CR and PR in the group of negative MDR expression was significantly higher as compared to the group of positive MDR expression, by both flow cytometry and RTPCR [p= 0.005, 0.004, respectively]. The OS in the group with negative MDR1 expression was significantly higher than that in the group of positive MDR1 expression, p=O.04. There was a significant inverse relationship between Cyclin A2 and MDR expression in our AML cases by RTPCR technique [p= 0.005], while it showed no significance by Flow cytometry [p=0.12]. There was no agreement [Kappa=0.25] between Flow cytometry and RT-PCR in detection of cyclin A2. On the contrary, there was an agreement between Flow cytometry and RT-PCR in detection of MDR. In conclusion, the low expression of cyclin A2 and high expression of MDR1 are indicators for unfavorable prognosis for individuals with AML. The detection of cyclin A2 level would predict drug resistance. However, it is one of many other factors

Toxicity Testing of Restorative Dental Materials Using Brine Shrimp Larvae (Artemia salina)

This study investigated the effect of extracts of different composites, glass ionomer cement (GIC)s and compomers on the viability of brine shrimp larvae. Ethanolic extracts of four dental composites (Z-100; Solitaire 2; Filtek P60 and Synergy), a conventional GIC (Ketac-Fil), a resin-modified glass ionomer cement (Vitremer), two compomers (F2000; Dyract AP), and a flowable compomer (Dyract Flow) were prepared from each material. Following evaporation of the ethanol, the extracts were resuspended in distilled water, which was then used to test the effects on the viability of brine shrimp larvae. For the composites, the extract of Synergy was the least toxic (88 percent viability) followed by the extracts of Solitaire 2, Z100 and P60 (75 percent, 67.5 percent and 50 percent viability, respectively). One-way ANOVA revealed highly significant differences between the resin composite materials (p<0.001). Follow-up comparison between the composite groups by Tukey's pairwise multiple-comparison test (á =0.05) showed that the extract of Synergy was significantly less toxic than the extracts of all the other materials except that of Solitaire 2. The compomers showed 100 percent lethality, while the percentage of viable larvae for the extracts of Ketac-Fil, and Vitremer were 32.3 percent, and 37.0 percent, respectively. One-way ANOVA revealed highly significant differences between the groups of materials (p<0.001). Follow-up comparison between the groups by Tukey's test (á = 0.05) showed that the toxic effect of the extracts of the compomers were significantly greater than that of Ketac-Fil, and Vitremer. The differences in the toxic effects of Vitremer and Ketac-Fil were not statistically significant. In conclusion, the toxicity of composite materials varied according to their chemical composition. Compomers were the most lethal materials to brine shrimp larvae followed by GICs and then composites.

Histopathological features of chronic hepatitis C in Egyptian patients

Chronic liver disease including that caused by the hepatitis C virus progresses in stages. It can range from inflammation, to fibrosis to end stage liver disease or liver cancer. This work aimed to study the histopathological features of chronic hepatitis C infected Egyptian patients followed-up at National Hepatology and Tropical Medicine Research Institute, Cairo, Egypt. The study included 4267 liver biopsies from patients with serological and virological diagnosis of chronic HCV with no other identifiable cause for liver disease, signs of hepatic decomposition, or other significant non-hepatic disease. All biopsies were fixed in formalin, embedded in paraffin, and sectioned by microtome with a thickness of 5 micro m. Routine specimen processing involved staining slides with hematoxylin and eosin [5 levels] and Masson's trichrome stain [5 levels], for a total of 10 levels per specimen. All levels were screened by two pathologists to ensure the histological abnormalities. Ishak scoring system was applied for assessment of fibrosis and necroinflammatory injury. The percentage of hepatocytes involved by fatty changes was used to score the grade of steatosis. The relations between the histopathological findings, age and sex of the patients were carried out. The studied group [n = 4267] involved 3268 males and 999 female, with age ranging from 21 to 60 years and a mean of 41.7 +/- 9.7 years. Necroinflammatory activity of the virus was minimal in 17.88%, mild in 56.41%, moderate in 22.24% and severe in 3.47%. No fibrous tissue deposition was seen in 21 patients [0.49%], 27.32% of the patients had portal and periportal fibrous expansion, 27.91% had fibrous extensions with occasional thin fibrous tissue bridge, 36.28% had frequent broad fibrous tissue septa, while 7.99% of the studied group of patients had cirrhosis. Steatosis was absent in 52.45% of cases, mild in 39.75%, moderate in 7.19% and severe in 0.61% of patients. Non-specific granulomatous reaction was detected in 11 liver biopsies [9 males and 2 females]. Fibrosis and necroinflammation were more frequent in older patients. No significant difference between males and females regarding fibrosis, but females were more exposed to higher grades of necroinflammation [p < 0.001]. Chronic hepatitis C infection is a common and serious health problem that progresses to fibrosis, cirrhosis, liver failure and hepatocelluar carcinoma. Portal lymphoid infiltrate and minor hepatocellular necrosis were present in almost all cases. Necroinflammatory activity was mild in nearly half of the cases. Steatosis was detected in 47.55% of the patients. Fibrosis and necroinflammation were more frequent in older patients. Non-specific granulomas were rarely encountered in association with hepatitis C

Detection of schistosoma mansoni DNA in human blood as a diagnostic method for schistosomiasis

Schistosomiasis is a major health problem, the diagnosis of which relies on direct examination for ova, and/or serological assays for specific antibodies and circulating antigens. The present study aimed at evaluating the detection of Schistosoma mansoni DNA by polymerase chain reaction [PCR] versus the detection of antibodies by indirect haemagglutination test [IHAT] as means for diagnosis of Schistosomiasis in human blood. The individuals under study were categorized into four groups. Group I included 36 patients with active intestinal Schistosomiasis. Group II included 20 patients with past history of intestinal Schistosomiasis. Group III included 20 patients with Schistosoma haematobium and other parasitic infections, and finally group IV which included 15 individuals serving as negative controls. For all groups under study stool and urine were examined for parasitic ova; serum was examined for S. mansoni circulating DNA by PCR and for the detection of bilharzial antibody by IHAT. PCR proved highly significant in diagnosis of active intestinal Schistosomiasis with a sensitivity of 97.2%, specificity of 100%, predictive value of positive [PVP] of 100%, predictive value of negative [PVN] of 98.2% and a diagnostic accuracy of 98.9%. All cases in group II, III, and IV were negative. IHAT results showed a sensitivity of 77.8% in group I, 90.0% in group II, 25% in group III and in group IV all cases were negative. The specificity of IHAT in the diagnosis of active intestinal Schistosomiasis was 85.7%, with PVP 84.8% and PVN 78.9%; the diagnostic accuracy was 81.6%.S. mansoni DNA detection may be used as a valuable and species specific test for diagnosis of early infection or in situations of low worm burden in which other diagnostic methods show low sensitivity and specificity. Early treatment of such cases avoids the occurrence of irreversible pathological damage by the deposited eggs

Study of the expression of survivin and mutant p53 in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia is the most common malignancy in children with a yearly incidence of 31/1000000 children younger than 15 years old. The peak incidence of childhood ALL is between 3 and 6 years of age with male predominance. The relative frequency of pediatric ALL in the NCI-Cairo University is 35.5% for the years 2003-2004. In this study survivin and mutant p53 expressions were studied in 64 newly diagnosed pediatric ALL patients. Their associations to the different prognostic factors of ALL and their association to each other were studied. In this study, 21 out of 64 ALL cases [32.8%] showed positive expression of survivin [17 patients were moderately positive, 2 patients were strong positive and 2 patients were weak positive] and 24 out of 64 studied ALL cases [37.5%] demonstrated positive expression of p53 [20 patients were strong positive, 3 patients were moderately positive and 1 patient was weak positive]. On comparing survivin expression with the different prognostic factors of ALL, the results were statistically significant as regards the percentage of blasts in the peripheral blood [p-value = 0.0068], and the percentage of blasts in the bone marrow [p-value = 0.05]. As regards LDH, ALP, and uric acid serum concentrations, no statistically significant differences were found [p-value = 0.154, 0.52 and 0.41 respectively]. No significant association was found between survivin expression and hepatosplenomegaly. As regards p53 expression compared with the different prognostic factors no statistically significant results were found. According to immunophenotyping [IPT], survivin was positive in 5 out of 14 cases [35.7%] of proB-ALL, 0% [0/11] C-ALL, 29.2% [7/24] preB-ALL, 75% [6/8] mature B-ALL and 42.9%[3/7] T-ALL. The results were statistically significant [p-value = 0.046], while p53 was positive in 4 out of 14 cases [28.5%] of proB-ALL, 36.4% [4/11] C-ALL, 41.6% [10/24] preB-ALL, 50% [4/8] mature B-ALL and 28.6% [2/7] T-ALL. The results were statistically non significant. No significant correlation was found between survivin and p53 expression in the studied ALL cases [p-value = 0.872]. In this study, a total of 23 patients successfully completed induction phase. All of them achieved complete remission. Two patients developed isolated bone marrow relapse at a median period of 7.5 months. The disease free survival for the 23 patients was 89.6% at a median of 11 months. The DFS for P53 positive [12/23] and p53 negative [11/23] patients was 91.7% and 90.9% respectively [p= 0.90]. The DFS for survivin positive [11/23] and survivin negative [12/23] patients was 85.7% and 93.7% respectively [p=0.49]. In conclusion, we could not find any association between p53 and survivin expressions and the different prognostic factors of pediatric ALL patients, [the only statistically significant results were obtained when comparing the blast count% in both the peripheral blood, and the bone marrow between survivin positive and survivin negative cases]. As regards the comparison of survivin expression and phenotyping of the studied patients, it was not expressed in C-ALL cases which are known to have a good prognosis. Further we could not decide whether positive p53 or survivin in ALL patients had an impact on DFS. Further studies with larger number of patients and longer duration of follow up are recommended to throw more light on the significance of p53 and survivin in relation to ALL patients

efficacy of total etch versus self etch technique on the bond strength of resin composite to primary and sclerotic dentin

This research was performed to study the shear bond strengths of resin composite to normal and sclerotic dentin using total-etch and self-etch techniques. Four types of adhesive systems were used in this study, in which two adhesives utilized the total-etch technique, namely three-step and two-step total-etch adhesives. The other two adhesives utilized the self-etch technique, namely two -step and one-step self-etch adhesives.The structure of both normal and sclerotic dentin was identified by visual examination, according to the dentin sclerosis scale, and was confirmed by light microscopic examination and SEM. The nature of hybrid layer and resin tags, produced by total-etch and self-etch adhesives, were ex- : amined by SEM.The shear bond strengths data obtained was converted to MPa unit and statistically analyzed with one-way, two-way analysis of variance [ANOVA] and least significant difference at 99% confidence interval. In general, total-etch technique produced superior bond strength values than self-etch technique. The three-step total-etch adhesive produced the highest bond strength to normal dentin while the two-step total-etch adhesive produced the highest bond strength to sclerotic dentin. One-step self-etch adhesive produced the lowest bond strengths to both normal and sclerotic dentin. Bond strengths to normal dentin were double those to sclerotic dentin. Generally, total-etch adhesive systems provided higher bond strengths than self-etch adhesive systems, demonstrating that a possible advantage of reducing clinical application steps resulted in lower bond strengths. Three-step total-etch adhesive system produced the highest bond strength to normal dentin. Two-step total-etch adhesive system, based on ethanol solvent, produced the highest bond strength to sclerotic dentin. One-step self-etch adhesive produced the lowest bond strength to both normal and sclerotic dentin. As regard the type of dentin, the structure of sclerotic dentin provided a less reliable substrate for adhesion

Pseudomonas bacteremia in pediatric cancer patients

Despite availability of potent antimicrobial agents, Pseudomonas aeruginosa [P aeruginosa] continues to be a serious cause of bacteremia, with high rates of morbidity and mortality; but no available data to elucidate if non-aeruginosa strains of Pseudomonas constitute a similar problem or just bystanders. The aim of this study was to identify the relative frequency of Pseudomonas bacteremia, and to define its clinical impact in pediatric cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. Medical charts of pediatric cancer patients with Pseudomonas bacteremia, at National Cancer Institute were retrospectively reviewed during the period from January 1999 to December 2002. Risk factors, manifestations of infection, pattern of antibiotic susceptibility and outcome of cases with P aeruginosa and non- aeruginosa bacteremia were evaluated. Over the period of the study, 72 cases of Pseudomonas bacteremia were recorded. P aeruginosa bacteremia represented 1.9% of the total number of positive blood cultures; whereas non-aeruginosa accounted for 4.5%. It was more common in patients with hematologic malignancies [80.6% versus 19.4% in solid tumors]. The most common concomitant site of infection was the lower respiratory tract. The overall cure rate was 72% with no significant difference in adverse outcome between P aeruginosa and non-aeruginosa cases. The variables that were significantly associated with an unfavorable outcome were related to peripheral blood counts. Only a reduced monocyte count at day one was significantly associated with a bad prognosis, whereas at days 4 and 7 reduced absolute neutrophil count [ANC], monocyte, lymphocyte and platelet counts were all related to an adverse outcome. Pseudomonas sp. bacteremia still poses a great health hazard as regards morbidity and mortality in pediatric cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. Factors that can manipulate prolonged reduced cytopenias during intake of chemotherapy may be helpful to reduce adverse outcome of serious Pseudomonas sp. bacteremia in this population of patients

Cytokine response to cardiopulmonary bypass and cardiac performance in coronary artery bypass graft surgery

In this work, 20 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery were studied. Anesthesia and cardiopulmonary bypass were standardized. Monitoring consisted of an electrocardiogram, a pulmonary artery catheter and an intraarterial line. Ventricular performance was assessed with standard parameters including central venous pressure [CVP], pulmonary arterial pressure [PAP], pulmonary capillary wedge pressure [PCWP], cardiac output [CO], heart rate, systemic blood pressure and left ventricular ejection fraction [estimated by transthoracic echocardiography]. All parameters were measured pre bypass, three hours after termination of cardiopulmonary bypass and one day after the onset of bypass. Levels of TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta, IL-6 and IL-8 were determined from blood samples collected from each patient before cardiopulmonary bypass and three hours and one day after the onset of bypass. TNF-alpha, IL-6 and IL-8 were increased by cardiopulmonary bypass. TNF-alpha and IL-8 were associated with tachycardia, hypotension, high PCWP, low CO and ejection fraction <50%, TNF-alpha was also associated with high CVP and high PAP. IL-6 was not associated with impaired hemodynamics. These results suggested an association between TNF-alpha and IL-8 and poor cardiac performance after coronary artery bypass graft with cardiopulmonary bypass

Treating heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. the unconventional way!

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia HIT is a potentially devastating complication of heparin therapy. The severe form of HIT has been associated with both venous and arterial thrombosis manifested by myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular occlusion, skin necrosis or limb ischemia. Several agents are now available as alternatives to heparin in patients with suspected HIT, including the thrombin specific inhibitors lepirudin and argatroban as well as the low molecular weight heparinoid known as danaparoid. When lacking these agents, here we report the use of plasmapheresis to create an artificial state of anticoagulation; exchanging patient's plasma with albumin rather than fresh frozen plasma, to allow the safe introduction of warfarin

Study of trichomoniasis among egyptian male patients

In the present study, Trichomonas vaginalis was diagnosed in 28.8% male patients with urethral discharge and in 8.2% suffering from impotence and infertility. Diagnosis was based on examination of urethral discharge, urine, semen and prostatic massage fluid by wet mount, stained films and culture inoculation. Diamond's culture proved to be the method of choice

immunological aspects of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Egypt

In patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis, B and T-lymphocytes subpopulations [CD3[+], CD4[+] and CDB[+] were estimated. In cases and with different clinical forms diagnosis was made by stained smears, culture on Schneider's medium with 25% foetal calf serum. The results revealed that CD4[+] were significantly increased in early infection [less than 6 weeks]. No significant changes were found in single lesion in contrast with multiple lesions [more than 6 weeks] where CD4[+] significantly decreased than controls. CD8[+] were increased with the both the number and duration of the lesions. Follow up of cases till spontaneous clinical and parasitological cure showed no significant difference in comparison to controls. It was concluded that T-lymphocyte subpopulations through their cytokine mediators may play an important role in the mechanism of healing in cutaneous leishmaniasis

Prevalence of toxoplasma gondii and cytomegalovirus antibodies in patients with chronic renal failure

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and cytomegalovirus [CMV] antibodies in patients with chronic renal failure [CRF] with and without hemodialysis. To achieve this aim, 60 patients with CRF, in addition to 20 healthy controls were investigated. Patients were classified into 3 groups: Group I comprised 20 patients with CRF who have not any hemodialysis sessions, under conservative treatment, group II comprised 20 patients with CRF due to primary renal diseases already on hemodialysis and group III comprised 20 patients with renal failure secondary to collagen disease or accompanied by liver disease undergoing hemodialysis. Out of 60 patients, Toxoplasma antibodies were detected in 38.3% and in 15% of the normal controls with a statistical significant difference. High percentage of positivity for Toxoplasma and CMV antibodies in patients with CRF undergoing hemodialysis was noticed, which was also correlated to the number of the dialysis sessions. So, it can be concluded that CRF patients undergoing hemodialysis should be screened for toxoplasma and cytomegalovirus before dialysis to prevent the dissemination of these infections through dialysis procedure

Detection of schistosoma mansoni antigen in the liver and antibodies in serum of patients with hepatic schistosomiasis

Liver biopsies were taken from 28 patients with chronic hepatic schistosomiasis for histopathological study and S. mansoni antigen detection by indirect immunofluorescence test. Circulating antibodies were estimated by indirect hemagglutination test. Thirteen cases [46.4%] revealed diffuse S. mansoni antigen in the liver blood sinusoids and in the formed granulomata. Circulating antibodies were detected in 21 cases, 11 of them showed antigen in the liver. Five cases only revealed definite granulomatous reactions around bilharzial ova, while the remaining 23 cases showed periportal fibrosis. So, for proper diagnosis of chronic hepatic schistosomiasis, it is recommended to examine the liver for S. mansoni antigen together with circulating antibodies detection