ABSTRACT
To investigate Phlebotomus (P.) sergenti Parrot, 1917 (Diptera: Psychodidae) salivary gland antigens and their immune response in human. Methods: Human volunteers were exposed to sand flies' bites in the laboratory, and following each exposure the size of induration was recorded. The mean protein concentration of salivary gland lysate and specific anti-P. sergenti saliva IgG was measured. Sand fly salivary proteins were separated by SDS-PAGE and their immunoreactivity was examined by Western blotting assays. Results: Individuals exposed to P. sergenti salivary gland lysate for 8 months showed both antibody and delayed type hypersensitivity responses, although exposure for one month did not provoke any immune responses. The trend of antibody fluctuated during the exposure time and dropped by the end of antigen loading. The mean protein content was (0.36?0.08) ug in each pair salivary glands. Salivary gland lysate showed 11 to 12 major protein bands and 3 to 6 of them were immunoreactive. Conclusions: Our study showed that the salivary gland components of P. sergenti provoked both cellular and humoral immune responses in human. Furthermore, there are some immunogenic proteins in P. sergenti saliva which could be subjected for further investigation as vector-based vaccine candidate/s against anthroponotic cutaneous leishmaniasis.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: To assessment of the efficacy and safety of transurethral Cystolithotripsy of large bladder stones by holmium laser in the outpatient setting
Methods: In a prospective study 48 consecutive adult patients with large bladder stones, were enrolled for transurethral Cystolithotripsy. Patients older than 18 years, with bladder stones larger than 2 cm were enrolled. Urethral stricture, active urinary infection, and any anesthetic contraindications for operation, were the exclusion criteria. Demographic characteristics of patients, outcomes and complications related to operation and post operation period, were recorded
Results: Patients mean age was 46 +/- 7.3 years. Male to female ratio was 45/3. Mean body mass index of patients was 28.5 +/- 3.5. Mean stone size was 3.7 +/- 1.6 cm. Mean operation time was 43.5 +/- 15.5 minutes. Nearly complete stone clearance [98.5%] was achieved in all patients. Mean hospital stay was 6.5 +/- 1.3 hours. No major complications were seen. Mean visual analog pain score [VAS] was 4.2 +/- 2.1 and 1.4 +/- 0.6, during and 1 hour after operation, respectively. During follow up of 22.4 +/- 12.5 months, recurrence of bladder stone was not seen. No case of urethral stricture was detected
Conclusion: Transurethral holmium laser lithotripsy is an effective and safe alternative in selected patients with large bladder stones. This procedure can be easily performed in the outpatient setting
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Adult , Middle Aged , Lasers, Solid-State , Prospective Studies , Lithotripsy, Laser , HolmiumABSTRACT
Primary Kaposi sarcoma of penis is very rare. We will introduce a 47 years old male patient referred to our clinic from dermatology service, in this report. The patient suffered from itchy penile papules around coronal region. The lab tests had revealed a negative serology of HIV but tissue PCR was positive for Human Herpesvirus-8 [HHV8]. Histological findings were compatible with Kaposi sarcoma. Primary Kaposi sarcoma of penis is rare but could occur in HIV negative patients.