[Intestinal parasites in food handlers region of Tunis: 8502 study stool samples [1998-2008]]

The food handlers control is one of the major measures of the National program against intestinal parasitoses in Tunisia. The collected data allow regular updates of the prevalence and profile of the involved parasitic species and note possible evolutions in time. From 1998 to 2008, 8502 stool samples of food handlers working in Tunis area were examined in the laboratory of Parasitology, Pasteur Institute of Tunis. The mean prevalence of intestinal parasites was 13.5% [1152 positive samples]. The protozoa were the most detected parasites [93% of the species observed]. Among the pathogenic or potentially pathogenic parasites, Dientamoeba fragilis [15.5%] and Giardia intestinalis [7.6%] were the most frequently encountered. Entamoeba [E.] histolytica/dispar was diagnosed in 41 subjects [a prevalence of 0.5%]. Hymenolepis nana was the most frequent helminth [4.5% of the whole parasites]. Therapeutic failures were noticed in 43.8% of infection by this cestode because of the lack of the appropr iate antihelminthic. The identification using PCR of cysts and/or vegetative forms of E. histolytica/dispar revealed the exclusive presence of E. dispar

Contribution of the real time PCR in antenatal diagnosis of congenital toxoplasmosis

The antenatal diagnosis of congenital toxoplasmo-sis rests in Tunisia on ultrasonography coupled with biological explorations. Among these explorations the search of Toxoplasma gondii by means of real time PCR in amniotic fluid is the examination of choice. We report the results of 33 parturients for which the biological examinations allowed to retain the notion of perigravidic or per-gravidic toxoplasmic infection. They were 13 patients having a seroconversion during the pregnancy, 19 having anti-toxoplasmic IgM with a low or intermediate index of avidity and a patient having presented a symptomatic anteconceptional primary infection. The ADN was extracted by means of the Kit [Qiagen]. Genie amplification by PCR TaqMan targeted a portion of 71 pairs of bases of the Bl gene. The PCR was positive among 9 patients [27,3%]. They were a patient having presented a symptomatic toxoplasmosis during the pregnancy, 4 patients having consulted only in the 2nd quarter and for which the index of avidity was intermediate and 4 patients having presented seroconversions of 1st [n=l] of 2nd [n=2] or 3rd trimester. Among these patients, 2 had a medical interruption of pregnancy. The 7 others were put under pyrimethamine sulfadiazine. The neonatal assessment practised at 5 new-born babies was negative in all the cases. The PCR was negative for 24 patients. 18 pregnancies were followed. The neonatal serology was negative. The follow-up of 13 newborn child showed the disappearance of the anti-toxoplasmic IgG between the 6th and 12th month

Primtive neuroetodermal tumors in childhood Abour four cases

Peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumors are malignant small round cell tumors which occur rarely in children we retrospectively reviwed the clinical data and radiological studies of four such cases. the youngest child had a pelvic tumor and each of two children had a chest wall tumor. the fourth patient had a bone swelling tumors were all diagnosed by histological and immunhistochimical examinations most patients had combined treatment with chemotherapy surgery and radiation therapy. Best results were obtained in two cases and another died. in this report the clinical aspects of PNET in children are described reviewing the presentation of the disease in four patients and detailing the treatment strategies

[Diffuse pulmonary lymphangiomatosis: nterest of the treatment by the interferon alpha. About an observation]

Diffuse pulmonary lymphangiomatosis is a rare innate pathology characterized by a multifocal proliferation then a dilation of the lung lymphalic vessels. It can be shown at any age, but especially at the infant essentially by non specific respiratory signs. Diagnosis is histopathological. The purpose of our study is to clarify the interest of the interferon in the treatment of this pathology. One-year-old infant Nasr, hospitalized for investigation of a dyspnea evolving since the age of 4 months. The radiography of the chest under treatment antibiotic without clinical or radiological improvement. An etiological inquiry was begun allowing eliminating most frequent pathologies responsible of interstitial chronicle pneumopathies. A surgical lung biopsy was practiced, ended in a diffuse pulmonary lymphangiomatosis. A treatment with interferon was prescribed. Evolution was favorable with a recession of three years and a half. Interferon would be an effective treatment in the diffuse pulmonary lymphangiomatosis but other studies are necessary to appreciate better its effect in this pathology