Toxoplasma gondii infection among chronic hepatitis C patients: a case-control study

OBJECTIVE@#To determine the detection rate of anti-Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) IgG and IgM in chronic HCV patients attending the Department of Tropical Medicine Mansoura University hospital in Egypt.@*METHODS@#This study included 120 adult chronic HCV patients, 81 decompensate cirrhosis (late-stage) and 39 chronic HCV non cirrhotic patients (early-stage) and 40 healthy blood donors as controls. Serum samples were examined for anti-Toxoplasma IgM and anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies by ELISA. Real-time RT-polymerase chain reaction assay was done for quantitation of hepatitis C virus.@*RESULTS@#Anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies were detected in 75 (92.6%) of 81 late-stage cirrhotic patients, 30 (76.9%) of the 39 chronic HCV non cirrhotic patients (early-stage) and in 6 (15%) of 40 controls with statistically significant difference (P<0.001). Anti-T. gondii IgM antibodies were found in 11 (13.6%) in late stage patients, 5 (12.8%) in early stage and in 3 (7.5%) of controls with no statistical significant difference (P=0.610). There was no correlation between stage of fibrosis and IgM or IgG antibodies positivity in our studied groups (P=0.526). High IgG levels significantly correlated with high viral load (P=0.026).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Our findings suggest that the serious opportunistic T. gondii infection represent a potential significant risk for chronic HCV patients. So, toxoplasmosis should be considered in their investigations and follow-up.

Diagnostic criteria for house dust mites sensitized allergic patients

House dust mites [HDM] contain a large number of components that react with IgE in individuals with allergies and induced sensi-tization and allergic diseases. The work aimed to correlate between clinical manifestations of HDM allergic patients and skin prick test [SPT] grading, and to clarify some markers denoting allergic disorders caused by HDM exposure. Thirty allergic patients with positive SPT reaction to HDM were selected, grading of disease severity according to SPT and clinical presentations. The results revealed bronchial asthma [40%], atopic dermatitis [26.7%], rhinitis 20%] and conjunctivitis [13.3%]. Serum ALISA-IgE showed mean level of 398.42 +/- 84.73, 369.87 +/- 86, 332.16 +/- 65.57 and 300.25 +/- 79.39 IU/ml respectively, with highly statistically significant difference between cases and controls [p

T lymphocyte activation and expression of costimulatory molecules in intestinal Ascariasis

This study was carried on 48 patient with Ascriasis and 12 cross matched healthy control persons. All the studied cases were submitted to flow cytometric analysis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells using monoclonal antibodies against CD3, CD4, CD8, CD28, HLA-DR. In this study, there was a significant decrease in CD3, CD4 and expression of costimulatory molecule CD28 on CD8 T lymphocytes but the decrease in CD8 T lymphocytes was insignificant, while the activation marker HLA-DR expression on CD4 T lymphocytes was increased

Present situation of house dust mites in Dakahlia governorate, Egypt

House dust mites are common inhalant allergens, which can precipitate atopic disease episodes. The present study revealed presence of four mites. These are Dermatophagoides farinae, D. pteronyssinus, Acheles gracilis and Ornithonyssus bacoti. Population densities of different live adult mites were investigated in different house habitats. In urban houses, pyroglyphid mites were the predominant in bedrooms and D. farinae was the most abundant. A. gracilis was more abundant in living rooms followed by D. farinae then D. pteronyssinus. A. gracilis was the most prevalent in kitchens. While in rural houses, O. bacoti was the most abundant species followed by pyroglyphid mites. Since Dermatophagoides species and A. gracilis were present in numbers high enough to allow their ecological consideration, their seasonal abundance in urban bed-rooms was investigated and revealed that both D. farinae and D. pteronyssinus have two peaks of abundance, one slightly higher in spring and the second in autumn. A. gracilis has two peaks but the higher occurred in autumn and the second in spring

reflection of control programs of parasitic diseases upon gastrointestinal helminthiasis in Dakahlia governorate, Egypt

The study area included Mansoura city as an urban area and Gogar village as a rural area. One thousand individuals were randomly selected from each area. Different methods of stool examination, perianal swab and urine examination of all participants revealed that the incidence in Mansoura city was in a descending order Heterophyes heterophyes 6.4%; Enterobius vermicularis 3.9%; Hymenolepis nana 2.2%; Schistosoma mansoni 0.5%; Trichostrongylus colubriformis; Strongyloides stercoralis and Fasciola sp. were recorded as 0.2% of each. Taenia saginata, Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichocephalus trichiuris were recorded as 0. 1% of each. Neither Ancylostoma duodenale nor Hymenolepis diminuta was recorded. In Gogar, the parasitic infection was H. hetephyes 4.5%; E. vermicularis 4.1%; H. nana 3.3%; S. mansoni 1.6%; T. colubriformis 0.9%; S. stercoralis 0.5%. Fasciola sp. 0.4%; T. saginata, A. lumbricoides, H. diminuta, A. duodenale and T. trichiuris were recorded as 0.1% of each. None S. haematobium was detected in both areas. So, the infection rates of H. heterophyes, E. vermicularis, H. nana S. mansoni, Fasciola sp., T. colubriformis and S. stercoralis were relatively high the rural than in urban area. This was not surprising since the socioeconomic, hygienic conditions and medical services were relative high in the city than in the village. No doubt, the identifications of parasitosis pave the way for feasible treatment and control measures

Cholestasis in human fascioliasis in Dakahlia governorate, Egypt

This study was conducted to assess cholestasis in human fascioliasis. Twenty five patients, passing Fasciola eggs, were compared to twenty age- and sex-matched healthy controls. All were subjected to thorough clinical examination, stool analysis, complete blood picture, liver function tests [AST, ALT, SAP, GGT and total serum bilirubin]. Autoimmune and viral hepatitis [HCV and HBV] were excluded. All cases were subjected to radiological examinations [chest X-ray and abdominal ultrasonography]. The study revealed significant elevation of liver enzymes in the patients compared to the controls. Calcular and non-calcular cholecystitis were common findings among patients [32% and 24%, respectively]. Ascites [4%] and dilated intrahepatic biliary radicals [32%] were encountered; pleural effusion was detected by chest X-ray in 20% of cases. So, fascioliasis should be considered in the diagnosis of cholestasis in Fasciola endemic areas

Serological diagnosis of trichinealla spiralis in experimentally infected mice

ELISA and IFA tests were used to detect IgG levels in sera of experimentally infected mice with Trichinella spiralis during a period of 12 weeks post infection. A crude saline extract of muscle larvae was used for application of ELISA technique, while the intact T. spiralis muscle larvae were used as an antigen for IFAT. In both tests, T spiralis IgG antibodies could be detected one week post infection in sera of all infected mice. ELISA test showed a sensitivity of 100% during the whole period of the experiment, while its specificity was 93.3%. Meanwhile, IFA test revealed a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 85%

On the main reservior host of Fasiola in Dakhlia governorate, Egypt

In the present work, a total of 4180 sheep was obtained from different localities at Daqahlia Governorate. One hundred and eighty male sheep were investigated for Fasciola worms [the adult and juvenile forms] at Mansoura governmental abattoir. Four hundred grazing sheep were screened by the coprological examination from ten centers. The mean number of eggs per gin in a group of ten sheep ranged from 2.9-10.8 egg/gm. The number of worms ranged from 5-84. In the Mansoura abattoir, it was found that 37 sheep were infected [20.56%]. Fasciola worms were recovered from the livers in 100%, common bile ducts in 60%, gall bladder in 80%, two sites in 50% and three sites in 40% of infected biliary tracts. According to the coprological examination, the infection rate was the highest in El-Manzalla Center [15.75] and the lowest was in Mansoura Center [3.25%]. According to the prevalence and egg output results, it was concluded that sheep are the main reservoir host for fascioliasis among the edible animals in Daqahlia Governorate. However, examination of the non-edible animals and the domestic and wild rodents are ongoing

Human fascioliasis and anaemia in Dakahlia governorate, Egypt

Fasciola infection [fascioliasis] appeared to be endemic in Egypt. Stool samples of fourty eight patients were coprologically diagnosed. According to Fasciola egg counting per gram stool, the severity of infection was divided into light infection in 60.5%, moderate in 27.1% and severe infection in 12.5%. No significant correlation was detected between severity of infection, and patients' sex. Complete blood picture, reticylocytic count, serum iron, immunological assays as anti-nuclear, anti- smooth muscle antibody, anti-mitochondrial anti-body, anti- DNA tests and rheumatoid factor and occult blood in stool were investigated. Normocytic normochromic anaemia was detected in 62.5% of the fascioliasis patients, microcytic hypochromic anaemia in 3 1.3% and macrocytic one in 6.3%. Highly significant negative correlation [R = -0.68] was detected between haemoglobin concentration and egg count per gram faeces. Human fascioliasis was associated with normocytic normochromic anaemia and to a lesser extent microcytic hypochromic anemia

Blastocystis hominis among symptomatic and asymptomatec individuals in Talkha center, DaKahlia governorate, Egypt

Blastocystis hominis is now getting acceptance as an agent of human intestinal disease. B. hominis in stool samples of symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals was evaluated as a possible cause of gastro-intestinal troubles. B. hominis was found in 106 [10.1%] out of 1050 individuals examined from six villages and one city in Talkha Center, Dakahlia Governorate. The highest infection rate was in Manshayt El-Badawy village [25.47%], whereas Talkha City showed the lowest rate [4.73%]. Age group 10-20 years had higher infection [13.3%]. In twenty- three symptomatic patients, B. hominis represented the only causative parasitic agent. The most common symptoms were diarrhoea [30.4%], abdominal pain [26.1%], flatulence [21.7%], vomiting [13.1%] and fatigue [8.7%]. High concentrations of B. hominis were found in symptomatic patients than in asymptomatic ones with statistical significant difference [8.2 cells/100 x field versus 3.8 respectively]. The mean number of B. hominis was significantly high in patients complaining of diarrhoea and abdominal pain

Some molecular aspects in schistosomiasis mansoni and toxoplasmosis

The IL-2 and IL-4 cytokines production represent cellular Th1 and Th2 immune responses respectively were associated with chronic schistosomiasis mansoni [stages 1-4] and chronic toxoplasmosis gondii. In the hepatosplenic schistosomiasis, the level of IL-2 and disease stage increased in parallel [P< 0.05, <0.01, <0.01 and <0.001 in stages 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively], whereas, IL- 4 was highly significantly increased in stage 1 than control [P < 0.001], then decreased to lower levels. The mean concentrations of IL-2 and IL-4 in patients with T. gondii were higher compared to control being more marked in Th-2 [P < 0.001] versus IL-4 [P < 0.01]. The data indicated that there are patterns of cytokine expression characteristic of type 1 and type 2 responses in vivo, with the ultimate goal of being able to manipulate the response to minimize inflammation and fibrosis for clinical benefit

Geoparasites in rural Dakahlia Governorate, apreliminary based study for development of the community-based intervention programs

A prospective study was carried out to detect the rural prevalence and intensity of geoparasites in Dakahlia Governorate, Egypt. A total of 1070 soil samples were collected; 571 [53.4%] were infected with one or more parasites. Only 24% of samples were infected with one parasite, 16.4% and 13% with two, and more than two parasites respectively, and the difference was statistically significant. The geoparasites in a descending order of their prevalence were: E. histolytica cysts [9.2%], Toxocara eggs [9.1%], Giardia cysts [7.9%], Cryptosporidium oocysts [6.1%], Trichostrongvius eggs and larvae [5.6%], isospora oocysts [4.3%], Acanthamoeba cysts [4.1%], Naegleria cysts [3.6%], Dust mites [2.7%], H. diminuta eggs [2.7%], Strongyloides free living adults, rhabditiform and filariform larvae [2.3%], H. nana eggs [1.7%], S. mansoni eggs [1.2%], Ascaris eggs [0.6%], Ancylostoma larvae [0.5%], Taenia eggs [0.4%], Trichocephalus eggs [0.4%] and F. gigantica eggs [0.2%]. The prevalence of parasitic infections was significantly higher [P < 0.001] in fields [63.4%] than streets [47.7%] and indoor-yards samples [35.3%]. The intensity of infections was significantly higher [p< 0.001] in streets than fields and indoor-yards [18.1, 9.7 and 1 parasite / 10gm of soil respectively]

Steroidal glycosides of furcraea selloea and their biological properties against diffrent schistosoma mansoni stages

Furcraea selloea C. Koch dry powder [Family Agavaceae] was subjected to a bioassayguided fractionation technique to isolate the active constituents responsible for the potency of this plant. The antischistosomal impact of different extracts of the leaves of F. selloea was screened against adult Schistosoma mansoni warms in vitro using a well established culture media. The methanol extract of the plant showed the highest activity as S. mansoni warms recorded 100% mortality at 50 micro g/ ml after 24 hours. Owing to the high potency of the crude saponins obtained from the methanolic extract [100% mortality at 20 micro g/ml], it was submitted to chromatographic separation using silica gel and Sephadex columns as well as preparative thin layer chromatography. Three steroidal saponins [I-III] were isolated and their structures were elucidated using some spectroscopic and chemical methods as follows: 6-O-Beta-D- glucopyranosyl [1-4]-Beta-D-glucopyranoside chlorogenin [I], 3-O-Beta-D-glucopyranosyl-[1-4]- Beta-D-glucopyranoside crestagenin [II] and 3-O-Beta-D-glucopyranosyl-[1-3]-Beta-D- glucopyranosyl-[1-3]-Beta-D-xylopyranoside gloriogenin [III]. Bioassay screening of the isolated saponins [I-III] were carried out against certain Schistosoma mansoni stages. Compound III only proved to possess antischistosomal activity against S. mansoni worms at concentration as low as 5 micro g/ ml, while compounds I and II were inactive. Also, test against B. alexandrina snails revealed that only saponin III has high molluscicidal activity [LC [90] = 6 ppm] whereas the other two saponins did not show any activity up to 50 ppm after 24 hours exposure. Different concentrations of the crude and the isolated saponins were evaluated against S. mansoni free larval stages [cercariae and miracidia]. Hatchability of S. mansoni ova was markedly depressed when exposed to 6 ppm of compound III. The infection rate of B. alexandrina snails was significantly reduced when snails were exposed to three sublethal concentrations of the dry plant powder. Determination of the acute oral toxicity of F. seiloea methanol extract against mice was carried out. When three groups of mice infected with S. marisoni were treated orally with a single dose of 2500 mg/kg of F. selloea methanol extract either at 2, 4 or 7 weeks post infection, the reduction rate in worm load was significantly lower when compared to infected untreated control

Spectrophotometric determination of levodopa, carbidopa and alpha-methyldopa

The dopamine derivatives participate in the regulation of a wide variety of physiological functions in human body and in medication life. A sensitive spectrophotometric method is developed for the determination of levodopa [LD], carbidopa [CD] and alpha methyldopa [MD]. It proposed on the bases of metal complex formation of these compounds with copper tetramine then coupling with 4-aminoantipyrine. The optimum conditions [pH, time, ratio and sequence of addition] are established. The method permits the determination of LD, CD and MD as a rectlinear relation in calibration curve over a concentration range 19.72 to 69.02, 13.79 to 63.34 and 31.24 to 98.94 micro g ml -1, respectively. The obtained data of SD [0.174 to 0.59], CV [0.68 to 1.16%] and correlation coefficient [0.995 to 0.999] reflect the reliability, reproducibility and accuracy of this procedure. The method is applicable to the assay of LD and MD in pharmaceutical drugs [Levocare and Aldomet respectively], and the results are in a good agreement with those obtained by the official method. The method was simple, rapid, reproducible and accurate to follow of medication of schizophrenic patient

rationale for prostate cancer detection in a developing country: comparison of screening and case finding

Objective: This study was conducted to compare the results of community based screening program for prostate cancer with case finding among urologic patients. Patients and Methods: Two programs for prostate cancer detection were conducted based on PSA assay [cutoff value 4ng/ml] and DRE for men aged 50 to 75 years. The first one included 833 urologic patients [group 1] and the second included 882 men who responded to a campaign for early detection of prostatic diseases [group 2]. Diagnosis of prostatic adenocarcinoma depends on ultrasound guided six-core prostatic biopsies. Results: In group 1, 154 patients were biopsied [147 due to high PSA +/- suspicious DRE and 7 due to suspicious DRE alone]. Prostate cancer was diagnosed in 36 patients [4.3%]. Organ confined cancer was detected in 41.7% of them [15 patients]. In group 2, 75 men were biopsied [69 for high PSA +/- suspicious DRE and 6 for suspicious DRE alone].The cancer detection rate was 2.2% [19 patients] and the rate of organ confined disease was 37.87 [7 patients]. There was no significant statistical difference between both groups regarding cancer detection rates and the percent of organ confined tumors. Conclusion: The results of this study may present a rationale for application of prostate cancer detection program in developing countries to urologic patients

Possible antischistosomal activity of the crude saponins of Anagallis arvensis on Schistosoma mansoni

This study was carried out to evaluate the antischistosomal efficacy of the crude saponins isolated from Anugalfis amemis [a medicinal local plant] in albino mice experimentally infected with Schistosoma mansoni. Animals were divided into 2 major groups according to the route of drug administration. The first group was orally given the saponins, while the latter one was administered the crude saponins subcutaneously.Different doses of the saponins were used at different intervals of infection. Animals were sacrificed 8 weeks after the infection. Data obtained from some experimental subgroups showed that significant reduction in total number of worm burden was recorded. The worm reduction was variable according to the dose, time, duration and pathway of administration and it ranges from 1.15-100%. This study gave preliminary promising results that help in finding a new, safe and effective chemotherapeutic drug; however, it needs more comprehensive follow-up study

Molluscicidal steroidal saponins from Yucca elephantipes

Three spirostanol and two furostanol saponins have been isolated from the methanol extract of the leaves of Yucca elephantipes. The structures of these saponins were established as 3-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl [1->2] [-beta-D-glucopyranosyl- [1->3]]- beta-D-glucopyranoside yamogenin [I], 3-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl- [1->2] [beta-D-glucopyranosyl- [1->3]], 26-beta-D- glncopyranoside [25 S]- furost-5-ene-3,22,26-triol [II], 3-O-alpha-L- rhamnopyranosyl [1->2]- [beta-D-xylopyranosyl- [1->3]]- beta-D-glucopyranosyl- [1->4]-beta-D-galactopyranoside gitogenin [III], 3-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl- [1-> 3]-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl- [1->2]- beta-D-glucopyranosyl- [1->4]- beta-D-galactopyranoside gitogenin [IV], and 26-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-22-O-methyl [25R]-5-furostan- 2,3,26-tetrol-3-O- [alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl- [1->3]]- beta-D-glucopyranosyl- [1->2]- beta-D-glucopyranosyl [1->4]- beta-D-galactopyranoside [V]. Saponins I, III and IV showed high molluscicidal activities against Biomphalaria alexandrina snails after 24 hours exposure [LC90 = 4,9 and 7 ppm] whereas saponins II and V were inactive up to 50 ppm

Phytochemical and molluscicidal properties of buddelia madgascariensis

Phytochemical screening of leaves, stems and flowers of Buddleia madgascariensis [Loganiaceae] revealed the presence of sterols and/or triterpenes, carbohydrates and/or glycosides, flavonoids, tannins as well as alkaloids and/or nitrogenous bases in all organs, whereas saponins were found in leaves and stems only. Molluscicidal tests of aqueous suspension of plant leaves, stems and flowers against the two aquatic snails [Bulinus truncatus and Lymnaea cailliaudi] exhibited that the leaves have strong activity [LC90 were 75 and 70 ppm] against the two snail species within 24 hours, respectively. Also, the LC90 of different extracts of the leaves against B. truncates showed that the methanol extract is the most active one [LC90 = 40 ppm]. The effect of some environmental conditions on the molluscicidal activity of leaves water suspension of the tested plant was determined

molluscicidal, cercaricidal and miracidial activity of basis muriate and cornulaca monocantha

The dry powders of some local plants were screened for molluscicidal activity against Biomphalaria alexandrina and Bulinus truncatus. Bassia muricata and Cornulaca monocantha showed considerable molluscicidal activity [LC90 for Bassia muricata was 165 and 160 ppm while, the LC90 for Cornulaca was 140 and 120 ppm] against Biomphalaria alexandrina and Bulinus truncatus, respectively. The molluscicidal activity of the dry powders of the two plants showed stability under the effect of some simulated field conditions. On the other hand, the dry powders of both plants killed Schistosoma mansoni cercariae and miracidia at the molluscicidal concentration