Comparison of polymerase chain reaction, immunochromatographic assay and staining techniques in diagnosis of cryptosporiodiosis

Cryptosporidiosis represents a major health problem worldwide. In developed countries, massive outbreaks have been reported while in developing countries, it is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, especially among infants and children. Although the modified acid-fast technique is the commonly used slain for its detection, its sensitivity and specificity appeared to be rather low. The present study aimed at comparing the conventional diagnostic method with the recent techniques namely immunochromatographic [ICT] strip assay and multiplex allele specific polymerase chain reaction [MAS-PCR]. The second objective was to genotype the diagnosed isolates using MASPCR. Seventy six immunocompromised patients having acute or chronic diarrhea were selected from the attendance of the pediatrics, oncology and nephrology clinics in Suez Canal University Hospital. Cryptosporidiosis was diagnosed by Kinyoun acid fast stain, ICT strip assay and MAS-PCR. Samples proved positive for cryptosporidiosis were genotyped using MAS-PCR. Using MAS-PCR as Gold standard method, modified Kinyoun acid fast stain and ICT strip showed sensitivity [79 vs 89%], specificity [98 vs 100%], positive predictive value [94 vs 100%], negative predictive value [93 vs 100%] and diagnostic accuracy [88.5 vs 94.5%]. Using MAS-PCR for genotyping, C. parvum comprised the majority [68.4%] of cases while C. hominis was only 26.3%. Only one patient had mixed genotype infection. C. parvum infections were associated with low intensity of oocyst shedding while C hominis infections were with high intensity of oocyst shedding. The agreement between microscopy and MAS-PCR results proved that only 60% of positive cases identified as C. hominis [type 1] by MASPCR were positive by microscopy while, 92.3% of C. parvum [type II] positive cases by MAS-PCR were positive by microscopy. The agreement between ICT strip and MAS-PCR results proved that the strip identified 100% of positive cases of C. hominis [type I] and 84.6% of C. parvum [type II] positive cases by MAS-PCR. The ICT strip assay gave very good results regarding performance and came second to MASPCR in ranking which has an additional advantage due to its ability to genotype diagnosed isolates. The low sensitivity of staining method and high cost of MAS-PCR recommend the ICT strips for the wide use especially in field of diagnosis and in outbreaks where large number of tests needs to be performed in a short period of time

potential role of some antioxidants from carotenoids and vitamins on biological and biochemical parameters of hyperlipidemic hamsters

This study was conducted to elucidate the effect of some antioxidants [carotenoids: lycopene and beta-carotene and vitamins: E and C] supplementation on some biological and biochemical parameters of male adult hyperlipidemic hamsters. Lipid profile, lipid peroxidation as MDA, blood and liver GSH, antioxidant enzymes [GPx and GR] and liver function enzymes [ALT and AST] were determined. Hyperlipidemic diet resulted in significant elevation in serum TC, LDL-C, TG, liver MDA and liver function enzymes ALT and AST, with concomitant reduction in serum HDL-C, blood GSH and liver GPx and GR enzymes activity. Supplementation by the Lycopene and vitamin C caused significant reduction in serum TC, LDL-C and TG with significant elevation in serum HDL-C. beta-carotene induced significant reduction only on TC and LDL-c vitamin E showed no obvious effect on lipid profile with highly suppressive effect on lipid peroxidation all individual antioxidants resulted in significant elevation in blood GSH, liver GPx and GR enzymes with concomitant significant reduction in liver MDA and serum ALT and AST

Cardiorespiratory fitness and pulmonary functions in athletes and non-athletes adults

Pulmonary ventilation is generally known to have a linear relationship with oxygen consumption at different levels of exercise. Lung function parameters tend to have a relationship with lifestyle such as regular exercise and non- exercise. Our main aim was to explore the relation between exercise, body mass index and lung function as well as cardio-respiratory fitness. A total of 39 male students from the University of Taibah volunteered in the study, aged 18-24 years [19.7 +/- 1.37]. The subjects were divided Into two groups, 20 were athletes who had exercised regularly in the past few years as a players in volleyball handball football and swimming teams, and the remaining 19 served as controls were non-exercising, and non-athletes. The weight and height were measured to determine the body mass index [BMI] and the lung functions were tested by spirometer [Forced vital capacity, FVC, and forced expiratory volume in the first second FEV 1%], and Cardio-respiratory fitness was measured by a maximal treadmill test [MTT]. FVC, and FEV, but not FEV1/FVC% was significantly higher in athletes than non-athletes. MTT was found to be significantly different in athletes when compared to the non-exercising group. Subjects who were athletes with significant low [BMI] was associated with better cardio-respiratory fitness and respiratory function. The results showed that exercise and body mass index are associated with better cardio-respiratory fitness, but respiratory function contributed little to this association in athletes and non-athletes

[Bazex syndrome or acropertosis paraneoplasitic-Review of the literatur]

Bazex syndrome or acrokeratosis paraneoplastica is a rare dermatosis usually associated with a squamous cell carcinoma of upper aero digestive tract or with metastases in the cervical lymph nodes. It presents as psoriasiform violacceous scaly patches over extremities, tip of the nose, earlobes and helices. This syndrome evolves in three stage parallel to the growth of the tumor, thus the utility of recognition of the syndrome which may unmask the associated neoplasia at an early stage. Treatment consists of treating the underlying neoplasia whether by surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. Recurrence of cutaneous lesions may reveal the recurrence of the tumor

Evaluation of the role of postnatal ambroxol in the prevention and treatment of Respiratory Distress Syndrome [RDS] in preterm neonates

To study the effect of the postnatal administration of Ambroxol in the prevention of respiratory distress syndrome in preterm neonates at risk and on the severity of the disease in those neonates already suffering from it. The study was a randomized clinical trial performed on 120 preterm neonates admitted to the neonatal unit of the Suez Canal University Hospital, Egypt, with gestational age of 28 to 34 weeks. It was performed in the period from September 2001 through March 2003. Half of the enrolled neonates received intravenous Ambroxol [20 mg/kg/d], while the control group received the routine management of prematurity and a placebo. Ambroxol decreased the incidence of RDS, improved the gas exchange, and decreased CPAP pressure, the length of mechanical ventilation and also the mortality rate. The study concluded that Ambroxol reduced the incidence of this disease in preterm neonates at risk of developing it, and improved the clinical course of RDS

Mould infection, immunological tests and ventilatory lung function among cotton dust exposed workers

A cross-sectional study was carried out in the Shartex spinning and weaving company at Sharkia Governorate to determine the respiratory effect of cotton exposure. Seventy three cotton-exposed workers and 50 healthy workers [control group] were studied. Respiratory symptoms, ventilatory function tests, mycological examination of sputum and immunological examination for fungal reaction against different moulds and cotton extracts were assessed. Respiratory symptoms were frequently reported by exposed workers compared with controls. Among exposed workers, 11 [15.1%] had symptoms of byssinosis and 26 [35.6%] chronic bronchitis. This work has documented reduced lung function associated with work place exposure to cotton dust. Those workers with respiratory symptoms had significantly impaired lung function compared with asymptomatic workers Mould were significantly isolated from exposed workers than control group [P<0.001]. Different mould were isolated as Asp. niger, Cladosporium, Alternaria and others but only Asp. niger was the most significant isolate [P<0.01]. Also, exposed workers were more liable to develop immediate skin hypersensitivity reaction to specific cotton extracts [15.1%] and fungal antibodies [10.9%]. However, none of the control subjects gave either skin positive test to cotton extract or positive precipitin reaction. On regression analysis: both smoking and current exposure to cotton dust were the most significant risk factors of byssinosis, chronic bronchitis and impairment of both FEV1 and FVC.Also, duration of cotton exposure and increasing age were significant indicators for loss of FEV1 and FVC respectively.While, current cotton exposure was the only risk factor associated with frequent isolation of mould.In conclusion, workers exposed to cotton dust had increased respiratory symptoms and significant reduction in ventilatory capacity, also they develop immediate skin hypersensitivity reaction to cotton extract, fungal antibodies with more positive sputum culture for fungi than non exposed controls.So, it is recommended that lung function tests should be performed and can be used for routine medical surveillance. Also, anti-smoking programme must be applied

Group B streptococci carrier rate in pregnant women and ther new born infants

The group B streptococcal [GBS] carrier rate in pregnant mothers and their infants was studied. Eighty five mother/infants pairs and 20 mm pregnant women [controls] were examined. Vaginal and rectal swabs were taken from each mother in labour. Also, swabs from each infant taken from eight sites namely umbilicus, both ears, both nostrils, scalp, rectum and pharynx were examined from all previous subjects the swabs were obtained and inoculated immediately on blood agar plates. The isolated organisms were identified by conventional methods, while identification of [GBS] was done by both Lancifield and latex agglutination methods. The study revealed that the maternal streptococcal colonization rate was 21.2%, while the maternal GBS carrier rate was 18.8%. In nonpregnant women it was 5%, while the infant colonization rate was 11.8%. According to residence, age and parity [GBS] was statistically significant among rural women and the incidence decrease with old age and multiple parity. Sixteen cases of maternal GBS serotypes were detected by Lancifield method compared to 15 cases were recorded by latex agglutination test. Serotype [III] of [GBS] was the most prevalent ones among both pregnant mothers and their new born infants

Health hazards of exposure to mold spore in animal forage mill workers

Forty workers with symptoms of chest diseases, thirty five asymptomatic exposed to forage dust and twenty five matched controls were the subjects of this work they were examined clinically, mycologicalIy [sputum culture] and immunologically for fungal precipitins in their sera. Furthermore skin test to different antigens was performed for all the positive workers in a trail to correlate these findings with their pulmonary hypersensitivity. Indoor and outdoor air samples from the different departments of the factory were collected to detect fungal pollution. Our results declared that cough symptom was the predominant one [53.3%] among symptomatic workers The prevalent isolates were Aspergillus, Penicillium, Alternaria, Cladosporium, Mucor, Epicoccum and Fusarium species. Fungal spores were detected in the sputum of some workers [98.8% and 54.5%] in both symptomatic and asymptomatic workers, respectively. Regarding the duration of exposure to the animal Forage mill dust there was found statistical difference [p>0.05] between the symptomatic and asymptomatic workers of duration period more than five years. Regards precipitins in the serum of the workers, we detected it among 40.9% and 12.5% of both symptomatic and a symptomatic groups. While, skin tests were 43.2% in symptomatic group and non of asymptomatic group was positive

Pregnancy toxaemiain news: probable alterations in some serum constituents and a trial for treatment

This study was carried out on 67 stalled Baladi ewes, 3-5 years of age. Ten of them were clinically healthy dry non-pregnant, 45 were healthy late pregnant and 12 ewes experienced clinical ketosis. The clinical signs of ketotic ewes appeared suddenly during the last 1-3 weeks of gestation including impaired appetite, unsteady gait, recumbency, head tilt, grinding of teeth and labored breathing. Disease was recorded in about 21% [12/57] of all pregnant ewes. Laboratory investigations revealed a significant [P >0.05] depression of serum levels of glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol and insulin in ketotic ewes in comparison with dry non-pregnant and healthy late pregnant ewes; while serum levels of total lipids, ketone bodies and alanine amino transferase [ALT] were significantly elevated in ketotic group in comparison with non-ketotic and dry non-pregnant ones. A trial for treatment was performed using daily i. v. administration of 200 ml 40% dextrose and 110 g glycerol orally/head for three successive days. The response for treatment was variable

Clinical and laboratory investigations on alopecia and ill thrift syndrome in housed sheep

This investigation was conducted on 13 lambs [2-4 months of age] and 17 adult sheep [3-5 years of age]. Out of them, 8 lambs and 12 adults showed alopecia with varying severity, wool abnormalities and emaciation. No ectoparasites were detected in any of the examined skin scrapings. A hematological picture revealed normocytic normochromic anemia in the clinically affected animals. Serum zinc levels were severely decreased in clinically affected animals. Furthermore, serum cobalt concentrations recorded lower levels than normal in both affected and non-affected herd mates. Serum copper and iron concentrations were nonsignificantly changed. Hyperkeratosis and moderate to serve acanthosis were histopathologically observed in affected adults, while mild hyperkeratosis with degeneration of the matrix cells and atrophy of the dermal papillae of the wool follicles were prominent in young lambs. The clinical signs disappeared within 21 days of treatment by trace element and vitamins mixture

Risk factors for persistent diarrhea among Egyptian children in the Suez Canal Area

A case control study was conducted in the pediatrics departments of Isamilia and Port-Said general hospitals aiming at identifying the risk factors that predispose to persistent diarrhea in children less than five years. Persistent diarrhea was defined as diarrhea lasting for 14 days or more. Consecutive sample of 76 child suffering from persistent diarrhea, and a similar number of age matched controls with acute diarrhea, for less than seven days, were included in the study. The study showed that preexisting malnutrition and early stoppage of breast feeding before the first six months of life were significantly associated with increased risk of developing persistent diarrhea. Furthermore, persistent diarrhea was significantly associated with the use of antidiarrheal or antiprotozoal drugs before presentation to the hospital. Watery stools was more encountered with acute diarrheal episodes. Some potential pathogens were isolated from the stool of the children with acute and persistent diarrhea, however, Giardia lamblia and Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli [EPEC] were frequently found in a similar proportions of both acute and persistent diarrheal episodes

Comparison between different methods for the diagnosis of beta haemolytic streptococci

A total of 180 strains of Beta haemolytic streptococci [BHS] were identified by using lancefield precipitin test and latex agglutinaion test. Group [A] and group [B] of [BHS] were compared by using Christie-Atkins-Munch-Peterson test [CAMP] and bacitracin sensitivity test. Latex agglutinaltion test showed an agreement with Lancefield in 98% of group [A], 100% of group [B], 100% of group [C], 87.5% of group [F], 80% in group [G] and 100% of non grouping. Bacitracin test showed 98% sensitivity for detection of group [A]. While CAMP test showed 97.8% sensitivity for detection of group [B]. These simple and convenient methods can be used for screening the most common groups of BHS isolated from human infection

Local use of prostaglandin [E2] derivative in termination of pregnancy after 14 weeks gestational age

This work was done on 90 patients in two groups. The first group consisted of 20 patients for induction of mid-trimester abortion. Exatra amniotic prostin E[2] Successtully terminetol the pergnancy in 90% of cases. Side effects were infrequent and tolerable, no genital tract injury was recorded and the amount of blood loss was average. The second group: consisted of 70 patients for induction of labor for variable indications. Prostin [E][2] vaginal tablets were used. Oxytocin was used to augment or expedite labor whenever necessary. This regimen proved very effective and no single case of failure was observed. The details are presented in the study

Psychiatric correlates of undernutrition in children aged 9-11 years in Port-Said city

Malnutrition with its behavioral, psychological and intellectual sequeale is a major health problem in developing countries. In this study, the prevalence of malnutrition in a representative sample of school-aged children [N=653] aged 9-11 years in Port-Said City was evaluated using the tenth percentile of the mean as the cut-off point for underweight and under height. The psychological status was assessed using the Johns Hopkins Depression Scale, behavioral problems using the Conners Parent-Teacher Hyperactivity Scale, and intellectual functioning using Mental Abilities Tests. Eighteen percent [N=117] were diagnosed as undernourished. Children, whether with chronic malnutrition or growth failure were significantly more likely to be depressed [P< 0.001], to have significantly more behavioral problems [P< 0.001] and to obtain lower ranges of I.Q compared to children with normal nutritional status. These results suggest that children with nutritional disadvantages who need nutritional rehabilitation should receive also psychiatric intervention

group approach for a health education program on diarrhea comparison of community health workers versus students delivering the program

Although mortality from diarrhoeal diseases has shown some decline, they are still a major cause of malnutrition and inadequate health in children. These sequelae are the results of improper knowledge and false beliefs among mothers. Community health workers might have a great impact in increasing the awareness of mothers through health education. The aim of this work is to test the hypothesis that community health workers are more effective than medical students in promoting the knowledge of mothers about proper practices during diarrhoea. Two hamlets were randomly chosen from two villages of the same district. They were comparable in all socio-demographic characteristics. Fifty mothers have been included from each hamlet. A pilot study was done with the aim of tailoring the health education program to the studied communities. The program was planned to be delivered in a group approach, ensuring interaction between donors and recipients. Students and community health workers were trained on delivering the program exactly in the same manner. A pie-post questionnaire was designed to measure the change of knowledge of the mothers before and after the program. Results have shown statistically significant differences in the pre-post test results in both groups. However, the magnitude of this change turned to be higher in the community health workers group. The conclusion is that group approach was successful in raising the awareness of mothers about proper management of diarrhoea, specially when delivered by community health workers

Infant feeding practice during diarrhea in a rural community in Ismailia governorate

This household study was carried-out on 133 mothers having children less than 2 years of age, in a rural area in Ismailia Governorate for evaluating mothers knowledge and practice toward infant feeding during diarrhea. The methodology to collect information combines market, nutrition and anthropological research techniques to document and understand why practices related to feeding during and following child's episode of diarrhea, do occur, in addition to the attitudes associated with those practices. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were utilized and organized in manner to yield an understanding of the multiple causes of improper feeding practices. Structured observation was used to confirm the presence of behaviors reported verbally. The study revealed that only 30.9 percent of mothers change the pattern of infants feeding during diarrhea. The commonest types of foods used during diarrhea were vegetable soup, rice and carrots. The less common were potatoes, beans and cooked squash. The commonest fluids used during diarrhea were caraway, starch water, rice water, tea, anise and cumin, whereas mint, salt and sugar solution were less frequently used

application of immunoperoxidase test for the diagnosis of mycoplasma infection in buffaloes

Twenty six nasal and oropharyngeal swabs and 26 serum samples were collected from fatty buffaloe calves in a herd at Ismaillia Governorate suffering from pneumoeneritis with no response to antibiotic treatment. They were submitted to laboratory diagnosis using: 1- Isolation method including different subcultures on mycoplasma culture media and according to certain culture procedure then genus determination was made, biochemical characterization was applied and serological identification was performed using growth inhibition test [GIT] 2- Immunoperoxidase method was applied. Using the isolation method, it was found that out of 26 nasal and oropharyngeal swabs 13 mycoplasma species were isolated. 4 were antigenically related to M. bovirhinis, 2 were M. bovigenitalium, 2 were A. modicum and 5 were A. laidlawii. Immunoperoxidase test was applied on the isolated mycoplasms agar blocks and gave the same results as the identification using GIT. It was concluded that immunoperxidase test is rapid, it needs 2 hours after the preparation of 48 hours culture's agar block, while the isolation method is time consuming, it needs 12 days at least. The immunoperoxidase test is also more sensitive and accurate. It is able to detect the antibodies in every mycoplasma positive case while in case of the isolation method some mycoplasma having fastidious growth or due to some inhibitory factors are missed in the diagnosis

Studies of fallopian tube occlusion with an iodine compound in the rabbit

The oviducts of 15 healthy rabbits were injected with a recently formulated iodine containing medication to test the possibility of producing tubal occlusion. All the animals survived the experiment except one animal that died of a severe respiratory infection. All the fallopian tubes of surviving animals had anatomical and histological occlusion in the interstitial part or the first portion of the isthmic segment. There was no damage to the muscular layer or surrounding tissues

Cesarean and postpartum hysterectomy at Zagazig University Hospital

There have been 65 emergency and postpartum hysterectomies over a period of 5 years at Zagazig University Hospitals [0.58% of all deliveries]. The commonest indication was ruptured uterus [47.7%] followed by postpartum haemorrhage [36.9%]. Severe uncontrollable bleeding and adnexal haematoma requiring resection were the commonest operative complications while febrile morbidity was the commonest postoperative complication. There were 4 maternal deaths [6. 15%] two were due to severe bleeding, one due to pulmonary embolism and the fourth was due to acute renal failure. There were 25 fetal deaths [38.5%]. 62 cases required blood transfusion and the mean amount of blood transfusion in all cases was 1400 ml