Dot-Blot Immunoassay of Fasciola gigantica Infection using 27 kDa and Adult Worm Regurge Antigens in Egyptian Patients

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the potential role of the 27-Kilodalton (KDa) antigen versus Fasciola gigantica adult worm regurge antigens in a DOT-Blot assay and to assess this assay as a practical tool for diagnosis fascioliasis in Egyptian patients. Fasciola gigantica antigen of an approximate molecular mass 27-(KDa) was obtained from adult worms by a simple elution SDS-PAGE. A Dot-Blot was developed comparatively to adult worm regurge antigens for the detection of specific antibodies from patients infected with F. gigantica in Egypt. Control sera were obtained from patients with other parasitic infections and healthy volunteers to assess the test and compare between the antigens. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of Dot-Blot using the adult worm regurge were 80%, 90%, 94.1%, and 69.2% respectively, while those using 27-KDa were 100% which confirms the diagnostic potential of this antigen. All patients infected with Fasciola were positive, with cross reactivity reported with Schistosoma mansoni serum samples. This 27-KDa Dot-Blot assay showed to be a promising test which can be used for serodiagnosis of fascioliasis in Egyptian patients especially, those presenting with hepatic disease. It is specific, sensitive and easy to perform method for the rapid diagnosis particularly when more complex laboratory tests are unavailable.

Evaluation of oligochromatography dipstick as a simplified molecular diagnostic tool for the diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis

The demonstration of Leishmania parasite by microscopic examination of samples taken from skin lesions is of low sensitivity and requires expert parasitologists. On the other hand, molecular methods to detect Leishinania parasites are considered specific and sensitive. However, detection of amplicons by the classical methods is complex, expensive and needs equipments and highly trained personnel. This raises the demand for a simplified method of amplification and product detection. To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of PCR Leishmania Oligo C-test for diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis. The diagnostic accuracy of the Leishniania Oligo C-test was estimated in 30 skin scraping samples from patients presented at El Quorea specialized hospital, Taif, KSA. On the basis of parasitological detection of amastigotes by direct microscopic examination of Geimsa stained smears from skin lesions, patients were classified into confirmed cutaneous Ieishmaniasis [group A] and negative cases [group B]. Twenty patients were proved positive for Leishmania amastigotes by microscopic examination of stained smears. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and diagnostic efficacy of the Leishmania Oligo C-test were 90%, 90%, 95%, 82%, 90%, respectively. These results indicate that this simple molecular technique may be employed for rapid diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis. The Leishmania Oligo C-test showed high specificity and sensitivity when compared to results obtained by microscopic examination of skin scraping samples. The assay is a promising tool for simplified molecular detection of Leishmania parasites

Evaluation of the effect of a plant alkaloid [berberin derived from berberis aristata] on trichomonas vaginalis in vitro

Berberine is a quaternary alkaloid derived from the plant Berberis aristata having antibanterial, antiamoebic, antifungal, antihelminthic, leishmanicidal and tuberculostatic properties. The effect of berberine sulphate salt on the growth of Trichomonas vaginalis in vitro was compared to the efficacy of metronidazole as a reference drug. Results showed that berberine sulphate was comparable to metronidazole as regards potency with the advantage of being more safe and possible replacement in metronidazole resistant cases