Seroprevalence of toxoplasma gondii infection and its associated risk factors in neuropsychiatric patients in Jazan province, Saudi Arabia

Toxoplasma gondii has worldwide distribution in nearly one-third of the human population. It is a neurotropic protozoan parasite so a potential role of T. gondii infection for some neuropsychiatric disorders was postulated. Patients with psychiatric disorders had high toxoplasmosis seroprevalence. Limited information about toxoplasmosis seroprevalence in psychiatric patients was known in southern area of Saudi Arabia. The current cross sectional case control study aims at determination of the prevalence of T. gondii IgG and IgM in neuropsychiatric patients in Jazan Province. A total of 162 neuropsychiatric patients from Al-Amal hospital for psychiatric health and 162 subjects without neuropsychiatric manifestations from Jazan General Hospital, Jazan City, KSA. were enrolled in the study. Psychiatric diagnosis was based on the International Classification of Diseases-10 [lCD-10 classification]. Serological analysis for latent toxoplasmosis [lgG] and active toxoplasmosis [IgM] was done using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay [ELISA]. Investigations for the association with socio-demographic, clinical and behavioral characteristics in psychiatric patients were also done. The serofrequency of lgG antibodies among neuropsychiatric patients was significantly higher than that of the controls [35.8% vs 14.8%] P = 0.0022. OR 3.2 with 95% CI= [1.4952 to 6.8774]. However; serofrequency of toxoplasma IgM antibody between neuropsychiatric patients and controls was not statistically significant [P> 0.05]. Bivariate and multivariate analysis for socio-demographics and possible associated risk factors showed that contact to cats and/or dogs, eating under cooked meat, and contact to soil were significantly higher in neuropsychiatric patients than controls

Epidemiological study on the impact of vaccination programs on antigenic relatedness, genetic characterization of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1

Two HPAI H5N1 viruses were isolated from vaccinated layer and broiler commercial poultry farms in Egypt at years 2011 and 2013; respectively. By phylogenetic analysis, the viruses fall into two genetically diverse clades: [i] A/chicken/Egypt/VRLCU67/2011 classified as a variant virus, clade 2.2.1.1; and [ii] A/chicken/Egypt/13VIR3729-4/2013 classified as a classic virus, clade 2.2.1. Cross HI-test confirmed that the reaction between the two viruses is weak; furthermore, it showed the antigenic diversity between viruses belong to different clades and antigenic groups. Antigenic relatedness was calculated between six AI antigens and their antisera representing the different clades and antigenic groups circulated in Egyptian field; including the A/chicken/Egypt/VRLCU67/2011 strain which showed very low R-values with the other viruses' groups; ranging from 17 % to zero. Results demonstrated the genetic and antigenic diversity of the variant viruses and how can the vaccine seed be a weak point in the vaccination program that could be broken by the drifted viruses antigenically distant from the vaccine strain

Relationship between biochemical bone markers and bone mineral density in patients with phenylketonuria under restricted diet

Most of phenylketonuria [PKU] develops bone turnover impairment and low bone mineral density [BMD]. Measurements of BMD reflect only bone mineral status but not the dynamics of bone turnover. Bone markers are a noninvasive tool useful for the assessment of bone formation and bone resorption processes. Our study was to assess the levels of bone markers in PKU in order to select a screen marker and detect the most specific marker which can be combined with BMD for appropriate follow up. Thirty three classic PKU patients were studied. BMD and bone mineral content [BMC] were measured. Total alkaline phosphatase [ALP], osteocalcin [OC] and carboxy-terminal propeptide of type I collagen [CICP], osteoprotegerin [OPG], receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa beta ligand [RANKL] and Deoxypyridinoline [DPD] were measured. Nineteen [57.6%] male and fourteen [42.4%] female PKU patients were involved in the current study. Their mean age was 8.4 +/- 4.6 yrs and the age range 3-19 yrs. The control group consisted of twenty two [52.4%] males and twenty [47.6%] females. Their mean age was 8.5 +/- 3.3 yrs and th age range 2-17 yrs. Using the Z score values, there was a significant decrease of total BMC [TBMC-Z], BMD of the femoral neck BMD-FN-Z, BMD of lumbar vertebrae [BMD-L-Z], BMD-FN and DPD while RANKL increased. There was a negative correlation between CICP and TBMC and between CICP and BMD-L in these patients. Also, a negative correlation between ALP and TBMC and between ALP and BMD-L was observed. It was concluded that the ALP provides a good impression of the new bone formation in the PKU patients and it has a highly significant negative correlation with the many parameters of the bone mineral status beside the wide availability of inexpensive and simple methods. So a screening test and/or follow up for the PKU patients using ALP would be available. Once the level of ALP decrease is detected, one can combine it with BMD to explore the bone mineral status and with specific bone markers [OC, RANKL and DBD], to verify the dynamics of bone turnover. This schedule will reduce the risk of exposure of these patients to the risk hazards of DXA and limit its use only to a limited number of the highly suspected cases

Study of plasma amino acid levels in children with autism: an Egyptian sample

The aetiology of autism is unclear and autistic symptoms had been attributed to an abnormal functional imbalance in neurotransmitter amines such as dopamine, noradrenaline and serotonin. To study plasma essential and non-essential amino acid levels, protein electrophoresis, serum ammonia, and urea in autistic children in comparison with controls. Twenty autistic children were compared to twenty healthy age and sex matched normal children serving as control, where serum amino acids, urea, ammonia and protein electrophoresis were estimated. As regards essential amino acid levels, autistic children had significant lower plasma levels of leucine, isoleucine, phenylalanine, methionine and cystine than controls [P < 0.05],while there was no statistical difference in the level of tryptophan, valine, threonine, arginine, lysine and histidine [P > 0.05]. In non-essential amino acid levels, phosphoserine was significantly raised in autistic children than in controls [.P < 0.05]. Autistic children had lower level of hydroxyproline, serine and tyrosine than controls [P < 0.05]. On the other hand there was no significant difference in levels of taurin, asparagine, alanine, citrulline, GABA, glycine, glutamic acid, and ornithine [P > 0.05]. There was no significant difference between cases and controls as regards the levels of urea, ammonia, total proteins, albumin and globulins [alpha 1, alpha 2, beta and gamma] [P > 0.05]. Autistic children had lower levels of some plasma amino acids except for glycine and glutamic acids and phosphoserine were increased with normal serum levels of urea, ammonia, total proteins, albumin and globulins [alpha 1, alpha 2, beta and gamma]

Effect of infectious bursal disease field vaccines on avian influenza vaccination immunity

Traditional live Infectious Bursal Disease virus [1DDV] vaccines were thought to have some v-4 degree of adverse effect on the bursa of fabricous of chickens, which in turn may interfere with antibody production against other poultry vaccines. In this study, 15 broiler flocks vaccinated -; against avian influenza [AI] virus were sampled for serum. The flocks have received IBDV vaccination either from the conventional live vaccines or with the new recombinant subunit vaccine. Haemagglutination inhibition [HI] test was carried on sera using different AI antigens. Sera measured by the variant A/chicken/EgypWRLCU67/2011 [H5N1] isolate showed significant difference [P<0.05] between mean HI titers of bird vaccinated by traditional IBDV. vaccines and titers of those vaccinated with the subunit vaccine. Results indicate that live IBDV vaccines may affect the efficacy of AI vaccine, and the study encourages the use of the field AI isolates for reliable interpretation of HI test results

Prognostic value of [BCLI/IGH] genes juxtaposition and MDRI gene expression in treatment resistant B-NHL

The translocation t[11;14] [q13; q32,] has been known neoplasia for many years found in a variety of B cell malignancies. Through this rearrangement, CCND1/PRAD-1/BCL1 on chromosome 11 becomes juxtaposition to the active immunoglobulin heavy chain [IgH] enhancer on chromosome. MDR1 gene expression lead to overproduction P-gp which leads to chemotherapy resistance caused poor prognosis and short survival [OS and DFS] in B-NHL. To evaluate BCL1/ IgH juxtaposition by FISH and mdr-1 protein expression by immunohistochemistry in B-NHL. To clarify if these genes have some relevance to developing treatment resistance of B-NHL and their correlation with clinical outcome. This is a retrospective study of fifty three bone marrow biopsy samples [fixed and paraffin embedded bone marrow biopsy] for patients with BNHL. In this study t[11;14] detected by FISH was positive in [64.2%] and it was [66. 7%], [64.3%] and [60%] in Mantle cell lymphoma [MCL], Small cell lymphoma [SCL], and Large cell lymphoma [LCL] respectively. The detection frequency of MDR1/ P- glycoprotein [P-gp] by immnunohistochemistry in MCL, SCL and LCL, is [80%], [82%] and [80%] respectively. In this study the frequency of t[11;14] detection by FISH and MDR1/P-gp expression by immnunohistochemistry in our study was consistent with other studies and considered as a marker of diagnostic and poor prognostic for chemotherapy resistance in B-NHL. Presence of both expressions in a patients means very bad prognosis and resistant to chemotherapy. Determining MDR-1/P-gp and t[11;14] in B-NHL is important prior to treatment to allow the design of novel drug regimens containing agent that reverse MDR function

Ultrastructural intestinal pathology induced by human Blasocystis in experimentally infected mice

Blastocystis spp. is a single-celled anaerobic enteric parasite that inhabits the lower gastrointestinal tract of humans and many animals. This emerging parasite with a worldwide distribution is often identified as the most common eukaryotic organism reported in human fecal samples that showed a dramatic increase in recent years; however its pathogenicity still shows many contradictions. To evaluate the histological and ultrastructural pathological changes induced by human Blastocystis isolates in the intestine of experimental infected mice. Fecal samples positive for Blastocystis were collected from patients, and processed for culture using Jones' medium. Cultured samples were subjected to examination by light and transmission electron microscopy. Blastocystis cyst stages were isolated and orally fed to immunocompetent BALB/c mice. Mice were sacrificed 2 weeks post infection. Semi-thin and ultra-thin sections prepared from their intestine were examined by both light and transmission electron microscopy [TEM], respectively. Blastocystis showed different forms: vacuolar, granular, amoeboid and cysts within 24 hours in culture. Histological examination of infected intestine showed vacuolar, granular and amoeboid forms in the caecum, but only cyst forms were observed in the colon. Intense inflammatory cell infiltration, edematous lamina propria, and villous atrophy were noticed. Ultrastructure of Blastocystis hominis by TEM revealed the surface coat with outer fibrillar layer, nuclei with multiple chromatin masses, and mitochondria with some pathological tubular changes. Atrophy and sloughing of microvilli of infected intestine was noticed in comparison to the mucosa of control non-infected mice that showed normal brush border and microvilli. Infection with Blastocystis may be self limited in some hosts however it may cause considerable pathological changes such as enterocytes invasion and intestinal mucosal atrophy of infected mice. Blastocystis mitochondrial vacuolations were detected within intestine of infected mice compared to culture forms. Thus, apparently B. hominis is capable of causing pathogenicity

Adverse drug reactions of Intermittent chemotherapy compared to daily regimen in Sudanese patients with pulmonary Tuberculosis

The World Health Organization [WHO] declared Tuberculosis a global health emergency in 1993 as it remains a major cause of mortality in developing countries. The World Health Organization's Directly Observed Treatment Short course [DOTs] strategy achieve 87% success rate in the areas where it is implemented, usually with five drugs, lasts for 6months. Till 1998 Sudan was classified as one of the slowly moving countries in implementation of the DOTS strategy and making no progress against tuberculosis. A prospective comparative, randomized clinical trial, hospital based study carried out at Kosti Teaching Hospital using directly observed treatment short course [DOTS], to assess the adverse drug reactions of intermittent chemotherapy compared to the currently adopted short course therapy. Patients with smear positive new cases of tuberculosis were enrolled and randomized in to two groups, intermittent treatment group [A] and daily regimen group [B] .The raw data were introduced into SPSS program, the data comparison was carried out by Pearson Chi square and pair independent sample student T-test. The level of significance [P<0.05]. A total of 275 were studied, significant initial [pre-interventional] elevated means of aspartate aminotransferase [AST] was detected in the two groups and significantly in the intermittent regimen after two and four months, but the decrease was significant only after two months in the daily group. Liver injury following antituberculous treatment was minimal and the adverse drug reactions were tolerable concerning the majority of the patients completing the course of the treatment

eulexin exert toxic effects on the prostate of adult male albino rats? Histological and immunohistochemical study

Eulexin [flutamide] is a pure nonsteroidal antiandrogen drug widely used in the treatment of prostatic cancer, hirsutism, and acne vulgaris. The aim of this work is to determine the histological and immunohistochemical effects of eleuxin on the prostate of adult albino rats. Thirty adult male albino rats were used and divided into a control group of six rats and an experimental group of 24 rats. This group was further subdivided into three subgroups [eight rats each]. Each rat of the experimental subgroups received a daily dose of 67.5mg/kg body weight of flutamide by the oral route. Animals were weighed and sacrificed after 2, 4 and 6 weeks. The prostate specimens were subjected to H and E, PAS reaction, and immunohistochemistry for androgen receptor [AR] and estrogen receptor [ER] localization. Statistical analysis of body weight and area% of the immunoreactivity of ARs and ERs was carried out. Eleuxin induced a significant reduction in the body weight of the rats of the experimental subgroups. Moreover, the experimental groups showed a significant decrease in the immunoreactivity of ARs and an increase in the immunoreactivity of the ERs. Early changes in acini were represented by folding of some areas of acini, whereas other acini were rudimentary after 2 weeks of treatment. Cystic dilatation of acini with a decrease in epithelial height was observed in acinin treated for 4 weeks. Highly dilated and irregular acini with no stroma in between were observed after 6 weeks of treatment and there was an apparent acini decrease in the cell number with dilated and congested blood vessels. There was a decreased PAS reaction in the apical parts of epithelial cells with an irregular apparent thick basement membrane especially in the folded area. Eleuxin exerted many histological effects on the prostate of adult albino rats. Further study is required to determine the effect of flutamide on the function of the male reproductive system, especially fertility

possible effect of green tea [catechin] on perinephric fat adipocytes of adult male albino rat after induction of obesity: a histological study

Green tea is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world, and its antioxidant properties have been widely explored. Its active ingredients [polyphenols are believed to be responsible for most of green tea's roles in promoting good health Obesity and its associated metabolic disorders are an increasingly prevalent conditior in different societies. The aim of this research is to study the effect of diet-induced obesity on the histological structure of adipocytes and to evaluate the possible protective role of green tea. Forty adult male rats were divided into three groups. Group I rats [control group, n = 10] were given a balanced diet for 6 weeks. Group II rats [n = 10] were given a high-energy fatty diet for 6 weeks and served as the affected group. Group III rats [green tea group, n = 20] were divided into two subgroups. Subgroup IIIa rats [lowúdose group, n = 10] were given a high-energy fatty diet for 6 weeks and a low dose of green tea extract [325 mg/kg/day] by an oral tube for the last 4 weeks. Subgroup IIIb rats [high-dose group, n = 10] were given a high-energy fatty diet for 6 weeks and a high dose of green tea extract [500 mg/kg/day] by an oral tube for the last 4 weeks. After 6 weeks, the animals were weighed, killed, and specimens from perinephric fat were prepared for light microscopic [sudan III and osmic acid stains] and electron microscopic [transmission and scanning electron microscopic] studies. The mean area of unilocular fat cells [micrometer square] was measured and statistically studied. There was a significant increase in body weight and in marked adipocyte morphological and cytological changes [size of adipocytes, saturated fatty acids within fat cells, and increased mitochondrial content] in groups II and IIIa compared with the control group. Such effects were ameliorated by concomitant administration of high-dose green tea extract in group IIIb. It could be concluded that high-dose green tea extract is effective in lowering the increased body weight due to a high-energy fatty diet. Hence, it is advised to consider a high dose of green tea extract effective against diet-induced obesity through its effect on size and structure of adipocyte

Parasite Platelet Interactions

Platelets are not true cells. They are actually fragments of large bone marrow cells called megakaryocytes. They are small sized diskettes about 3 micro m in diameter, that on the whole amount to a mean measure of roughly 300,000 cells per micro l of blood. Individually, each features a cell of 7 fl, and a mean surface area of 8micro m2. In aggregate, blood platelets display a larger total volume and surface area than the aggregate of all other leukocyte subtypes taken together. Platelets are often classed as blood cells[1,2], and undoubtedly, play an eminent role in hemostasis and thrombosis. However, a recent research showed that platelets help to fight infections, by means that clearly exceed an exclusive function as mere players in the primary physiological processes[3]. On activation, platelets exhibit the ability to release considerable quantities of secretory products and express a multitude of immune receptors on their membrane. They are characterized by an open canalicular system, which contributes to the engulfment and/or filtration of serum components, pathogens or antigens[4]. The identification of chemokines in blood platelets has strengthened the view of these cells as participants in immune host defense. Platelet chemokines, representing pre-stored and rapidly releasable proteins, may play a major role as first-line inflammatory mediators. This is evident from their capability to recruit early inflammatory cells such as neutrophil granulocytes and monocytes and even to exhibit direct antimicrobial activity. However, insight is growing that platelet chemokines may also be long-term regulators, e.g., by activating T lymphocytes[5]. Regarding parasitic infections, blood platelets are suggested to have a role in destroying parasites. This finding may have an implication in treatment of parasites[6]. This review is an attempt to clarify the role of platelets in some parasitic infections

Evaluation of the OSOM Trichomonas rapid test for detection of Trichomoniasis vaginalis

Trichomoniasis is estimated to be the most widely prevalent non viral sexually transmitted infection in the world. Wet mount [WM] microscopy is the most common diagnostic method although its sensitivity is not satisfactory. The aim of the present study is to compare the diagnostic value of OSOM Trichomonas rapid test [OSOM Trich] with conventional diagnostic techniques and PCR for T. vaginalis infection. 128 samples were collected from symptomatic females. Samples were subjected to WM examination, culture, PCR and OSOM Trich test [an immunochromatography based test] for the detection of T. vaginalis. Of the 128 examined samples, PCR detected 14 positive samples, culture detected 13 samples, WM detected 9 samples, while OSOM Trich detected 12 of the PCR positive samples plus one false positive case. Sensitivity of culture, WM and OSOM Trich were 92.9%, 64.3% and 85.7% respectively, while specificity was 100%, 100% and 99.1%, respectively. OSOM Trich showed slightly lower sensitivity and specificity than culture, yet proved simple, rapid with no need for an equipped laboratory or a trained technician. The test is also economically acceptable, it can be used as a spot routine testing method for improving detection of T. vaginalis cases

Radiological changes and progress in patient with pulmonary Tuberculosis following treatment with daily versus intermittent short course regimens

This is a prospective comparative randomized study carried out at Kosti teaching hospital 2006- 2008. To determine the radiological findings and to evaluate the radiological progress in patient with pulmonary Tuberculosis treated with daily versus intermittent short course regimens. A total of 275 smear positive new cases of Tuberculosis were enrolled and randomized in to two groups, intermittent group [A] and daily regimen group [B] .X-Ray film was done initially and at the end of treatment for each patient. It was found that 31% of the X-Ray films were normal. Concerning the progress of minimal lesion significantly high percentage improved to normal X-Ray 58% in group A and 53% in group B, 42% in group A and 40% in group B stayed as minimal lesion. The results of far advanced lesion revealed that intermittent regimen improved 16.6% of the films to normal and minimal lesion, 8.3% to moderate lesion, 33.3% moderately advanced lesion and 25% remained unchanged, while in the daily regimen, 21% improved to normal and minimal lesion, 5.2% to moderate lesion, 27% to moderately advanced lesion and 27.6%. Statistical analysis revealed a significant difference between the two groups. Conversion of minimal lesions to normal X-Ray was significantly higher in the intermittent group and the conversion of far advanced lesions to normal was significantly higher in the daily regimen

Identification of antigenic epitopes of strongyloides stercoralis filariform larval antigen for immunodiagnosis of strongyloidiasis using western blot

Microscopic diagnosis of strongyloidiasis depending on detection of larvae in fecal samples is not sensitive, especially in asymptornatic patients, and development of reliable serological methods is imperative. Western blot [WB] technique showed promising results for the reactivity analysis in several parasitic infections. The objective of the present study is to identify relevant proteins of S. stercoralis filariform larvae [L3] using WB and a panel of serum samples for immunodiagnosis of strongyloidiasis. Material and S. stercoralis L3 were cultured from fecal samples of infected patients. The antigen was extracted and analyzed using SDS-PAGE. Sixty nine serum samples belonging to 3 groups of patients were analyzed and included in the study as: Group I [shedding S. stercoralis larvae in feces], group II [infected with other parasites], and group III [with negative parasitological results]. Reactivity of the resulting bands of S. stercoralis L3 antigen was analyzed with the serum samples using WB technique. Thirty four immunoreactive bands were detected in the WB analysis representing recognition of proteins with molecular weight [MW] varying from 19 to 214 kDa. Immunodominant proteins of 43, 41, 36, and 23/33 kDa were recognized respectively in 39%, 35%, 70% and 60% of sera from patients with confirmed strongyloidiasis; and in 29%, 21%, 21% and 30% of sera from those infected with other parasitic infections. One band [41 kDa] gave reaction with one serum sample from group III. It was concluded that the 43, 41, 36 and 32 kDa bands could be considered important tools for the development of diagnostic techniques for strongyloidiasis

History of TB in the Sudan

Medical history in Sudan is far from being complete. There are no reliable records. Attempt to write on the projects and development of history of TB in the Sudan is a difficult task. To study and trace the progress of TB in Sudan during the last century through their historical development. A retrospective study. Data were collected from the annual reports of the Sudan Medical Services. Libraries and a number of previous studies were consulted. The route of entry of TB in the Sudan is mainly from the North. The South was virgin from TB up to 1930s. Northern Sudanese tribes have a high susceptibility and incidence of TB during 1925-1932 [3.7/1000]. The south and the Nuba Mountains were almost free from infection or disease. The infectivity rate was highest in North 4.3% while Khartoum showed 3%. In the South, Rumbek district, no TB cases were reported before the age of puberty up to 1930. Prevalence of tuberculosis in 1959/1960 was 26.0% and the detection rate was only 30%. Northern Sudanese contracted tuberculosis while serving in the Egyptian army and cities. The Southern and Western tribes who were almost free from TB infection became highly susceptible to both infection and disease. The infectivity rate remains static during the last 50 years

CXCR3 and CXCR4 receptors expression on peripheral blood T-lymphocytes from patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis [RA] is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects multiple joints. Chemokines and their receptors are involved together in the development and perpetuation of inflammation Chemokine receptors CXCR3 and CXCR4 are among the main regulators of T cell recruitment in autoimmune diseases. The present study aimed at detection of the frequency of CXCR3 and CXCR4 chemokine receptors expression on peripheral blood T-lymphocytes in patients with rheumatoid arthritis in an attempt to identify suitable targets for therapeutic intervention. Twenty eight patients with rheumatoid arthritis, selected from those attending the Rheumatology and Rehabilitation outpatient clinic, Ain Shams University Hospitals, were studied. Ten age and sex matched healthy subjects were served as controls. All patients were subjected to full medical history, thorough clinical examination, evaluation of the disease activity using disease activity score 28 [DAS28] and radiological assessment by plain X rays of both hands and feet [posterior - antero views] for the erosive changes. Peripheral blood lymphocytes analysis was performed by flow cytometry using anti-CD3, anti-CXCR3 and anti-CXCR4 monoclonal antibodies. High statistically significant difference was determined between patients and controls as regard relative count of T- lymphocytes expressing CXCR4 receptors [35.068 +/- 5.098, 23.59 +/- 4.601, respectively and P< 0.001]. Also, there was a significant positive correlation between relative count of T- lymphocytes expressing CXCR4 receptors and disease activity using disease activity sore 28 [DAS28] disease duration and the hemoglobin level. On the other hand, no significant correlation was determined between relative count of T- lymphocytes expressing CXCR3 receptors and any of the clinical and laboratory parameters of patients. Increased expression of CXCR4 on peripheral T cells of Patients [RA Patients] and its positive correlation with the disease activity indicate that this chemokine receptor plays a central role in the process of chronic inflammation in RA and suggests that targeting CXCR4 could provide a new treatment for this disease. Although our data did not prove that CXCR3 expression is higher in patients with RA, however, it can be expected that it is involved in the inflammatory process based on reported functional studies

Enoxaparin versus unfractionated heparin in acute ischemic stroke [in-evolution type]. Differential effects of enoxaparin on von willebrand factor release and a possible relation to improved clinical outcomes

The significance of low-molecular-weight heparins [LMWHs] in the management of acute stroke remains controversial. Investigating the effect of early administration of Enoxaparin [ENOX] on risk reduction of early recurrent ischemic strokes compared with Unfractionated Heparin [UFH]. Besides, exploring whether these benefits of ENOX might lead to reduction in death and disability. One hundred patients with acute ischemic stroke in evolution were enrolled [with symptoms of stroke within eight hours randomization]. Patients were randomized to receive UFH or ENOX for ten days. National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale [NIHSS] and Computed Tomography [ct] scan were performed at the time of admission, and after 48 hours of randomization. The mean baseline of [NIHSS] were 9.14 +/- 0.62 and 7.86 +/- 0.54 among patients randomized to UFH and ENOX respectively [P-value 0.2]. At discharge, the mean NIHSS showed a statistically significant difference in favor of the ENOX group [7.9 +/- 0.82 vs 4.96 +/- 0.54 for ENOX and UFH respectively [P-value = 0.002]] The mean NIHSS after therapy in patients who demonstrated neurological improvement was 5.6 +/- 0.46 in the UFH arm compared to 3.65 +/- 0.39 in the ENOX arm [P-valne=0.001]. A deterioration in the clinical neurological condition [progressive stroke symptoms] inspite of treatment with anticoagulant therapy was seen in 20% [n=10] of the patients in the UFH treatment arm compared to none [n=0] in the ENOX treatment arm [P-value=0.005]. ENOX + aspirin was superior to UFH + aspirin in reducing adverse neurological disability after acute ischemic stroke in evolution

Profiles of serological reactivity against cytosoluble proteins of brucella melitensis in infected and vaccinated sheep

Sera from vaccinated lambs with Brucella melitensis Rev. 1 and naturally infected sheep with Brucella melitensis biovar 3 as well as Brucella free sheep, were examined using standard serological tests.No great difference in standard serological tests results between vaccinated and infected animals. These sera were also analyzed for their serological reactivity against whole killed cell [WKC] and cytosoluble protein extract [CPE] antigens using ELISA.The present study showed that ELISA with WKC was unable to differentiate infected sheep from those vaccinated with Rev. I while ELISA with -cytosoluble proteins antigen may able to differentiate antibody response of infected animals from vaccinated ones.Using immunoblot technique, sera from naturally infected animals showed strong antibody reactivity to 28.48KDa and variable reactions to 58.80, 49.70, 39.60, 32.47 and 18.00 KDa. However sera from Rev.1 vaccinated animals showed less intense antibody reactivity which only observed against proteins with molecular masses of 49.70 and 39.60 KDa. It is likely that cytosoluble proteins may provide useful serological reagent for differentiation between infected and vaccinated sheep

Using of brucella cell envelop as an antigen in diagnosis of ovine brucellosis

In this study serum samples from 35 Brucella culture positive and 80 Brucella culture negative sheep were used to evaluate the use Whole Cell Sonicate [WCS] and Cell Envelop [CE] antigens prepared from Brueclla melitensis type 3 [field strain] for ELISA. These samples were also tested using Rose Bengal test [RBT], Buffered acidified plate test [BAPT], Rivanol test [Riv. T.] and Tube agglutination test [TAT]. The results showed that 35 [100%] of the examined sera from the culture positive group were positive in BAPA, RBT and TAT tests while 34 [97.14%] were positive for Riv. T. However, from 80 animal from the culture negative group, 7 [8.75%], 8 [10%], 5 [6.25%], and 8 [10%] were positive for RBT, BAPA, Riv. T and TAT respectively. The serum samples of these animals were then tested by indirect ELISA using WCS and CE antigens. From the 35 culture positive animals 35 [100%] showed positive results, while, from the 80 culture negative animals 5 [6.25%] and 2 [2.5%] were positive in WCS and CE ELISA respectively. The sensitivity of ELISA with both WCS and CE antigens was 100%. It is clear that WCS and CE detect all culture positive sheep. The specificity of ELISA for WSC was 93.75% and for CE was 97.5%. In conclusion CE seems to be effective for diagnosis of Brucella melitensis infection in sheep by ELISA

Sporadic carriers of human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 among blood donors in Egypt

Human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 [HTLV-1] infected subjects although remain asymptomatic carriers but up to 7% may develop adult T-cell leukemia and chronic inflammatory neurological diseases represented by HTLV-1 associated myelophathy [HAM]/ tropical spastic paraparesis [TSP]. The impact of these diseases on individuals and their communities is often devastating and the prognosis is poor. This study was to assess the current incidence of asymptomatic HTLV-1 infected carriers in a group of Egyptian healthy blood donors to provide information for appropriate policies. The study was conducted on 90 apparently healthy blood donors that were selected from those attending gynecological and obstetric blood bank of Ain-Shams University for blood donations. They were serologically negative to HBs Ag, HCV Ab, and HIV Ab Enzymelinked immunosorbent assay [ELISA] was done to detect the circulating antibodies against HTLV-1 in their plasma. Four out of 90 subjects [4.4%] were serologically positive by ELISA technique. SYBRgreen real time polymerase chain reaction [RT-PCR] was performed for the detection of HTLV-1 proviral DNA in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells [PBMCs] to confirm results of ELISA.One sample out of 90 samples [1.1%] was determined to be positive for HTLV-1 proviral DNA by RTPCR. This sample was also ELISA positive. The positive predictive value of ELISA was 96% and the negative predictive value was 100%. HTLV-1 infection in Egypt showed sporadic carriers at low rate but the assessment of its prevalence is important. ELISA is a sensitive reliable technique for screening blood for HTLV-1 infection and ELISA positive results should be confirmed with PCR. Although SYBR- green RT- PCR has high level of specificity, it is not applicable to all cases due to high cost and is better to be used for confirmation. Epidemiological surveillance is recommended to verify the prevalence and incidence of HTLV-1 infection, so that preventive measures can be taken to decrease the spread and transmission of HTLV-1 in Egypt