Comparison of immunochromatographic test and microscopy in the detection of some enteric protozoa in stool samples

Infection with pathogenic intestinal protozoa as Giardia lamblia, Entamoeba histolytica and Cryptosporidium parvum cause considerable gastrointestinal morbidity, malnutrition and mortality worldwide, especially among young children in developing countries. The present study was carried out on 71 cases [44 males and 27 females] chosen from Pediatric and Internal Medicine Inpatient and Outpatient Clinics of Zagazig University Hospitals, complaining of different gastrointestinal troubles with an age range of 6-60 years. Also, 20 apparently healthy individuals [11 males and 9 females] cross matched were considered as a control negative group. All stool samples were examined by direct wet smears, concentration techniques, staining of the smears using trichrome stain and Modified Ziehi-Neelsen method. Copro-antigen detection in faecal sample was by using quick immunochromatographic test. A total of 71 cases suffering from different GIT manifestations showed G. lamblia [30.7%], Cryptosporidium parvum [19.8%], Entamoeba histolytica /E. dispar [11%] and mixed infection of three protozoa [6.6%]. However, by copro-antigen G. lamblia was positive in [31.8%] of C. parvum in [20.9%]; E. hisiolytica/E. dispar in [11%] of cases. lmmunochromatography/copro-antigen test recorded sensitivity and specificity of [100%] and [96.6%] respectively in G. lamblia detection. For C. parvum, sensitivity vas [100%] and specificity was [97.1%] while for E. histolytica/E. dispar sensitivity and specificity were [100%] for both. lmniunochrornatographic assay proved to be simple, easy and useful in confirming absence or the presence of intestinal protozoan infection in clinically suspected cues with negative stool examination

Outcome of emergency abdominal surgery in elderly patients

The outcome of emergency abdominal surgery in elderly patients [above 60 years old] remains unsatisfactory. Factors contributing to this outcome were studied; particularly in those aged 80 years and older. 44 patients aged 80 years or more [group A] and 152 patients aged 60-79 years [group B] who underwent emergency abdominal surgery between 1998 and 2003 in El-Minia University hospital and Al Haram hospital. Complications were significantly higher in group A than in group B. Respiratory failure was the most common postoperative complication. The mortality rate within 30 days after operation was also higher in group A[23%] than in group B [4.5%]. Morbidity and mortality did not differ significantly between those with and without preexisting concomitant disease in group A. Group B showed significant difference in morbidity and mortality among those Patients with or without preexisting concomitant disease Systemic Inflammatory Respouse Syndrome [SIRS]was noted in 26 patients [59%]in group A and in 71 patients [47%]in group B. Severe complications occurred in 22 patients [50%] of group A with Preoperative SIRS. The mortality rate in those with SIRS was significantly higher than that in patients without. So SIRS is considered a predictor of poor outcome in elderly patients who have emergency abdominal surgery. We concluded that Patients with SIRS should initially receive minimal treatment whenever possible, rather' than be over treated, until their condition stabilizes

Postoperative transient hypoparathyroidism in graves' disease

Postoperative tetany occurs in patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism caused by a deficiency in calcium and Vitamin D concomitant with transient hypoparathyroidism induced by surgery. In this study, we try to predict the risk factors for this observation by referring to serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D and alkaline phosphatase. The serum level of intact parathyroid hormone, calcium, other electrolytes, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D were measured preoperatively in 59 female patients with Graves' disease who underwent Subtotal thyroidectomy. A systematic accurate identification and preservation of parathyroid glands were always performed. Of the 59 female patients, 5 [8.4%] developed tetany. From analysis of different possible risk factors, the results showed that two were statistically significant: serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25 [OH] D] and alkaline Phosphatase [ALP] levels. The incidence of tetany according to the serum levels of 25 [OH] D and ALP was 20% [3/15] in patients with 25 [OH] D l55U/L, 9.09% [1/11] in those with 25 [OH] D 10 ngm/ml and ALP> 155u/L, and 0% [0/17] in those with 25 [OH] D> 10 ngm/ml and ALP >/= 155 u/L. Patients with Graves disease who have vitamin D deficiency and high serum alkaline phophatase levels is the highest risk group for postoperative tetany, so, serum 25 [OH] D and ALP should be monitired in patients with Graves' disease and preventive prescription of vitamin D and Calcium is recommended

Identification of fish and animal species by electrophoresis in horizontal system

Horizontal pore gradient sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis [horizontal pore gradient SDS-PAGE] technique was evaluated as a rapid tool to identify some Egyptian fish and animal species, and to estimate the molecular weight of protein subunits. The results indicated that this technique is very useful for fish species identification and for estimation of molecular weight. On the other hand, it was difficult to distinguish between either muscles or livers of different animal species. This technique has a number of advantages, including large number of samples were separated in one gel under identical conditions; due to the very small gel thickness [0.24 mm], cooling of the gel was so effective that higher field strength could be used with consequently improved resolution and decreased separation time; the thin layer pore gradient gels polymerized on plastic film are easily handled, rapidly stained and destained and thus provide transparent permanent electropherograms