Observations of the rabbit pinworm Passalurus ambiguus (Rudolphi, 1819) in domestic rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in Egypt using a scanning electron microscope

Passalurus ambiguus (Rudolphi, 1819) is one of the most common oxyurid nematodes to be found in domestic and wild rabbits worldwide. In order to identify and determine the morphological characteristics of this pinworm, the current research was conducted as a microscopic study, using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Adult P. ambiguus were collected from naturally infected domestic rabbits in Egypt. Identification was made primarily by ordinary microscope, and subsequently, the morphological features were evaluated by SEM. Results indicate that SEM is a powerful tool to identify in detail the morphological characteristics such as the head, male cloacal area, female tail and the female copulatory plugs. All these features confirm the species is P. ambiguus and show the effectiveness of the SEM to differentiate P. ambiguus from related oxyurid species.

Acute phase response and immunofluorescence test in differentiation between viral and bacterial respiratory infections in children

In this work, the value of the clinical presentation and host responses [erythrocyte sedimentation rate, white blood cell count and C-reactive protein] in distinguishing viral from bacterial respiratory infections was studied in 240 infants and children. An etiologic diagnosis was carried out by cultures of pharyngeal secretions, antibody assays and antigen detection techniques. The results indicated that immunofluorescence [IF] test is the most appropriate rapid, accurate and reliable diagnostic technique for the detection of respiratory viral pathogens. Respiratory syncytial virus [RSV] was the most commonly isolated viral agent, while S. pneumoniae was the most commonly incriminated bacterial agent