Blastocystis spp. infection among IBS patients: various diagnostic methods and epidemiological study

This study determined Blastocystis spp. infection in patients with different classes of IBS. It also detected the sensitivity and specificity of microscopy, Jones' medium and PCR in detecting Blastocystis spp. in IBS patients' stool samples. This cross sectional study was carried out during the period from December 2014 to November 2016. The 100 IBS patients were 57 males and 43 females. Stool samples were collected from IBS patients and were examined by direct wet mount, different stains, cultured on Jones' medium and PCR to detect Blastocystis spp. Blastocystis spp. infection was common in the age group [15-30] "41.5%" and in rural areas "80.5%".The percentage of Blastocystis spp. positive cases detected by direct smear, Giemsa stain, modified trichrome stain, culture on Jones' medium and PCR were 69%, 77%, 80%, 82% and 54% respectively. Blastocystis spp. infection was more prominent in IBS- C class "56.1%". Blastocystis spp. infection was either single or mixed with other infections. The study showed that Blastocystis spp. infection was common in IBS patients especially IBS-C class. Modified trichrome stain and culture on Jones' medium were recommended to be the best methods used for its laboratory diagnosis

Experimental toxoplasmosis impact on male generative system: histopathology and hormonal assays

The protozoan T. gondii infects human and animals. The parasite can alter the generative system affecting fertility. This work studied the impact of toxoplasmosis on male generative system in rats. 49 laboratory breed Wistar rats were divided into group I containing 35 rats and group II 14 control. About 0.5ml of the withdrawn peritoneal exudates contained 2 x 106 tachyzoites RH strain type I was inoculated intraperitoneally into each rat of GI. On days 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 and 70 post-inoculation [PI]. Seven rats were anesthetized 5 from GI and 2 from GII each time. Both testes were removed, weighed, body and testis weight ratio [BTR] was calculated. Left testis was kept for histopathology and right testis was processed for tissue homogenate preparation and estimation of intratesticular testosterone [ITT] and lactate dehydrogenase [ITLDH]. For BTR, slightly or no difference was detected. Mean level of ITT was significantly decreased in GI throughout the 70 days, ITLDH was higher in GI especially on days 40, 50, 60 and 70 [P < 0.05]. Detection of tachyzoites within seminiferous tubules on day 10 PI, with aggregation on day 30. Engorged blood vessels, degenerated, oedematous vessels, empty seminal vesicle with increasing number of tachyzoite and bradyzoite in cyst were detected. In GII, germinal cells were available with non detectable pathology. Toxoplasmosis altered hormonal ITT and ITLDH which was linked to testicular damage in male rats

Sensitivity and specificity of wet mount, culture and PCR in diagnosing trichomonas vaginalis infection in females attending the gynecology clinic of Minia University Hospital

Background and Objectives: trichomoniasis affects approximately 180 million women worldwide. It can have an atypical or even asymptomatic course. Therefore, to accurately diagnose this disease, microbiological investigation is necessary. The aim of this study was to compare wet mount, culture and polymerase chain reaction [PCR]based approaches to establish which method[s] was [were] more efficient in the laboratory diagnosis of trichomoniasis

Study design: one hundred fifty female patients attending the Gynecology Clinic of Minia University Hospital were examined clinically and by different diagnostic tools for detection of T. vaginalis in vaginal samples. For analysis of sensitivity and specificity of the methods used, the PCR technique was used as a gold standard diagnostic tool

Results: T. vaginalis infection was diagnosed in 11 [7.33%], 19 [12.7%], and 50 [33.3%] patients using wet mount, culture in Diamond's medium and PCR techniques, respectively. Although the wet mount for diagnosing T. vaginalis is specific, its sensitivity was poor [22%]. On the other hand, while the sensitivity and specificity of culture technique were 38% and 100%, those of PCR were 95% and 100%, respectively

Conclusion: comparison of different methods for diagnosis of T. vagina/is showed that at least two techniques, such as culture and PCR, have the potential for better diagnosis of infection. PCR detection of T. vaginalis was highly specific and sensitive, but its availability and cost effectiveness is questionable. However, PCR could provide a better alternative for laboratory diagnosis of trichomoniasis by culture