Evaluation of the efficacy of pediatric suspension of praziquantel against schistosoma mansoni in experimental animals

Background: Schistosomiasis is one of the neglected tropical diseases with recent evidences about the high prevalence among preschool-age children. The pediatric formulation of Praziquantel [PZQ] has to be assessed for the efficacy as it gave controversial results in several countries

Objective[s]: The current study aimed at evaluating the efficacy of the pediatric suspension of PZQ against Schistosoma mansoni Egyptian strain in the experimental animals

Methods: 150 Swiss albino mice infected with Schistosoma mansoni were divided into three groups, the first group was treated with 600 mg/kg body weight of PZQ pediatric suspension, the second group was treated with 600 mg/kg PZQ tablets and the third one received no treatment as a control. The efficacy of the pediatric formulation was experimentally evaluated in comparison with the tablet formulation as a benchmark on the basis of the following specific parasitological parameters [worm burden, tissue egg load, and oogram pattern i.e. percentage of dead, live or immature eggs shown in the stool sample]

Results: The comparison between the mean egg count per gram stool in the two groups pediatric suspension of PZQ [Epiquantel] and adult tablets of PZQ [Distocide], and the control group by applying one way ANOVA revealed a statistically significant difference [p<0.05] between the mean egg count in both treated groups [Epiquantel and Distocide] and their control group. The reduction of the total worm burden caused by Epiquantel[registered] was 96.9%, while that of Distocide[registered] was 86.7%, they were found to be statistically significant[p<0.05] in comparison with the control group. Epiquantel[registered] reduced the male worms by 100% and the females were reduced by 94.1%. Distocide showed a similar effect, it reduced the worms by 88.4% and 85.1% for males and females respectively. The administration of a single oral dose of both Epiquantel[registered] and Distocide[registered] resulted in a statistically significant reduction [p<0.05] in the mean egg count per gram tissue either the liver or the wall of small intestine when compared to their infected untreated control group. Complete absence of immature egg stages, high reduction in the mature eggs, and the increase in the dead eggs were observed in both Epiquantel[registered] and Distocide[registered] groups when compared to the control group

Conclusion: The results prescribed that the pediatric suspension formula of PZQ is as efficient as the tablet formula against Schistosoma mansoni [Egyptian CD strain] in the mouse model. It could be recommended for pediatric treatment

Evaluation of different diagnostic approaches for detection of cryptosporidium in stools of diarrheic children

Background: Cryptosporidiosis is of utmost importance especially in vulnerable age groups in developing countries. Malnourished children are more susceptible to recurrent diarrheal episodes, which can lead to chronic nutritional and cognitive sequelae or even death

Objective[s]: to evaluate four different diagnostic approaches for Cryptosporidium infection in stools of diarrheic children

Methods: One hundred stool specimens were collected from diarrheic children in Alexandria University Children Hospital [El-Shatby]. All samples were investigated by four techniques; directly by microscopic detection of Cryptosporidium oocysts using modified Ziehl-Neelsen [MZN] stain. Indirectly, through detection of coproantigen by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA] and rapid strip test. Cryptosporidium DNA was detected by conventional polymerase chain reaction [PCR]

Results: Using the four methods, 65% of examined children had Cryptosporidium infection, while Cryptosporidium oocysts were shown by MZN stain technique among 41%. However, by rapid strip test, ELISA, and PCR the percentages were 45%, 48%, and 59%, respectively. PCR elicited the highest diagnostic efficiency [64%] among the three diagnostic non-microscopic techniques when the MZN technique was used as the gold standard test. However, rapid strip test showed the least diagnostic efficiency [48%] when compared to PCR that was considered as the gold standard test. Meanwhile, ELISA was of moderate performance when compared to either PCR or to MZN technique used as gold standard test

Conclusion: PCR was more sensitive than rapid strip test and ELISA. It is time saving, but not cost effective. The rapid strip test could be considered as a complementary [additional] tool rather than a substitute for microscopic examination. It could be used for screening in cases of outbreaks of diarrhea for faster management of the problem