Therapeutic effect of mefloquine on Schistosoma mansoni in experimental infection in mice.

Schistosomiasis is one of the most prevalent parasitic infections worldwide. Praziquantel is the drug of choice for treatment of schistosomiasis for its high efficacy. The present work was carried out on 160 mice to evaluate the therapeutic effect of mefloquine on experimental schistosomiasis mansoni. Mice were classified into 3 groups; group I (20 infected non-treated mice), group II included 60 infected mice which were further divided into group IIm (20 mice treated with 400 mg/kg mefloquine), group IIp (20 mice treated with 1,000 mg/kg/2 days praziquantel) and group IIpm (20 mice treated with 200 mg/kg mefloquine and 500 mg/kg praziquantel), group III included 80 non-infected mice subdivided into group IIIn (20 non-treated mice), group IIIm (20 mice treated with 400 mg/kg mefloquine), group IIIp (20 mice treated with 1,000 mg/kg/2 days praziquantel), group IIIpm (20 mice treated with 200 mg mefloquine and 500 mg praziquantel). Mefloquine significantly reduced worm burden, tissue egg load, number of liver granulomas and increased the percent of dead ova within granulomas. Combination of mefloquine and praziquantel gave better curative effects than praziquantel or mefloquine given alone.

The Validity of Rapid Malaria Test and Microscopy in Detecting Malaria in a Preelimination Region of Egypt.

Background. Malaria is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Rapid and accurate diagnosis of malaria would improve control measures and reduce morbidity and mortality. Objective. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of malaria in high risk foci in Egypt and the effectiveness of rapid diagnostic tests in diagnosis and subsequently control of malaria. Methodology. A total number of 600 cases of both sexes with different ages were included in the present study. Cases were included in 2 groups; first group (500 cases) were randomly selected from households in Fayoum Governorate and second group (100 cases) were admitted to Fayoum Fever Hospital with signs suggestive of malaria. Cases were subjected to detailed history taking, clinical examination, microscopic examination of thin and thick blood films, and immunological test to detect plasmodial antigens. Results. A total of 3 positive cases were detected by rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs). Out of these 3 cases, one case was positive for malaria parasite by microscopic examination of blood films. All positive cases in the study had history of travel to malaria endemic areas. Conclusion. RDTs are simple and effective for rapid diagnosis of malaria to help in implication of control measures in different localities.

Clinical and serological outcomes with different surgical approaches for human hepatic hydatidosis.

INTRODUCTION: Hydatidosis is the result of infection with the larval stages of some species of the genus Echinococcus. Treatment approaches for hydatid cysts include the use of albendazole, surgery, and/or medico-surgical procedures. The choice of the therapeutic surgical approach depends on the cyst number and localization, surgeon expertise, and presence of complications. The present study aimed to compare the outcomes of the following therapeutic approaches for the treatment of hepatic hydatid cysts: pericystectomy; the puncture, aspiration, injection, and reaspiration (PAIR) technique; and the PAIR technique followed by deroofing, evacuation of cysts, and omentoplasty. METHODS: The 54 patients were divided into 3 groups: Group I (14 patients) who underwent pericystectomy, Group II (23 patients) who underwent the PAIR technique, and Group III (17 patients) who underwent the PAIR technique followed by deroofing and omentoplasty. The diagnosis of hydatid cysts was based on serological testing using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, abdominal ultrasound, and parasitological examination of the cyst contents. Morbidity, mortality, length of hospital stay, recurrence, and postoperative complications were evaluated. RESULTS: Postoperative bleeding, infection, and recurrence were reported in Groups I and II; Group III did not experience postoperative infection and had shorter hospital stays. Recurrence and postoperative complications did not occur in Group III. CONCLUSIONS: The partial surgical procedure with deroofing, evacuation of the cysts, and omentoplasty, as performed in the present study, is recommended as a safe and effective method for elimination of the entire parasite with minimal possibility for intra-peritoneal spillage.

Clinical and serological outcomes with different surgical approaches for human hepatic hydatidosis

ABSTRACTINTRODUCTION:Hydatidosis is the result of infection with the larval stages of some species of the genus Echinococcus. Treatment approaches for hydatid cysts include the use of albendazole, surgery, and/or medico-surgical procedures. The choice of the therapeutic surgical approach depends on the cyst number and localization, surgeon expertise, and presence of complications. The present study aimed to compare the outcomes of the following therapeutic approaches for the treatment of hepatic hydatid cysts: pericystectomy; the puncture, aspiration, injection, and reaspiration (PAIR) technique; and the PAIR technique followed by deroofing, evacuation of cysts, and omentoplasty.METHODS:The 54 patients were divided into 3 groups: Group I (14 patients) who underwent pericystectomy, Group II (23 patients) who underwent the PAIR technique, and Group III (17 patients) who underwent the PAIR technique followed by deroofing and omentoplasty. The diagnosis of hydatid cysts was based on serological testing using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, abdominal ultrasound, and parasitological examination of the cyst contents. Morbidity, mortality, length of hospital stay, recurrence, and postoperative complications were evaluated.RESULTS:Postoperative bleeding, infection, and recurrence were reported in Groups I and II; Group III did not experience postoperative infection and had shorter hospital stays. Recurrence and postoperative complications did not occur in Group III.CONCLUSIONS:The partial surgical procedure with deroofing, evacuation of the cysts, and omentoplasty, as performed in the present study, is recommended as a safe and effective method for elimination of the entire parasite with minimal possibility for intra-peritoneal spillage.