Zoonoses from cats: with special reference to Egypt.

A zoonosis is an animal disease that is transmissible to humans. Humans are usually an accidental host that acquires disease through close contact with an infected animal, who may or may not be symptomatic. Children are at highest risk for infection because they are more likely to have close contact with pets. Cats are responsible for transmission of an extensive array of bacterial, fungal, and parasitic zoonotic pathogens. The route of transmission can be through the saliva (e.g., bites or contaminated scratches), feces, respiratory secretions, direct contact, or by the cat acting as a vehicle and source of tick or flea exposure. Although cats have been implicated in transmission of zoonosis to their owners, risk of transmission from contact with cats is low and may be further reduced by simple precautions. There is a need for education on zoonotic disease prevention practices for pet-owning households with individuals at higher risk of infection, and to educate future veterinarians during their early years in veterinary school about the risks associated with their future jobs. Also, zoonotic disease awareness training is a valuable service to animal shelter workers.

Entomophobia, acarophobia, parasitic dermatophobia or delusional parasitosis.

Entomophobia or acarophobia, parasitic dermatophobia (PD) or delusional parasitosis (DP) is a disorder in which affected individuals has the mistaken but unshakable belief (delusion) that they are infected by insects, spiders, scorpion, ticks, mites, parasitic worms, bacteria, or other living organisms. As with all delusions, this belief cannot be corrected by reasoning, persuasion, or logical argument. To avoid them, they may always be cleaning rooms, floors, doors, windows and scratching. Many affected individuals are quite functional; for the minority, delusions of parasitic infection may interfere with usual activities. However, most insects are not harmful to humans and pose no threat, those who suffer with this phobia experience extreme anxiety at the mere thought or sight of an insect. Most patients consult dermatologists, veterinarians, pest control specialists, or entomologists. The DP cases are increasing worldwide; it remains an extremely unrepeatable disorder.

Zoonotic Dicrocoeliasis dendriticum in a farmer's family at Giza Governorate, Egypt.

Dicrocoeliasis (Lancet liver fluke disease) is caused by Dicrocoelium dendriticum, a trematode living in bile ducts of sheep, cattle and other mammals including man. Human infection is asymptomatic or mild to moderately severe, but being sporadic or rarely reported. This paper reported zoonotic dicrocoeliasis dendriticum among a farmer's family and his domestic animals. The father and mother were successfully treated with Triclabendazole and the children and animals were successfully treated with Mirazid and Oleo-resin solution of Commiphora molmol respectively.

Detection of Entamoeba histolytica/dispar in stool specimens by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in the population of Jeddah City, Saudi Arabia.

This study determined the prevalence of intestinal parasites, particularly pathogenic Entamoeba sp. (E. histolytica), in patients attending three hospitals in Jeddah City, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, King Abdulaziz Hospital and King Fahad Hospital for gastro-intestinal troubles. 186 stool specimens were examined microscopically for parasites and by ELISA kit (E. histolytica II) for true E. histolytica. 83 samples (44.6%) were positive by microscopy for at least one parasite. Of which, 23 (12.4%) showed two parasites and 15 (8.1%) three parasites. Eight different parasite species were identified. The most prevalent were E. histolytica/dispar (n = 26, 31.3%) and Giardia lamblia (n = 13, 15.7%). Others were Blastocytosis hominis (n = 12, 14.5%), Entamoeba coli (n = 11, 13.3%), Trichuris trichuria (n = 8, 9.6%), Endolymax nana (n = 6, 7.2%), Hymenolepes nana (n = 4, 4.8%) and Chilomastix mesnili (n = 3, 3.6%). Only five stool samples (19%) from those identified by microscopy to contain E. histolytica/dispar, were E. histolytica positive by E. histolytica II ELISA. For the first time to the authors' knowledge the true prevalence of E. histolytica in Saudi Arabia was 2.7%. E. histolytica II ELISA proved to be a highly useful technique to differentiate pathogenic E. histolytica from non pathogenic E. dispar.

Cytokines and immunoglobulin-E in certain parasitic diseases.

Ninety Egyptian patients were classified into 7 groups, 6 with different parasitic infection and 10 normal controls. Forty patients with different schistosomiasis stages (1, 2 & 3) with compensated but the last one (stage 4) of decompansated schistosomiasis. Gs3 & 4 of mixed infections with schistosomiasis and HCV & HBV respectively. The last 3 patients groups were infected with toxoplasmosis, filariasis and hymenolepiasis nana. IL2, IL4 & Ig E levels were measured. The results showed significant increase in IL2 (P < 0.05), (P < 0.01), P < 0.01) & (P < 0.001) among stages (1, 2, 3 & 4) versus control respectively. In chronic schistosomiasis with HCV & HBV, significance was P = < 0.001 & P < 0.05 respectively, among toxoplasmosis, filariasis and hymenolepiasis patients, it was P = < 0.001, 0.05 & 0.01 respectively. The IL 4 level showed highly significant increase (P< 0.001) among stage 1, 2, Gs 2, 3 & 6. There was significant increase (P < 0.01) with stage 3 in Gs 4 & 5 but, without significance (P > 0.05) increased in decompensate schistosomiasis patients. IgE level and test of significance versus controls were given and results were discussed.

Present situation of house dust mites in Dakahlia Governorate, Egypt.

House dust mites are common inhalant allergens, which can precipitate atopic disease episodes. The present study revealed presence of four mites. These are Dermatophagoides farinae, D. pteronyssinus, Acheles gracilis and Ornithonyssus bacoti. Population densities of different live adult mites were investigated in different house habitats. In urban houses, pyroglyphid mites were the predominant in bedrooms and D. farinae was the most abundant. A. gracilis was more abundant in living rooms followed by D. farinae then D. pteronyssinus. A. gracilis was the most prevalent in kitchens. While in rural houses, O. bacoti was the most abundant species followed by pyroglyphid mites. Since Dermatophagoides species and A. gracilis were present in numbers high enough to allow their ecological consideration, their seasonal abundance in urban bed-rooms was investigated and revealed that both D. farinae and D. pteronyssinus have two peaks of abundance, one slightly higher in spring and the second in autumn. A. gracilis has two peaks but the higher occurred in autumn and the second in spring.

Human fascioliasis among immigrant workers in Saudi Arabia.

Animal fascioliasis has been reported in Saudi Arabia among imported and local sheep. The paper demonstrated the parasitological and clinical features of human fascioliasis in nine out of ten male immigrant manual workers with manifestations suggesting fascioliasis. The sedimentation and Kato-Katz techniques proved effect in diagnosing Fasciola species eggs in human stool. The common clinical features were abdominal distension, flatulence, tender right-upper quadrant and easy fatigability and the least was the tinge of jaundice. Others as right upper quadrant pains, colicky abdominal pains & vomiting, epi-gastric pain and mild fever, and tympanitic abdomen were encountered. Anaemia and eosinophlia were also encountered in the ten patients. Fascioliasis patients (nine) were successfully treated with Mirazid as two capsules (600 mg) on an empty stomach an hour before breakfast for six consecutive days. Follow-up clinically and parasitologically was available in only seven fascioliasis patients who were completely cured. Follow-up for the other two fascioliasis patients was out in hand. Other parasites recovered in the stained (eosin, iodine and Zeihl-Nelson stains) smear stool samples was Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium parvum. Besides, three were free from intestinal protozoan. The results were discussed on the light of the other work carried out regionally.

Blastocystis hominis among symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals in Talkha Center, Dakahlia Governorate, Egypt.

Blastocystis hominis is now getting acceptance as an agent of human intestinal disease. B. hominis in stool samples of symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals was evaluated as a possible cause of gastro-intestinal troubles. B. hominis was found in 106 (10.1%) out of 1050 individuals examined from six villages and one city in Talkha Center, Dakahlia Governorate. The highest infection rate was in Manshayt El-Badawy village (25.47%), whereas Talkha City showed the lowest rate (4.73%). Age group 10-20 years had higher infection (13.3%). In twenty-three symptomatic patients, B. hominis represented the only causative parasitic agent. The most common symptoms were diarrhoea (30.4%), abdominal pain (26.1%), flatulence (21.7%). vomiting (13.1%) and fatigue (8.7%). High concentrations of B. hominis were found in symptomatic patients than in asymptomatic ones with statistical significant difference (8.2 cells/100 x field versus 3.8 respectively). The mean number of B. hominis was significantly high in patients complaining of diarrhoea and abdominal pain.

DNA ploidy and S-phase fraction in the patients of chronic HCV and hepatocellular carcinomas.

Four hundred blue Fulgen-stained nuclei were measured from each lesion by using DNA image cytometry. The histopathological and cytopathological observations revealed that (52 cases, 69.3%) had a variable degrees of chronic hepatitis, (12cases 16 %) were emerging into cirrhosis, while (11 cases 14.7%) represented different grades of HCC. Most of the cases with minimal or mild chronic hepatitis were female, while most of male had moderate or severe chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis and HCC. DNA image analysis data gave the support of to the histological observations. All of chronic hepatitis C and cirrhotic cases showed normal diploid and/or tetraploid histograms, although increasing S-phase fraction s' values of the highly diseased chronic hepatitis and cirrhotic cases. Hepatocellular carcinomas and one cirrhotic case only revealed aneuploidy (diploid and tetraploid), while one case of poorly differentiated HCC revealed multiploid histogram. So, histopathological severity in cases of progressive chronic hepatitis seems to be associated with the age and sex of Egyptian society. Also, demonstrates the potential usefulness of image cytometry for the evaluation of the different histopathological problems.

Myrrh (Commiphora molmol) in treatment of human and sheep dicrocoeliasis dendriticum in Saudi Arabia.

Dicrocoeliasis dendriticum is now imposing itself as an animal and zoonotic helminthic disease in many Arabian countries. Myrrh extract of Commiphora molmol (Mirazid) successfully and safely treated clinically and parasitologically proven 18 human dicrocoeliasis dendriticum patients. The dose was 2 capsules (300 mg each) given on an empty stomach an hour before the breakfast for six successive days. Cure (100%) was achieved clinically and by stool analysis for two months follow up. Besides, fifteen sheep naturally infected with Dicrocoelium dendriticum as proven parasitologically were successfully and safely treated with 2 capsules (300 mg each) on an empty stomach an hour before breakfast for four successive days. Cure (100%) was successfully achieved by stool analysis for seven days and macroscopically for detection of any adult worm after being slaughtered. The total dose required to treat infected sheep (2400 mg) was less than that required for human treatment (3600 mg).

The effect of severe cystic hydatidosis on the liver of a Najdi sheep with special reference to the cyst histology and histochemistry.

A single case of severe hydatidosis in a liver of a Najdi sheep was studied. The estimated age of animal was 1.5 years and the liver was infected with 29 cysts and their diameters ranged from 4.0 mm to 5.1 cm. Cysts with diameter less than 10 mm were immature and those more than 1.5 cm were fertile and developed protroscoleces. Harvested protroscolices measured 120x60 to 140x80 um. Comparative histochemical studies by haematoxylin & eosin, periodic acid Schiff (PAS) and Mossaon's trichrome stains revealed that the cystic wall consisted of three layers which are germinal, laminated and fibrous respectively. The thickness varied with each stain. The glycogen and mucopolysaccharide content increased in infected sheep. Histopathological changes were the formation of fibrotic capsules around biliary tracts and portal vein and also leaky liver was marked in all the sections examined. Meanwhile, pre-malignant changes were seen in the different foci particularly around the biliary tracts and portal veins. The histochemical structure of the hydatid cyst wall may pave the way for effective therapeutic treatment.

Effect of itraconazole and terbinafine on Leishmania promastigotes.

The antiproliferative effect induced in vitro by two antifungal compounds, the azole itraconazole and the allylamine terbinafine on Leishmania major, L. donovani and L. mexicana promastigotes are reported. Treatment of promastigotes cultures with itraconazole or with terbinafine induced growth arrest with L. major but neither with L. donovani nor with L. mexicana. Concentrations of 0.75 microl/l or more of itraconazole induced cell lysis after 72 hours with L. major. However, even relatively large concentrations of terbinafine (2.0 microl/l) did not induce cell lysis. For L. major, the IC 50 for itraconazole and terbinafine were 0.31 microl/l and 3.3 microl/l respectively.

Evaluation of IgM-ELISA versus PCR in diagnosis of recent Toxoplasma gondii infection.

Whereas Toxoplasma gondii infection in the immunocompetent adult usually causes no serious clinical symptoms, congenital infection can lead to abortion or severe disease in the newborn infant. Early diagnosis should be made as soon as possible particularly in pregnant women and newborn babies since early treatment can minimize fetal sequelae. This work evaluates IgM-ELISA and PCR in diagnosis of recent T. gondii infection. The results revealed that PCR detected very recently infected cases (23 out of 70 suspected cases) than IgM-ELISA (only 18 cases). The combination of both tests may help to improve the sensitivity of diagnosis (45% in suspected group) more than either PCR (32.8%) or IgM-ELISA alone (25.7%).

A preliminary pilot survey on head lice, pediculosis in Sharkia Governorate and treatment of lice with natural plant extracts.

Twelve different representative areas in Sharkia Governorate were surveyed for head lice, Pediculus humanus capitis. The pre-valence was investigated among 120 houses containing 2,448 individual, with different age, sex and socioeconomic status. Examination was done by naked eye aided with hand-lens. A total of 137 individuals were infested. Infestation rates were higher in the rural areas with low socioeconomic levels, concrete houses with over-crowded family members. Children had significantly higher infestation rates than adults. Males had lower infestation rates than females. However, the hair length and permanent hair washing were the factors accounted for both age and sex difference in prevalence of pediculosis. Head lice infestations were found all over the year, but increased in summer and spring. One hundred infested patients (90 females and 10 males) with different aged and hair length were treated with tour mixed cream from plants Lawsonia alba L. (Henna). Trigonella faemum-gracanum (Fenugreek), Hibiscus cannabinus (Hibiscus) and Artemisia cina (Wormseed). The head lice completely disappeared within a week among those patients treated by henna mixed with aqueous extract of sheah (100%) or mixed with helba (75%) or with karkada (50%).