A study on the potential role of Trichomonas vaginalis in transmission of Herpes simplex virus type II.

Some strains of Trichomonas vaginalis have been reported to contain virus-like particles (VLP). Whether they were natural inhabitants or acquired from the host, the emerging question will be about the potential role of this protozoan in viral transmission. The present model have been established for studying the ability of T. vaginalis to acquire Herpes simplex virus type II (HSV). Green monkey kidney cells (Vero cells) were infected with HCV and T. vaginalis was inoculated 3 days later. The progress of virus transmission was monitored by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Fragments of virus containing Vero cells were engulfed by the trichomonads and internalised in vacuoles followed by resolution of the vacuole boundary and viral particles aggregates were retained. Viable HSV was recovered from the trichomonads for 5 days. A conducting study was done through cytopathological examination of 170 cervicovaginal smears revealed 25.8% having trichomoniasis, 2.9% HSV infection and 1.17% with combined infection, while HSV infections represent 4.5% in those having trichomoniasis. These results suggest the potential role of T. vaginalis in viral transmission to reduce this risk, further studies are recommended.

Detection of hepatitis E virus in greater Cairo. Two wastewater treatment plants and its prevalence among workers of these plants.

Because of inadequate public sanitation, epidemics of HEV infection have been reported in several developing countries. HEV-specific cDNA was prepared by reverse transcription of the total RNA extracted from water samples. Specified DNA amplification by POR demonstrates the presence of HEV in sewage samples from the inlets (PCR positive 10/36:27.77%), while outlet samples were PCR negative. HEV 1gM was detected in 40 workers out of 78 in these two studied plants (age 20-60 years), with a percentage of 51.25% and HAV 1gM was also detected in 3 workers out of 78 (3.84%). The study of serum ALT and albumin level go with the increase in HEV 1gM in sera. This study which was carried out in two different wastewater treatment plants showed that HEV contamination was higher in one of them (El-Berka) than El-Zenin. A total of 33.33% of influent water samples were positive and 55.25% of workers were HEV 1gM positive in the first plant (El-Berka) and the corresponding figure in the other plant (El-Zenin) showed lower contamination, 22.22% in influent water sample and 40.9% of workers.