Enterobius Vermicularis Infections in Iraq.

Enterobiasis continues to be among the highest parasitic infections affecting the human population worldwide. A study was conducted between 2011 - 2015 in Iraq to evaluate the enterobiasis reported by the Communicable Diseases Control Center (n=220,607 cases) in relation to demographic (age, sex, rural population and family size) and spatial variables (local and regional sources). Females were more parasitized than males, as well as children and youth ages 4 to 15. Approximately 40 % of cases are from the South region provinces (Thiqar, Miasan, Basrah and Wassit). However, most cases occurred in regions with high rural populations and a high family size average. The results may provide insights for researchers assessing management approaches to control enterobiasis in Iraq.

Spatial and demographic aspects of kala-azar (visceral leishmaniasis) in Iraq during 2011-2013.

Visceral leishmaniasis (kala-azar) continues to be a significant public health issue and socioeconomic obstacle in Iraq. A descriptive study was conducted of confirmed kalaazar patients (n=2787) reported by the Communicable Diseases Control Center (CDCC), Iraq during the 3 year period of 2011-2013. Objectives were to identify possible associations of kala-azar with patient demographics (age, sex) and spatial localities (provincial sources and abiotic factors) as well as to map the disease in Iraq using GIS techniques. Males showed higher risk for kala-azar than females, and the majority of cases were recorded among those individuals <5 years of age. Approximately 40% of cases derived from the eastern provinces (Misan, Wasit and Diyala). Although most cases occurred in regions with moderate annual rainfall and a high rural population, elevation was the most significant explanatory variable when contrasted to rainfall, temperature, humidity and rural vs urban population status. These findings may provide insights for investigators assessing management approaches for the control of kala-azar in Iraq.

Spatial and demographic aspects of kala-azar (visceral leishmaniasis) in Iraq during 2011-2013

@#Visceral leishmaniasis (kala-azar) continues to be a significant public health issue and socioeconomic obstacle in Iraq. A descriptive study was conducted of confirmed kalaazar patients (n=2787) reported by the Communicable Diseases Control Center (CDCC), Iraq during the 3 year period of 2011-2013. Objectives were to identify possible associations of kala-azar with patient demographics (age, sex) and spatial localities (provincial sources and abiotic factors) as well as to map the disease in Iraq using GIS techniques. Males showed higher risk for kala-azar than females, and the majority of cases were recorded among those individuals <5 years of age. Approximately 40% of cases derived from the eastern provinces (Misan, Wasit and Diyala). Although most cases occurred in regions with moderate annual rainfall and a high rural population, elevation was the most significant explanatory variable when contrasted to rainfall, temperature, humidity and rural vs urban population status. These findings may provide insights for investigators assessing management approaches for the control of kala-azar in Iraq.

Evaluation the virulence of Mycobacterium bovis isolated from milk samples through histopathological study in laboratory animals.

INTRODUCTION: Mycobacterium bovis has a broad host range, and it is the principal agent responsible for tuberculosis (TB) in bovine, domestic and wild mammals. M. bovis also infects human, causing zoonotic TB through ingestion, inhalation and, less frequently by contact with mucous membranes and broken skin. Zoonotic TB was formerly an endemic disease, usually transmitted to man by consumption of raw cow's milk. It is indistinguishable clinically or pathologically from TB caused by M. tuberculosis. OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were, to isolate and identified M. bovis from raw milk samples by different methods, and evaluate the virulence of M. bovis in laboratory animals (Rabbit). MATERIALS AND METHODS: To conduct the study, ninety three cow's milk samples were collected from farms around Baghdad governorate. The decontamination of milk samples was firstly carried out, then samples were subjected to routine tests which include, direct smear for Ziehl Neelsen acid fast stain, culture, each sample was cultured on Lowenstein Jensen media with Sodium pyruvite (All cultures incubated on 37°C for 4-10weeks with continuous observation), and biochemical testes as Nitrate reduction test, Niacin paper strip test and pyrazinamidase test, were employed to diagnose and identified the bacteria. Beside molecular assay was used to confirm the identification of the isolates by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) using specific primers for M. bovis. The virulence of these isolates were investigated through inoculate it in group of laboratory animals consist of 8 rabbit in addition to other group of 4 animals as control (inoculate with Phosphate Buffer Saline). The animals were scarified after 6weeks of inoculation, post- mortem examination was carried out, smears were taken from lesions, and tissue samples were collected from lymph nodes and different organs. RESULTS: The results revealed five isolates of M. bovis in direct smear by acid fast Ziehl-Neelsen stain, while eight isolates observed by culture, the colonies appeared with characteristic feature of cream color, rough, and with irregular edge. The molecular assay using PCR technique confirmed the diagnosis of eight positive isolates in smears and culture. The virulence of these isolates were investigated through the pathological effects appeared in inoculated rabbit which showed lesions scattered mainly in lymph nodes and different organs as lung, liver, spleen and kidney when compared with control group which were naive. Beside the infiltration of mononuclear cells in the internal organs particularly in the lungs. The result of histopathological examination clarified the virulence of M. bovis isolates, and its impact on tissue and organs of the rabbit. CONCLUSION: Our study conclude the presence of M. bovis isolates in milk in high percentage pause important source of tuberculosis infection for human being.

The prevalence of parasitic helminths in stray dogs in the Baghdad area, Iraq.

The prevalence of parasitic helminths in 20 stray dogs from the area of Baghdad was recorded. Taenia spp. were found in 12 dogs, Dipylidium caninum in ten dogs, Toxocara canis in eight dogs, Ancylostoma caninum in seven dogs and Echinococcus granulosus in five dogs. Spirocerca lupi and Dirofilaria immitis were found in three dogs, Mesocestoides lineatus in two dogs and Strongyloides stercoralis in one dog.

Study on the pathogenicity of ostertagiosis due to Ostertagia circumcincta in sheep, in Iraq.

The response of Awassi sheep to ostertagia circumcincta, the most prevalent ovine strongylid species in Iraq, was studied. A dose of 100000 larvae of O. circumcincta (Iraqi strain) induced moderate clinical symptoms of ostertagiosis. These symptoms were correlated with elevated pH of the abomasal fluid and increased plasma pepsinogen levels. There was no evidence of larval inhibition since the majority of the fourth stage larvae (L4) continued their development. No appreciable loss of worm population was observed and most of the parasites survived and exhibited a prolific egg-laying potential six months after initial infection. Assessments of the pathophysiological changes were performed and correlated with parasitological and clinical observations. The Awassi breed of sheep, the most prevalent in the Arab Middle East, seems to be more susceptible to ostertagiosis than other breeds and there was no spontaneous self-cure in this breed.

The prevalence of hydatid cysts in slaughtered animals in Iraq.

The prevalence of infection with hydatid cysts in sheep, goats, cattle and camels slaughtered at Baghdad Abattoir was recorded over a period of 18 months. The infection rates were generally lower than had been reported in previous surveys but remained high in camels. The lower prevalence rates were attributed to the destruction of stray dogs, improved standards of meat inspection and an overall improvements in socio-economic conditions. The fertility rate of the cysts was higher in camels than in sheep or goats. All the cattle cysts were sterile.

Experimental studies on the suitability of aquatic snails as intermediate hosts for Paramphistomum cervi in Iraq.

Three of the most common species of aquatic snails in Iraq were examined for their susceptibility to infection with Paramphistomum cervi. Bulinus truncatus was the only susceptible species. No development occurred in Physa acuta or Lymnaea lagotis euphratica. These findings and a previous field observation that infection of B. truncatus with amphistome larvae is not uncommon indicate that B. truncatus is an intermediate host of P. cervi in Iraq. Young snails of B. truncatus were more susceptible to infection than older ones.