Effect of vaccination on expression of intracellular adhesion molecules 1 and vascular cell adhesion molecules 1 in murine schistosomiasis.

This work studied the approach of vaccination by utilizing ultraviolet attenuated S. mansoni cercariae on two surface adhesion molecules expression, intercellular adhesion molecules 1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecules 1(VCAM-1). ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression were studied in livers of 37 CD-1 female mice (2 months aged and about 30 gm waited) which were divided into 3 groups. Analysis of adhesion molecules expression was done by direct immunofluorescence staining and quantitative measurement of positive signals by image analyzer. The main findings were: (1) ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression was mainly localized on granuloma cells. (2) The video count areas that expressed ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 were markedly increased in vaccinated than naive animals. The ICAM-1 intensity was (58.7%) in VC while (31.1%) in NC mice group. (3) Similarly the intensity of VCAM-1 expression was (73%) In VC while (54.2%) in NC. (4) The % change in ICAM-I expression relative to naive mice group was (326.9%) and (704.7) in NC and VC mice group respectively. (5) The % change in VCAM-1 expression in vaccinated animals relative to naive animals was (67,700) and (91,175) in NC and VC mice groups respectively.

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.

Cyclospora: a newly identified protozoan pathogen of man.

A newly recognized protozoan human parasite, Cyclospora spp. has been incriminated as the cause of prolonged diarrhoea. It has been isolated from children, immunocompetent and immunocompromised adults. One hundred and thirty immunocompetent patients, 80 children and 50 adults; their illness was characterized by prolonged watery diarrhoea, were enrolled in this study. Stool sediments were examined as wet mounts and stained by both, modified Ziehl-Neelsen and aniline carbol methyl violet stains. The protozoan pathogen was identified as spherical bodies measuring 9-10 microns in diameter in about 9% and 10% in both children and adult groups respectively. The mean duration of illness was 28 +/- 8 and 37 +/- 12 days and the frequency of stool motions was > 5/day with normal mucosal pattern on colonoscopic studies for adults group. It is concluded from the present study that cyclosporiosis is quite similar to cryptosporidiosis and both oocysts have the affinty to acid fast stain so the present recommendations for all laboratories screening stool for cryptosporidia should measure the oocyst to distinguish between these different parasites and there is obviously a great deal more to learn about this emerging protozoon.