Molecular detection of Epstein-Barr virus among Sudanese patients diagnosed with Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

OBJECTIVES: Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) is the most common cause of hypothyroidism. The exact mechanism initiating the development of HT is not yet clear. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between HT and the presence of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in a Sudanese population. RESULTS: EBV-LMP1 was detected in 11.1% of HT cases, which is consistent with previous studies. Studies have reported a wide range of frequencies indicating the presence of EBV in HT, and patients with autoimmune thyroiditis have increased titers of anti-EBV antibodies in their sera compared to healthy subjects. Intrathyroidal EBV-infected B cells may be responsible for the increased risk of development of B-cell lymphoma in the thyroid gland in patients with autoimmune thyroiditis. Our study suggests that regular follow-up is necessary for patients diagnosed with HT and are positive for EBV, as antiviral therapy is not applicable due to the risk of thyroid dysfunction. The study suggests an association between EBV and HT, but causation cannot be determined. The study also highlights the need for further research to determine the viral role and correlate it with the severity and progression of HT.

A snapshot of Plasmodium falciparum malaria drug resistance markers in Sudan: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVES: Malaria infection is still known to be a worldwide public health problem, especially in tropical and sub-tropical African countries like Sudan. A pilot study conducted to describe the trend of P. falciparum drug resistance markers in 2017-2018 in comparison to CQ and AS/SP eras in Sudan. The Pfcrt, Pfmdr-1, Pfdhfr, and Pfdhps genes were investigated. Data deposited by the worldwide antimalarial resistance network was consulted, and the molecular markers previously reported from Sudan were analyzed. RESULTS: Drug molecular markers analysis was successfully done on 20 P. falciparum isolates. The Pfcrt K76 showed high frequency; 16 (80%). For the Pfmdr-1, 9 (45%) isolates were carrying the N86 allele, and 11 (55%) were 86Y allele. While the Y184F of the Pfmdr-1 showed a higher frequency of 184F compared to Y184; 16 (80%) and 4 (20%), respectively. In the Pfdhfr, 51I allele showed higher frequency compared to N51; 18 (90%) and 2 (10%), respectively. For S108N, 18 (90%) were 108 N and 2 (10%) were S108. In the Pfdhps, all isolates were carrying the mutant alleles; 437G and 540E. The frequency distribution of the Pfcrt, Pfmdr-1, Pfdhfr, Pfdhps was significantly different across the whole years in Sudan.