Toxoplasma gondii infection in small ruminants from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan: Seroprevalence, spatial distribution and associated risk factors.

The primary aim of this investigation was to assess the occurrence of Toxoplasma gondii infection among sheep and goats in five districts within the southern region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan. Additionally, the study aimed to pinpoint potential factors associated with the spread of this infection. Serum samples were gathered from a total of 3505 small ruminants, comprising 1810 sheep and 1695 goats. These samples were then subjected to testing for anti-Toxoplasma antibodies using the Toxo-Latex slide Agglutination test. Concurrently, a predetermined questionnaire was employed to gather data on possible risk factors. The collected data underwent bivariate frequency analysis and multivariable logistic regression analyses. The findings revealed that 20.08% of the examined animals had positive results for anti-Toxoplasma antibodies. Notably, the prevalence of T. gondii was notably higher among sheep, with 21.8% of the sheep testing positive, as opposed to the 18% of tested goats (P = 0.007). The seroprevalence percentages were comparable across the five districts for both types of animals. For goats, the prevalence ranged from 16.8% to 20.1%, while for sheep, it ranged from 20.2% to 24%. Among the younger population (≤1 year), the seroprevalence was statistically lower at 17.7% compared to the older population (>1 year) at 23.1% (P < 0.001). Female animals demonstrated a higher prevalence (21.9%) in contrast to their male counterparts (17.8%) (P = 0.002). Animals reared for breeding and milking purposes displayed a greater seroprevalence (23.9%) compared to those intended for sale (17.7%) (P < 0.001). Furthermore, animals kept under a transhumant production system displayed the lowest prevalence (18.9%), followed by sedentary (21.7%) and nomadic (31.2%) herds (P < 0.001). The outcomes of this study highlight the importance of implementing management interventions to curtail T. gondii infection among animals within the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. Such measures hold the potential to reduce associated public health risks and enhance the profitability of farmers.

Diversity, prevalence and risk factors associated to gastrointestinal tract parasites in wild and domestic animals from Pakistan.

The gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of animals contains various helminth parasites, responsible for subclinical and clinical parasitism. The health situation of animals is seriously affected by these parasites and leads massive financial losses for the livestock trade. The present study was conducted to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of GIT parasites in small and large ruminants of Mardan district and zoo animals of Golden Life Safari Park Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. A total of 419 fecal samples were collected including 117 from goats, 110 from cattle, 80 from sheep, 66 from buffaloes, 40 from birds, four from deer, and two from leopards. The fecal samples were subjected to sedimentation and floatation to identify parasite eggs. Of a total of 419 fecal samples, 215 (51.31%) were found positive for GIT parasites eggs. The prevalence of GIT parasites was high in sheep (65%), followed by goats (62.39%), cattle (42.70%), and buffaloes (37.87%). In birds, GIT parasite eggs were identified in 11 (45.83%) and 7 (43.75%) fecal samples of Pheasant and Peacock, respectively. However, an absence of infection was noted in fecal samples from deer and leopards. Eggs of GIT Parasites belonging to one superfamily and four different genera were recognized in fecal samples of domestic animals and buffaloes, which were Trichostrongyloidea (19.81%), Strongyloides (9.31%), Trichuris (7.77%), Monezia (6.44%), and Fasciola (4.53%). For bird, the coccidia group comprises the highest representation of parasites (2.63%), followed by the Trichuris genus (1.67%). Settlement, management system, anthelminthic medications and body condition score were significantly associated with the occurrence of GIT parasites in feces (P < 0.05). Animals from rural settlements, rearing under poor management systems, with thin (poor) body condition and under warmed were more affected by GIT parasites. The diversity and the high prevalence of GIT parasites reported in this study highlights the urgent need for intervention through treatment and modification of management practices in the investigated areas of Pakistan.

Synthesis, characterization and antibacterial activity of simple ZnO and metal doped ZnO nanoparticles.

The objective of this study was to synthesize pure ZnO and metal doped ZnO nano-particles, determine its physical, chemical characteristics and antibacterial activity against selected bacterial strains. Pure ZnO was synthesized and metals including Manganese (Mn), Magnesium (Mg), Calcium (Ca), Copper (Cu) and Silver (Ag) were doped with ZnO to produce nanoparticles through co-precipitation method. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy were used for detection of synthesized nanoparticles, their crystalline structures, size and other chemical characteristics. An altered version of Kirby Bauer method of disk diffusion was used for determining the antibacterial activity of these nanoparticles. The XRD results showed that the average size of pure ZnO nanoparticles was 55.3 nm. While the size of metal doped ZnO particles were affected by dopant elements. Results of SEM indicated that these nanoparticles were roughly spherical, rod shape and fiber like rod shape with certain degree of aggregation. Antibacterial studies showed that all samples had the potential to inhibit the growth of selected bacterial strains; E. coli, S. choleraesuis, S. typhimurium, S. marcescens, B. subtilus and S. aureus. With 90µg/ml concentration ZnO nanostructures inhibited B.subtilus and silver doped Zinc nanoparticles suppressed growth of S. marcescens. Characterization and antibacterial study indicated the importance of these nanoparticles at industrial and pharmaceutical level.

Identification of risk factors for human immunodeficiency virus-1 infection in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa population: A case control study.

OBJECTIVES: The present study aims to identify the risk factors for Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1(HIV-1) infection in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) population by comparing HIV-antibody positive cases with HIV-antibody-negative controls. METHODS: The study was designed at the Family Care Centre (FCC), Hayatabad Medical Centre (HMC) Peshawar from February 2015 to December 2016. A total of 280 individuals were selected randomly for the study as cases and control. Data was collected on a structured questionnaire with informed oral consent. The collected data was analysed statistically using SPSS version 20. RESULTS: Out of 280 individuals, 56% were males, 44% were females, and 53.21% belonged to the urban areas. The literacy rate was 48.6%, and 75.4% were married. The statistical analysis of risk factors revealed the following factors as of significance value (p < 0.05). Family history of HIV (OR = 9.46), spouse status of HIV (OR=22.22), injection drug users (IDUs), migrants (OR=2.234), use of therapeutic injections (OR= 2.791), employment (OR=2.545), male gender (OR=2.35), tattooing (OR=7.667) and history of blood transfusion (OR= 2.69). CONCLUSION: The present study revealed spouse status of HIV, tattooing, migrants, IDUs, use of therapeutic injections, history of blood transfusion, male gender and employment as significant risk factors for HIV infection in the population of KP.

Screening of adult dental patients visiting Khyber College of Dentistry, Peshawar for HBV and HCV infections and identifying the associated risk factors.

OBJECTIVE: To screen out adult patients for HBV and HCV infections visiting Khyber College of Dentistry Peshawar (KCD) for different dental treatments and to identify the associated risk factors. METHOD: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Khyber College of Dentistry, Peshawar in the year 2013. A total of 1540 patients >15 years, visiting KCD for seeking different dental treatments were screened for hepatitis B & C. Informed consent was taken before blood collection and filling of a structured questionnaire. Blood samples were tested against HBsAg and anti HCV by using ICT that were further confirmed by ELISA. The data was analyzed using Epi info version 6. RESULTS: A total of 1540 patients were screened during the study. Among these 36.4%(561) were males and 63.6%(979) were females. Overall prevalence of HBV and HCV was 5.12%(79). On screening, 2.14%(33) were found to be HBs Ag positive of which 2.5%(14) were males and 1.9%(19) were females. HCV was found positive in 2.98%(46) individuals having male to female ratio of 1.6% and 3.8%. Frequency of HBsAg was high in age group 56-65 year and HCV in 36-45 year group. Previous history of IV/IM injections, spouse patient of hepatitis, blood transfusion, surgical operation were found significant risk factors in the transmission of both hepatitis B and C, while previous history of dental treatment and sharing of clippers were significant risk factor in spreading hepatitis C infection only. CONCLUSIONS: Overall prevalence of HCV was higher than HBV. Previous history of injections, spouse patient of hepatitis, blood transfusion, surgical operation were found significant risk factors in the transmission of both hepatitis B and C.

Prevalence of amoebiasis in a model research community and its confirmation using stool antigen elisa for Entamoeba histolytica.

Entamoeba histolytica (E. histolytica) produces an invasive disease called amoebiasis, which commonly produces diarrhea with or without blood in both children and adults, leading to high morbidity and mortality. Entamoeba dispar (E. Dispar) is a non invasive, non pathogenic organism. Both Entamoeba histolytica and Entamoeba Dispar look alike on microscopy and therefore cannot be differentiated unless checked on ELISA, PCR or other specific method. To calculate the actual prevalence of pathogenic amoebiasis in children by comparing the stool microscopy with ELISA stool antigen i.e. gold standard. Across sectional, comparative study. Children under five years in a community village Budhni, District Peshawar. A sample of 288 children aged <5 years were randomly selected. Information's were collected on the age and gender of the children. Fresh stool specimens were examined microscopically and with stool antigen kit of ELISA for detection of Entamoeba histolytica. The specificity and sensitivity of microscopic method was calculated against ELISA. Data was analyzed using statistical computer software package SPSS version 10.0. A total of 288 stool specimens were collected and examined for Entamoeba histolytica. Out of these 36(12.5%) stools were positive for E. histolyticaon microscopy while 14(4.9%) were positive on ELISA. Out of 14 ELISA positive samples, 10 samples were also positive on microscopy while 4 were ELISA positive but microscopy negative. About 22 samples, which were positive on microscopy were negative on ELISA indicating that these samples might have been of E. Dispar which is non pathogenic protozoa. The sensitivity and specificity of microscopic method was 71.4% and 90.5% respectively, as against stool antigen test. Actual prevalence of Entamoeba histolytica is low in the area. Stool ELISA was able to differentiate between pathogenic Entamoeba histolytica and the non-pathogenic Entamoeba dispar and thus can minimize unnecessary antiamoebic treatment in these children.

Comparison of maternal serum lipoproteins in normal pregnancy and primiparous patients with eclampsia.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate changes in serum lipoproteins in primiparous women with eclampsia and compare it with pregnant women having normal blood pressure. METHODS: This cross sectional study was conducted on 65 primiparous eclamptic patients and 21 normotensive pregnant women in the tertiary care hospitals of Peshawar. History of each woman was recorded on a questionnaire. Blood pressure was measured using standard methods. About 5 ml of venous blood was drawn for the analysis of lipoproteins. The data was analyzed using computer software package SPSS version 10. The P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Mean age of hypertensive cases was 23.2 ± 0.52 years while that for controls was 23.9 ± 1.16 years. Significant differences were found in serum lipoproteins. Women having eclampsia had 28.8%, 29.5%, 31.1%, 32.9% and 65.3% higher, low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDLC), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC):high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDLC) ratio, LDLC: HDLC ratio and TG: HDLC ratio respectively as compared to the control group. The HDLC concentrations, HDLC: VLDLC ratio and apolipoprotein-A1 level were 26.9%, 56.6% and 27.9% respectively, lower in the patient group as compared to the controls. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that evaluation of lipoprotein concentrations during antenatal period can be helpful in the early detection and prevention of developing eclampsia.

Frequency of ABO blood groups and RhD factor in the female population of District Peshawar.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of ABO blood group and Rhesus (Rh) D antigen in the females of "District" Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, Pakistan. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 429 women having pregnancy induced hypertension, admitted in the three teaching hospitals of Peshawar, over a period of one year. Blood sample was collected from each subject after taking informed consent. The antigen antibody agglutination slide test for "blood grouping (ABO)" and RhD factors was done by using IgM and IgG monoclonal reagents. The antisera used were from Biolaboratory, USA. Data was analyzed for percentage calculation. RESULTS: The blood group distribution was 134 (31.2%), 43 (10.1%), 116 (27%), 136 (31.7%) for blood groups A, AB, O and B, respectively. Subjects having blood group B was slightly more dominant, followed by A and O, while blood group AB was rare in these females. Blood group A Rh negative is more in female 12 (37.5%) followed by group O 10 (31.3%), group B 09 (28.1%) and group AB 01 (3.1%). CONCLUSION: Frequency of "Rh-positive blood group" is B, A, O and AB, whereas the frequency of the most common Rh-negative blood group are A, O, B and AB respectively. The determination of the frequency of blood groups in the region would not only help in blood transfusion services, but also reduce the risk of erythroblastosis foetalis in the neonates.

Abnormal Lipid levels as a risk factor of eclampsia, study conducted in tertiary care Hospitals of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province - Pakistan.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate abnormal lipid metabolism as a risk factor of eclampsia in pregnant women. METHODS: This cross sectional study was conducted in three tertiary care hospitals of Peshawar. Serum total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C), triglyceride (TG), apolipoprotein A1 (APO-A1), APO-B100, lipoprotein-a (Lpa) were measured in 110 women with eclampsia and compared with 90 healthy pregnant women. Mean lipid levels in cases and controls were compared using student's t test". RESULTS: Mean systolic/diastolic blood pressure, TC, TG, VLDL-C and Lpa levels were significantly higher (p<0.001) in patients compared to control women. Similarly TC: HDL-C, LDL-C: HDL-C and TG: HDL-C ratio in the patients group were significantly higher (p<0.001) and HDL-C: VLDL-C ratio was significantly lower (p<0.001) in the patients as compared to control group. Undesirable cholesterol were noted in 35.8% patients, HDL-C in 50.5%, borderline high concentration of LDL-C in 23.6%, high triglycerides levels in 73.2%, undesirable cholesterol ratio in 52.3% and undesirable LDL-C ratio were noted in 82.1% patients of eclampsia. CONCLUSION: Serum lipids were found significantly higher thus early assessment may be helpful in prevention of complications in the eclampsia patients.