Diagnosis of Human Echinococcosis via Exhaled Breath Analysis: A Promise for Rapid Diagnosis of Infectious Diseases Caused by Helminths.

Background: Human echinococcosis is a neglected infectious disease affecting more than 1 million people globally. Its diagnosis is expensive and difficult because of lack of adequate resources in low-resource locations, where most cases occur. Methods: A group of volunteers diagnosed with the 2 main types of echinococcosis and corresponding control groups were recruited from hospitals in Tunisia (32 patients with cystic echinococcosis and 43 controls) and Poland (16 patients with alveolar echinococcosis and 8 controls). Breath samples were collected from all patients and analyzed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry, and a specifically developed electronic nose system. Results: The chemical analysis revealed statistically different concentrations of 2 compounds in the breath of patients with cystic echinococcosis compared to controls, and statistically different concentrations of 7 compounds in the breath of patients with alveolar echinococcosis compared to controls. The discrimination accuracy achieved by the electronic nose system was 100% for cystic echinococcosis and 92.9% for alveolar echinococcosis, while the discrimination accuracy between these 2 patient groups was 92.1%. Conclusion: Here we advocate a noninvasive, fast, easy-to-operate and nonexpensive diagnostic tool for the diagnosis of human echinococcosis disease through exhaled breath analysis, suitable for early diagnosis and population screening.

[Vulvovaginal trichomoniasis: epidemiology, clinical and parasitological characteristics]. / Trichonomose vulvovaginale: Etude épidémiologique, Clinique et parasitilogique.

BACKGROUND: Trichomonas vaginalis infection is the most prevalent nonviral sexual transmitted infection. The World Health Organization estimates that its prevalence is 170 million cases worldwide each year. In women, he represents the third cause of vaginitis. AIM: to determine the prevalence, to evaluate predisposing factors and to study the clinical and parasitological characteristics of vulvovaginal trichomoniasis in a Tunisian population during a period of 18 months. METHODS: This is a transversal study concerning 924 women. We administered a questionnaire to obtain information about the possible risk factors of vulvovaginal trichomoniasis. Vaginal swabs were collected with the help of sterile transportable cotton swabs, followed by microscopic examination. Data were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: Trichomonas vaginalis infection was diagnosed in 3,5% of cases. The study various potential risk factors showed that trichomoniasis was significatively associated with multiple partners, long-term corticotherapy. However, the pregnancy was a protector factor. CONCLUSION: The research for factors allows not only to explain the appearance of this infection but also, and especially, to establish a disease prevention to avoid their second offense or, at best their arisen in women at risk.

[Anemia caused by parasites]. / Les anémies d'origine parasitaire.

Anemia is a major public health problem and concerns the World Health Organization. It is more common in developing countries particularly in South Asia and Africa. The causes of anemia are varied and parasites can cause it. We propose to study the anemia caused by parasites after a brief hematology and pathophysiology of anemia in general.

[Procedure and indications of stool examination in parasitology]. / Procédure et indications d'un examen parasitologique des selles.

Intestinal parasites are a public health problem in the world especially in tropical and subtropical countries. Despite the improvement in living standards and healthy conditions, these parasitoses remain relatively frequent in Tunisia. Stool specimen examination keeps the fundamental test for screening and diagnosis. It is to directly search the parasite. Respect for the right procedure of collection of stool is an essential step for the reliability and proper interpretation of results of this examination.

Is there any change in the prevalence of intestinal and urinary parasitosis among "non-permanent resident" students in Tunisia ?

BACKGROUND: Intestinal parasitosis are cosmopolitan affections, often related to the fecal peril. However urinary bilharziosis is a disease eliminated in Tunisia. As part of monitoring the emergence and re-emergence of intestinal parasitosis and urinary bilharziasis, foreign students benefit from parasitological systematic monitoring stool and urine during their enrollment to the University. AIM: To study the prevalence of various intestinal parasitosis and urinary bilharziasis among non permanent resident students in Tunisia. METHODS: A retrospective survey was carried at the Laboratory of Parasitology- Mycology of Charles Nicolle Hospital of Tunis during the inscription period of 6 university years 2005-2010. 328 students profited from a parasitological examination of stool and urine. RESULTS: 144 students (43.9%) harbored intestinal parasites. More than one parasite was detected in 69 students (47.9%). Intestinal protozoa were the majority of identified parasites (96.9%). 9.7% of identified parasites were pathogenic. Three cases (0.91%) of urinary bilharziasis were diagnosed. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of intestinal and urinary parasitism among the "non-permanent residents" students in Tunisia has not changed. This justifies a systematic parasitologic monitoring for students coming from areas of high endemicity of parasitosis in order to avoid the introduction of these.

First case of subcutaneous dermatomycoses in a Tunisian renal transplant patient.

BACKGROUND: Dermatophytes are keratinophilic and usually infect the corneal layer of the epidermis and appendages On the occasion of immunosuppression, such as solid organ transplant, they can invade deeper tissues or cause an infection of the skin and subcutaneous disseminated. AIM: To report the first observation of subcutaneous dematophytosis in a Tunisian renal transplant patient. CASE REPORT: A 29-year-old man had an erythematous lesion of 2 cm at the front of the left leg. He was treated with prednisone and tacrolimus. The skin lesion was has been neglected. The outcome was the occurrence of oozing whose mycological examination showed numerous hyphae and culture was positive for Microsporum canis. Initial treatment was voriconazole, but an interaction with tacrolimus has shortened the duration of treatment to 1 month. Three months later, the lesion became deeper, and then a biopsy was performed. The mycological examination showed the same appearance, previously described. The patient was put on fluconazole by adjusting the doses of tacrolimus and then underwent surgical excision of the lesions. The evolution after 4 months of antifungal treatment was favorable. CONCLUSION: The increasing incidence of immunosuppressive therapy has given rise to unusual clinical forms of invasive and sometimes serious fungal agents whose pathogenicity is usually limited. Clinicians should be mindful of superficial fungal infections of the skin in a renal transplant patient.

Epidemiological, clinical and mycological study of dermatomycosis in diabetic patients.

BACKGROUND: Dermatomycosis are fungal infections of the skin and/or phanera, which are often benign but can have an impact on the vital and functional prognosis in diabetic patients. AIM: The aim of our work was to study the epidemiological, clinical and mycological profile of dermatomycosis in diabetic patients. METHODS: This was a retrospective descriptive study carried out in the Parasitology-Mycology Laboratory of Charles-Nicolle Hospital over a three-year period (2016-2018). We collected diabetic patients who were referred for suspected dermatomycosis. RESULTS: Dermatomycosis was confirmed in 799 of the 1007 diabetic patients referred to our laboratory (79.34%) and in 1055 lesions among the 1344 sites sampled (78.50%). Among patients with dermatomycosis, a female predominance was observed with a sex- ratio=0.83. The mean age of the patients was 57.11 [2-82]. The patients with type 2 diabetes were the most affected (86.35%) (p=0.038). The mean duration of lesion progression was 5.0±5.5 years. The most common dermatomycoses were toenail onychomycoses (59.62%), followed by fingernail onychomycoses (15.26%), plantar keratoderma (10.24%), and intertrigo in small skin folds (5.59%). Dermatophytes were the most frequently isolated fungi (80.1%; p<0.001), with predominance of Trichophyton rubrum (78.8%). Candida albicans was the most frequently isolated yeast (11.8%). CONCLUSIONS: Dermatomycosis are common in diabetic patients. Although they are often benign, these fungal infections can engage the functional prognosis or even become life-threatening in case of diabetes. Mycological diagnosis is necessary in case of clinical suspicion in order to confirm the diagnosis, guide the treatment and avoid complications.

[Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of blastocystis hominis]. / Caractéristiques epidémiologique et cliniques de Blastocystis hominis.

BACKGROUND: Blastocystis hominis is an intestinal parasite known since long. It is cosmopolitan and lives in the colon. It is still the subject of controversy regarding its pathogenicity and possibly opportunistic character. AIM: We exhibit in this article the results obtained for 4 years on the epidemiological, clinical and biological character and opportunistic Blastocystis hominis, often overlooked in the examination of parasitological laboratories city. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of 3257 stool examination (PSE), performed in the Mycology Laboratory of Parasitology of the Charles Nicolle Hospital in Tunis over a period of 4 years (January 2005-December 2008). Detection of Blastocystis hominis has been made by microscopic examination of samples by direct examination and concentration. RESULTS: Blastocystis was found in 7.27% of cases and 48.5% in men. Endolimax nanus is the parasite most frequently associated with Blastocystis (40.4% of cases). The port was symptomatic in 72.1% of cases, diarrhea is the symptom most often found (27.7%). There is a seasonal distribution; in fact, it is more frequently diagnosed in summer and autumn. CONCLUSION: The absence of gravity and the saprophytic nature of this infection do not lead to an indication for treatment even among profoundly immunosuppressed individuals. Only the persistence of clinical disorders associated with the detection of the parasite and in the absence of other micro-organisms and intestinal parasites justifies the treatement. Metronidazole is the molecule used conventionally.

First case of Trichoderma longibrachiatum infection in a renal transplant recipient in Tunisia and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Trichoderma species are filamentous fungi that were previously considered to be culture contaminants. Recently, with the increasing number of risk population, they are described as an emerging pathogen in immunocompromised patients. Trichoderma longibrachiatum is the most common species involved in Trichoderma infections. AIM: Here, we report the first case in Tunisia of skin infection caused by Trichoderma longibrachiatum in a renal transplant recipient. CASE: The fungus was isolated from fluid puncture of an inguinal abscess and from skin biopsy from a 46-year-old male patient who had been receiving immunosuppressive therapy. Species identification benefited from a molecular approach. Susceptibility tests performed with the use of the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing standardized methodology revealed that the organism is resistant to itraconazole, intermediate to amphotericin B and sensitive to voriconazole, posaconazole and caspofungin. The infection was successfully treated with voriconazole.

Identification of Malassezia species from Tunisian patients with pityriasis versicolor.

BACKGROUND: Pityriasis versicolor is caused by Malassezia sp. It is a common worldwide mycosis. Recently, eleven species are known of the Malassezia genus, and are identified in vitro by their morphological characteristics, biochemical tests and by molecular biology. The aim of this study is the identification of Malassezia species from Tunisian patients with pityriasis versicolor. METHODS: Specimens were taken from 58 patients with pityriasis versicolor. All samples were both inoculated in Sabouraud dextrose agar and Sabouraud agar overlaid with olive oil. Malassezia species were identified by morphological and physiological methods: macroscopy, microscopy, catalase, urease and lipid assimilation tests. RESULTS: We have isolated five Malassezia species: Malassezia globosa being isolated in 76.2% of patients, followed by Malassezia furfur (9.55%), Malassezia sympodialis (4.75%), Malassezia slooffiae (4.75%) and Malassezia pachydermaties (4.75%). CONCLUSION: In our study Malassezia globosa presents the main species implicated in the pathogenicity of pityriasis versicolor and Malassezia furfur as the second agent of importance.

Avian mite bites acquired from pigeons: Report of three cases and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Skin lesions caused by avian mite bites are uncommon and often misdiagnosed. They are usually caused by bites from avian mites that have infested domestic poultry or birds nesting in or near human habitation. We report three cases of human skin lesions from avian mites infesting pigeons. OBSERVATIONS: Three persons working in the same place developed similar skin pruritic papules simultaneously. The diagnosis remained unknown until Dermanyssus gallinae (chicken mite) was found on the computer's table of the three individuals workplace, situated near a window where pigeons used to live. Antihistaminic treatment was carried out with a skin disinfestation. In two cases, symptoms resolved after one week of treatment. In the third case, corticosteroids were needed. CONCLUSIONS: Avian mite bites skin lesions can remain unrecognized or misdiagnosed. Inquiry about contact with pigeons or poultry may be helpful in patients with nonspecific skin lesions.

Pulmonary blastomycosis: a case from Africa.

Pulmonary blastomycosis is an uncommon pathologic condition that is quite rare in Africa compared to endemic regions of Canada and the upper Midwest of the U.S. We describe a 45-year-old patient who complained of productive cough, hemoptysis, and dorsal rachiodynia. Chest imaging revealed a necrotic tissue-density pulmonary mass involving both the upper and lower right lobes. Chest MRI showed signal abnormality of the third thoracic vertebral body and the greater trochanter, consistent with metastatic lesions. Clinical and radiological findings were strongly suggestive of lung cancer. Diagnosis of pulmonary blastomycosis was made by visualization of yeast in bronchial biopsies and further confirmed by culture of bronchoalveolar lavage specimens. The patient was treated with itraconazole and his clinical condition improved markedly. Pulmonary blastomycosis is unusual in Africa and that fact caused a considerable delay in diagnosis. We suggest that this disease may be more common in Africa than has been previously suspected.

Ligand-Capped Ultrapure Metal Nanoparticle Sensors for the Detection of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Disease in Exhaled Breath.

Human cutaneous leishmaniasis, although designated as one of the most neglected tropical diseases, remains underestimated due to its misdiagnosis. The diagnosis is mainly based on the microscopic detection of amastigote forms, isolation of the parasite, or the detection of Leishmania DNA, in addition to its differential clinical characterization; these tools are not always available in routine daily practice, and they are expensive and time-consuming. Here, we present a simple-to-use, noninvasive approach for human cutaneous leishmaniasis diagnosis, which is based on the analysis of volatile organic compounds in exhaled breath with an array of specifically designed chemical gas sensors. The study was realized on a group of n = 28 volunteers diagnosed with human cutaneous leishmaniasis and a group of n = 32 healthy controls, recruited in various sites from Tunisia, an endemic country of the disease. The classification success rate of human cutaneous leishmaniasis patients achieved by our sensors test was 98.2% accuracy, 96.4% sensitivity, and 100% specificity. Remarkably, one of the sensors, based on CuNPs functionalized with 2-mercaptobenzoxazole, yielded 100% accuracy, 100% sensitivity, and 100% specificity for human cutaneous leishmaniasis discrimination. While AuNPs have been the most extensively used in metal nanoparticle-ligand sensing films for breath sensing, our results demonstrate that chemical sensors based on ligand-capped CuNPs also hold great potential for breath volatile organic compounds detection. Additionally, the chemical analysis of the breath samples with gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry identified nine putative breath biomarkers for human cutaneous leishmaniasis.

[Unusual localization of spinal hydatid cyst]. / Localisation rare du kyste hydatique intra dural au niveau de la fosse posterieure.

We report one case of uncommon spinal hydatid cysts particular by its localization. It is intradural, localized with predilection in the big cistem cerebello-medullar. There is no involvement of adjacent vertebral discs and ligaments. We specify characteristic imaging features and polymorphism of this affection who can affect all anatomical structures. We emphasize MRI for diagnosis and follow-up in search for residual or recurrent lesions.

Visceral leishmaniasis after kidney transplantation: report of a new case and a review of the literature.

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a parasitic disease, caused by protozoa of the genus Leishmania, transmitted by the phlebotomies sand fly. In the last 20 years, the increasing frequency of organ transplantations and the improvement of associated immunosuppressive treatments have led to the recognition of several cases of VL complicating organ transplantation. Actually, less than 100 cases of VL after kidney transplantation are reported in the literature. In this context, VL is fatal without antileishmanial treatment which constitutes a difficult challenge. We report a case of VL in Tunisian renal transplant recipient treated successfully by liposomal amphotericin B (Ambisome®, Gilead Sciences Inc). Also, we review the epidemiological, clinical, biological and therapeutic aspects of VL associated with renal transplantation reported in the literature. Our report identifies that VL should be suspected in renal transplant recipients presenting unexplained fever, splenomegaly and pancytopeny. It also suggests a serological testing for leishmaniasis in the pre-operative check-up of transplant patients and donors living or traveling in endemic areas of leishmaniasis. Moreover, recipients should be tested regularly for leishmaniasis after transplantation. Liposomal amphotericin B may be considered the treatment of choice of VL, since it has a lower incidence of side effects.

[Association of post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease and visceral leishmaniasis after kidney transplantation]. / Association d'un syndrome lymphoprolifératif et d'une leishmaniose viscérale après transplantation rénale.

Malignancies and opportunistic infections are frequently observed after solid-organ transplantation. Their occurrence strongly affects recipient survival. We report the case of a 29-year-old Tunisian kidney-recipient who was diagnosed simultaneously with post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD) and visceral leishmaniasis (VL). Withdrawal of immunosuppressive therapy together with antiparasitic treatment using liposomal amphotericin B, and anti-CD20 antibodies medication resulted in cure of leishmaniasis and remission from PTLD. This case is of clinical interest because of the uncommon association of VL with PTLD after solid organ transplantation. It is also original by the favourable outcome of VL and PTLD, both known as life-threatening diseases. Also, it illustrates the predisposing role of immunosuppressive therapy in occurrence of opportunistic infections and malignancies after solid organ transplantation.