Encysted metacercariae of family Heterophyidae in infected fish in Dakahlia Governorate, an endemic focus in Egypt.

The study re-evaluated the status of encysted metacercariae (EMC) of Family Heterophyidae in fresh and brackish water fish in an endemic focus in Egypt, as well as to study their morphological pattern. Seasonal variation of EMC was matched with their prevalence and intensity in infected fish. The study covered a period of one year from first of April 2011 to end of March 2012. The total percent of infection in the examined fish was 71.9% and 42.6% for brackish and fresh water respectively. The highest prevalence of the recovered EMC in both sources of water was for Heterophyes heterophyes (57.9%), followed by Pygidiopsis genata (39.7%), other Heterophyes spp. (21.09%), Haplorchis pumilio (19.5%), Phagicola spp (19.5%) and Stictodora tridactyla (6.2%). The highest mean intensity of the recovered EMC in both sources of water was for Pygidiopsis genata (10.27±2.83), followed H. heterophyes (9.45±7.13), Haplorchis pumilio (1.76±2.03), Phagicola spp. (1.59±1.71), other Heterophyes spp. (0.82±0.99) and Stictodora tridactyla (0.48±0.92). By using ANOVA test, there was significant difference in sizes of EMC of Pyigidiopsis genata (P=0.04) and Phagicola spp. EMC (P=0.03) in comparison to corresponding ones in all fish species. By using Student T-test, there was significant higher size of Haplorchis pumilio EMC in Tilapia species in comparison to the corresponding one in Mugil species. Monthly variation showed that summer was the season with the highest prevalence and highest mean intensity of EMC in both brackish and fresh water fish. Also, undifferentiated EMC most properly of genus Centrocestus was demonstrated.

The surface ultrastructure of the Egyptian liver fluke Fasciola gigantica.

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of adult Fasciola gigantica, a known liver fluke in Egypt, shows the presence of tegumental spines and folds giving the appearance of a rough surface. The spines are small and closely-spaced anteriorly, increasing in size and number on the in the mid-lateral aspect of the ventral surface. Towards the posterior end the spines progressively decrease in both size and number. Tegumental transverse folds or invaginations are interspaced between the spines. There are two types of sensory papillae on the tegumental surface. The dorsal surface exhibits similar features but the spines and papillae are less numerous with less extensive surface folds than on the ventral surface of the body. The oral and ventral suckers, together with the excretory pore, appear spineless, bearing ciliate sensory papillae. Further studies should be directed at deciphering the genetic codes and the synthesis of some of these antigens by recombinant DNA technology to be used in serodiagnosis, vaccination and for drug receptors.

Intestinal permeability in Hymenolepis nana as reflected by non invasive lactulose/mannitol dual permeability test and its impaction on nutritional parameters of patients.

Assessment of Hymenolepis nana infection among 102 children and adults of both sexes (5-16 years) residing 2 Welfare Institutes (Giza and Cairo) showed a prevalence of 22.33%. The effect of H. nana on intestinal permeability and on nutritional parameters of patients was studied. A total of 46 subjects were divided into 2 groups: GI (20 H. nana patients) and GII (26 parasite-free control). Both groups were subjected to lactulose/mannitol dual permeability test, anthropometric study, estimation of vitamin B12 and folate levels in plasma and estimation of haemoglobin (HB)%, RBCs and WBCs counts and haematocrite value (HCT%) for anaemia. The H. nana patients showed significant higher percent (P = 0.04) of altered intestinal permeability versus controls denoting intestinal leakage, significant means lower levels of vitamin B12 (P = 0.01) and folate (P < 0.04) in blood plasma versus control denoting liability to vitamin B12 & folate deficiencies. Means value of HB%, RBC & WBC counts and HCT% showed generalized decrease but without significant difference in H. nana patients and control denoting anaemia liability. The percent of stunting (HAZ < or =2) and of wasting (WAZ < or =2) were higher among H. nana patients versus controls but without significant difference (P = 0.19 & P = 0.47 respectively).

Risk factors contributing to fascioliasis endemicity in a focus in Dakahlia Governorate 1-human host.

Zoonotic fascioliasis is a problem not only in Dakahlia Governorate, but also in other Egyptian Governorates. Two hundreds & twenty patients randomly selected with suggesting manifestations were examined for fascioliasis. A total of 23 (10.4%) were positive by Kato thick smears, of which 21 were from Kafr El-Hessah and two from Oweish El-Hager. The proven human fascioliasis was examined for anti-Fasciola antibodies by IHAT & ELISA (Fhes), haemoglobin level, eosinophils percent, serum bilirubin & liver function tests. IHAT gave 82.61% positive results (19/23), and ELISA gave 100% positive results (23/23). The clinical signs ranged between splenomegaly & ascitis in 4.34% for each up to hepatomegaly in 73.91% & mild fever in 78.26% but 2 cases were asymptomatic. Mild eosinophilia and moderate anaemia were recorded with means of 11 +/- 5.8 and 10 +/- 1.3 respectively. Mean serum bilirubin was not elevated (0.91 +/- 0.51 gm/dl). Liver function tests (AST within normal range in all cases; <40 unit/ml but one patient had ALT above normal; >45 unit/ml).