Molecular prevalence of Cryptosporidium isolates among Egyptian children with cancer.

Immunocompromised individuals especially children with cancer are at risk for acquiring cryptosporidiosis, which can result in severe morbidity and mortality. This work was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of Cryptosporidium parasite and its genotypes in children with cancer. Stool specimens were collected from 145 children in the Oncology unit of Pediatric Department, Zagazig University Hospital, Sharqiyah province, Egypt. Cryptosporidium infection was evaluated using modified Ziehl-Neelsen (MZN) staining and nested polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis. The prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection in oncological children was 29.7% using microscopy and 25.5% using nested PCR. Genotypic characterization showed that 23 (62.2%) had C. hominis, 11 (29.7%) C. parvum, and 3 specimens (8.1%) were mixed infection of both genotypes. Cryptosporidiosis was significantly associated with diarrhea. However, no statistically significant difference was detected between the age, gender, residency, animal contact and malignancy type concerning to Cryptosporidium infection. This study concluded that Cryptosporidium is a prevailing opportunistic parasite among children with cancer. It should be considered in oncological patients especially those suffering from diarrhea which requires proper management to reduce its complications.

The delayed death-causing nature of Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extracts and their mixture within experimental chronic toxoplasmosis: Therapeutic and prophylactic implications.

BACKGROUND: The restricted effect, significant toxicity, and emerging resistance of anti-toxoplasmosis synthetic agents impose the search for alternatives. The current research aimed to evaluate the prophylactic and therapeutic efficacy of Rosmarinus officinalis extracts and their mixtures against chronic murine toxoplasmosis and to clarify the phenomenon of delayed death. METHODS: This research included two experimental designs, the first to test the preventive and curative efficacy of the extracts and the second to assess delayed death in mice infected with the ME49 strain of Toxoplasma gondii. The essential oils of the plant were analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. RESULTS: Treatment with a mixture of rosemary extracts displayed reduction rates of 81% for T. gondii cyst burden and 23% for cyst viability. The reinfected group with the pretreated cysts reported 93.4% reduction in cyst burden and 95.4% in cyst viability. Moreover, 90% reduction of the infectivity rate was obtained. The therapeutic efficacy of this mixture was superior to its valuable prophylactic effect. Histopathological examination of liver and brain tissue exhibited marked improvement. Both extracts possess free radical scavenging and antioxidant activities evidenced by high expression of iNOS stain. Our results were signified by low BAG-1 gene expression and massive mutilation of T. gondii cyst in the targeted group using scanning electron microscopy. Analysis of R. officinalis revealed the presence of isobornylformate as a novel ingredient. CONCLUSIONS: R. officinalis displays a therapeutic rather than prophylactic potential, indicating the emergence of an effective safe alternative therapy.

IMMUNOGENICITY ASSESSMENT FOR LUNG-STAGE AND BIOMPHALARIA ALEXANDRINA COCKTAIIVACCINE IN SCHISTOSOMA MANSONI INFECTED MICE.

The availability of a new vaccine is usually needed as an additional component to chemotherapy for control of schistosomiasis. Different strategies of different types of vaccines were assessed to decrease morbidity but did not give the best protection. The study assessed the efficacy of BAAP, SLAP and their combined preparations together with BCG adjuvant as an effective anti-schistosomal vaccine. METHODOLOGY: Six groups of Swiss albino mice were used; (Gl) as a control, (G2) infected non immunized; (G3) infected and supported by Adj.; (G4) infected; vaccinated with BAAP and supported by Adj.; (G5) infected, vaccinated with SLAP and supported by Adj. and the target group (G6) infected, vaccinated with combined antigens (BAAP + SLAP) and supported by Adjuvant. Mice were sacrificed 8 weeks post infection for assessment the effect of our vaccine through parasitological, histopathological, serological and immunohisto- chemical study. The vaccination of mice with BAAP, SLAP and Adjuvant followed by challenge S. mansoni infection resulted in highest reduction percentages (92% & 86%) for mean numbers of adult burdens and fecal egg counts respectively,(82.4%, 81%) for granuloma number and diameter respectively compared with other groups. The improvement % of all measured enzymes was higher in G6 than other groups.IL1O was significantly increased in G6 than other groups; also, TNF was significantly decreased in G6 than other groups.

Molecular approach for detecting early prepatent Schistosoma mansoni infection in Biomphalaria alexandrina snail host.

The present study aimed to evaluate a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay used for detection of Schistosoma mansoni infection in Biomphalaria alexandrina snails in early prepatent period and to compare between it and the ordinary detection methods (shedding and crushing). Biomphalaria alexandrina snails are best known for their role as intermediate hosts of S. mansoni. DNA was extracted from infected snails in addition to non-infected "negative control" (to optimized the efficiency of PCR reaction) and subjected to PCR using primers specific to a partial sequence of S. mansoni fructose-1,6-bus phosphate aldolase (SMALDO). SMALDO gene was detected in the infected laboratory snails with 70, 85, and 100 % positivity at the 1st, 3rd, and 7th day of infection, respectively. In contrast, the ordinary method was not sensitive enough in detection of early prepatent infection even after 7 days of infection which showed only 25 % positivity. By comparing the sensitivity of the three methods, it was found that the average sensitivity of shedding method compared to PCR was 23.8 % and the average sensitivity of crushing method compared to PCR was 46.4 % while the sensitivity of PCR was 100 %. We conclude that PCR is superior to the conventional methods and can detect positive cases that were negative when examined by shedding or crushing methods. This can help in detection of the areas and times of high transmission which in turn will be very beneficial in planning of the exact timing of the proper control strategy.