Occurrence of cestodes and comparative efficacy of Typha angustata and sulphadimidine against cestodes in Columba livia domestica (Domestic Pigeon).

The occurrence of intestinal parasites of Columba livia domestica has been on the increase, leading to high economic and production losses with more fatal cases. This study was designed to investigate the prevalence of cestodes in pigeons and determine the efficacy of Typha angustata extract and sulphadimidine against these cestodes in the domestic pigeon. A total of 30 pigeons were examined. 18 (60%) pigeons were found infected with only one type of cestode species (Raillietina spp.). The difference in prevalence between males and females was statistically significant (χ2 = 8.167, p = 0.004). The mean EPG count in group A (treated with T. angustata extract) before treatment and after treatment was 176 ± 4.33 and 155 ± 4.24, respectively. In group B (treated with sulphadimidine), the mean EPG calculated before treatment and after treatment was 184 ± 6.74 and 35 ± 3.53, respectively. The efficacy at day 28 of T. angustata and Sulphadimidine was 11.93% and 80.97%, respectively. It was concluded on the basis of the EPG and efficacy data that T. angustata extract had low efficacy against raillietiniasis, while as sulphadimidine, which is also used before to treat different intestinal parasites, had a good efficacy against raillietiniasis. Further studies are required to know the prevalence of other gastrointestinal parasites in pigeons and efficacy of different medicinal plants against such parasites.

Biosynthesis, Characterization, and Antibacterial Activity of Silver Nanoparticles Derived from Aloe barbadensis Miller Leaf Extract.

BACKGROUND: There is a growing commercial demand for nano-formulations due to their prevalence applicability in various areas of bio-nanotechnology. Numerous chemical and physical methods have traditionally been used to synthesize silver nanoparticles, but they are limited due to use of toxic and harmful chemicals, thus drew researchers' attention towards the biosynthesis of the silver nanoparticles by using medicinal plant. OBJECTIVE: The present study enlightens the synthesis of silver nanoparticles in an echo-accommodating way by using aqueous Aloe vera leaf extract (AVLE) and evaluate its antimicrobial potential. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The synthesis of silver nanoparticles using AVLE was determined by UV-vis spectrum and SEM. The optimization of different reaction conditions was measured, and antibacterial activity was evaluated by the disc diffusion method. RESULTS: The optimum synthesis of AV-AgNPs showed at a 1mM concentration of silver nitrate, 595 ratio of AVLE to silver nitrate solution, pH 8 at ambient temperature for 24 hours. The synthesis was confirmed by UV-Vis spectroscopy maximum absorbance at 400 nm while SEM showed spherical morphology with an average particle size 20-24 nm. The antibacterial activity of AV-AgNPs was measured by disc diffusion method and exhibits significant antibacterial activity against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. CONCLUSION: This method appears promising for the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles by using Aloe vera with potent bactericidal activity, thus suggesting its role in clinical therapeutics and other fields.

Two new triterpenes from Alstonia scholaris flowers.

In the context of our previous communication on phytochemical studies of the ethanolic extract of flowers of Alstonia scholaris of Pakistan origin, these have resulted in the isolation of two new triterpenoids. One is of the oleanane type, alstoprenyol, 3-ß-hydroxy-28-ß-acetoxy-5-olea triterpene (1), the other is of ursane type, alstoprenylene 3ß-acetate-24-nor-urs-4,12,2'-triene ester triterpene (2) and together with four known triterpenes, α-amyrin acetate (3), α-amyrin (4), lupeol acetate (5) and 3ß-hydroxy-24-nor-urs-4,12,28-triene triterpene (6) were isolated. The structures of 1-6 were elucidated with the aid of extensive NMR spectroscopic studies.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa in chronic suppurative otitis media: sensitivity spectrum against various antibiotics in Karachi.

BACKGROUND: Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) is a prevailing and notorious infection in developing countries causing serious local damage and threatening complications. Early and effective treatment based on the knowledge of causing micro organisms and their sensitivity results in good clinical recovery and prevents from damage and complications. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is most common pathogen causing CSOM in Pakistan. The objective of this study is to identify incidence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa involved in CSOM and sensitivity against commonly prescribed antibiotics. METHODS: A total of 263 patients with unilateral or bilateral chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) were enrolled in the study at Department of ENT, Karachi Medical and Dental College & Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan from December 2004 to May 2006. Sterile cotton swabs were used to collect pus from discharging ears and plated on Blood agar and MacConkey agar for 24 to 48 hours. Antibiotics susceptibility was tested by Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) method using Mueller-Hinton agar. RESULTS: Overall microbiology of 267 samples from 263 patients was studied including 4 of bilateral discharge. Polymicrobial growth was present in 8 samples. A total of 275 bacterial isolates were studied. Pseudomonas aeruginosa (40%) and Staphylococcus aureus (30.9%) were the most common bacterial agents found in CSOM. MIC was done for Pseudomonas aeruginosa only as it was the commonest pathogen found in CSOM. Sensitivity pattern of Pseudomonas aeruginosa showed that amikacin was active against 96% of isolates followed by ceftazidime 89%, ciprofloxacin 85%, gentamicin 81%, imipenem 76%, aztreonam 42% and ceftriaxone 21%. CONCLUSIONS: Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most common bacteria isolated from chronic discharging ears followed by Staphylococcus aureus. Amikacin was found to be the most suitable drug followed by ceftazidime and ciprofloxacin for Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The resistance against ceftriaxone and aztreonam was found to be very high.