ABSTRACT
In the twenty-first century, the occurrence of allergic diseases has increased. Prevention and control of house dust mites (HDMs) are required as they play a major role in allergic conditions. The present work aimed to detect HDM allergy (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Dermatophagoides farinae) among allergic patients attending the Allergy and Immunology Unit, Zagazig University. Ninety-six patients with a history of allergic diseases were included in this study. They were examined for allergy to D. pteronyssinus and D. farinae using different diagnostic tools: the skin prick test (SPT) and measurement of specific IgE antibodies to HDM allergen extracts. Ninety-six allergic patients were recruited in this study [60 females (62.5%) and 36 males (37.5%) aged between 5-60 years]. SPT (81.2 and 79.2%) and IgE (70.9 and 75%) gave positive results for both D. pteronyssinus and D. pteronyssinus, respectively. The common risk factors were use of cotton bedding > 10 years old, older homes > 20 years, crowded homes, family history, home dampness and homes at the ground floor. It was concluded that allergies to D. pteronyssinus and D. farinae contribute to allergic diseases in Zagazig City. Use of the SPT and IgE level is a promising diagnostic tool in the diagnosis of D. pteronyssinus and D. farinae.
ABSTRACT
Giardia intestinalis is one of the most common diarrhea-causing protozoa. The present study aimed to search for specific and sensitive diagnostic tests to avoid loss of infected cases with Giardia intestinalis by detection of G. intestinalis coproantigens in diarrheic samples through comparison between direct parasitological method, an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunochromatographic test (ICT). A comparative cross-sectional study including 75 cases suffering from diarrhea and other gastrointestinal symptoms suggestive of intestinal giardiasis as abdominal distention, abdominal pain, anorexia, nausea, vomiting and weight loss, and 25 cases were without any clinical manifestations enrolled in this study. For every case, complete history taking and full clinical examination were done. Stool samples were collected from all cases and investigated by direct parasitological method, ELISA, and immunochromatographic techniques. The results showed that the sensitivity of immunochromatographic technique was 96% and specificity was 96% while sensitivity of ELISA was 98% and specificity was 96% on comparing their results to the microscopic examination of stool samples for Giardia intestinalis.
Subject(s)
Antigens, Protozoan/isolation & purification , Chromatography, Affinity/methods , Feces/chemistry , Giardia lamblia/immunology , Giardiasis/diagnosis , Adolescent , Adult , Child , Child, Preschool , Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay/veterinary , Female , Humans , Infant , Male , Middle Aged , Young AdultABSTRACT
Levamisole is an anthelmintic drug that acts by activating nicotinic acetylcholine receptors at the nematode neuromuscular junction and causing paralysis. We measured the in vitro effects of levamisole on the motility of Brugia malayi microfilariae; after 2 h incubation the apparent IC50 was 2.68 mM. Lower drug concentrations, such as 1 mM, caused an immediate total paralysis that lasted for up to 1 h, but was completely reversed by 2 h of incubation. The 'recovered' parasites were still completely susceptible to application of a second nicotinic agonist, pyrantel.