Background: Soil-transmitted helminths are parasitic nematodes found in the intestine. They are more prevalent in the tropics and subtropics, including Ethiopia. However, low-sensitive direct wet mount microscopy fails to detect soil-transmitted helminths among infected cases. Therefore, more sensitive and cost-effective diagnostic methods are urgently needed to minimize soil-transmitted helminthiasis morbidity.
Objective: This study aimed to compare and evaluate the performance of diagnostic methods for soil-transmitted helminths against the "gold" standard.
Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 421 schoolchildren from May to July, 2022 in the Amhara Region. Study participants were selected using a systematic random sampling technique. Stool samples were processed via Kato-Katz, McMaster, and spontaneous tube sedimentation techniques. Data were entered into epi-data version 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS version 25. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were calculated against the combined result as a "gold" standard. The strength of agreement between the diagnostic methods was determined by the Kappa value.
Results: The overall prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths was 32.8% (95% CI: 28.2-37.8%) using a combination of methods. The detection rates of Kato-Katz, McMaster, and spontaneous tube sedimentation were 28.5% (95% CI: 24.2-33.2%), 30% (95% CI: 25.6-34.8%), and 30.5% (95% CI: 26.1-35.3%), respectively. Sensitivity and negative predictive values were 87.1% (95% CI: 80.2-92.3%) and 95.1% (95% CI: 92.6-96.8%) for Kato-Katz; 91.7% (95% CI: 85.6-95.6%) and 96.5% (95% CI: 94.1-98.0%) for McMaster; and 93.2% (95% CI: 87.5-96.8%) and 97.1% (95% CI: 94.7-98.4%) for spontaneous tube sedimentation. Kappa values of Kato-Katz, McMaster, and spontaneous tube sedimentation for the diagnosis of soil-transmitted helminths were 0.901, 0.937, and 0.948, respectively.
Conclusion: Kato-Katz, McMaster, and spontaneous tube sedimentation techniques had comparable sensitivity with almost perfect agreement for the detection of soil-transmitted helminths. Therefore, the spontaneous tube sedimentation technique can be used as an alternative diagnostic method for soil-transmitted helminth infections in endemic countries.
Background: The current study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic features and complications of liver hydatid cyst in patients who underwent surgery for cystic echinococcosis (CE) in Fars province, southern Iran.
Methods: A total of 293 patients who underwent surgery for liver hydatid cyst from 2004 to 2018 in Fars province, southern Iran, were retrospectively evaluated. The clinical records of patients were reviewed, and the demographic and clinical characteristics of each patient were assessed.
Results: Of the total of 293 cases, 178 (60.9%) were females and 115 (39.1%) were males. The mean age of the subjects was 37.22 (±20.55) years. The mean size of the liver hydatid cyst was 9.18 (±4.365) cm. Of the 293 patients studied, 227 (77.4%) had hydatid cysts only in the liver, while 55 (9.4%) had both liver and lung cysts. More than half of the liver cysts (65.9%) were located in the right portion of the liver (segment 5 to 8). Of the 293 cases, 52 (17.7%) underwent radical surgery, while 241 (82.3%) underwent conservative surgery. Recurrence of hydatid cyst was recorded in 46 (15%) of cases. Patients who were treated with radical surgery in comparison with those who had conservative surgery had a lower recurrence rate but a longer duration of hospital stay (P < 0.05).
Conclusion: Recurrence remains as one of the major challenges in the management of hydatid cyst. Radical surgery reduces the chance of recurrence, although this procedure increases the length of hospital stay.
Materials and methods: Salvadora persica stem bark was extracted with two different solvents, i.e., ethyl acetate and water, and preliminary phytochemical screening was performed. Two behavioral models were used: an elevated plus maze test (EPM) and the light and dark model test for anxiolytic parameters, and a forced swim test (FST) for antidepressant effects. Healthy mice weighing 18-40 gms were treated orally in four groups (n = 6), i.e., negative control treated with normal saline and positive control with 1 mg/kg diazepam (EPM) and 30 mg/kg fluoxetine (FST), and the test groups were treated with 500 mg/kg of aqueous and ethyl acetate Sp extract. The number of entries and duration spent in the open arm for 5 minutes were the parameters for evaluating the anxiolytic activity (EPM). Duration of immobility was measured for 5 min in the FST model.
Results: In EPM, both the Sp extracts significantly (p < 0.005) increased the number of entries and the time spent in the open arms and was much similar to those of diazepam. Similarly, these extracts and fluoxetine significantly (p < 0.005) decreased the immobility time in FST.
Conclusion: The results suggest the therapeutic potential of Salvadora persica an alternative in the management of comorbid anxiety and depression.
Snakebite is a global public health concern, which often occurs in tropical and subtropical underdeveloped areas, but it is often neglected. In the southern China, Naja naja atra (Chinese cobra) is a common venomous snake that causes swelling and necrosis of local tissues, even amputation and death. Currently, the main therapy is the administration of Naja atra antivenom, which greatly reduces mortality. However, the antivenom is not particularly effective in the improvement of local tissue necrosis. Clinically, antivenom is mainly administered intravenously. We speculated that the method of injection influences the efficacy of antivenom. In this study, the rabbit model was used to explore the effects of different antivenom injection methods on systemic and local poisoning symptoms. If topical injection of antivenom contributes to ameliorate tissue necrosis, then we need to reconsider the use of Naja atra antivenom.
Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), a neglected tropical disease, is an important health problem in Fars Province, southern Iran. Fars, the fourth most populous Province in Iran, is the center of both anthroponotic and zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ZCL). Rodents, the reservoir of Leishmania major, play an important role in transmitting ZCL. In the present study, we report Leishmania infection in calomyscid rodents for the first time in mountainous residential areas of Shiraz, the capital of Fars Province, in southern Iran. Rodents were trapped in urban mountainous areas. The skin, liver, and spleen of rodents were examined microscopically for Leishmania infection. In addition, DNA was extracted from the tissues and they were evaluated for Leishmania infection by targeting the kDNA and subsequent sequencing of the nuclear rDNA internal transcribed spacer two (ITS2) region. DNA of L. major was detected in the spleen and liver of calomyscid rodents. Molecular evolution based on DNA-sequencing of the ITS2 gene confirmed the taxonomic situation of the parasite as L. major. Our findings suggest the eco-epidemiological importance of calomyscid rodents in the foci of leishmaniasis in the mountainous residential area on the plateau of Iran. These rodents may play a role in the transmission of leishmaniasis in a residential area and could be considered a potential reservoir for CL.
Haematopinus suis(H. suis) is a common ectoparasite of pigs and is economically important worldwide. H. suis is responsible for anemia and poor feed conversion rate that lead to poor growth in pig husbandry. This study assessed the prevalence and risk factors of H. suis in pigs through a cross-sectional survey in Busogo sector of Musanze district. Fifty-five (55) pigs, representing 10% of 555 pigs from 20 farms, were examined physically for the presence of H. suis, and a total number of 559 H. suis were collected from them in Busogo sector of Musanze district. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Results showed that out of 55 pigs, a total number of 35 pigs (63.6%), were found infested with H. suis in Busogo sector of Musanze district. The infestation by H. suis was associated with the farming system, animal breeds, animal's category, sex, pig hygiene, and piggery hygiene. Results showed a high (P < 0.05) prevalence in pigs reared in the intensive system (91.4%), whereas large whites were the most affected breed (60%). The prevalence of H. suis varied significantly (P < 0.05) among sexes, and females were the most affected (60%). Results related to pig hygiene revealed that all farmers were practicing washing skin three times per week, whereas only 60.0% of them were removing the bedding in their piggery. The study concluded that H. suis is present and remains a problem in the study area. Therefore, the study recommends to create farmer's awareness on the disease in pigs and its impact through training. Researchers should continue further studies on H. suis prevention with appropriate pig husbandry and management practices and the efficacy of acaricides used.
Background: The emergence and rapid spread of antimicrobial drug-resistance microorganisms exacerbate the treatment of infectious diseases, underscoring the importance of finding new, safe, and effective drugs. In Ethiopia, the roots of Carduus leptacanthus have traditionally been employed to treat microbial infectious diseases The aim of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial activity of the root extract and its primary components against six bacterial strains (Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus agalactiae, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumonia).
Methods: The extraction involved maceration of air-dried and powdered roots of C. leptacanthus with 80% methanol. The compound was isolated from the root extract using silica gel column chromatography and recrystallization in CHCl3/MeOH (9 : 1) and was characterized using ESI-MS and 1D-NMR spectroscopy. Antibacterial activity of the extract was assessed using agar well diffusion and broth microdilution methods.
Results: Syringin, a phenylpropanoid, was isolated and characterized from the extract of C. leptacanthus. The extract showed the most substantial efficacy against S. epidermidis (MIC = 5.33 mg/ml and inhibition zone diameter of 24 mm at 200 mg/m). Syringin also elicited antibacterial activity against S. aureus (MIC = 13.33 mg/ml), S. epidermidis (MIC = 16 mg/ml), and S. agalactiae (MIC = 16 mg/ml). Despite being tested up to a maximum concentration of 16 mg/ml, syringin did not exhibit antibacterial activity against the Gram-negative bacteria (P. aeruginosa, E. coli, and K. pneumonia).
Conclusions: In conclusion, the findings suggest that syringin exhibits partial involvement in the root extract's antibacterial activity, thereby potentially supporting the traditional medicinal use of the plant.
Background: Malaria is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in African countries. We aimed this study at evaluating the in vitro antiplasmodial, antioxidant, and cytotoxicity activity of Lophira lanceolata extracts.
Method: The aqueous and ethanol extracts were obtained by maceration. It tested in vitro the extracts against Plasmodium falciparum 3D7 and multiresistance Dd2. Macrophage cell lines (RAW 264.7 cells) and red blood cells were used for cytotoxicity tests. The antioxidant activity was assessed by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazine (DPPH), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), nitric oxide (NO) reduction, and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) scavenging.
Results: The in vitro antiplasmodial results showed that the ethanol extract was the most active, with IC50 of 24.51 ± 4.77 µg/mL and 31.86 ± 3.10 µg/mL, respectively, on the resistant Dd2 and sensitive 3D7 strains unlike the aqueous which indicated moderate activity with an IC50 of 51.36 ± 4.86 μg/mL and 56.36 ± 4.27 μg/mL, respectively, on the resistant Dd2 and sensitive (3D7) strains. However, the ethanol extract had the highest activity, with an IC50 of 8.153 g/mL, 1915 g/mL, 30.81 g/mL, and 54.66 g/mL, respectively, for DPPH, H2O2, NO, and FRAP, while the aqueous extract had an IC50 of 6.724, 2387681, 185.7, and 152.0 g/mL, respectively, for DPPH, H2O2, NO, and FRAP. The cytotoxicity test reveals that both extracts do not promote red blood cell haemolysis. They presented weak activity against RAW 264.7 cells and red blood cells.
Conclusion: According to these findings, the aqueous and ethanol extracts have antiplasmodial and antioxidant activity but with no cytotoxic effects on red blood cells or RAW cells. However, it will be important to investigate the in vivo antiplasmodial and antioxidant activity of these extracts.
Background: Food handlers should be screened periodically for intestinal parasitic infections, and they should be treated to reduce intestinal parasite transmission to consumers through contaminated foods and drinks. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated risk factors of intestinal parasitic infection among food handlers in Woldia town, North-East Ethiopia.
Method: A community-basedcross-sectional study was conducted among food handlers in Woldia town, North-East Ethiopia. A structured questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic characteristics and intestinal parasite-associated risk factors. Microscopic examination of a stool sample was performed using wet-mount and formol-ether concentration techniques. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0 statistical software packages. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed to investigate the association between intestinal parasitic infections and associated risk factors. In all comparisons, P value <0.05 was considered as statistically significant.
Result: The overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection among food handlers in Woldia town was 14.3%. Six different intestinal parasites were detected. The majority of the parasites identified were helminthic infections 37/52 (71%). Ascaris lumbricoides was the most dominant parasite (7.7%), followed by E. histolytica/dispar (2.7%) and G. lamblia (1.4%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that intestinal parasitic infection had a statistically significant association with food handlers' habits of hand washing without soap after latrine use (P < 0.01), swimming habit (P=0.03), and using a common knife (P < 0.01).
Conclusion: This study revealed a relatively high prevalence of intestinal parasites among food handlers in Woldia town. Strict and standard hygienic and sanitary practices should be implemented by food handlers. Moreover, food handlers should be screened for intestinal parasitic infection, and health education should be given periodically.
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