Parasitologists United Journal最新文献

{"title":"Algorithms based on PCR-RFLP of nad1 gene for genotyping of Echinococcus granulosus from human and animal isolates in Egypt","authors":"Doaa Nassar, Ahmed Khalifa, H. Elwakil, H. E. Ezz Eldin, H. Abou-Seri","doi":"10.21608/puj.2021.94807.1131","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21608/puj.2021.94807.1131","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) is a simple rapid method for genotyping of Echinococcus garnulosus sensu lato (E. granulosus s. l.) in developing countries. Construction of algorithms based on PCR-RFLP using two restriction enzymes would be useful to study the genetic diversity of the parasite and would help in differentiation between ambiguous genotypes. Objective: The goal of the present work was to develop algorithms based on RFLP of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide dehydrogenase (NADH) subunit 1 (nad1) sequences of reference genotypes of E. granulosus retrieved from GenBank for genotyping of human and animal isolates of E. granulosus in Egypt. Subjects and Methods: Retrieved nad1 sequences of reference genotypes were digested in silico individually with two restriction enzymes; Haemophilus influenza (HinfI) and Haemophilus aegyptius (HaeIII). The constructed PCR-RFLP algorithms were used for genotyping of 50 human and animal isolates (19 human, 23 camels and 8 pigs) analyzed by PCR-RFLP. To confirm the validity PCR-RFLP algorithms, samples corresponding to determined and undetermined genotypes as inferred from the algorithms were sequenced. Results: Utilizing PCR-RFLP and sequencing revealed that except for two cases (12.5%) which were typed as G1 among humans and one case as G5 in pigs (12.5%), G6 was the commonest genotype among human, camel and pig isolates collected. Conclusion: The algorithms based on PCR-RFLP of nad1 are valuable tools for genotyping of E. granulosus s. l. especially with HinfI RFLP algorithm. Sequencing is still needed to reveal the genotypes of undetermined or ambiguous isolates. E. granulosus genotyping Nasser et al., 279 and pig samples shared the same digestion pattern I, while pattern II appeared exclusively in two human cases (14.3%) out of the 14 typed[11]. However, the application of PCR-RFLP patterns is not broadly used as a result of heterogeneity of Echinococcus genome within different regions of the world. Consequently, designing and conducting a standardized pattern should be interpreted indigenously, to avoid unexpected mutations (such as nucleotide change/insertion or deletion) within the parasite genome[10]. Furthermore, a practical algorithm using more than one restriction enzyme should be constructed for interpretation of PCR-RFLP results[12]. In silico computer-based methods are rapid techniques widely used nowadays for genotyping of microorganisms, that are accurate and less costly[13]. They are facilitated by the great plethora of partial and complete sequences deposited in gene banks from wide geographical areas, as well as the availability of large numbers of analytical software. In silico PCRRFLP was used for genotyping of several parasites like T. vaginalis[14], and Leishmania spp.[15] Some in silico studies were developed for genotyping of Echinococcus spp., where gene sequences retrieved from GenBank were cut with specific restriction","PeriodicalId":41408,"journal":{"name":"Parasitologists United Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.4,"publicationDate":"2021-10-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44235786","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Anti-schistosomal Activity of Magnetite and Zero-valent Iron Nanoparticles on Schisosoma mansoni: AN in Vivo Study","authors":"Salwa S Younis, Radwa G Diab, Marwa Eltarahony, F. Arafa","doi":"10.21608/puj.2021.88219.1126","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21608/puj.2021.88219.1126","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Depending mainly on Praziquantel (PZQ) for treatment of schistosomiasis poses a great challenge in terms of effectiveness and resistance. Nanoscale particles formed by metals as iron nanoparticles (INPs) have recently gained approval from the Food and Drug Administration for use as therapeutic agents. Therefore, INPs application as potential therapeutic agents against schistosomiasis may give promising results. Objective: The present study aimed at assessing the efficacy of INPs; iron oxide or magnetite INPs (MNPs) and zero-valent INPs (ZV-INPs) on S. mansoni using parasitological and histopathological parameters. Material and Methods: In the current study, MNPs and ZV-INPs were prepared by biogenic synthesis and were given to mice orally on the 42nd day post infection (dpi) with S. mansoni in a dose of 10 mg/kg for four consecutive doses. The therapeutic efficacy was assessed using parasitological (mortality rate, adult worm load as well as female fecundity) and histopathological parameters (tissue egg count in both liver and intestine) in comparison to untreated and PZQ treated control groups. Results: Results revealed that ZV-INPs have a significant effect in decreasing both tissue egg count and hepatic granulomata size. While the MNPs have a significant effect against the total and female worms burden, tissue egg counts, female fecundity, and number of liver granuloma. Conclusion: Herein, it was concluded that both types of INPs used in the study are potentially effective anti-schistosomal agents. PARASITOLOGISTS UNITED JOURNAL 270 viability in a dose-dependent manner. Third, the most important factor of NPs toxicity is their stability, both in vivo and during synthesis and storage[7-9]. Non-oxidized ZV-INPs are widely used in environmental research due to their ability to produce high-energy reactive oxygen species. The latter can overcome and degrade organic pollutants that are non-decomposable from the environment. In the field of medicine, the incorporation of ZV-INPs with silver targeting malignant cells, led to malignant cell apoptosis and autophagy[6]. On the other hand, magnetic NPs, especially iron oxide or MNPs, became of new interest for scientists due to the phenomenon of super-paramagnetism. They obey the Coulomb’s law of electrostatic force interaction[10], where they can be directed to active sites in vivo under the influence of an external electromagnetic field[11]. Hence, ferrimagnetic iron oxide NPs gain medical interest especially in the field of diagnostics. In the field of therapeutics, ferumoxytol is a newly modified product that is approved for treatment of anemia[12], and is considered as a promising drug in treatment of cancer due to its effect on macrophage polymerization[13]. In the field of infectious diseases, MNPs have shown promising potential for the delivery of certain bactericidal agents to highly restricted microenvironments[14]. This mainly depends on the phenomenon of magnetic fluid hyperthermi","PeriodicalId":41408,"journal":{"name":"Parasitologists United Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.4,"publicationDate":"2021-10-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"49325818","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Stressing a Tired Host: Cryptosporidium Species and Helicobacter Pylori Infections in Diabetes Mellitus Patients with Gastrointestinal Manifestations","authors":"I. Abdel-Shafi, H. Fadl, Naglaa M Elsayed, Naglaa S. M. El-Gebaly, M. Rehan","doi":"10.21608/puj.2021.92425.1130","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21608/puj.2021.92425.1130","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Cryptosporidium spp. and Helicobacter pylori are widespread gastrointestinal infections that appear to resist treatment in many cases. Cryptosporidiosis results in increased intestinal permeability while H. pylori causes atrophic changes in stomach, and both are opportunistic pathogens. The outcome of infection depends largely on the degree of the host immune status. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a growing health problem in Egypt, with detrimental consequences that can affect the immune system, the gastrointestinal tract, and virtually all body systems, exposing diabetic patients to higher susceptibility to infections and intensified morbidity. Objective: The present study was designed to determine the burden of Cryptosporidium spp. and H. pylori among diabetic patients compared to non-diabetic patients attending Kasr Al Ainy hospitals. Subjects and Methods: Stool samples, demographic and clinical data were collected from 80 patients, 40 diabetics and 40 non-diabetics, with gastrointestinal manifestations. Microscopic stool examination and coproimmunoassays for the detection of Cryptosporidium spp. and H. pylori were performed for all samples. Results: Cryptosporidium spp. infection was detected in 15% of diabetics; with a frequency of 7.4% and 30.8% in patients with controlled DM and uncontrolled DM, respectively, and in 5% of non-diabetics. While H. pylori was equally detected at a rate of 60% in non-diabetic and diabetic patients (51.9% and 76.9% in patients with controlled DM and uncontrolled DM, respectively). Microscopic examination of stools revealed Blastocystis in 25% of diabetics (22.2% in controlled DM versus 30.7% in uncontrolled DM) and in 5% of non-diabetic patients. Co-infection with Cryptosporidium and H. pylori occurred in 10% of diabetic cases (3.7% in controlled DM versus 23.1% in uncontrolled DM), and in 5% of non-diabetic patients. Conclusion: Diabetic patients had a higher infection rate of Cryptosporidium as well as Blastocystis in comparison to non-diabetics. Screening for intestinal parasites is needed to control the infection and reduce morbidity in diabetics. PARASITOLOGISTS UNITED JOURNAL 262 cryptosporidiosis is increasing, and the frequency of infection is likely to be one hundred-fold higher than the number of reported cases[14]. Parasite oocysts are transmitted primarily through the fecal oral route[15], and hence Cryptosporidium is responsible for several waterborne outbreaks of gastrointestinal disease[16-18]. The oocysts are highly infectious and are resistant to hard environmental conditions[19,20]. The severity, persistence, and outcome of infection depend largely on the host immune status[21]. A self-limited disease usually occurs in the immunocompetent individuals, the most common symptom being a watery diarrhoea, while in immunocompromised patients, prolonged diarrhoea can be life threatening[22]. Cryptosporidiosis pathogenesis may include increased intestinal permeability, chloride loss, altered gl","PeriodicalId":41408,"journal":{"name":"Parasitologists United Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.4,"publicationDate":"2021-10-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46398591","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Nuclear Factor-kappa B Signaling Pathways and Parasitic Infections: An Overview","authors":"Samar M. Alhusseiny, Samar ElBeshbishi","doi":"10.21608/puj.2021.91389.1129","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21608/puj.2021.91389.1129","url":null,"abstract":"Host nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) transcription factor plays a pivotal role in innate immunity and resistance to infection. It induces the expression of several genes that encode pro-inflammatory cytokines. It also participates in regulating the differentiation and survival of innate immune cells and lymphocytes. Infection of host cells with pathogens usually activates host NF-κB signaling pathways. The majority of parasites evolved diverse protective mechanisms against NF-κB activity to shield their continued existence. Herein, we present brief insights into NF-κB signaling pathways, activators and inhibitors, and the main subsequent events following protozoan and helminthic infections in vitro, as well as in vivo either in experimental models, or in humans. Understanding the underlying mechanisms of NF-κB activation and inhibition may be of great help as a therapeutic strategy against different parasitic infections. Abbreviations: DCs: Dendritic cells; ECs: Endothelial cells; ESPs: Excretory-secretory products; IKK: Inhibitor of nuclear factorkappa B kinase; IKKα: Inhibitor of NF-κB kinase-α; IKKβ: Inhibitor of NF-κB kinase-β; IL: Interleukin; iNOS: Inducible nitric oxide synthase; IκB: Inhibitor of NF-κB; IκBα: Inhibitor of NF-κB-α; LPS: Lipopolysaccharide; NF-κB: Nuclear factor-kappa B; NO: nitric oxide; TLR: Toll-like receptor; TNF-α: Tumor necrosis factor-α. Nuclear factor-κB and parasitic infections Alhusseiny and El-Beshbishi 219 with immune and inflammatory responses, whereas the latter is a secondary signaling pathway concerned with controling adaptive immunity, B cell function, and lymphoid organ development[1]. Activators of the classical pathway include lipopolysaccharide (LPS), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), or interleukin (IL)-1β, that attach to specific receptors. Sequences include IKKβ-mediated phosphorylation of IκBα that becomes degraded through the proteasome releasing p50/p65 dimers. On the other hand, the alternative pathway is induced by B-cell activating factor (BAFF) or lymphotoxin β. It includes IKKα activation through NF-κB inducing kinase (NIK), p100 phosphorylation by IKKα, and its processing by the proteasome to yield p52. Next steps include liberation of RelB/p52 dimers, nuclear translocation, and triggering specific genes, which are different from the genes controlled by the classical pathway. In the atypical pathway, hypoxic injury or oxidative stress (DNA damage) leads to massive IκBα phosphorylation via p38-induced casein kinase-2 (CK-2) and release of p50/p65 dimers[9]. Role of NF-κB signaling in immune response and inflammatory process Extensive studies have been conducted on NF-κB signaling pathways owing to its major role in activating plentiful genes implicated in the infection response. Cell surface toll-like receptors (TLRs) expressed via dendritic cells (DCs), mucosal epithelial cells, and macrophages are the main component of the innate immune response that identifies pathogens (cell wall LPS and nu","PeriodicalId":41408,"journal":{"name":"Parasitologists United Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.4,"publicationDate":"2021-10-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43552190","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Invasion and egress cascade in intracellular protozoa: Part 2 (T. gondii)","authors":"S. Abaza","doi":"10.21608/puj.2021.86834.1125","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21608/puj.2021.86834.1125","url":null,"abstract":"As an apicomplexan member, T. gondii has a complex life cycle that involves multiplication within vertebrate and invertebrate hosts by specialized cell-invasive and egressed life cycle stages, called zoites. They are unique eukaryotic cells with characteristic four main sub-cellular structures. They include a specific inner membrane complex beneath the plasma membrane, an apical “conoid” to sustain parasite micro-tubular cytoskeleton, a plastid responsible for lipids synthesis, and specific secretory organelles; micronemes (MICs), rhoptries (ROs) and dense granules (DGs). The last is involved in maturation of the parasitophorous vacuole (PV), where the parasite multiplies; the first essential step after invasion and before egress. Similar to Plasmodium sp., successful invasion and egress cascade accounts mainly on efficient rapid invasion without alteration of host cell cytoskeleton, and multiplication within host cells inside its PV. However, Plasmodium sp. export proteins into host cell cytoplasm and plasma membrane utilizing PV as a trafficking vehicle. Instead, PV of T. gondii zoites utilized abundantly expressed DGs and ROs proteins to build up the intra-vacuolar membranous network (IVMN) for trafficking. The present editorial aims to clarify roles of proteins released from MICs, ROs and DGs in invasion and egress cascade of T. gondii.","PeriodicalId":41408,"journal":{"name":"Parasitologists United Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.4,"publicationDate":"2021-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43270221","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies using Sabin- Feldman dye test among equines in Isparta province, Turkey","authors":"M. Acıöz, F. Bozkaya, C. Babür","doi":"10.21608/PUJ.2021.69445.1112","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21608/PUJ.2021.69445.1112","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Toxoplasmosis is a protozoan disease widely spread among different animal species with an incidence of up to 90%. The presence of this agent among equine species has been reported to be about 46.3%. T.gondii infection in equids could favor the spreading of the infection as equine carcasses are used for animal diets in zoos, as well as dead equine carcasses left outside villages are eaten by stray dogs and cats. This study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence of T. gondii among equine species (horses, donkeys and mules) raised in Isparta province of Turkey by using Sabin Feldman Dye test which is a reference test widely used for detecting T. gondii antibodies in different animal species. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) among equids in Isparta province, Turkey. Material and Methods: Blood samples were collected from 192 animals including horses (n=72), donkeys (n=88) and mules (n= 32) from January to December of 2016. Separated sera were tested for Anti-T. gondii antibodies using the Sabin-Feldman Dye Test (SFDT). Results: Out of 192 samples, 44 (22.9%) reacted positive. Sero-positivity was 27.8%, 27.8% and 25.0% in horses, donkeys, and mules, respectively with no statistical difference. According to age of animals, the seroprevalence was 14.3%, 32.8%, and 20.8% in age groups 0-5, 6-10 and over 11 years, respectively with a statistically significant difference. Sero-positivity in male animals was 19.44% and in females 25.0%, with no statistical difference. Conclusion: The prevalence of exposure to T. gondii was determined as 22.9% in equids in Isparta province.","PeriodicalId":41408,"journal":{"name":"Parasitologists United Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.4,"publicationDate":"2021-05-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43802700","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Virulence factors","authors":"S. Abaza","doi":"10.21608/puj.2020.34856.1080","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21608/puj.2020.34856.1080","url":null,"abstract":"Parasites developed several strategies for their survival and host tissue invasion. Helminths express potent molecules mainly for immunomodulation, which is why they stay in their hosts for years. Helminths display several mechanisms not only to evade host immune response(s), but also to preserve the host for as long as they could live. In contrast, protozoa evolve several policies primarily for pathogenesis, and invasion. Therefore, variable clinical manifestations are reported in protozoal diseases. Both symptomatic and asymptomatic cases are commonly observed in amoebiasis, giardiasis, trichomoniasis, cryptosporidiosis and toxoplasmosis, while mild, moderate, and severe cases occur in malaria, leishmaniasis, African sleeping sickness and Chagas’ disease. This was primarily attributed to strains variability and to a lesser extent, to host immune response(s). With recent evolutionary technology in molecular parasitology and bioinformatics, several molecules are established as virulence factors. These factors encourage researchers and scientists to develop novel drug targets and/or vaccine candidates. The present review aims to highlight, and review virulence strategies adapted by parasites to invade host tissue, enhance its replication and spread, as well as other processes for immunomodulation or immunoevasion of host immune response(s). Abbreviations: CATH: Cathepsin; CP: Cysteine protease; CPI: Cysteine protease inhibitor; CYS: Cystatin; endogenous CPI; EMP1: Erythrocyte membrane protein 1; EVs: Extracellular vesicles; GP: Glycoprotein; HSP: Heat shock protein; MEROPS: Proteases database (www.ebi.ac.uk/merops/); MP: Metalloprotease; PV: Parasitophorous vacuole; SP: Serine protease; SUB: Subtilase, subtilisin-like proteases; VSPs: Variant surface proteins. Parasite virulence Abaza 77 communicate within their own populations for several functions including growth promotion, host immune system evasion, disease transmission, and manipulation of micro-environmental stress. Communication is also directed to the host through trafficking transfer of effector molecules to host cells to manipulate host gene expression, and consequently mediate parasite pathogenicity[7]. • Extracellular vesicles (EVs): These are nano-scale lipid bilayer membrane-bound structures. They contribute in the trafficking of virulence factors required for parasite nutrition, cytoadherence, host cell migration and invasion, cytotoxicity, and host immune system evasion[7]. Reviewing literature, EVs are classified into exosomes, microvesicles and apoptotic bodies. Exsomes and microvesicles are released with conserved biogenesis and functional roles. For example, exsomes in G. lamblia, T. vaginalis and pathogenic trypanosomatids are released at the flagellar pocket, whereas they are intracellularly released in apicomplexans as microvesicles[8]. It is worth mentioning that Plasmodium EVs include exonemes, micronemes, and mononemes. They are merozoite secretory apical organelles that","PeriodicalId":41408,"journal":{"name":"Parasitologists United Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.4,"publicationDate":"2020-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45666141","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluation of a web-based learning management platform and formative assessment tools for a Medical Parasitology undergraduate course","authors":"R. Wassef, F. Elkhamisy","doi":"10.21608/puj.2020.29543.1070","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21608/puj.2020.29543.1070","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Medical education for undergraduate students in preclinical sciences is challenging and often described as boring by students. Educators have to find interesting new methods to deliver information and increase students' engagement and performance. The incorporation of new technological tools can help in this regard.  \u0000Objectives: This retrospective study investigated two technological tools: Google Classroom learning management platform and Google Quiz Forms for online assessment, as regards students' satisfaction, engagement, and performance. \u0000Design and Methodology: The same Parasitology course has been taught in a classic face-to-face way during the first year of the study and taught by blended learning technique over the second year. The performance of the students of each year was compared and a questionnaire was introduced at the end of the second year to assess the students' satisfaction. \u0000Results: Students who took full advantage of these tools showed improvement of their performance (Mean= 79 in the assessment versus 83.6 in their final exam (P=0.01) and achieved significantly better scores than those of year-1 and year-2 in the final exam (Mean= 83.6 versus 76.3 and 72.7 respectively, P<0.001).  Among 128 questionnaire responders, 78.9% preferred the e-learning, 94.5% found the Google Classroom easy to use, 76.6% described it as a time saver for submission of assignments and 96.9% expressed their wish to continue to use the blended learning as well as the formative assessments in other courses and would recommend it to others. They all agreed that the formative assessments at the end of each lecture helped them in summarizing the delivered topic and consolidated the received information. \u0000Conclusions: Use of these mobile-friendly, freely available technological tools in resource-limited higher education institutions is recommended to improve the students' engagement and performance in the preclinical sciences.","PeriodicalId":41408,"journal":{"name":"Parasitologists United Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.4,"publicationDate":"2020-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44817157","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Expression of cysteine proteinases and cystatins in parasites and use of cysteine proteinase inhibitors in parasitic diseases. Part III: 4. Other protozoa","authors":"S. Abaza","doi":"10.21608/puj.2020.26290.1066","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21608/puj.2020.26290.1066","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":41408,"journal":{"name":"Parasitologists United Journal","volume":"1 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.4,"publicationDate":"2020-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41748651","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Infection hazard of exposure to intestinal parasites, H. pylori and hepatitis viruses among municipal sewage workers: a neglect high risk population","authors":"Faika Hassanein, Inas M Masoud, A. Shehata","doi":"10.21608/puj.2019.13679.1047","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21608/puj.2019.13679.1047","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Waste water may contain pathogenic human and animal excreta-derived micro-organisms that can cause infections. Municipal sewage workers are a relevant neglected high-risk population especially in the absence of effective protective equipment and lack of hygienic practices mainly washing hands. \u0000Objective: The present study aims to assess the hazards of infection with micro-organisms among municipal sewage workers as a neglected population, besides those infections that maybe acquired via sources other than their occupational hazard. \u0000Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on sewage workers from different sectors in Alexandria Governorate, Egypt. Collected stool samples were subjected to the following techniques; Kato-Katz, ether concentration, Jones’ Media culture, modified Ziehl-Neelsen, and quick hot Gram-chromotrope staining. Stool samples were also tested for Helicobacter pylori antigen (H. pylori Ag). Serum was separated for detection of viral hepatitis C antibodies (HCV Ab), and HBV surface antigen (HBVs Ag). \u0000Results: Out of the 410 examined workers, 289 (70.5%) were infected; among them 111 (38.4%) had mixed infections. It was found that 56.8%, and 31.2% harbored intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) and H. pylori, respectively; and 12.2% had hepatitis mainly HCV (9.8%). Protozoal infections amounted to 54.6%, and only 5.9% had helminthic infections. Blastocystis spp. was the most prevalent parasite (46.8%) followed by Cryptosporidium spp., Entamoeba histolytica/dispar and Microsporidium spp. (15.6%, 11.7%, and 7.8%, respectively). Almost equal percentages were recorded for single IPI and multiple infections (28.3%and 28,5% respectively). Significantly higher rates of IPIs and H. pylori were observed among workers who were in frequent contact with sewage. Also, IPIs were statistically higher among young workers (<40 years), while hepatitis was significantly more prevalent among those from rural areas. \u0000Conclusion: Although almost all the detected microbiological infectious hazards can affect sewage workers via sources other than their occupational hazard, our findings call for the importance of self-protection measures that should be in association with regular medical investigation and treatment.","PeriodicalId":41408,"journal":{"name":"Parasitologists United Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.4,"publicationDate":"2019-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"49078440","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}