Parasitologists United Journal最新文献

{"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":null,"pages":null},"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":null,"pages":null},"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":null,"pages":null},"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}

{"title":"Echinococcus granulosus protoscolex antigen used in serodiagnosis of hydatidosis by nano-gold dot-ELISA","authors":"Rashed Sm, M. Nasr, I. Shalash, Nagwa S. M. Ali, S. Kishik, A. El-Ghanam","doi":"10.21608/puj.2019.11387.1039","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21608/puj.2019.11387.1039","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Echinococcus granulosus protoscolex antigen (PSAg) is a protein with significant immunological properties having higher sensitivity and specificity in ELISA. It lowers cross-reaction with antibodies of other parasites and thus its application is recommended in serological diagnosis. Labelling of ELISA with nano-gold particles improved the diagnostic abilities of the laboratory technique in hydatidosis detection. \u0000Objective: To evaluate the use of nano-gold dot-ELISA for isolation of E. granulosus PSAg and its application in serodiagnosis of hydatidosis in humans and animals in comparison with dot-ELISA. \u0000Material and Methods: Hydatid cyst PSAg was isolated and used for immunization of rabbits to raise IgG polyclonal antibodies (pAb) in antisera. These sera were labeled with horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and used for detection of circulating PSAg in sera of human cases and camels and sheep by dot-ELISA and nano-gold dot-ELISA. \u0000Results: Conjugation of the anti-protoscolex pAb with gold nano-particles increased the sensitivity of antigen detection by nano-gold dot-ELISA to 94.4% and specificity to 90%, with positive and negative predictive values of 94.4% and 90%, and an accuracy of detection of 92.9% in both human and animal sera. \u0000Conclusion: Nano-gold dot-ELISA technique is more sensitive than dot-ELISA for detection of hydatidosis antigen both in human and animal samples","PeriodicalId":41408,"journal":{"name":"Parasitologists United Journal","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.4,"publicationDate":"2019-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41601820","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":"Insights into the interplay of latent toxoplasmosis, testosterone, cortisol and oxidative stress in screened schizophrenic patients in Egypt","authors":"N. El-Gebaly, M. Abdeltawab, Alshaimaa Hamed, Noha A. Mahfouz, S. Adel, A. Mahfoz, M. Rehan, E. Elsebaei","doi":"10.21608/puj.2019.11819.1040","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21608/puj.2019.11819.1040","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Toxoplasma gondii is a wide-spread infection. Most cases are asymptomatic latent toxoplasmosis and its link with schizophrenia is of wide interest. Toxoplasmosis induces immunopathological and neuroendocrine alterations that induce activation of hypothalamic pituitary-adrenal axis resulting in higher glucocorticoid and testosterone levels. Oxidative stress also has a role since antioxidants as glutathione (GSH) were found to be reduced. \u0000Objective: To assess seroprevalence/serointensity of toxoplasmosis in schizophrenic patients in relation to the levels of testosterone, cortisol and GSH activity in order to evaluate these factors in the etiopathogenesis of schizophrenic patients harboring latent toxoplasmosis. \u0000Subjects and Methods: In this cross sectional case control study, 120 schizophrenic inpatients were compared with 120 individuals attending the outpatients’ clinics in the same age range, and after exclusion of schizophrenia. Schizophrenia was confirmed or excluded using positive and negative syndrome scale (PANSS). Levels of Toxoplasma IgG, free testosterone, cortisol and GSH were determined in both groups. \u0000Results: Statistical analysis revealed no differences between cases and controls as regard age, gender, contact with pets, and Toxoplasma IgG seroprevalence. Toxoplasma IgG seroprevalence was higher in males compared to females and in rural areas than in urban areas. In Toxoplasma-positive patients, testosterone was higher in both genders and glutathione was lower, while no significant difference was documented in relation to PANSS, treatment with electroconvulsive-therapy (ECT) or cortisol level. Schizophrenic patients showed higher Toxoplasma antibody titer, cortisol, free testosterone levels in both genders and lower GSH than control. Male schizophrenic patients particularly showed lower GSH level and higher Toxoplasma antibody titer. Free testosterone level was significantly higher in male patients who had received ECT. \u0000Conclusion: Latent toxoplasmosis may be involved in the etiology of schizophrenia. Screening and treatment of toxoplasmosis is advisable to prevent schizophrenia. Also, screening of schizophrenic patients for chronic toxoplasmosis and the fore mentioned parameters is recommended for prediction of complications and presents a promising approach for prevention and management.","PeriodicalId":41408,"journal":{"name":"Parasitologists United Journal","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.4,"publicationDate":"2019-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46990321","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":"New record of Thubunaea pudica Seurat, 1914 (Spirurida: Physalopteridae) in lizard Trapelus mutabilis from Egypt","authors":"S. Harras, Rasha Elmahy","doi":"10.21608/puj.2019.13643.1046","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21608/puj.2019.13643.1046","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Studies on nematode taxa remain poorly described in cold blooded animals, with rareness of data on the helminth community of Egyptian ones, especially lizards. The available literatures are mostly restricted to ecological studies rather than descriptive ones. \u0000Objective: To identify and give full description for nematodes that inhabit the Desert Agama, Trapelus mutabilis (T. mutabilis) caught from El-Dabaa desert, Egypt. \u0000Material and Methods: Nineteen Agama lizards having the characteristic morphological criteria of T. mutabilis were dissected and examined for parasitic infection. Gastrointestinal nematodes were collected, fixed and identified using light microscopy. Those subjected for scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were dried, coated and examined. \u0000Results: Seven out of nineteen dissected lizards were found to be infected with the nematode Thubunaea pudica (T. pudica) (Family: Physalopteridae). They were collected from the stomach and small intestine of T. mutabilis. The main characteristics of adult T. pudica are: symmetrical anterior cephalic structure similar in both sexes, vulva is situated in the first tenth of the body, the tip of male tail ends beyond well-developed caudal alae with 32 true caudal papillae and two subequal stout spicules. \u0000Conclusion: The study added the first fully described details for T. pudica using both light and SEM. Moreover, T. mutabilis lizard represents a new host record for T. pudica in a new geographic locality El-Dabaa desert as there are no reports of this species recorded from Egypt.","PeriodicalId":41408,"journal":{"name":"Parasitologists United Journal","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.4,"publicationDate":"2019-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48392380","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 mini-FLOTAC method for diagnosing intestinal parasitic infections","authors":"Nada A. El-Nadi, A. Ahmed, N. Ahmed, Amany El-Laah","doi":"10.21608/puj.2019.13212.1045","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21608/puj.2019.13212.1045","url":null,"abstract":"Background:  Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are widely distributed throughout the world and have been identified as one of the most significant causes of illnesses and diseases. Accurate diagnosis is essential for proper management and to guide the design, implementation and monitoring of programs for community control of infectious diseases. \u0000Objective: To evaluate and compare mini-FLOTAC technique with the widely used formol-ethyl-acetate concentration method (FECM) in IPIs detection. \u0000Material and Methods: One hundred fecal samples were randomly collected from different laboratories. All samples were microscopically examined using mini-FLOTAC and FECM. Iodine and modified Zeil-Neelsen stains were used to confirm the presence of protozoa cysts, and oocysts of Cryptosporidium spp. and C. cayetanensis, respectively. \u0000Results: About two thirds of samples (68%) were positive; 70.6% (48/68) contained only one parasitic infection by at least one method. Generally, the most frequent was Cryptosporidium spp. 35.3% (24/68) followed by E. histolytica/dispar 23.5% (16/68) and G. intestinalis 14.7% (10/68). It was observed that mini-FLOTAC detected the highest number of helminthes infections (100% sensitivity) in contrast to 41.1% for protozoa whereas FECM was the most sensitive approach for protozoa infections (98.2% sensitivity) in contrast to 68.7% for helminthes. \u0000Conclusion: Mini-FLOTAC is a safe rapid device for microscopic examination of stool samples with high sensitivity, affordability, and appropriateness of diagnosis in resource-limited settings where IPIs are widespread","PeriodicalId":41408,"journal":{"name":"Parasitologists United Journal","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.4,"publicationDate":"2019-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42857603","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":"Preneoplastic proliferative changes induced by experimental blastocystosis","authors":"M. M. Ahmed, F. Habib, G. Saad, Heba El Naggar","doi":"10.21608/puj.2019.11959.1041","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21608/puj.2019.11959.1041","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Studying the pathogenic potential of Blastocystis spp. by in vitro and in vivo experimental studies led to suspicions concerning its role in development of cancer colon. Still, this hypothesis remains under investigations. \u0000Objective: To investigate the pathology induced in the gut of mice inoculated with Blastocystis spp. isolates derived from patients with and without colorectal carcinoma (CRC). \u0000Subjects and Methods: Seven Blastocystis spp. isolates were derived from patients with CRC, six from non-CRC patients with symptomatic blastocystosis and six from non-CRC asymptomatic Blastocystis spp. carriers. Isolates were used to induce experimental blastocystosis in three groups of three-weeks-old BALB-c mice: GI was inoculated by CRC isolates; GII by symptomatic non-CRC isolates; and GIII by non-CRC asymptomatic isolates. Always, one clinical isolate was used to infect one mouse. Each group contained one negative control mouse inoculated with parasite-free culture medium, kept under the same conditions. \u0000Results: Histopathological examination of sections of intestine of all inoculated mice in the three groups showed positive infection with parasites seen only in the cecum and colon, no parasites were seen in the small intestine. Inflammatory cells infiltrations were detected in mice of the three groups with varying degrees. Vacuolar forms of Blastocystis spp. were seen infiltrating the submucosa in sections from mice in GI (4 mice) and GII (2 mice) but not in GIII. The significant difference in the pathologic changes induced in the intestine of mice in the three groups was observed being more severe with polypoid formation in mice in GI (4 mice) than in GII (1 mouse). \u0000Conclusion: Blastocystis spp. isolates associating CRC differ in their proliferative and invasive pathogenic capabilities than symptomatic isolates. Asymptomatic Blastocystis spp. are non-invasive organisms causing only mild inflammatory response in the large intestine of experimentally infected animals","PeriodicalId":41408,"journal":{"name":"Parasitologists United Journal","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.4,"publicationDate":"2019-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42988331","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":"Gastrointestinal helminths of lizards (Reptilia: Squamata) from Egypt","authors":"Rasha Elmahy, S. Harras","doi":"10.21608/puj.2019.13809.1048","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21608/puj.2019.13809.1048","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Despite the fact that Egypt contains a large number of lizard species, yet there is little knowledge recorded regarding the helminth fauna infecting this group of hosts. A parasitological study on gastrointestinal helminths of lizards was carried out during Summer (August) and Autumn (September and October), 2014 and 2015, respectively. \u0000Objective: This study aims to update information on helminth parasites that infect lizards in Egypt. \u0000Material and Methods: Seven species of lizards, Pseudotrapelus sinaitus Heyden, 1827; Trapelus mutabilis Merrem, 1820 (Agamidae); Tarentola mauritanica mauritanica Linnaeus, 1758 (Phyllodactylidae); Tropiocolotes tripolitanus Peters, 1880 (Gekkonidae); Acanthodactylus boskianus Daudin, 1802 (Lacertidae); Chamaeleo africanus Laurenti, 1768 (Chamaeleonidae); and Varanus niloticus Linnaeus, 1766 (Varanidae), were collected from several parts of Egypt. These hosts were dissected and examined for gastrointestinal helminth. The collected helminths were fixed in 70% ethanol, stained with carmine and examined by using an Olympus CX31 microscope and a Zeiss Stemi 2000-C microscope. \u0000Results: The total prevalence of infection with helminths was 35.9%. The study recorded 16 species of helminths recognised as: six species of digenea [Prosthodendrium obtusum (Looss, 1896) Bhalerao, 1936, Pleurogenoides tener (Olsson, 1876) Travassos, 1921, Anchitrema sanguineum (Sonsino, 1894) Looss, 1899, Cyclorchis varani Price, 1936, Mesostephanus milvi Yamaguti, 1939 and Haplorchis pumilio (Looss, 1896) Looss, 1899], four species of cestodes [three adults, Oochostrica mutabili Morsyet al., 2013, Duthiersia fimbriata Diesing, 1854 and one unidentified cestode and one tetrathyridia of Mesocestoides spp.] and six species of nematodes [Parapharyngodon micipsae Seurat, 1917, Pharyngodon inermicauda Baylis, 1923, Abbreviata leptosome Gervais, 1848, Thubunaea pudica Seurat, 1914, Tanqua tiara (von Linstow, 1879) Blanchard, 1904 and Spinicauda sonsinoi (Linstow, 1894) Travassos, 1920]. \u0000Conclusion: This study documents 10 new host and 10 new locality records in Egypt and distinguishes between studied material and reported descriptions. These findings add significantly to the present information on helminths infecting lizards in Egypt.","PeriodicalId":41408,"journal":{"name":"Parasitologists United Journal","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.4,"publicationDate":"2019-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48031686","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":"A novel impact of Boswellia serrata on Blastocystis spp. infected mice","authors":"R. Sarhan, G. Saad, H. M. E. Eldin, M. Hetta","doi":"10.21608/puj.2019.12062.1042","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21608/puj.2019.12062.1042","url":null,"abstract":"Background: The susceptibility of Blastocystis spp.to standard antimicrobials is not clear. The development of resistant strains against the recommended drugs has evoked the importance of using an alternative medicine. Metronidazole constitutes a mainstay and is considered the first line for treatment, yet, it is complicated with many drawbacks. The demand for finding alternatives introduced nitazoxanide (NTZ) and natural products to provide successful new regimens for treatment and to avoid resistant infections. \u0000Objective: The present study was conducted to evaluate the anti-Blastocystis effects of Boswellia serrata compared to NTZ on experimentally infected mice. \u0000Material and Methods: Three groups of BALB-c mice were used: untreated control group (G1); infected mice treated with NTZ (G2); infected mice treated with B. serrata (G3). Histopathological examination of colonic epithelium and immunohistochemical assessment was done for detection of TNF-α in the two groups of mice treated with B. serrata in comparison to those treated with NTZ. \u0000Results: The test appraised the effect of B. serrata which succeeded in maintaining the intact surface epithelium and goblet cells. The mononuclear infiltrations were markedly decreased in the lamina propria and appeared as small aggregates at the base of the crypts. The submucosa showed marked reduction of inflammatory cells. Occasional intraepithelial lymphocytes were detected in-between epithelial cells. The negative Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS) reaction detected in the intestinal crypts was comparable to NTZ treatment. Surpassing NTZ, B. serrata-treated group showed an apparently less positive reaction to TNF-α in the cells of the submucosa and lamina propria, while NTZ effect was restricted only to the submucosa. \u0000Conclusion: This natural product can offer an alternative therapy for use instead of or concurrently with the conventional anti-Blastocystis treatment.","PeriodicalId":41408,"journal":{"name":"Parasitologists United Journal","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.4,"publicationDate":"2019-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47396042","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}