Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine

5-12

Authors: Mohammed Shahid, Abida Malik, Rakesh Bhargava

Objective To look for secondary bacterial infections in bronchogenic carcinoma (BCA) with resistant organisms harboring bla genes considering the paucity of relevant studies. Methods A total of 137 confirmed cases of BCA and 34 healthy volunteers were studied for the occurrence and prevalence of blaCTX-M and and blaAmpC harboring–enterobacteriaceae. A subset of these patients (n=69) was previously reported for the secondary infection with the Aspergillus species. Bronchoalveolar lavages (BAL) were subjected for bacterial and fungal cultures and the bacterial isolates were screened by multiplex PCRs for the presence of blaCTX–M and blaAmpC. The isolates were also screened for the association of insertion sequence (IS26) by PCR and characterized by RAPD for any clonal relatedness. Results A total of 143 bacterial isolates were obtained from 137 BAL specimens of BCA patients. The Enterobacteriaceae–isolates were multidrug-resistant showing concomitant resistance to fluoroquinolones and aminoglycosides. Both blaCTX-M and blaAmpC of CIT family were detected in 77.4% and 27.4% isolates, respectively. Sequencing revealed the presence of blaCTX–M–15 and blaCMY-6. Twenty one percent of the isolates were simultaneously harboring blaampC and blaCTX–M–15. IS26 PCR and RAPD typing revealed the presence of diverse bacterial population but no predominant clone was identified. The present study also suggests strong association of aspergillosis with lung cancer and further strengthens the potential use of non-validated serological tests suggested earlier. Conclusions We emphasize that all patients of bronchogenic carcinoma should also be screened for secondary bacterial infections, along with secondary fungal infections, so as to introduce early and specific antimicrobial therapy and to prevent unwanted deaths.

16-19

Authors: Funda Dogruman-Al, Isil Fidan, Bekir Celebi, Emine Yesilyurt, Berna Erdal, Cahit Babur, Semra Kustimur

Objective To investigate which cytokines are produced after acute infection of mice with Toxoplasma gondii (T. Gondii) RH strain. Methods Mus domesticus domesticus mice in infected group were inoculated with with highly virulent T. Gondii RH strain by intraperitoneally. Serum samples were obtained from infected and non-infected mice for cytokine levels for ELISA assay. Results The concentrations of tumor necrosis factor–α, interferon–γ, interleukin (IL)–10 and IL–12 in the cardiac blood sample of the infected mice were significantly higher than those in uninfected controls (P<0.05). The levels of transforming growth factor–1β decreased in mice infected with T. gondii compared to those of the controls, the decrease was statistically significant (P<0.05). No significant difference was observed in levels of IL–4 between infected and healty control groups (P>0.05). Conclusions According to our findings, immune response into T helper type 1 was predominant during acute T. gondii infection. Further characterization and purification of Toxoplasma molecule(s) implicated in the regulation of cytokines could lead to the development of new drug prospects to control Toxoplasma infection.

24-28

Authors: M Govindarajan, P Karuppannan

Objective The present study deals with the investigation of larvicidal and ovicidal activities of benzene, hexane, ethyl acetate, methanol and chloroform leaf extract of Eclipta alba (E. alba) against dengue vector, Aedes aegypti (Ae. Aegypti). Methods Twenty five early III instar larvae of Ae. aegypti was exposed to various concentrations (50–300 ppm) and was assayed in the laboratory by using the protocol of WHO 2005; the 24 h LC50 values of the E. alba leaf extract was determined by Probit analysis. For ovicidal activity, slightly modified method of Su and Mulla was performed. The ovicidal activity was determined against Ae. aegypti to various concentrations ranging from 100–350 ppm under the laboratory conditions. The egg hatch rates were assessed 48 h post treatment. Results The LC50 values of benzene, hexane, ethyl acetate, methanol and chloroform extract of E. alba against early third instar larvae of Ae. aegypti were 151.38, 165.10, 154.88, 127.64 and 146.28 ppm, respectively. Maximum larvicidal activity was observed in the methanol extract followed by chloroform, benzene, ethyl acetate and hexane extract. No mortality was observed in control. Among five solvent tested the methanol extract was found to be most effective for ovicidal activity against Ae. aegypti. The methanol extracts exerted 100% mortality (zero hatchability) at 300 ppm. Conclusions From the results it can be concluded the crude extract of E. alba was an excellent potential for controlling Ae. aegypti mosquito.

35-40

Authors: Soroj Kumar Chatterjee, Indranil Bhattacharjee, Goutam Chandra

Objective The column chromatographic fraction of ethyl acetate (EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4 and EA5) leaf extracts of Vangueria spinosa (V. spinosa) were screened for antibacterial activity and phytochemical analysis. Methods EA3 fraction was isolated and identified by column chromatography, thin layer chromatography, spectral data analysis and phytochemical screening were used for analysis. Results EA3 fraction was significantly active at 4 to 64 mg/L against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa with minimum inhibitory concentration of 1.5625 to 3.1250 mg/mL. The active fraction (EA3) revealed the presence of flavonoid with retention factor value (Rf) of 0.39. The active antibacterial agent in the most potent fraction (EA3) was isolated and identified as flavonoid (−)–epicatechin–3–O–β–glucopyranoside by thin layer chromatography (TLC) and phytochemical screening. EA1 and EA2 show inhibitory activity at 4 to 64 mg/L against Staphylococcus aureus only where as fraction EA4 and EA5 do not shows any inhibitory activity within that range of concentration against any bacteria. Conclusions The results support the ethnomedicinal use of leaf of V. spinosa for the treatment of bacterial diseases.

46-49

Authors: DJ Taur, RY Patil

Objective To investigate effects of ethanol extract of Abrus precatorius leaves (EAPL) on egg albumin induced mast cell degranulation in mice and passive cutaneous anaphylaxis in rats. Methods In present study ethanol extract of Abrus precatorius leaves (EAPL) at doses of 100, 125, 150 mg/kg i.p were evaluated for preliminary phytochemical screening, acute toxicity studies and egg albumin induced mast cell degranulation in mice and passive cutaneous anaphylaxis in rats. Results The results of present investigation showed that the LD50 of EAPL is more than 1 300 mg/kg. EAPL (100-150 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly protect egg albumin induced degranulation of mast cell and inhibit area of leakage of dye in passive cutaneous anaphylaxis. Phytochemical studies observed presence of saponin, alkaloids, flavonoids, and glycosides. Conclusions In conclusion EAPL possesses anti asthmatic potential.

54-57

Authors: P Dandapat, PK Nanda, S Bandyopadhyay, Anmol Kaushal, A Sikdar

Objective To undertake a study on prevalence of Deg Nala disease in eastern states of India and to reproduce the disease in buffaloes by the Fusarium spp., isolated from the affected region. Methods During this investigation, a survey was conducted covering four states of eastern region to identify the Deg Nala cases as well as to isolate and characterize the causative agent(s). An experimental study was carried out to reproduce the disease in healthy male buffaloes (2–3 years age) by randomly dividing them into five groups (four in each group). Each individual group was fed with rice straw artificially infested with either of the two representative isolates of Fusarium oxysporum (F. oxysporum) (F01, F02) or representative reference strains of Fusarium equiseti (F. equiseti) (ITCCF-2470) and Fusarium moniliforme (F. moniliforme) (ITCCF-4821) for 30 days, whereas the control group was fed with normal rice straw only. Results A total of 658 Deg Nala cases were recorded and 12 Fusarium isolates were identified from the mouldy rice straw collected from these affected areas. The characterization of the isolates revealed three species viz., F. oxysporum, F. equiseti and F. moniliforme, among which F. oxysporum was predominant. The disease was artificially reproduced in three buffaloes in F01 group and one in F02 group within 20–23 days by feeding F. oxysporum infested rice straw which resembled the clinical symptoms and gross lesions of natural Deg Nala cases. Conclusions The field investigation and laboratory studies, including experimental production of Deg Nala disease suggest the possible involvement of mycotoxins. However, further investigations needs to be done to understand nature of the toxic factors involved in production of the Deg Nala disease.

61-63

Authors: Salim Abadi Yaser, Chinikar Sadegh, Telmadarraiy Zakkyeh, Vatandoost Hassan, Moradi Maryam, Oshaghi Mohammad Ali, Ghiasi Seyed Mojtaba

Objective To determine the rate of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) infection in hard ticks (Ixodidae) in Yazd province of Iran. Methods A molecular survey on hard ticks (Ixodidae) was conducted in Yazd province during 2008–2009. A total of 140 hard ticks (three genera and 7 species) were collected from randomly selected villages and were exanimate for presence of CCHFV reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method. Results CCHFV genome was found in 5.71% of hard ticks. All positive ticks were from Hyalomma genus. Positive ticks including: Hyalomma dromedarii, Hyalomma marginatum, Hyalomma anatolicum, Hyalomma detritum, Hyalomma asiaticum. We were not able to find virus in in Rhipicephalus sanguineus and Dermacentor marginatus. Results exhibited that Hyalomma is the main vector in the study area. Conclusions Due to the presence of virus in 24 provinces' out of 31, we recommend the use of acaricides and repellent to prevent disease transmission among humans. Greta care should be taken by the people who are working in slaughter houses.

67-71

Authors: Vatandoost Hassan, Rashidian Arash, Jafari Mehdi, Raeisi Ahmad, Hanafi-Bojd Ahmad Ali, Yousofzai Abdul Wali, Daryanavard Ali, Mojahedi AbdulRasool, Pakari Abbas

Objective To demonstrate malaria situation analysis, stratification and planning for an endemic area in southern Iran. Methods Data on health system, population, meteorological parameters, malaria cases, anopheline vectors, and control activities during 2005–2007 was obtained from Minab Health Center, Minab Meteorological Station and published documents about malaria elements in the study area. A datasheet was created in excel 2003 for analysis. Results There were 644 health staff working in Minab District including 99 health staff in malaria control program. The health facilities are distributed as follow: 1 hospital with 96 beds, 23 health centers including private centers (10 in Minab city and 13 in rural area of Minab District) and 119 health houses in rural areas of Minab District. A nopheles stephensi was the dominant species in Minab District, however, Anopheles dthali, Anopheles superpictus, Anopheles fluviatilis, Anopheles multicolor, Anopheles pulcherrimus and Anopheles turkhudi can also be found in the area. Anopheles stephensi was reported susceptible to malathion, propoxur, primphos-methyl, lambda-cyhalothrin permethrin and deltamethrin, and resistant to DDT and dieldrin in the area. During the study period a total of 10 665 positive cases were reported, mainly due to local transmission (99.6%). Plasmodium vivax was the main causative agent followed by Plasmodium falciparum. There were reports about drug resistance of Plasmodium falciparum in the area. Conclusions Using different parameters, Minab was classified into 3 strata. A plan was designed based on described goal, objectives and targets. The approaches of this plan were categorized into: health education, early detection and correct treatment, and vector control. Main constraints of these approaches are population movement between Iran, Pakistan and Afghanistan; vector control challenges at district, inadequate skilled medical staff in malaria case management and weak inter-sectorial coordination for malaria control, especially in urban areas.

76-78

Authors: Wenlin Wang, David Blair, Tian Min, Fang Li, Dianhua Wang

Objective: To reobserve and research the specimen of Paragonimus worm found in the left lung of a New Guinea native in 1926, which was previously identified as Paragonimus westermani Kerbert or Paragonimus ringeri Cobbold. Methods: Using reconstructive software and microscopy to observe some organs of the worm, and compared with other species of paragonimus. Results: The three dimensional (3D) views of ovary and two testes of New Guinea specimen showed that the ovary was clearly divided into six lobes. These two testes were situated oppositely in the body. One teste was divided into four branches, while another was divided into five. The cuticular spines were arranged in groups over the entire skin covered in a slide, each group was consisted of two to four single spine. Conclusions: Based on 3D views and measurements, we reclassified it as Paragonimus siamensis. This was also the first report of human case infected by Paragonimus siamensis.

81-82

Authors: Parveen Rana Kundu, SK Mathur, Sunita Singh, Amrita Duhan, Garima Aggarwal, Rajeev Sen

Tuberculosis (TB) of the spleen is an extremely rare clinical entity particularly among immunocompetent persons. We report a case of isolated tuberculous abscess of spleen in a 13- years- old boy. No primary focus of infection was detected in lungs or any other organ. The patient was treated by splenectomy after a therapeutic failure with standard antituberculous medication.