Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Disease

433-437

Authors: Neila Nedji, Wahida Loucif-Ayad

Objective: To evaluate the antimicrobial activity of propolis samples collected from different regions of Algeria and their chemical composition. Methods: The antibacterial activity of ethanolic extract of Algerian propolis against Bacillus cereus (IPA), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC25923R), Escherichia coli (ATCC25922) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC27893R) was evaluated by the disc diffusion method and determined as an equivalent of the inhibition zones diameters after incubation of the cultures at 37 °C for 24 h. The investigation of the polyphenol and flavonoid contents was done spectrophotometrically. Results: The ethanolic extract of Algerian propolis samples inhibited the growth of all examined microorganisms with the highest antimicrobial activity against the Gram-positive bacteria. Polyphenol and flavonoids contents were variable, depending on the propolis samples and a positive correlation between antimicrobial activity and chemical composition was observed. Conclusions: Antimicrobial activity, polyphenol and flavonoid contents were variable, depending on the propolis sample. The strong antimicrobial activity of Algerian propolis may be due to high total phenolic and flavonoid contents and this study suggests potential use of propolis in foods.

442-446

Authors: Olukemi Aromolaran, Omotola Kikelomo Badejo

Objective: To evaluate the phytochemical properties and antibacterial activity of methanol, acetone, ethanol and aqueous extracts of fresh leaves of Spondias mombin (S. mombin) on some clinical bacterial isolates. Methods: Clean and fresh leaves of S. mombin were collected in Ondo, Southwestern Nigeria. The leaves were blended, extracted with methanol, acetone, ethanol and water. The extracts were evaporated to dryness using rotary evaporator and tested for the presence of saponins, tannins, cardiac glycoside, terpenoids, flavonoids, reducing sugars, volatile oils, alkaloids and glycoside. The extract were tested against Gram-negative bacteria Klebsiella pneumonia, Serratia marcescens, Salmonella typhi and Enterobacter aerogens; Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus by observing the zones of inhibition using agar well diffusion assay. Results: The study showed that the leaves contained saponins, tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids and glycoside. All the solvent extracts showed activity against all the test bacteria. The methanol extract also showed the highest activity against Enterobacter aerogens, zone of diameter (15.00 ±1.89) mm, while the ethanol extract showed the highest activity against Staphylococcus aureus with zone of diameter (12.50±1.50) mm. The acetone extract showed the highest activity against Salmonella typhi, zone of diameter (17.50±0.29) mm followed by methanol extract showing zone of diameter (15.67±1.01) mm. The acetone extract showed the highest activity against Klebsiella pneumonia (15.17±0.67) mm, while the aqueous extract shows the highest activity against Serratia marcescens (14.67±2.68) mm. The minimum inhibitory concentration of the leaf extracts ranged between 10-90 mg/mL. Conclusions: This study showed that the aqueous and organic solvents extract of fresh leaves of S. mombin has anti-microbial activity against all the tested organisms.

452-456

Authors: Tohora Sultana, Jwel Rana, Sowmitra Ranjan Chakraborty, Kamal Kanta Das, Tasmina Rahman, Rashed Noor

Objective: To quantify the microorganisms contaminating the common preservatives used in food as well as to detect their in vitro anti-bacterial traits. Methods: A total of 9 preservatives were subjected to conventional cultural and biochemical methods for microbial enumeration. Anti-bacterial activities were demonstrated through the agar well diffusion method. Results: All samples were found to be contaminated with bacteria up to 10 5 CFU/g and with the fungal flora within a range of 10 1 -10 2 CFU/g. Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas spp. and Staphylococcus spp. were demonstrated in most of the samples. Sodium sulfite and citric acid possessed the strongest anti-bacterial trait against all of the test bacteria. Acetic acid exhibited activity against 6 out of 8 test bacteria while vinegar exhibited the activity against 4 bacteria. Activity of salt was demonstrated only against Listeria spp. and Bacillus spp., while activity of sugar and honey was found only against Escherichia coli and Klebsiella spp., respectively. Conclusions: According to the current investigation, sodium sulfite and citric acid samples were found to be satisfactory preservatives both in terms of microbiological criteria and their antibacterial traits.

463-468

Authors: Amira Taman, Nora El-Tantawy, Tarek Besheer, Saher Taman, Randa Helal

Objective: To determine the prevalence of schistosomiasis in the fishermen community in Egypt. Methods: A cross-sectional survey for schistosomiasis mansoni was conducted among 150 fishermen and their families from January to November 2013. Faecal samples were examined by Kato Katz method and formalin-ether concentration technique. Malacological survey was conducted to identify infection of the snail intermediate host by larval stage of Schistosoma mansoni. Snails were collected and checked for shedding of cercariae after light exposure. Results: Overall prevalence of infection was 26.6% with an intensity of (42.7±7.2) ova/g of stool. Infection was common in male and significantly increased in the age of 20-40 years. Praziquanteltreated individuals had a high significant decrease in intensity (27.2±2.4) ova/g of stool than those with no treatment history. Biomphalaria alexandrina snail was infected with Schistosoma mansoni particularly in warm seasons and mice infection was established successfully from the shed cercariae, moreover adult worms were obtained via portal perfusion of the infected mice. Conclusions: Findings indicated the endemicity of schistosomiasis mansoni in Lake Manzala region, therefore, appropriate integrated control measures are needed among fishermen including health education, environmental sanitation, periodic screening and mass treatment with praziquantel.

473-479

Authors: Salma Ahmed Mahmoud El Sawi, Doaa Mahmoud Moawad Mahmoud Hanafy, Taha Shahat Mohamed Ahmed El Alfy

Objective: To investigate the chemical constituents of the petroleum ether extract and the ether fraction of the 70% ethanol extract of Chorisia insignis HBK. leaves, as well as screen its antimicrobial activity. Methods: Different chromatographic methods were applied to investigate the non-polar extracts and the diffusion assay method was applied to study the antimicrobial activity. Results: A total of 50 compounds from the unsaponifiable matter and 20 fatty acid methyl esters were identified from the petroleum ether extract by GC/MS analysis. n-Hentriacontane, n-tritriacontane, stigmastanol, 3-methoxy-5, 6-dihydrostigmasterol, 7,8-dihydroergosterol, 4-methylcholesterol, cholestanol, multiflorenol, cholest-5-en-3-one, cholest-6-one, 5,6- dihydroergosterol, stigmasterol, dihydroalbigenin and 11-methyl-Δ5,7,9,15,17,23 -triacont-hex-ene were isolated from the petroleum ether extract. Methyl heptacosanoate and quinic acid ester of rhamnose were isolated from the ether fraction of the 70% ethanol extract. Antimicrobial activity of the total alcohol extract and the successive fractions showed that the ether and the ethyl acetate fractions have potent antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus cereus. Conclusions: The ether and the ethyl acetate fractions could be used in pharmaceutical formulations as antibacterial agents against Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus cereus, and further clinical trials should be performed in order to support the above investigations.

484-488

Authors: Talukdar Muhammad Waliullah, Akter Mst Yeasmin, Islam Md Wahedul, Hassan Parvez

Objective: To evaluate the antimicrobial potency of ethanol and chloroform extracts of root, leaf and stem of Clerodendrum infortunatum (Verbenaceae) and to explore a scientific data as this plant was randomly use in traditional medicine to cure common ailments such as intestinal disorder, diarrhea, tuberculosis and respiratory problems, etc. Methods: The in vitro application was carried out by using disc diffusion, micro broth dilution and serial dilution techniques against clinically important life threatening organisms. Results: All the extracts showed significant inhibitory activity over the bacteria and fungus comparable to the standard drug tetracycline and fluconazole. The maximum average diameter zone of inhibition was recorded to bacterial strains against Bacillus megaterium, Salmonella typhi, Klebsiella pneumoniae and to fungi against Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans. The minimum inhibitory concentration values of ethanol leaf extract were determined 64 µg/mL to Bacillus megaterium, Salmonella typhi and Klebsiella pneumoniae; 128 µg/mL to Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus-β–haemolyticus and Escherichia coli. Conclusions: The findings evidently appear promising antibacterial and antifungal properties of Clerodendrum infortunatum against antagonistic pathogens. Leaf possesses quite potent activity than root and stem specially leaf extract>root extract>stem extract. This study serves as basis for further research to lead compounds to be isolated so that it may be as a template for the implications of these results for bioactivity and drug discovery potential of herbal products.

492

Authors: Somsri Wiwanitkit, Viroj Wiwanitkit

No

497-499

Authors: Ayodhia Pitaloka Pasaribu, Syahril Pasaribu

Most cases of biliary ascariasis require endoscopic management or surgical intervention. When the procedure is difficult to perform due to many reasons and the case is without complication, conservative treatment can be an option. We report a case of biliary ascariasis in 4-year-old girl who complained of abdominal pain and subfebrile fever. The diagnosis was made using ultrasonography. The patient was successfully treated with a single dose of 400 mg albendazole. We found one dead adult female Ascaris lumbricoides from the feces after treatment. Repeated ultrasonography was made to evaluate the treatment.

348-355

Authors: Umar Ismaila Alhaji, Ndidi Uche Samuel, Mohammed Aminu, Anaedum Vivian Chidi, Zambuk Usman Umar, Umar Aliyu Umar, Bello Mohammed Adewale

Objective: To study the in vitro antitrypanosomal activity, antioxidant property and phytochemical constituents of aqueous extracts of nine Nigerian medicinal plants. Methods: In vitro antitrypanosomal activity test was carried out on aqueous extracts of dried leaves of Acacia albida (A. albida), Artemisia absinthium, Bryophyllum pinnatum, Gongronema latifolium, Holarrhena floribunda, Leptadenia hastata, Pericopsis laxiflora (P. laxiflora) and dried stem barks of A. albida and P. laxiflora. The phytochemical constituents and composition of the extracts and the in vitro antioxidant activity of the extracts were subsequently measured using the α,α-diphenyl-β-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay, Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay, thiobarbituric acid (TBA) activity assay and H2O2 radical scavenging activity assay. Results: From the study, it was discovered that the stem bark extracts of A. albida and P. laxiflora were most active against both Trypanosoma evansi and Trypanosoma congolense. There was complete cessation of motility in both trypanosomes within 5 min at 40 mg/mL of the stem bark extract of A. albida and complete cessation of motility within 25 min and 40 min at 40 mg/ mL with P. laxiflora stem bark extract for Trypanosoma congolense and Trypanosoma evansi, respectively. Quantitative analysis of the phytochemical constituents of the aqueous extracts of the plant parts such as alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids and phenols revealed that the stem barks of A. albida, P. laxiflora and leaves of Leptadenia hastata contained relatively high amount of all the phytochemicals quantified. The stem bark extracts of A. albida, P. laxiflora and leaves of Gongronema latifolium possess more scavenging capacity when compared to other extracts in relation to vitamin C, the reference antioxidant. Conclusions: This study provides scientific evidence for the use of A. albida, and P. laxiflora for the treatment of trypanosomosis and diseases associated with oxidative stress.

363-366

Authors: Neerja Jindal, Renu Bansal, Nitika Dhuria

Objective: To compare the efficacy of rapid immunochromatographic test (ICT) and ELISA for detection of dengue specific parameters (NS1 antigen and IgM antibodies) and the association of these parameters with thrombocytopenia. Methods: A total of 1 787 serum samples were obtained from the same number of clinically suspected cases of dengue during an outbreak (2011) of dengue in the Malwa region of Punjab. All the samples were subjected to rapid ICT, dengue early ELISA and dengue IgM-capture ELISA for detection of NS1 antigen and IgM antibodies. Platelet counts of all the cases positive for dengue infection and 150 cases negative for dengue parameters (control group) were recorded. Results: Rapid ICT for NS1 antigen detection showed same specificity (100%) but lower sensitivity (85.81%) than the dengue early ELISA, while it was 100% and 94.10% respectively for IgM antibody detection. The difference in the platelet counts of cases positive and negative for dengue specific parameters was stastically insignificant (standard error of proportions=0.017, Z value=0.84, P value=0.2). Conclusions: The confirmation of serological diagnosis of dengue should always be based on ELISA test and ICT and/or thrombocytopenia should not be used as a stand-alone test.

372-377

Authors: Aras Rafiee, Mohammad Hossein Alimohammadian, TaranehGazori, Farhad Riazi-rad, Seyed Mohammad Reza Fatemi, Amirabbas Parizadeh, Ismaeil Haririan, Mohammad Havaskary

Objective: To to compare the chitosan/alginate, chitosan and alginate nanoparticles as plasmid vectors, to determine the morphological characteristics, size and physicochemical properties of nanoparticle-pEGFP complexes and to evaluate the potential of these nanoparticles in transfection of pEGFP plasmid in to a cultured the human embryonic kidney cell line (HEK 293 cells). Methods: Nanoparticles comprising chitosan, alginate and both chitosan-alginate polymers were formed through pregel preparation method. The ability of plasmid-complexes in preventing DNA migration were assessed by the agarose gel assay. The efficiency of nanoparticles in transfection of pEGFP plasmid in the cultured HEK 293 cells was measured by flow cytometry. The effect of the nanoparticle-plasmid complexes on the cell viability was determined using cytotoxicity assay. Results: Chitosan, alginate and alginate/chitosan nanoparticles had a mean Z-average diameter of 620 nm, 235.8 nm and 161.8 nm and mean zeta potential of 45 mV, -18.6 mV and 29.3 mV, respectively. Chitosan and chitosan/alginate nanoparticles have greater capacity to maintain plasmid than alginate nanoparticles. Alginate nanoparticles had the greater transfection in comparison to the others. Cell viability assays indicated that nanoparticles had no toxic effect on HEK 293 cells after 4 h or 24 h. Conclusions: The combination of particle surface, hydrophobicity size and zeta potential can influence on transfection efficiency and the cellular uptake of the nanoparticles. Our suitable candidate for gene delivery would be alginate/chitosan nanoparticles.

384-390

Authors: Thamaraiselvan Rengarajan, Peramaiyan Rajendran, Natarajan Nandakumar, Maruthaiveeran Periyasamy Balasubramanian, Ikuo Nishigaki

Objective: To investigate whether D-pinitol efficiently scavenge free radicals using various in vitro models [1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), nitric oxide, superoxide anion and total antioxidant activity] and in vivo models. Methods: Female Sprague-Dawley rats (150-160 g) were divided into four groups and each group consisting of six animals. Group I and group IV were vector and drug control. The group II and group III animals were treated with 7, 12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) 20 mg/kg body weight to induce mammary carcinoma. Rats received cancer bearing Group III animals were treated with D-pinitol at the concentration of 200 mg/kg bodyweight for 45 d orally. Five different concentrations of D-pinitol (100 to 500 µg/mL) were used in in vitro studies. Results: The results revealed that D-pinitol efficiently scavenges DPPH radicals and the IC50 was found to be 290 µg/mL and it also exhibited a dose dependent antioxidant activity at different concentrations. In addition, the superoxide and nitricoxide radicals were also significantly inhibited by D-pinitol at the concentrations of 360 and 390 µg/mL respectively. On the other hand, D-pinitol has significantly increased antioxidant enzymes during DMBA induced mammary carcinoma. Conclusions: It can be concluded from the investigation that D-pinitol has an excellent antioxidant activity which could be due to the scavenging capacities on the stable DPPH radicals, superoxide, nitric oxide and DMBA induced free radicals thereby it exhibits remarkable total antioxidant activity.

398-400

Authors: Annie George, Sasikala Chinnappan, Yogendra Choudhary, Praveen Bommu, Murthy Sridhar

Objective: To explore the immunomodulatory properties of aqueous extract of Polygonum minus Huds (P. minus), on swiss albino mice using carbon clearance assay. Methods: The study was performed using in-vivo carbon clearance assay or phagocytosis. Aqueous extract of P. minus was administered by oral route to Swiss albino mice for seven days. Levamisole, 2.5 mg/kg was used as standard drug. Results: The phagocytic function of reticuloendothelial system was significantly (P<0.05) enhanced by levamisole and P. minus aqueous extract groups compared to the control. Treatment with aqueous extract of P. minus at 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight resulted in dose dependent increase in phagocytic index (K) where phagocytic index of aqueous extract of P. minus at 400 mg/kg body weight is comparable to the standard drug Levamisole at 2.5 mg/kg body weight. Conclusions: Aqueous extract of P. minus has exhibited significant increase in phagocytosis at doses of 200 mg/kg body weight and 400 mg/kg body weight.

402-407

Authors: Syed Md Shariar Alam, Md. Abul Kalam, Md. Sakil Munna, Saurab Kishore Munshi, Rashed Noor

Objective: To isolate and quantify the microflora from the burn patients admitted in the Division of Plastic Surgery and Burns outdoor patients in Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Bangladesh. Methods: Thirty wound surface swab samples of first and second degree burn patients were collected and the microbial analysis as well the study of antibacterial susceptibility was conducted. Microbial inhibitory concentration of tobramycin was tested to be applied as effective antimicrobial agent in burn patients. Activity of four disinfectants was also tested against the pathogens. Results: Among all samples, 28 was found to be populated with the total viable bacteria up to 10 7 CFU/mL. The predominant pathogen was Pseudomonas spp., followed by Staphylococcus aureus and Kebsiella spp. Three of the samples harbored Enterobacter spp. while 2 were found to be proliferated with Escherichia coli. Most of the pathogens were found to be drug-resistant while several isolates were noted to be multi-drug resistant. Dettol partly showed efficacy among the tested disinfectants to prevent pathogenic proliferation. Conclusions: Huge bacterial onset with an alarming threat of multidrug resistance would potentially raise the necessity of proper care and management of burn wound patients in hospital.

412-415

Authors: Hassan Yousefidaredor, Mohammad Zare-Bidaki, Hamid Hakimi, Shokrollah Assar, Vahid Bagheri, Mohammad Kazemi Arababadi

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is the most prevalent metabolic disease worldwide. Previous studies revealed that immune responses, genetic factors, and inflammatory processes played important roles in the pathogenesis and complications of T2D. It has been documented that some people who have T2D are suffering from serious organ-specific pathophysiological conditions including nephropathy and retinopathy. The mechanisms responsible for progression of the disease and its long-term complications are yet to be clarified. IL-17A as a pro-inflammatory cytokine has a dual function, inducing early immune responses against infections and participating in autoimmunity and destructive inflammatory conditions. Therefore, the aim of this review was to address the recent information regarding the status and association of IL-17A with T2D and its related disorders.

262-268

Authors: Mohammad Amzad Hossain, Saliha Rashid AL Harbi, Afaf Mohammed Weli, Qasim Al-Riyami, Jamal Nasser Al-Sabahi

Objective: To analyze three essential oils isolated from three different brands' clove samples collected from Gulf region and tested their antimicrobial activities. Methods: The essential oils were isolated from powder clove samples by water distillation method and analyzed and identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Antimicrobial activities of the three isolated essential oils were calculated on the diameter inhibition zone by disc diffusion method against three bacterial strains with amoxicillin standard. Results: Twenty-eight, twenty-two and twenty-six chemical ingredients with high percentage were characterized based on gas chromatography retention time from clove essential oils collected from Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirate and Jordan. The highest antimicrobial activity was obtained from Saudi Arab against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonus aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus and the lowest was from Jordan and the order of antimicrobial activity was Saudi Arabia>United Arab Emirate>Jordan. Conclusions: All three essential oils from Gulf region are containing very portent chemical ingredients and it could be used as medicine or antibiotics for different aliments.

275-280

Authors: Abu Bakar Siddique, Syed Mohammad Mizanur Rahman, Mohammad Amzad Hossain, Mohammad Amzad Hossain, Mohammad Abdur Rashid

Objective: To evaluate in vitro antimicrobial potential and phytochemical screening of the crude extracts of leaves of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni. Methods: The essential oil and crude extracts were prepared by using different usual method. Antimicrobial and antifungal activities were measured by the well established methods. Results: Highest antifungal index [(12.13±0.08) mm)] and lowest antifungal index [(9.13±0.04) mm] as well as highest antibacterial index [(11.89±0.07) mm] and lowest antibacterial index [(7.24±0.03) mm] were obtained for extracts B, H, A and F, respectively. Invariably extract C, E, I, J and H did not show antimicrobial activity. The extract F showed all antifungal and antibacterial activity except Bacillus cereus and Bacillus megaterium. Conclusions: The above findings support the idea that plant extracts of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni leaves may have a role to be used as pharmaceuticals or preservatives.

287-291

Authors: Suburamaniyan Vijayakumar, Andeson Amirthanathn

Objective: To identify the larvicidal activity of the seagrass extracts against Culex quinquefasciatus (Cx. quinquefasciatus) Methods: Seagrass extracts, Halodule pinifolia (H. pinifolia), Cymodocea serrulata (C. serrulata) and Thalasia testudinum (T. testudinum) were dissolved in dimethylsulfoxide to prepare a graded series of concentration. Batches of 25 early 4th instars larvae of Cx. quinquefasciatus were transferred to 250 mL enamel bowl containing 199 mL of distilled water and 1 mL of plant extracts (0.01 mg-0.1 mg). After 24 h the mortality rate was identified with the formulae [(% of test mortality - % of control mortality)/(100 - % of control mortality)]×100. Each experiment was conducted with three replicates and a concurrent control group. A control group consisted of 1 mL of dimethylsulfoxide and 199 mL of distilled water only. Results: The root extract of H. pinifolia showed maximum larvicidal activity with minimum concentration of extract of LC50 value of (0.614±0.006) µg/mL with lower confidence limit-upper confidence limit value of (0.052-0.072) and LC90 value of 0.9120 µg/mL followed by leaf extract of C. serrulata LC50 value of (0.074±0.008) µg/mL and LC90 value of 0.1487 µg/mL. T. testudinum leaf extract showed LC50 value of (0.082±0.006) µg/mL. The regression equation of root and leaf extract of H. pinifolia for 4 th instar larvae of Cx. quinquefasciatus were Y=5.229+1.36x (R2 =0.993) and Y=2.369+1.21x (R2 =0.878) respectively and analysis of variation was significant at P<0.05 level. The result of the preliminary phytochemical constituents showed the presence of saponin, steroids, terpenoid, phenols, protein and sugars. Conclusions: From the present study the ethanolic extracts of seagrass of H. pinifolia possess lead compound for development of larvicidal activity.

297-300

Authors: Laudari Shankar, Patowary Bhanumati Saikia, Nanda Kumar, Dewan Khusraj, Subedi Kumudini, Toyana Ramsundar, Panjiyar Rajesh, Karki Dipesh

Objective: To study the pattern of acute febrile illnesses in Central Nepal regarding its underlying etiology and its clinical outcome. Methods: This study is a hospital based descriptive cross-sectional study during June to November, 2011 over a period of 6 months. All the febrile illnesses data were collected from medical outpatient and inpatient registried and then analysed. There were total 2 873 febrile patients, of whom 883 were inpatients whose data have been analysed. Results: The majority of febrile patients were distributed in August (788/2 873=27.43%) followed by July (708/2 873=24.64%). The age distribution ranged from 15 to 84 years with female predisposition (M:F=1:1.5). Majority of the febrile patients were in the 15-30 years age group (292/883=33.07%) followed by elderly (>60 years, 22.88%). Most of the febrile patients admitted in medical ward were diagnosed as respiratory tract infection followed by urinary tract infection, enteric fever, acute gastroenteritis. Of intensive care unit admitted febrile patients (n=187), sepsis with multi-organ dysfunction syndrome was the major diagnosis followed by acute meningoencephalitis. A total of 21 patients (2.37%) died of sepsis with multi-organ dysfunction syndrome followed by acute meningoencephalitis in 5 (0.56%), complicated malaria with acute respiratory distress syndrome in 1 (0.11%) and infective hepatitis with encephalopathy in 1 (0.11%). Conclusions: Acute febrile illnesses mostly viral in origin involving respiratory tracts are more common during monsoon months with lots of mortalities and morbidities. They pose a major threat to the public due to their endemicity as many of them remain undiagnosed or if at all, very late. Early and planned activity of the government and non-government local bodies, epidemic preparedness against susceptible outbreaks including efficient public health awareness are the keys to minimize the hazards.

306-312

Authors: Kehinde Adesola Umeizudike, Patricia Omowunmi Ayanbadejo, Kofoworola Olaide Savage, Alani Sulaimon Akanmu, Solomon Olusegun Nwhator, Christian Ibezi Emeka

Objective: To determine the prevalence and determinants of chronic periodontitis in HIV positive patients. Methods: A total of 120 HIV positive patients attending the dedicated HIV outpatient clinic of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria were recruited for the study. Their periodontal status was assessed using the community periodontal index of treatment needs. Their CD4+ cell count was determined using the flow-cytometer method. The risk factors for periodontitis including age, gender, education, smoking, CD4+ cell counts, bleeding on probing (BOP) were determined. Results: Prevalence of periodontitis was high (63.3%) in the HIV positive patients. In a bivariate analysis, significant associations were observed between severity of periodontitis and age ≥35 years (P=0.021), male gender (P=0.005), smoking (P=0.040) and ≥3 community periodontal index of treatment needs sextants exhibiting BOP (P=0.004). In a binary logistic regression, independent predictors of periodontitis were ≥3 sextants exhibiting BOP (odds ratio 1.738, 95% CI 1.339 to 2.256, P=0.000) and age ≥35 years (odds ratio 1.057, 95% CI 1.005 to 1.111, P=0.030). The CD4+ cell counts were not associated with periodontitis in the HIV positive patients (P=0.988). Conclusions: A high prevalence of periodontitis was found among the HIV positive Nigerian patients in this study. Older age ≥35 years and BOP were the determinants of periodontitis. There is therefore a need for close periodontal monitoring of HIV positive Nigerian patients with emphasis on preventive, professional oral prophylaxis.

315-316

Authors: Mahmoud Bahmani, Mahmoud Rafieian-Kopaei

No

323-328

Authors: Giacomet Vania, Vigano Alessandra, Nannini Pilar, Penagini Francesca, Erba Paola, Zuccotti Gianvincenzo

Infection with the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii is one of the most frequent parasitic infections worldwide and the common infection of the retina in the general population. We describe a case report of a chorioretinitis in an immunocompetent 8-year-old patient as a consequence of a underdiagnosed neonatal toxoplasmosis. The boy was successfully managed with pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine. The present case we would like to empathize the importance of considering toxoplasma gondii as a possible cause of chorioretinitis in children living in developed countries and we provide a detailed reviewed of the literature about treatment of Toxoplasma gondii infection.

333-336

Authors: Ali Sharafi Chegeni, Behrouz Ezatpour, Mohammad Saki, Hamid Mokhayeri, Siavash Adavi, Elham Nasiri, Mehdi Azami

Objective: To survey the seroprevalence of brucellosis among nomads in Shoulabad, Lorestan province, Iran. Methods: In this descriptive study, a total of 5 847 person took part by randomized cluster sampling and 312 of them with clinical feature of brucellosis were selected. The diagnosis of brucellosis was made with a standard tube agglutination test (STAT), Coombs test, and 2-mercaptoethanol (2ME) test, and the results with titers equal 1:80 or more were considered positive. Results: The seroprevalnce of anti-Brucella titer was 29.5% for STAT, 29.9% for Coombs test and 21.1% for 2ME test. Overall, 92, 93 and 66 patients had titers of 1:80 or higher in STAT, Coombs test and 2ME test, respectively. Seroprevalence was more among males (54.3%) than females (45.7%). There is statistical difference between seroprevalence of infection and age (P<0.05). Based on age group, 10-19 years age group was more affected (37%). Conclusions: This results confirmed the necessity of conducting comprehensive and scheduled program of seroprevalence survey, particularly in nomad area, which aims at reducing the incidence of brucellosis as well as to guide planning programs by decision makers to improve community health.

176-180

Authors: Abolfazl Mollalo, Abbas Alimohammadi, Mohsen Shahrisvand, Mohammad Reza Shirzadi, Mohammad Reza Malek

Objective: To investigate the relations between the vegetation cover and occurrence of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in Golestan province during 2010-2012. Methods: Data of monthly CL incidence and remote sensing normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) of moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer sensor were used in the study. Pearson’s correlation analysis was conducted to examine the type and strength of relationships between the spatially averaged NDVI variables (i.e. minimum, maximum and mean NDVI values) and CL incidence in township level. Spearman rank correlation was carried out to explain associations between the monthly CL incidence and NDVI variables at 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 months lagged periods. Locations of CL cases at village level were geocoded and compared with frequency of CL cases in each NDVI-derived vegetation categories. Results: Pearson’s analysis revealed significant associations between the NDVI variables and CL incidence at the township level (P<0.05). Results of Spearman analysis indicated that the highest correlations between NDVI variables and monthly CL incidence were established when the NDVI time-series lagged the CL incidence series NDVI variables. Purely spatial analysis demonstrated that despite majority of cases occurred at partially-vegetated areas, the possibility of CL occurrence was higher in bare soil areas by taking into account area of each vegetation zones. Conclusions: lack or low vegetation cover is a major determinant of CL frequencies in Golestan province. The decrease of the mean vegetation density in townships is accompanied by increase of CL occurrence and vice versa.

185-189

Authors: Oluyinka O Okubanjo, Victor O Sekoni, Ologunja J Ajanusi, Andrew J Nok, Adewale A Adeyeye

Objective: To investigate the pathological effect of experimental Trypanosoma congolense (T. congolense) infection on the testes and epididymis of Yankasa rams. Methods: Nine intact un-castrated rams were obtained and divided into 2 groups of 6 infected with 1×106 T. congolense and 3 uninfected controls. Four infected and one uninfected control rams were sacrificed on Day 75 post infection and the remaining four rams (two each of infected and control groups) on Day 86 post infection. Results: All infected rams became parasitaemic within 7-11 days post infection with clinical trypanosomosis characterized by peri-orbital oedema and a transient period of scrotal oedema, this was followed by progressive decrease in scrotal size. At postmortem, the organs from infected rams were pale and emaciated but no observable lesion was seen in the uninfected control group. At histology, the testes showed areas of necrosis on the interstitial tissue characterized by destruction of cellular structures within the tissues and seminiferous tubules. There was moderate to severe testicular degeneration manifested by loss of tissue architecture and infiltration with macrophages, neutrophils, lymphocytes and plasma cells. Fibrous connective tissues were also seen in the testes of the infected rams indicative of replacement of normal cells by fibrous connective tissue. The epididymis of the infected rams had collection of some spermatocytes and desquamated epithelial cells in the epithelial ducts although others were devoid of spermatocytes in their ducts leading to loss of epididymal sperm reserves. However, these were not seen in the uninfected control rams. Conclusions: T. congolense causes testicular and epididymal damage which may render the rams infertile or sterile.

194-200

Authors: Khaled Elbanna, Khaled Attalla, Medhat Elbadry, Awad Abdeltawab, Hosny Gamal-Eldin, Mohamed Fawzy Ramadan

Objective: To study in vitro antibacterial activity and physicochemical properties of three unifloral honeys (citrus, clover and cotton honeys), and to study the impacts of storage, dilution with water (33%, w/v) and autoclaving (121 °C for 15 min) on honeys characteristics. Methods: Honey samples from monofloral sources including citrus (Citrus spp.), Egyptian clover (Trifolium alexandrium) and cotton (Gossypium vitifolium) were obtained during three successive seasons (2010-2012). Physicochemical properties and antimicrobial activities of different honey samples were studies. Results: In honey samples stored for 12 or 24 month, colour, hydroxymethyl furfural and acidity increased, while refractive index, water activity, total soluble solids, electrical conductivity and pH remained relatively unaffected, but H2O2 values decreased. Types of honey exhibited various degrees of antibacterial activity against different indicator bacteria, wherein the highest antibacterial activity was recorded for clover honey followed by citrus and cotton honeys, respectively. Different species of bacteria were differed in their sensitivity to honey, wherein Salmonella enteritidis was the most sensitive followed by Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli, respectively. Storage up to 24 months at room temperature slightly reduced the antibacterial activity. The reduction levels were about 2.6% and 4.6% after 12 and 24 months, respectively. Diluting honeys with water increased the antibacterial activity by ca. 8.3%, while autoclaving decreased the antibacterial activity by ca. 13.5%. The relative contribution of the peroxide and non-peroxide components in the total antibacterial activity of fresh honeys was investigated. The antibacterial activity of honeys was mainly attributed to non-peroxide antibacterial agents, wherein their contribution was ca. 88%, while the contribution of H2O2 was only 12%. The contribution of the thermostable antibacterial components in honey was ca. 86.8%. The antibacterial activity of the fresh clover honey was compared with the effect of 16 antibiotics on indicator bacteria. Clover honey exhibited antibacterial activity comparable to that exhibited by the tested antibiotics. Moreover, antibacterial activity of water diluted fresh clover honey was higher compared to some of tested antibiotics. Clover honey appeared to deserve further investigations, since it may prove to be a promise therapeutic honey. Conclusions: Honey samples tested in this study exhibited antibacterial activity against tested pathogenic bacteria, and this activity was mainly due to non-peroxide antibacterial factors. Clover honey appeared to deserve further investigations, since it may prove to be a promising therapeutic honey.

204-206

Authors: Beuy Joob, Viroj Wiwanitkit

The widespread of the Escherichia coli outbreak in Europe becomes an important public concern at global level. The infection can be serious and might result in death. The retrospective literature review on this specific topic is performed. In this specific brief article, the author presented and discussed on the problem of Escherichia coli infection in the cancerous patients. This is an actual important issue in medical oncology for the scenario of Escherichia coli epidemic.

210-212

Authors: Mahmoud Bahmani, Seyed Ahmad Karamati, Morteza Mohamad Hosseini Anari, Amir Rahimirad, Jafar Asadzadeh, Aghakhan Kheiri, Ghader Hajiglolizadeh, Fereidoun Ghotbian, Farzaneh Bahmani

Leeches (phylum: Annelida, class: hirudinea) could infest wide range of livestock such as cow, buffalo, sheep, goat, horse, mule, ass, dog, pig and even human. In November 2013, a 3-year old jackass from Dehloran county, Ilam province, Iran, was infected through his mouth due to drinking spring water. Symptoms including stress, anxiety and tachycardia were seen. After examining oral cavity of jackass, a leech was observed in upper gum. The leech was measured after separation which was three inches in length. The leech was adult which has dark green with orange lines, and it was identified as Limnatis nilotica species. It seems that using spring, subterranean water, pond etc. is the main causes of livestock infestation with leech. Ranchers could be recommended to decontaminate leech waters to prevent further leech infestation cases.

223-252

Authors: Seng Koon Lim, Peng Chen, Shabbir Moochhala, Bo Liedberg

Introduction: Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), or endotoxin, a major component in the outer cell membrane of Gram-negative bacteria is a very powerful and toxic inflammatory stimulator, resulting in sepsis or septic shock, a significant medical problem affecting about 700 000 patients and causing 250 000 casualties annually in the United States itself. The detection of LPS is highly importance. However, the currently used enzymatic limulus amebocyte lysate assay is highly susceptible to changes in temperature and pH, interference factors, and requires cumbersome sample preparation. A more cost-effective, sensitive and robust detection method is needed. Objective: To design and develop biosensor for LPS detection by assembling a LPS-binding peptide (as LPS receptor) with graphene oxide (GO, as fluorescence quencher). Methods: GO was synthesized using a modified Hummer’s method. A synthetic LPS-binding peptide was designed, fluorescent labelled, and assembled with GO in PBS buffer solution. The fluorescence recovery of the peptide-GO was measured upon addition of LPS from Gram negative bacteria: E. coli, K. pneumoniae, Samonella Thyphosa, P. aeruginosa, as well as living pathogenic bacteria. Specificity tests were conducted with various biological molecules to evaluate the sensing performance. Results & Discussion: Specific binding of LPS with peptide release the peptides from GO, resulting in fluorescence recovery, allowing ultrasensitive detection of LPS with the limit of detection of 130 pM, the most sensitive synthetic LPS sensors to-date. The LPS sensor is highly selective to LPS than other biological species. Conclusion: We developed a peptide-GO assembled fluorescence sensor for ultrasensitive and specific LPS/endotoxin detection. This is the most sensitive synthetic LPS sensor reported in the world.

88-96

Authors: Umar Saeed, Yasir Waheed, Muhammad Ashraf

Hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses (HCV) are frequently propagating blood borne pathogens in global community. Viral hepatitis is primarily associated with severe health complications, such as liver cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, hepatic fibrosis and steatosis. A literature review was conducted on hepatitis B virus (HBV), HBV genome, genotypic distribution and global epidemiology of HBV, HCV, HCV genome, HCV and host immune responses, HCV genotypic distribution and global epidemiology. The valued information was subjected for review. HBV has strict tissue tropism to liver. The virus infecting hepatocytes produces large amount of hepatitis B surface antigen particles which lack the DNA. It has capability to integrate into host genome. It has been found that genotype C is most emerging genotype associated with more severe liver diseases (cirrhosis). The approximate prevalence rate of genotype C is 27.7% which represents a major threat to future generations. Approximately 8% of population is chronic carrier of HBV in developing countries. The chronic carrier rate of HBV is 2%-7% in Middle East, Eastern and Southern Europe, South America and Japan. Among HCV infected individuals, 15% usually have natural tendency to overcome acute viral infection, where as 85% of individuals were unable to control HCV infection. The internal ribosomal entry site contains highly conserved structures important for binding and appropriate positioning of viral genome inside the host cell. HCV infects only in 1%-10% of hepatocytes, but production of tumor necrosis factor alpha (from CD8+ cells) and interferon-gamma cause destruction of both infected cells and non-infected surrounding cells. Almost 11 genotypes and above 100 subtypes of HCV exists worldwide with different geographical distribution. Many efforts are still needed to minimize global burden of these infections. For the complete eradication of HBV (just like small pox and polio) via vaccination strategies, sincere efforts would be required from government and nongovernmental organizations.

104-109

Authors: Nesrine Ouda Amari, Mohamed Bouzouina, Abdellah Berkani, Brahim Lotmani

Objective: To assess antioxidant activities of different aerial parts of Thymelaea hirsuta (T. hirsuta) from west Algeria, and to search for new sources of safe and inexpensive antioxidants. Methods: Samples of leaves, stems and flowers from T. hirsuta were tested for total phenolic content, flavonoids content, and evaluation its total antioxidant activity, were done using the spectrophotometric analyses. Results: Results of preliminary phytochemical screening of leaf, flower and stem of T. hirsuta revealed the presence of tannins, alkaloids, steroids, saponins, coumarins, reducteurs compound and anthraquinones. The total phenolics and flavonoids were estimated. The aqueous extracts of the aerial parts of T. hirsuta showed potent in vitro antioxydant activities using various models viz, DPPH scavenging assay, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and ABTS radical scavenging activity. Conclusions: On the basis of the results obtained, T. hirsuta extracts are rich sources of natural antioxidants appears to be an alternative to synthetic antioxidants and this justifies its therapeutic usage.

115-119

Authors: Tajeldin Mohammedien Abdallah, Hashim Balla Mohammed, Mamoon Hassan Mohammed, Abdel Aziem Abdalla Ali

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) among patients with dyspepsia and to evaluate the correlation between H. pylori infection and socio-demographic factors. Methods: This cross-sectional hospital-based study, which ran from June to August 2012, determined seroprevalence of H. pylori among adult patients in Eastern Sudan. The presence of H. pylori was determined using ELISA. Results: A total of 225 adult Sudanese patients were enrolled in the study. Of these, 148 (65.8%) tested positive for H. pylori. In logistic regression analysis, rural residency (OR=3.933, CI=1.337- 11.26, P=0.01) was the only socio-demographic factor that was associated with H. pylori infection. The most common symptoms among seropositive patients were heartburn (OR=30.442, CI=9.478- 97.776, P≤0.001) and/or epigastria pain (OR=28.225, CI=4.365-182.508, P≤0.001). Conclusions: Clinical suspicion can facilitate the detection of H. pylori among patients with dyspeptic symptoms in a geographic area with high prevalence of H. pylori infection.

125-130

Authors: Ahmad Oryan, Mohammad Hashemnia, Ahmad-Reza Hamidi, Adel Mohammadalipour

Objective: To evaluated the differential effects of ethanol extraction of Citrullus colocynthis (C. colocynthis) on the blood glucose concentration and pathology of pancreas, liver, lungs, kidney and gastrointestinal tract in the alloxan induced diabetes in rats. Methods: Diabetes mellitus was induced in 20 adult female Albino rats, using intraperitoneal injection of 120 mg/kg alloxan. The diabetic rats were randomly assigned into two equal groups. The first group was treated with the extract of C. colocynthis seed (300 mg/kg) and the rats of the second group, as an untreated diabetic group, received ordinary diet. Ten non diabetic rats remained as a normal control group. Results: The results of this study indicate that C. colocynthis was able to reduce blood glucose significantly compared with the control diabetic group (P<0.05). Histopathologically, alloxan resulted in severe necrotic changes in the pancreatic islets, especially in the central area of the islets. Tissue sections of the pancreas in the treated rats demonstrated enhanced regeneration of B cells and increased size of pancreatic islets. Liver of the treated diabetic rats revealed significant improvement of the hepatic tissue compared to those of the untreated diabetic rats. Conclusions: The present study indicated a significant anti-hyperglycemic effect of C. colocynthis seed and supported its traditional usage in treatment of diabetes mellitus.

135-139

Authors: Irene Ocran, Daniel Nii Aryee Tagoe

Objective: To assess knowledge and attitude of healthcare workers (HCWs) and patients on healthcare associated infections (HAIs) in the central regional hospital in Ghana. Methods: The purposive random sampling method was used to administer questionnaires over a period of 6 months to HCWs and patients visiting the hospital. Results: A total of 210 patients and 71 HCWs were sampled. One hundred and three (53.8%) patients had some knowledge of HAIs with 52 (28.4%) being informed by a HCW compared with 63 (88.7%) of HCWs who were well informed about HAIs. Ninety-seven (46.2%) responding patient always washed their hands while 65 (31%) and 48 (22.9%) respectively sometimes or never washed their hands within or after leaving the hospital. Out of those who washed their hands, 64 (39.5%) always washed with soap while 46 (28.4%) did sometimes. This positively and significantly correlated (r=0.440, P<0.001) with knowledge on HAIs which was however insignificant in HCWs (r=0.025, P=0.835). As many as 48 (67.6%) of HCWs believed that authorities in the hospital had done little to prevent HAIs with the main reason being that the hospital was unclean. Whereas, 112 (53.3%) of patients considered the hospital clean. Twenty-seven (38%) of HCWs had had confirmed HAIs of which cholera made up 12 (16.9%) while 94 (44.8%) of patients believed they had had unconfirmed HAIs. Conclusions: Although knowledge on HAIs is adequate, low compliance on preventive techniques resulting in high HAIs indicates attitudinal change is the best means of prevention

150-153

Authors: Tyagita Hartady, Mohd Zamri Saad, Siti Khairani Bejo, Mohd Shahrom Salisi

Clinical human brucellosis is quite rare in Malaysia although seroconverters are relatively more. This report describes a case of clinical human brucellosis in Malaysia. This case involved a 29-year-old research assistant in a veterinary microbiology laboratory. She complained of intermittent fever, anorexia, profuse sweating, malaise, headache, normotensive (110/60 mm Hg), muscle pain, and arthralgia for 3 d. Blood tests against dengue and malaria were negative thus she was prescribed vitamin C, paracetamol and cough syrup for common flu. The complaints, however, persisted on and off for the next 1 month. She eventually developed anemia and hypotension (90/50 mm Hg) and started to show reduced body weight. Abdominal palpations revealed hepatomegaly and splenomegaly with pain. Thus, brucellosis was suspected before the Rose-Bengal plate test was performed, which revealed the presence of high level of antibody against Brucella. The same test was repeated after 14 d and the results confirmed the presence of high antibody level against Brucella. Following serum agglutination test, a diagnosis of brucellosis was made and she was eventually prescribed rifampicine p.o. once a day combined with doxycycline p.o. twice a day for 6 consecutive weeks before she made a full recovery.

159-165

Authors: Ijeoma Emeka-Nwabunnia, Bartholomew Okey Ibeh, Tochukwu Ekwutosi Ogbulie

Objective: To investigate the prevalence and sexual behavioural dynamics of HIV infection in students of institutions of higher education (IHEs) as a guide to the design of a tailor-made HIV intervention programmes. Methods: A total of 9 709 sexually matured students from five IHEs in Southeast Nigeria aged 19-24 years were recruited to obtain representative data from the institutionalised student population. HIV status was confirmed using enzyme based immuno-assay technique. Demographic and behavioural information were obtained through a structured questionnaire. Association of HIV infection with behavioural risk factors was done using multiple logistics regression model. Results: IHEs in Southeast Nigeria have a higher HIV prevalence of 3.69% against the national projected rate of 2012. The age-specific prevalence among male students (2.91%) is nonsignificantly (P>0.1) lower than that of females (4.31%). Female students had higher rate of infection, multiple sexual partner, transactional and forced sex, unusual genital discharge and low condom use when compared with their male counterparts. These risk factors were associated with increased HIV seropositivity. HIV prevalence and sexual risky behaviour were high among students of IHEs when compared with previous estimates of their non-institutionalised age brackets. Unprotected sexual activity have a 4.2 times higher chances of infecting the partner with HIV. Conclusions: The data showed a higher prevalence of HIV infection in students of IHEs in comparison with non-institutionalised persons of the same age bracket. Specifically, it could be inferred that appropriate HIV intervention measures was absent with higher incidence of the infection and risky behaviour found in female students. Therefore, a prioritised tailor-made policy for HIV control for students of IHEs should be considered.