Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Disease

930-934

Authors: Abd Hafis Abd Rahim, Abdul Hafiz Ab Majid, Abu Hassan Ahmad

Objective: To investigate the effects of three types of human blood compositions: whole blood, red blood cells and red blood cells mixed with plasma, and determine the suitable blood source that can be used to feed the bed bugs [Cimex hemipterus (C. hemipterus)], in comparison to the direct feeding method. Methods: C. hemipterus were fed with the three types of blood compositions by using an artificial feeding system. Then the number of live and dead individuals as well as the number of adults produced was counted. Results: Red blood cells caused 72.7% death of C. hemipterus, followed by red blood cells mixed with plasma (52.0%) and whole blood (48.7%). There were significant differences in the number of live individuals after seven weeks of feeding. However, there were no significant differences between the number of live individuals fed on whole blood, red blood cells and red blood cells mixed with plasma after seven weeks. Conclusions: The components in the blood sources may be the key to their different effects on the growth dynamics of C. hemipterus.

940-946

Authors: Amina Ibrahim, Albert Wulari Mbaya, Maduka Boniface Anene, Joshua Luka, Shehu Usman Hassan

Objective: To compare the biochemical and pathological changes of Trypanosoma brucei brucei infected mice, rats and rabbits, and study the chemotherapeutic effects according to standard criteria. Methods: A total of 20 Balb/c Albino mice, 20 Wister Albino rats and 20 New Zealand rabbits, all adults and of both sexes were used in the study. Each rodent group was divided into four groups (A, B, C and D) of five animals each. Animals in Groups A and C were individually infected with 0.5 mL of blood from donor rats containing 1.5 ××106 Trypanasoma brucei brucei, while Groups B and D remained uninfected. The animals were later treated like this: Group A (infected and untreated control), Group B (uninfected and untreated control), Group C (infected and treated) and Group D (uninfected and treated). The treatment was administered on Day 12 after infection. Results: The prepatent period for mice and rats was 4 days while that for rabbits was 8 days. There was a significant (P < 0.05) increase in levels of liver enzymes and serum metabolites which were more marked among the mice and rats than rabbits. These changes were modulated to their preinfection values in the infected treated animals. At necropsy, all animals showed splenomegaly, hepatomegaly and nephritis. However, cardiomegaly was exclusive to the rabbits. Histopathologically, degenerative changes were observed in both the liver and kidneys which were more severe among mice and rats and moderate in rabbits. Spleen of mice showed giant macrophages, while that of the rats showed epithelioid giant cells. However, spleen of rabbits showed haemosiderosis and eosinophilic infiltrations. Hydrophobic degeneration, necrosis and mononuclear cell infiltrations in the myocardium were observed only among rabbits. Conclusions: Diminazene diaceturate was able to ameliorate the various biochemical and pathological changes which were suggestive of severe liver and kidney dysfunctions with greater intensity occurring among mice and rats as compared to rabbits. Therefore, it suggested that mice and rats could be better animal models for studying the disease than rabbits.

957-963

Authors: Basma Mohamed Abou-Elnour, Mohamed Abd El-Wahab El-Emam, Moamena Bauomy Mahmoud, Wafaa Labib Ibrahim, Alaa Ahmed Youssef

Objective: To elucidate the effect of the parasitic nematode Phasmarhabditis hermaphrodita (P. hermaphrodita) as snail biocontrol agent on biological, parasitological, biochemical and molecular parameters of Biomphalaria alexandrina (B. alexandrina) snails, the intermediate host of Schistosoma mansoni (S. mansoni). Methods: B. alexandrina snails (5–6 mm) were exposed to the 3rd stage larvae of the nematode P. hermaphrodita and/or S. mansoni miracidia for 24 h. Thereafter, they were thoroughly washed with clean dechlorinated water and transferred to clean aquaria for recovery and recording deteriorations in their biological, parasitological, biochemical and molecular parameters. Results: The results showed that snails were dead after 24 h of exposure to 100 nematode larvae/snail. Cercarial production/infected snail was reduced to 68 cercariae/snail post simultaneous exposure to 40 nematode larvae and 10 S. mansoni miracidia compared to control (783.7 cercariae/snail) (P < 0.001). Similarly, the total hemocytes of snails increased to 3800 hemocytes/mL hemolymph by the 3rd day post exposure compared to 2100 hemocytes/mL for control group (P < 0.001). The results, also, elicited a significant elevation in activities of the enzymes aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, acid phosphatase and alkaline phosphatase in hemolymph of snails exposed to nematode larvae. Similar pattern was recoded for activities of catalase, glutathione reduced and nitric oxide in snails’ digestive gland. Meanwhile total protein and albumin concentrations in snails’ hemolymph and lipid peroxide in digestive gland tissues were decreased. The electrophoretic analysis of ovotestis-digestive gland complex of snails exposed to the nematode larvae indicated an increase in RNA intensity, while no significant changes were recorded in the molecular weight of intact DNA compared to control snails. Conclusions: It is concluded that exposure of B. alexandrina snails to P. hermaphrodita nematode deteriorates their biological, parasitological, biochemical and molecular parameters, rendering them to be unsuitable for schistosomiasis transmission. However, comprehensive tests are needed to determine efficacy of P. hermaphrodita as a schistosomiasis biocontrol agent aiming to incorporate in control program of this parasite.

968-970

Authors: Aswoco Andyk Asmoro, Rudy Vitraludyono, Redhy Sindharta, Muhammad Aris Widodo, Siti Chasnak Saleh, Edi Widjayanto

Objective: To determine the effect of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exposure and treatment with ketamine to the levels of nitric oxide, intracellular calcium and caspase-3 of human umbilical vein endothelial cell culture. Methods: This research used the human umbilical vein endothelial cell culture with LPS induction. ELISA was conducted to measure the levels of apoptosis markers such as nitric oxide, intracellular calcium and caspase-3. Results: The results showed significant elevation of all parameters after LPS induction. Ketamine addition resulted in various effects. Measurement of intracellular calcium and caspase-3 showed similar result, in which the inhibitory effect of ketamine was more effective when added at the same time as LPS. Vice versa, in nitric oxide measurement, the highest inhibitory effect of ketamine was obtained when added 6 h after LPS induction. Conclusions: At least in part, ketamine was suggested to have inhibitory effect in apoptosis mechanism.

975-986

Authors: Sneha Paul, Aiswarya Jayan, Changam Sheela Sasikumar

Objective: To study the physical, chemical and biological properties of composite chitosangelatin transdermal film along with silver nanoparticles as binding agent and determine the compatibility of the prepared amalgamation towards wound management. Methods: Transdermal film preparations were done by solvent casting method containing different concentrations of biological synthesized silver nanoparticles. The films were characterized by using scanning electron microscope for their morphology and the determination of silver metal was done by using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. Then a quantity of silver nanoparticles was further proceeded by physiochemical parameters (weight, thickness, temperature, solubility, absorption, tensile strength, in vitro drug release and skin permeation) and biological parameters studies (anti-microbial, cytotoxicity and reactive oxygen species). Results: The film prepared by utilizing 2 g of gelatin and 0.5 g of chitosan exhibited better results. The physiochemical parameters studies revealed higher concentration of silver nanoparticles would give better results. In vitro drug release studies through dialysis and skin permeation showed the release of drug versus time (h). These films had shown excellent inhibition against Streptococcus and Escherichia coli species. Cytotoxicity study by MTT indicated the mild toxicity existed as the concentration of silver nanoparticles increased. Reactive oxygen species generation studies of transdermal film by using 2'7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate assay demonstrated that the fluorescent cells were found in the higher concentration, which indicated cell damage (reactive oxygen species generated). Conclusions: Based on these observations, in vitro performances against various characteristics of transdermal film, would be utilized as a distinct dressing material and patches accessible in market.

993-995

Authors: Masoume Mardani, Mehdi Tavalla

Objective: To test for immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies in butchers in the province of Khuzestan in Iran and compare them with a control group from the general population. Methods: Blood samples were taken from 110 butchers in five cities of Khuzestan, southwest of Iran to test for the incidence of Toxoplasma. The participants were accepted and tested on the basis of age, work experience, engagement in animal husbandry, and positive or negative Toxoplasma IgM and IgG results. Results: The results showed that the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma IgG was 41.8% (56 cases) among the group of butchers in Khuzestan and 28.8% in the control group. The seroprevalence of Toxoplasma IgM was 1 case (2.2%) among butchers, while none in the control group. Conclusions: A comparison of results indicated that butchers in Khuzestan were at the risk of toxoplasmosis. The greatest frequency was 17.6% (20 cases) in the group with age ranging form 35 to 44 years. In terms of work experience, the greatest frequency was 16.5% (18 cases) among butchers having 9–17 years of work experience.

1001-1002

Authors: Behnam Farhoudi, SeyedAhmad SeyedAlinaghi, Mostafa Hosseini, Mona Mohammadi Firouzeh, Minoo Mohraz, Mehrzad Tashakoriyan

We designed a study to follow newly-released prisoners with HIV in the great prison of Tehran from October 2013 to May 2014. Among 34 patients, only 12 persons (35.3%) had a successful follow-up. Using encouragers, offering appropriate incentives and enabling patients to connect with healthcare services after release can be effective means to continue the treatment.

1007-1008

Authors: Sora Yasri, Viroj Wiwanitkit

Dengue is a common tropical disease. It can be seen in any tropical countries. The occurrence of dengue in the patients with underlying medical illness is very interesting and can be a complicated case. Here, the authors discuss on interesting aspect on the problem of cooccurrence between dengue and lupus, a common autoimmune disease that can be seen worldwide.

850-855

Authors: Sidra Sabir, Rahmatullah Qureshi, Muhammad Arshad, Muhammad Shoaib Amjad, Sammer Fatima, Maria Masood, Saboon, Sunbal Khalil Chaudhari

Cydonia oblonga Miller (C. oblonga) is considered as an important medicinal plant throughout the world. It is native to Mediterranean region and Central Asia having a long term history of medicinal and ethnobotanical use. C. oblonga is well known for its antidiabetic, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiallergic, antihemolytic, aphrodisiac and UV protectant activity. It is a good and low cost natural source of metabolites with interesting biological properties. Extensive research has been performed on the metabolic profile and biological potential of this species. In particular, quince leaves reveal to constitute a promising natural source of bioactive phytochemicals and are suitable for application in nutritional/pharmaceutical fields. Mostly it is grown for fruit and also serves as rootstock for pear. This paper gives an overview of scientific literature available on plant C. oblonga.

862-868

Authors: Donath Samuel Tarimo, Bhavin Jani, Japhet Zebedayo Killewo

Objective: To investigate case management of fever among under-fives, performance and utility of malaria rapid diagnostic test (mRDT) under reduced malaria burden in Rufiji District, Southeastern Tanzania. Methods: A quantitative cross sectional study was conducted at primary health facilities in Rufiji District from April to May 2012. Information on socio-demographic characteristics, history and duration of fever, fever measurement, clinical diagnosis and drugs prescribed were recorded. Parasitological malaria confirmation was done by mRDT and microscopy. Performance of mRDT and utility of mRDT results to guide on the management of malarial and non-malarial fevers were assessed. Results: Of the 466 under-fives with fever, 111 (23.8%) were mRDT positive and 100 (21.5%) were microscopically positive for malaria. Sensitivity and specificity of mRDT were 90% [95% confidence interval (CI): 82.6%–94.5%] and 94.3% (95% CI: 91.4%–96.2%) respectively; overall diagnostic accuracy was 93.3% (95% CI: 91.1%–95.6%). A total of 130 (28.5%) underfives received an antimalarial. Among them, 109 (83.8%) were mRDT positive while 21 (16.2%) were negative. Of the 100 under-fives with microscopic parasitaemia, 34 had counts > 200000/ µL an indication for quinine but only 5/34 (14.7%) received quinine prescription. Five underfives with parasitaemia > 200000/µL had negative mRDT results. Being mRDT negative was significantly associated with receipt of an antibiotic prescription (χ2 = 162.2, P < 0.001). Conclusions: Use of mRDT reduced unnecessary antimalarial use by 71.5%. However, this had the potential for over prescribing an antibiotic for non-malarial fevers. The diagnostic performance of mRDT was still high despite decline in malaria burden.

877-880

Authors: Betty Yosephin, Ali Khomsan, Dodik Briawan, Rimbawan Rimbawan

Objective: To analyze the efficacy of calcium supplementation plus vitamin D on the improved concentrations of serum 25(OH)D and the blood pressure in working women of childbearing age. Methods: The design used in this research was an experimental study (randomized control trial), with 39 subjects of women at childbearing age who met the inclusion criteria for the study. Subjects were randomly allocated into two treatment groups, the VDC group (400 IU of vitamin D plus 500 mg of calcium) and the VD group (400 IU of vitamin D). Supplements were consumed every day for 12 weeks. Results: Prior to supplementation, the average level of serum 25(OH)D in the VDC group was (16.7 ± 4.5) ng/dL which was higher than the average level of serum 25(OH)D in the VD group which was (14.9 ± 5.1) ng/dL. After supplementation, the subjects of VDC group showed an average increased 3.6 ng/dL of serum 25(OH)D. The average increase of serum 25(OH)D in VD group was 6.3 ng/dL. The increase of serum 25(OH)D in VDC group was 21.6%, while in the VD group the increase was almost two times higher (42.3%) than that of the VDC group. Statistical test results showed that the average levels of serum 25(OH)D between the two treatment groups were significantly different. Conclusions: The average systolic blood pressure prior to supplementation of the VDC group was (128.5 ± 22.5) mmHg which was slightly lower than that of the VD group [(131.1 ± 18.0) mmHg].

884-887

Authors: Mohamed Gharbi, Boulbaba Rekik, Moez Mabrouk, Maher Hassni, Walid Zroud, Moez Mhadhbi, Limam Sassi, Mohamed Jedidi, Mohamed Aziz Darghouth

Objective: To estimate milk yield losses in Theileria annulata (T. annulata) carrier cows by a trial which was made in two cattle farms in the north of Tunisia. Methods: Eight non-infected cows were randomly and equally divided into two groups: the treated and control groups. Eight T. annulata carrier cows were also randomly and equally divided into two groups: the treated and control groups. Results: There was a negative correlation between milk yield and parasitemia in both treated (r = -0.495, P = 0.037) and control carrier cows (r = -0.662, P = 0.003). Average adjusted lactation curve showed that milk yield in treated carrier cows was higher than that in control carrier cows. Daily milk yield losses due to T. annulata infection have been estimated at 0.77 kg per of each T. annulata carrier cow. Conclusions: Since T. annulata infection induces a small but persistent decrease of milk yield in T. annulata carrier cows, further studies are needed in a larger animal group to confirm and improve this estimation.

894-896

Authors: Aswoco Andyk Asmoro, Ramacandra Rakhmatullah, Scarpia Puspitasari, Khairunnisai Tarimah, Siti Chasnak Saleh, Mochammad Aris Widodo, Edi Widjajanto

Objective: To report the effect of ketamine treatment on inflammatory cytokines induced by lipopolysaccharide. Methods: Human umbilical vein endothelial cells culture was used in this research. The measurement of inflammatory cytokines was performed by using ELISA. Results: The results showed various levels of inflammatory cytokines. The nuclear factor-κB results were unstable, but interleukin 6 and tumor necrosis factor-α showed similar results. The expressions of interleukin 6 and tumor necrosis factor-α decreased in all observation times. Conclusions: In general, our results of human umbilical vein endothelial cells culture were supported by other researches related with the effect of ketamine in suppressing inflammatory effect induced by lipopolysaccharide. Ketamine could suppress inflammatory cytokines in all observation times.

903-907

Authors: Arunkumar Naik Bukke, Fathima Nazneen Hadi, Chandramati Shankar Produtur

Objective: To evaluate and compare the maximum antimicrobial activity by screening different parts of Caesalpinia sappan L. extracted in different solvents against Salmonella ebony (MTCC 3384) (S. ebony), Klebsiella pneumoniae (MTCC 432) (K. pneumoniae), Escherichia coli (MTCC 443) (E. coli) and Bacillus subtilis (MTCC 10619) (B. subtilis). Methods: Dried plant parts were extracted with petroleum ether, methanol, chloroform and water by Soxhlet extraction method. The extracts were tested against S. ebony, K. pneumoniae, E. coli and B. subtilis by using the agar well diffusion method. Results: Among the above solvents, the methanol and chloroform and aqueous extracts of leaves, seeds, bark and heart wood showed strong antibacterial activity. The inhibition zone for heart wood extracts against K. pneumoniae was (30.333 ± 0.330) mm in methanol, chloroform (28.166 ± 0.730) mm and aqueous extract (28.166 ± 0.170) mm; for B. subtilis, that was (27.333 ± 0.440) mm in methanol, (27.166 ± 0.170) mm in chloroform, (26.166 ± 0.440) mm in aqueous extract and least in petroleum ether (12.660 ± 0.170) mm. The leaf extracts in methanol showed maximum antibacterial activity against S. ebony as seen by the inhibition zone (16.000 ± 0.290) mm and K. pneumoniae (13.000 ± 0.290) mm. The maximum antibacterial response of the seed extract against K. pneumoniae was observed in chloroform solvent (14.000 ± 0.580) mm followed by aqueous extract (13.833 ± 0.600) mm. No response was observed in petroleum ether and methanol. Conclusions: The heart wood extracts showed the highest antibacterial activity having a minimal inhibition concentration of 2 mg/mL in all three solvents against the four bacterial strains, except petroleum ether where MIC was 5 mg/mL against E. coli and B. subtilis. The aqueous and methanolic extracts of bark showed minimal inhibition concentrations of 5 mg/ mL and 2 mg/mL against K. pneumoniae respectively whereas aqueous extract of bark showed a minimal inhibition concentration of 5 mg/mL against E. coli.

912-917

Authors: Gopinath Krishnasamy, Karthikeyan Muthusamy

Objective: To provide experimental support for the traditional knowledge of Syzygium densiflorum (S. densiflorum) fruits. Methods: Powered S. densiflorum dried fruits were subjected to successive extraction with n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and ethanol using a Soxhlet extractor. Further, preliminary phytochemical screening was carried out with a series of tests. In vitro free radical scavenging was evaluated using total antioxidant estimation, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical, superoxide radical scavenging, and hydroxyl radical scavenging assays. Antidiabetic activity was estimated using α-amylase inhibition assay. Results: Preliminary phytochemical estimation confirmed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, sterols, terpenoids, anthocyanin, phenols, carbohydrates, fixed oils, and fats in fruits of S. densiflorum. Ethyl acetate and n-hexane extracts showed less free radical scavenging and α-amylase inhibition activity than ethanol extract. IC50 values of ethanol extracts for 2,2- diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical, superoxide radical, hydroxyl radical, lipid peroxidation, and α-amylase inhibition assays were found to be 0.01, 0.16, 0.66, 0.46, and 0.46 mg/mL respectively. Conclusions: In vitro evaluations confirmed the antioxidant and antidiabetic potential of S. densiflorum fruits. Ethanol extract of S. densiflorum fruits showed higher activity with statistical significance vs. ethyl acetate and n-hexane extracts.

924

Authors: Hudson Alves Pinto, Alan Lane de Melo

No

767-771

Authors: Muhammad Shoaib Amjad, Nazish Sadiq, Huma Qureshi, Ghazala Fareed, Sidra Sabir

Nanotechnology is an emerging scientific discipline with numerous applications in the field of biomedicine and manufacturing new materials. They hold potential to be applied in different biological fields and most strictly focused in medical applications, e.g., tools for noninvasive imaging, diagnostic test assays for early disease detection, drug development and targeted drug delivery systems to reduce secondary systemic negative effects. Nanoparticles have contributed a lot to the advancement of the medical arena. To extract gold nanoparticles with different techniques, green biosynthesis is under exploration due to its cost-effective, ecofriendly preparations with controllable shape, size and disparity, great physical and chemical inertness, optical properties related with surface plasmon resonance, surface modification, surface bio-conjugation with molecular probes, excellent biocompatibility and less toxicity. A significant potential of nanoparticles in biomedical applications including imaging of tissues and cells, sensing of target molecules, drug delivery is among recent efforts in their synthesis and functionalization e.g., Feridex (iron oxide nanoparticles) have been clinically administered as a contrast agent in MRI.

779-785

Authors: Robert Soumay Houmsou, Sambo Obadiah Elkanah, Liatu Columbus Garba, Binga Emmanuel Wama, Elizabeth Une Amuta, Santaya Larit Kela

Objective: To determine the spatial distribution of soil-transmitted helminthiases (STHs) and level of infection in relation to epidemiological factors, and to determine co-infection with schistosomiasis among school-aged children in Gashaka Local Area, Taraba State, North East, Nigeria. Methods: Both urine and faecal samples were collected from school-aged children from January–June 2014. The samples were processed using standard filtration and formol-ether concentration techniques for urine and stools respectively. Remotely sensed images were processed using earth resource data analysis system 9.1 and ArcGis 9.2 softwares. Results: A point prevalence of 11.0% (119/1080) was reported out of 1080 children examined. Hookworm infection had the highest infection (5.4%, 59/1080) followed by ascariasis (3.8%, 41/1080) and trichuriasis (1.7%, 19/1080). The spatial distribution of the individual helminths infection showed hookworm infection to be higher in Mayo-selbe (23.8%, 43/180), Gashaka (21.6%, 39/180) and Serti A (12.7%, 23/180) (χ2 = 52.58, P = 0.000). Ascariasis was higher in Serti A (6.7%, 12/180) and Gashaka (6.1%, 11/180) (χ2 = 54.15, P = 0.000), while trichuriasis was higher in Mayo-Selbe (7.2%, 13/180) (χ2 = 54.15, P = 0.000) than the other localities. Considering the overall STHs, localities such as Gashaka (30.0%, 54/180), Mayo-Selbe (23.8%, 43/180) and Serti A (19.4%, 35/180) were significantly infected than other localities (χ2 = 93.68, P = 0.000). The logistic regression model showed that low altitude (< 716 m) was significantly associated (odds ratio = 2.676, confidence interval = 1.981–3.615; P = 0.000) with STHs. Conclusions: Though hookworm infection remains an important public health problem in the area, its infection levels varied between children’s locations. The spatial distribution maps in this study are important and useful for planning, evaluating and implementing adequate control programmes for STHs among school-aged children.

792-797

Authors: Mohammad Djaefar Moemenbellah-Fard, Mohammad Ahmadyousefi-Sarhadi, Kourosh Azizi, Mohammad Reza Fakoorziba, Mohsen Kalantari, Masoumeh Amin

Objective: To determine the sand fly composition, its frequency distribution and natural infection with Leishmania parasites to incriminate the likely vectors of cutaneous leishmaniosis in Jiroft, Southeast Iran. Methods: Sand flies were caught with sticky paper traps during a 6-month period in 2013. They were morphologically identified to species level using valid taxonomic keys. They were then subjected to nested PCR method and the results were analyzed. Results: A total of 3751 sand flies were identified to belong to 21 species in two genera (8 spp. in the Phlebotomus genus, and 13 spp. in the Sergentomyia genus) most of which were males (65.60%) and exophilic (63.80%). The two most frequent species were Phlebotomus papatasi (39.40%) and Phlebotomus sergenti (17.20%). The latter was confirmed by PCR to be naturally infected with Leishmania tropica (3.33%). Conclusions: It was thus concluded that wild-caught Phlebotomus sergenti naturally infected with Leishmania tropica was mainly incriminated by molecular method to be the principal vector of cutaneous leishmaniosis in this endemic focus.

804-807

Authors: Mahmoud Mohammed Kardousha

Objective: To survey mosquito diversity in the north-eastern area, which includes the most important gas industrial city in Qatar, and to investigate the potential mosquitoes for transmitting diseases. Methods: A study was performed from September 2009 until June 2011 in Al-Khor district of North-eastern Qatar. Five localities were selected for larval collection: Al Khor City (the main city), Al Dhakira, Ras Laffan (gas industrial city), Simsimah and Al Ghuwariyah. The survey was carried out by using different sampling methods and covering all expected natural breeding sites. The larvae were collected, preserved and transferred to the laboratory for identification. Results: Our findings revealed that 10 species of mosquito larvae had been detected from the area and five of them were new records in Qatar. The species encountered were: Ochlerotatus caspius (Pallas 1771), Anopheles stephensi (Liston 1901), Culex quinquefasciatus (Say 1823) (Cx. quinquefasciatus), Culex pipiens biotype molestus (Forskal 1775) (Cx. pipiens), Culex univittatus (Theobald 1901), Culex pusillus (Macquart 1850), Culex tritaeniorhynchus (Giles 1901) (Cx. tritaeniorhynchus), Culex laticinctus (Edwards 1913), Culex sitiens (Weidmann 1828) and Culex perexiguus (Theobald 1901). The new recorded species were Cx. quinquefasciatus, Cx. tritaeniorhynchus, Culex laticinctus, Culex sitiens and Culex perexiguus. The most prevalent type was Cx. pipiens molestus (31.29%) and followed by Culex pusillus and Cx. quinquefasciatus which have relatively similar prevalence of 18.72% and 18.52% respectively. Anopheles stephensi was an established vector for malaria. Cx. pipiens molestus and Cx. quinquefasciatus were vectors of West Nile virus and filariasis. Cx. tritaeniorhynchus was established as a vector of Rift Valley virus and Culex univittatus was the main vector of Sindbis virus. Conclusions: The north-eastern area of Qatar harbors is the most important industrial city in the country, which has witnessed an increase in the number of expatriate people. Because of the increase of reported mosquitoes, there is an urgent need for a surveillance program. This will allow us to build a database of mosquito vectors in the area.

813-816

Authors: Syilvia Jiero, Muhammad Ali, Syahril Pasaribu, Ayodhia Pitaloka Pasaribu

Objective: To assess the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infection and its correlation with eosinophil counts among elementary school children within the Medan Belawan District, North Sumatera Province, Indonesia. Methods: Ninety-nine subjects participated in this study (ascariasis, n = 40; trichuriasis, n = 9; mixed infection, n = 50). Stool samples were examined by using the Kato-Katz method, and blood samples were examined by using peripheral blood smears. Results: The prevalence of STH infection in children from two elementary schools was 65.4%; the baseline prevalences of ascariasis, trichuriasis, and mixed infection were 37.1%, 21.9%, and 40.8%, respectively. The respective mean eosinophil counts among children with ascariasis, trichuriasis, and mixed infection were 7.18%, 8.11%, and 8.64% (P = 0.32), and the respective prevalences of eosinophilia were 47.5%, 77.8%, and 70% (P = 0.05). The eosinophil counts correlated significantly with the number of eggs per gram of feces; ascariasis correlated strongly (P < 0.001; r = 0.62), and trichuriasis showed correlated weakly (P = 0.04; r = 0.21) with this parameter. The mean eosinophil count correlated significantly with STH infection intensity (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Eosinophil counts correlated strongly with ascariasis while weakly with trichuriasis. We determined that eosinophil count may be used as a marker of STH infection.

821-824

Authors: Zahra Eslamirad, Homa Soleimani, Reza Hajihossein, Fatemeh Rafiei

Objective: To investigate the lethal effect of microwave radiation on protoscolices of hydatid cyst. Methods: The protoscolices were divided in two separate groups. The first group received continuous irradiation while the second group received repetitive irradiation. According to the exposure time, the first and the second groups were divided into 8 subgroups. Non-treated protoscolices were considered as the control in each experiment. The protoscolex mortality rate was calculated, and changes in temperature difference in protoscolex suspension before and after the irradiation and the mortality rate with the increase of exposure time were recorded. Results: The results showed that microwave was able to increase the mortality rate of protoscolices in hydatid cyst. The mortality rate from 20% in 20 s of continuous exposure was increased to 100% in 50 s. Also, the differences between the mortality rates in subgroups of the first and the second groups and the control were significant (P < 0.001). Although the effect of temperature change in repetitive irradiation was not significant, non-thermal repetitive irradiation effects were obviously stronger than the thermal continuous irradiation effects. Conclusions: It seems that, microwaves especially in the repetitive mode, may be used as a supplementary measure for both treatment and prevention of hydatidosis.

830-834

Authors: Titin Andri Wihastuti, Mochamad Aris Widodo, Teuku Heriansyah, Novita Apramadha Kartika Sari

Objective: To investigate the effect of ethanolic extract of mangosteen pericarp (EEMP) through lipid profile, H2O2, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) measurement in hypercholesterolemic rat. Methods: A total of 20 rats were used in true laboratory experiment which were divided into 5 groups (n = 4) using posttest-only design. There were a normal diet group, a hypercholesterol diet (HCD) group, a group that was given HCD with EEMP 200 mg/kg body weight, a group that was given HCD with 400 mg/kg body weight and a group that was given HCD with 800 mg/kg body weight. The lipid profile was measured using Cobas Mira. On the other hand, H2O2 was analysed using colorimetric hydrogen peroxide kit. Double staining immunofluorescence was given to observe NF-κB, iNOS and eNOS by using confocal laser scanning microscopy. The result was analyzed quantitatively using Olymphus Fluoview software (version 1.7a). Results: Lipid profile was significantly worsened in HCD and H2O2 level and expressions of NF-κB, iNOS and eNOS were also increased in HCD. EEMP 200 mg/kg body weight generally did not show significant results. However, high density lipoprotein level was affected by EEMP 400 mg/kg body weight, but not for other lipid profiles which reduced H2O2 level and NF-κB, iNOS and eNOS expressions significantly. EEMP 800 mg/kg body weight had been shown to be the most effective dose to improve lipid profile, decrease level of H2O2 and the expression of NF-κB and iNOS and maintain expression of eNOS. Conclusions: EEMP is an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent to inhibit atherogenesis in hypercholesterolemic rat.

837-840

Authors: Ittoop Pulikkottil Sunish, Ananganallur Nagarajan Shriram, Amitabh De, Paluru Vijayachari

Malaria has been endemic to Andaman and Nicobar Archipelago for over a century. However, the cases were observed to decline during the past few years. Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum are the predominant malaria causing parasites, but the occurrence of Plasmodium knowlesi has also been reported recently. Anopheles sundaicus is the incriminated vector of malaria parasites, and they breed both in fresh and brackish water. This mosquito is predominantly endophagic and zoophagic. Cytogenetic and molecular studies revealed the presence of Anopheles sundaicus cytotype “D” alone. The annual parasite incidence in the archipelago ranged between 6.0 and 11.9 till 2010, which decreased and reached 1.2 in the year 2014. The slide positivity rate also varied significantly, and declined from 3.09% in 2005 to 0.74% in 2014. Bioenvironmental control strategy, especially through the use of larvivorous fishes was the main contributory factor for the cases to decline. Although malaria transmission is being suppressed through effective interventions, it is likely to resurge if these measures are not continued. There is a window of opportunity to achieve the goal of malaria elimination in this archipelago, by sustaining the gains achieved and by strengthening the control activities in areas where the cases are still persistent.

687-690

Authors: Zachary Clarke Rich , Chuncheng Liu, Qingyan Ma, Fengyu Hu, Weiping Cai, Xiaoping Tang, Joseph David Tucker

There are over 100 clinical trials worldwide focused on developing an HIV cure. Research participants will assume substantial individual risks while receiving little or no individual benefit. Physicians will have important dual roles of leading HIV cure research studies and guiding patient expectations. Many low and middle-income nations have started HIV cure trials, including China. The goal of this study was to better understand physician attitudes, behaviors, and perceptions of HIV cure research within the context of China. We conducted a quantitative and qualitative evidence review of published literature on physician perceptions of HIV cure in China. Quantitative survey data revealed that physicians rarely believed HIV was curable, but this perception may be more common compared to other countries. Qualitative data showed that inconsistent terminology used among physicians may contribute to the perception of HIV as curable. The belief that HIV is curable among some physicians in China may be related to the influence of traditional Chinese medicine beliefs. Rather than seeking elimination of pathogens, traditional Chinese medicine aims to achieve harmony between organs and a vital life force. In this context, HIV infection can be seen as a temporary state of imbalance rather than an irreversible change. There is a wide range of physician perceptions about HIV cure in China. Conflicting information about HIV cure from physicians and other sources could thwart the progress of HIV cure research. Enhancing patient-physician communication about ongoing HIV cure research trials will be important for developing an HIV cure.

695-699

Authors: Tawatchai Apidechkul

Objective: To study the prevalence and risk factors of intestinal parasitic infections among hill tribe schoolchildren who attended 10 border patrol police schools in 2012, Chiang Rai, Thailand. Methods: A total of 339 subjects were recruited into the study from 2 194 children. Questionnaire was tested for validity and reliability before use. About 5 g stool specimens were collected and investigated for intestinal parasite infections by using cellophane-covered thick smear technique. Logistic regression at α = 0.05 was used to test the associations between variables to find risk factors. Results: There were 339 subjects of whom 51.9% were males and 66.1% were Buddhist; racially 31.2% were Akha and 30.4% were Kmong; mean age was 10.3 years old (minimum = 6, maximum = 16). The prevalence of parasitic infection was 9.7%. After controlling for age, sex, religion, parents’ education levels and parents’ occupations, the only factor that showed a statistically significant association with intestinal parasitic infection was the source of drinking water. The group of drinking mountain piped water had a greater risk of 8.22 times (adjusted odds ratio = 8.22, 95%; confidence interval: 1.07–63.18) compared to the drinking commercially bottled water group, while the group of drinking underground water had a greater risk of 9.83 times (adjusted odds ratio = 9.83, 95%; confidence interval: 0.93–104.12) compared to the drinking commercially bottled water group. Conclusions: Drinking water contaminated by soil was shown to be an important risk factor for intestinal parasitic infection in hill tribe schoolchildren living in mountainous border areas in the northern part of Thailand. Safer alternative drinking water source should be provided along with health education for schools and villagers to be aware of the risk of intestinal parasites from drinking water sources such as mountain piped or underground wells. Such sources are likely to contain higher soil contents.

707-710

Authors: Alka Gupta, Hemanta Kumar Kar

Objective: To formulate and evaluate the antifungal activity of miconazole nitrate proniosomes against Trichophyton rubrum. Methods: Miconazole loaded proniosomal vesicles were prepared by coacervation phase separation method using surfactants, cholesterol and phosphatidylcholine as excipients. The in vitro antifungal activity of prepared vesicles was performed using agar disc diffusion technique. Results: The miconazole nitrate lipid vesicle preparation F5A and F5B showed good antifungal activity with high zones of inhibition i.e. (12.96 ± 0.63) mm and (14.06 ± 0.58) mm than nonvesicular plain drug gel i.e. (10.48 ± 0.79) mm after 3 days at 250 µg/mL concentration (For all comparisons P < 0.05 was considered as significant). Conclusions: Proniosomal preparation resulted in better permeation of the miconazole nitrate and there was a constant increase in zone of inhibition with increase in drug concentration. This study proves antifungal potential of novel proniosomal preparation of miconazole nitrate against Trichophyton rubrum in the treatment of tinea infections.

716-720

Authors: Gholamhossein Moravvej, Kordiyeh Hamidi, Leila Nourani , Hamed Bannazade

Objective: To determine distribution of rodents’ arthropods and estimate infestation parameters of fleas, mites, ticks, and lice associated with wild rodents in Mashhad and its vicinity, Iran. Methods: The rodents were captured using live trap from April 2013 to December 2014 in Mashhad and vicinity, Khorasan Razavi, Iran. The ectoparasites were collected from body surface of rodents using brushing, combing or forceps and preserved in 70% ethanol. The samples were examined by stereomicroscope and classified into four groups including fleas, mites, ticks, and lice. Dark specimens were made more transparent by soaking in potassium hydroxide or Nesbitt’s fluid (where appropriate). The specimens were mounted on glass slides using Hoyer’s medium. Ectoparasitic identification was done based on the available keys and confirmed by qualified taxonomists. Results: A total of 197 rodents were trapped representing 11 species which belong to the family Muridae (7 species), Cricetidae (3 species) and Sciuridae (1 species). The most common captured rodent species was Mus musculus (13.19%) and the least was Apodemus witherbeyi (6.59%). In total 783 ectoparasites related to 3 orders, 8 families, 10 genera and 15 species were collected. The infestation rates by fleas, mites, ticks, and lice on the rodents were 18.78%, 22.84%, 18.78% and 10.15 %, respectively. Conclusions: Overall infestation rate was 42.13 % (83 out of 197 rodents). The most and least frequency of ectoparasites belonged to mites (50.44%) and lice (14.04%), respectively. The results suggested that the prevalence of ectoparasites could be influenced by rodent host species. Monitoring the rodent population and their ectoparasites is recommended to facilitate arthropod-borne disease control programs.

726-731

Authors: Maha Aly Fahmy, Ayman Ali Farghaly, Nagwa Hassan Ali Hassan, Kawthar Abdelaziz Elsayed Diab

Objective: To assess the risk of hydrocortisone sodium succinate through different end points of genotoxicity. Methods: The study examined the induction of chromosomal aberrations in bone marrow cells, morphological sperm abnormalities, the effect on dominant lethal gene and protein synthesis. Hydrocortisone was given intraperitoneally at three dose levels 26, 39 and 52 mg/kg body weight which was equivalent to the therapeutic doses in man. Results: The results showed that single dose treatment with different doses had no effect on chromosomal aberrations. The dose of 52 mg/kg body weight induced significant percentage of chromosomal aberrations in bone marrow cells after repeated treatment for 7 and 14 days. Significant effect of morphological sperm abnormalities was demonstrated only after treatment with the dose of 52 mg/kg body weight. For examining the dominant lethal mutation, male mice were injected with dose of 39 mg/kg body weight for 5 consecutive days. Mating between treated males and virgin untreated females were performed at different time intervals. The results showed that the percentage of fertile mating at 1–7 and 8–14 days reduced to 50% and 60% respectively compared with control group while no effect was recorded at 15–21 days. The percentage of dominant lethal mutation reached 0.32%, 4.4% and 0% in mating intervals respectively indicating pronounced effect of hydrocortisone at the interval 8–14 days which represented by the late spermatids. The results also showed that the repeated treatment with the dose of 52 mg/kg body weight inhibited protein synthesis which contributed to the cytotoxic effect of the drug. Conclusions: It is concluded that long term treatment with large doses of hydrocortisone may have genotoxic effect.

737-742

Authors: Muhammad Hadiza Lami, Kabiru Adamu Yusuf2 , Saidu Abubakar Ndaman, Busari Musa Bola,Babatunde Olajumoke Damilola, Abdullah Abubakar Siddique

Objective: To evaluate the antidiabetic potential of Ceiba pentandra leaves used by some Nupe speaking community of Niger State, Nigeria in folkloric management of diabetes. Methods: Fifteen albino rats of both sexes weighing between 100 and 160 g were randomly allotted to five groups of four rats each. Alloxan monohydrate (110 mg/kg body weight) was intraperitoneally administered to rats in their respective groups, and rats with blood glucose (200 mg/kg body weight) were considered diabetic. Diabetic rats in their respective groups received 2.5 mg/kg body weight of standard drug (glibenclamide), 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight of extract once daily for 12 days. Normoglycemic group (reference group I) received 0.5 mL normal saline, while the last group was untreated diabetic (reference group II). The blood glucose was measured by using Accu-Chek Active glucometer every three days and the experiment was terminated at 17th day. Results: Blood glucose decreased significantly (P < 0.05) in all the treated groups during the period of treatment with highest hypoglycaemic activity observed in 200 mg/kg body weight group. The diabetic untreated group showed significant reduction (P < 0.05) in body weight as it was a clinical feature of diabetes in reference to normoglycemic, and other treatment groups. Platelets showed a significant decrease and increase respectively in the untreated and treated groups in reference to the normoglycemic group. Decreased packed cell volume, red blood cells and hemoglobin count, and an increase in white blood cell were also observed in the untreated group. Body weight of the treated groups remained stable as against the reference group II. Activities of the serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, chloride and potassium increased significantly (P < 0.05) in standard drug while carbonate and sodium showed the opposite. The urea, creatinine, total and conjugated bilirubin all increased significantly (P < 0.05) in the standard drug and untreated groups. Total cholesterol, triglyceride increased and high density lipoprotein increased in all groups against the untreated group. Conclusions: Both doses of ethyl acetate fraction of Ceiba pentandra were able to reduce the blood glucose and ameliorate the hematological abnormalities associated with diabetes mellitus.

747-753

Authors: Ogugua Akwoba Joseph, Akinseye Victor Oluwatoyin, Ayoola Modupe Comfort , Stack Judy, Cadmus Simeon Idowu Babalola

Objective: To investigate risk factors responsible for the epidemiology of brucellosis among cattle slaughtered in Nigeria in a bid to implement control strategies. Methods: This was a cross-sectional and sero-epidemiological survey of bovine brucellosis in two metropolitan abattoirs in Southwestern Nigeria. Between March and August 2013, cattle were screened for antibodies to Brucella spp. by using Rose Bengal test (RBT), and positive samples were subjected to competitive ELISA (cELISA). Parameters of individual animal were also obtained. Data were analyzed by using STATA version 12 and Chi-square; and logistic regression statistics were used to test association. Results: Overall, 2480 cattle (1241 in Oyo; 1239 in Lagos) were screened. Analysis using RBT revealed a total sero-prevalence of 4.9% (121/2480), with 7.8% and 1.9% from Oyo and Lagos States respectively. The cELISA result supported 77.7% (94/121) (90.7% in Oyo; 25.0% in Lagos) of the total RBT positive samples. Logistic regression analysis showed that only sex (P ≤ 0.001) and location (P = 0.001) of animal screened had statistically significant effects on seropositivity to Brucella abortus antibodies. Conclusions: Our findings reveal low sero-prevalence of brucellosis among slaughtered cattle in Southwestern Nigeria. Sex and location of abattoirs where animals are slaughtered are major risk factors to be considered in the epidemiology of the disease. Therefore, to promote public health, trade cattle meant for slaughter in Nigeria and African countries where brucellosis is endemic, should be monitored, and positive animals be excluded from the food chain.

595-599

Authors: Kulsoom Zahara, Yamin Bibi, Shaista Tabassum, Mudrikah, Tasneem Bashir, Shakeela Haider, Anum Araa, Maryam Ajmal

Bidens biternata (Lour.) Merr. and Sheriff. (B. biternata) belonging to family Asteraceae, is a common easy to grow, widespread, pestiferous crop weed and a wasteland plant species. It is a wild edible plant rich in macronutrients and micronutrients. B. biternata is extensively used in traditional medicine against inflammation, infections, diabetes, malaria, leprosy, ulcers and diarrhea and digestive disorders. Present review highlights the up-to-date information on the botanical properties, phytochemistry, bioactivities, traditional and medicinal uses of B. biternata from the literature. In addition to botanical studies and records of the traditional use of B. biternata in over 26 diseases, scientific studies investigating the potential medicinal uses of B. biternata and its constituent phytochemicals are presented and discussed. The present review provides preliminary information and gives direction for further research into this plant.

604-605

Authors: Annalyn Aler Lorenzo, Teresita Santiago De Guzman, Glenn Lo Sia Su

Objective: To assess the blood bags obtained from a national voluntary blood bank for the presence of immunoglobulin M (IgM) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies against hepatitis E virus (HEV). Methods: Plasma from the blood bags provided by a voluntary blood bank was examined for the IgM and IgG antibodies against HEV through the ELISA technique. Results: Results showed HEV IgG and IgM antibodies with prevalence of 11.8% and 2.4% positives, respectively. Conclusions: Screening of HEV antibodies of donors is a must to safeguard blood products and reduce the possible transmission of HEV infections.

608-613

Authors: Mohamed Abdel-Wahab El-Emam, Soheir Sayed Mahmoud, Fatma EL-Zahraa Anwar Bayaumy

Objective: To elucidate the efficacy of mefloquine and methanol extract of the plants Chenopodium ambrosioides (C. ambrosioides) and Sesbania sesban (S. sesban) as a combined therapy for the treatment of Schistosoma mansoni (S. mansoni) infected mice, and study the parasitological, biochemical and histological parameters of treated mice. Methods: Two groups of male Swiss Albino mice were infected with S. mansoni cercariae. The first group untreated served as control. The second group was orally treated with a single dose (200 mg/kg) of mefloquine 3 weeks post infection, then subsequently divided into 2 subgroups; the first orally retreated with the plant extracts 1000 mg/kg of S. sesban followed by 1250 mg/kg of C. ambrosioides with an 1 h interval, for 2 successive days. The second sub-group was re-treated with the same (dose and method) plant extracts after 7 weeks post infection. Results: The results showed that S. mansoni infected mice treated with mefloquine and the plants’ extracts 3 weeks post infection significantly (P < 0.01) reduced the worm burden/ mouse by 95.5% and the few worms recovered from sacrificed mice in this treatment failed to lay ova. Moreover, no worms were recovered from infected mice treated with mefloquine (3 weeks post infection) and re-treated by the plant’s extracts at 7 weeks post infection. Also, treatment of infected mice with mefloquine followed by the plants’ extracts either at 3 or 7 weeks post infection ameliorated the activities of the serum enzymes alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkline phosphatase and acid phosphatase as well as the hepatic granulomatous lesions compared to infected untreated group. Conclusions: It is concluded that successive treatment of S. mansoni infected mice with mefloquine and methanol extract of the plants C. ambrosioides and S. sesban could be a promising device in the strategy of schistosomiasis control.

617-621

Authors: Dharm R. Bhatta, Lina M. Cavaco, Gopal Nath , Abhishek Gaur, Shishir Gokhale, Dwij Raj Bhatta

Objective: To determine the prevalence of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of the isolates from Manipal Teaching Hospital, Pokhara, Nepal. Methods: This study was conducted over a period of 11 months (September 2012–August 2013) at the Manipal Teaching Hospital, Pokhara, Nepal. A total of 400 isolates were collected from various clinical specimens including hospital units (operation theaters and intensive care units). Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed by Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Primary screening for MRSA was performed using disc diffusion test by cefoxitin (30 μg) and oxacillin (1 μg) disc, further confirmation was done by detection of mecA gene using PCR. Results: Out of 400 Staphylococcus aureus strains, 139 (34.75%) were found to be MRSA. Among the MRSA isolates, 74 (53.2%) were from inpatient departments, 58 (41.7%) of the isolates were from outpatients and 7 (5.0%) isolates were from hospital units (operation theaters and intensive care units). Majority of MRSA (73.38%) isolates were multidrug resistant while less than 15% were resistant to amikacin, clindamycin and tetracycline. None of the isolate was resistant to vancomycin. Inducible clindamycin resistance was found in 54 (25.47%) isolates. Conclusions: This study showed a high prevalence of MRSA in our hospital. There is need of regular surveillance of antibiotic resistance, standardization of laboratory methods for detecting methicillin resistance and performing antibiotic susceptibility testing in developing countries like Nepal. Hospital acquired infections including prevalence of MRSA can be minimized by appropriate hygienic measures in patient care and management and by antibiotic stewardship. Screening of erythromycin resistant isolates would minimize clinical failures associated with clindamycin therapy.

627-631

Authors: Mahmood Rahdar, Babak Vazirianzadeh, Elham Sadat Rointan, Kamyar Amraei

Objective: To determine possible parasitic arthropods fauna in certain rodent species in the west of Khuzestan Province including Ahvaz and its suburb and suburb of Hovizeh, southwest of Iran. Methods: In the current study Sherman live traps were used to catch the rodents. The rodents were identified using Iranian keys of rodents. The ectoparasites were picked up in different ways from bodies of the anesthetized rodents and stored in 70% ethanol to preserve and identified using international keys. Results: In the present study 3 species and 4 genera of ectoparasites and 4 species of rodents were identified. Conclusions: It is important to explain that the great ectoparasite biodiversity in the west of Khuzestan, with small sampling of rodents, described a high risk factor to transmit the different infectious diseases among domestic animals and humans.

638-644

Authors: Maha Aly Fahmy, Nagwa Hassan Aly Hassan , Samia Ahmed El-Fiky , Heba Gamal Elalfy

Objective: To evaluate the protective role of a mixture of honey bee products (honey, royal jelly and pollen grains) against the genotoxicity induced by the anticancer drug cyclophosphamide (CP). Methods: The study included chromosomal aberration analysis in mice bone marrow cells, induction of morphological sperm abnormalities, DNA fragmentation and histopathological changes induced in liver cells of mice. CP was injected intraperitoneally at the dose of 20 mg/ kg body weight. The mixture of honey bee products was administrated orally for different periods of time 5, 10 and 15 days with a dose exactly equivalent to the daily intake of human beings. Results: The results revealed that honey mixture ameliorated the genotoxic side effects of CP. For chromosomal aberrations the percentage reached 25.20 ± 1.30 for CP treated group, while it reached half of that value 12.30 ± 0.54 in CP-group pretreated with honey mixture for 15 days. Breaks, fragments and multiple aberrations were the most pronounced types of aberrations induced after CP treatment and honey mixture reduced these types of abnormalities. CP induced significant percentage of sperm abnormalities 8.52 ± 0.17 compared to control 3.10 ± 0.10. The percentage of sperm abnormalities reached nearly to the control value in CP- mice treated with honey mixture for 15 days. Honey also reduced the incidence of liver DNA damage induced by CP. The results also indicated that CP had a marked damaging effect on liver tissue including severe dilatation, congestion of main blood vessels and massive infiltration of inflammatory cells with irregular general pattern of the tissue. These effects were greatly ameliorated by using oral administration of honey mixture for different periods of time. Conclusions: The results concluded that honey bee mixture can be used as chemopreventive agent for minimizing the genotoxic side effects of the anticancer drug CP and open the field for its use in many applications.

650-653

Authors: Fatima Lebbad, Meriem Merad, Wassila Soufi, Said Ghalem

Objective: To find similar compounds of rhodanine inhibitors of HCV non-structural protein 5B (NS5B) through exploring the PubChem database. Methods: We used the data mining of these ligands and we studied molecular docking of these ligands with the enzyme HCV NS5B for knowing inhibitory activity. We used the the Knime software for the data mining and the USCF Chimera and Molecular Operating Environment for study the molecular docking. Results: As a result, the discovery was two new inhibitors of NS5B HCV, namely CID 211702 and CID 13752. Conclusions: Two new ligands, CID 211702 and CID 13752, were discovered for the inhibition of the HCV and can be used to invent new medicines against the cancerous diseases.

658-661

Authors: Emmanuel Ameyaw, Joslin Dogbe , Michael Owusu

Objective: To assess the knowledge and practice of malaria prevention among caregivers of children admitted to a teaching hospital in Ghana. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted on caregivers of children who were hospitalized at the paediatric wards of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital from March 2009 to June 2009. Data were analysed using StataTM version 8.2. Results: Nearly all caregivers (97.1%) had heard of malaria. Of this proportion, 89.7% knew mosquito bite as a cause of malaria. The proportion of caregivers who were able to recognise the signs and symptoms of malaria were 87.6% (for fever), 47.1% (for vomiting) and 28.1% (for headache). Radio and television were the major sources of information about malaria. Conclusions: Caregivers of children have adequate knowledge about malaria and its mode of transmission. Further education on the implementation of the preventive methods is still needed to help reduce the incidence of malaria among children.

667-668

Authors: Alireza Soleimani , Amir Bairami

Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by the intracellular protozoan parasite, with a worldwide distribution from 30%–75% seroprevalence in different countries. In patient with immunosuppression such as AIDS, the parasite can be reactivated and causes the disease. We report on the case of a 36–year–old man admitted to MadaniHospital with Imbalance and loss of consciousness. He has been suffering headache, impaired speech and inability to walk since two weeks ago. In magnetic resonance imaging multiple space occupying lesions in bilateral cerebral hemispheres with ring enhancement after contrast injection were seen. HIV test for HIV-1 was reactive, Toxoplasma serology was revealed raised immunoglobulin G antibody levels of 650 IU/mL. Cerebral toxoplasmosis in this patient leads to diagnosis of HIV infection at advanced stage. The patient treated successfully with alternative drug but we need more activity in education of high risk people to get tested for HIV in our country, Iran.