Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Disease

511-514

Authors: Saboon, Yamin Bibi, Muhammad Arshad, Nabeela Ahmad, Iqra Riaz, Sunbal Khalil Chaudhari

Crotalaria burhia Buch.-Ham. (C. burhia) (Fabaceae), is an undershurb found distributed in arid parts of the world. It extensively grows in Pakistan, India and Afghanistan. It is a highly medicinal plant. The leaves, branches and roots can be used as a cooling medicine. Plant juice is useful for treatments of gout, eczema, hydrophobia, pain and swellings, wounds and cuts, infection, kidney pain, abdominal problems, rheumatism and joint pain in traditional medicine system. The medicinal activity is the result of the presence of various important phytochemicals like alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, polyphenols, tannins, steroids, triterpenoids, anthraquinones, crotalarine, monocrotaline, croburhine, crosemperine, quercetins and β-sitosterol. C. burhia is also known to possess antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities, which supports its traditional uses. In this article, a comprehensive account of phytochemical constituents and pharmacological activities is presented along with traditional uses of C. burhia.

520-524

Authors: Majid Afzali, Hamidreza Naderi, Masoud Mirzaei

Objective: To investigate the epidemiological features and demographic characteristics of hepatitis B virus (HBV)-infected patients and the accurate incidence rates of HBV infection in Iran. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted using the data from Iranian National Hepatitis Registry Database. Based on the registered records of HBV patients during 2010- 2012, the sample size of this study was 28227. Data were analyzed to calculate the incidence of hepatitis B infection according to age, sex and region of residence in Iranian population during the period. Results: The average age of infected people was (39.7 ± 16.0) years and the mean annual incidence rate of the infection was 55.37 per 105 population. The highest incidence and frequency rates were in the 60-69 (23.0/105 ) and 20-29 (28.7%) age groups, respectively. The lowest incidence and frequency rates, regardless of age and sex, were in the age group under 10 years old. The incidence rate was almost the same in urban (18.7/105 ) and rural areas (17.5/105 ). Conclusions: Hepatitis B prevention programs should focus more on people aged 20-40 years. Vaccination of people who are at risk of exposure to the virus should also be emphasized.

529-531

Authors: Pragya Poudel, Biswas Neupane, Ayushka Shrestha, Nirakar Adhikari, Yogendra Shah, Bishnu Acharya, Basu Dev Pandey

Objective: To determine the burden of gonorrhea among HIV patients using PCR technique. Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out in a HIV clinic of Sparsha Nepal from January to March, 2011. Standard microbiological procedures were followed during collection and processing of urine samples. DNA amplification, isolation and detection were carried out. Gonorrhoea diagnosis was done by multiplex polymerase chain reaction. Results: Among the 119 HIV positive patients, 12 (10.08%) were positive for N. gonorrheae. The cases were more among the males than in females. The age of patients ranged from 20- 45 years and the highest prevalence was among the age group 20-35 years. The distribution of gonorrhea infected patients according to marital status revealed that 8 cases were among the married patients. Conclusions: This study revealed that the incidence of gonorrhoea was higher in males and in married people. So, the control measures should be targeted to these groups of people.

539-542

Authors: Raxsina Polseela, Apichat Vitta

Objective: To determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites in children from six schools located in Bang Rakam and Mueang Districts, Phitsanulok Province, Northern Thailand. Methods: The study sites were the following six schools: Wat Krab Phuang, Wat Wang Ped, Wat Tha Ko, Wat Sao Hin, Wat Kung Waree and Wat Sakat Namman. Fecal samples were collected from 352 students in the age range 7-15 years old, and examined for intestinal parasites by formalin-ethyl acetate concentration method. Additionally, Scotch tape technique was used to recover Enterobius vermicularis eggs from 576 children. Result: It was found that the overall prevalence of intestinal parasites among 352 examined students was 5.4%: Strongyloides stercoralis (2.5%), Entamoeba coli (E. coli) (0.6%), Giardia lamblia (0.6%), Enterobius vermicularis (0.6%), hookworm (0.3%), hookworm and E. coli (0.3%), hookworm and Trichuris trichiura (0.3%) and Strongyloides stercoralis and E. coli (0.3%). The overall prevalence of enterobiasis among 576 schoolchildren by Scotch tape technique was 14.1%. The highest infection rate (19.3%) was observed at Wat Sao Hin School. The selective anthelminthic drugs were administered to all positive cases. Conclusions: In this study, low prevalence of parasitic infections was demonstrated among schoolchildren in Phitsanulok Province. However, the control and prevention including the transmission of parasites detected should be explained for more concern and attention and the proper hygienic health education should be implemented.

547-551

Authors: Nakulan Valsala Rajesh, Kalpana Devi Rajesh, Madurai Ganesan Jayathangaraj, Muthusamy Raman, Ramaswamy Sridhar

Objective: To study the parasitic fauna on serpentines under captive condition in zoological park of Tamilnadu, India. Methods: Fecal samples were collected from (n = 247) serpentines, Arignar Anna Zoological Park (n = 22), Vandalur, Tamilnadu, India and Snake Park (n = 27), Guindy, Tamilnadu, India and screened for endoparasites using sedimentation techniques. Ectoparasites were also reported in this study. Results: Coprological examination (n = 247) from captive snakes (n = 49) on random analysis revealed strongyles were predominant in Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Vandalur and Snake Park, Guindy, however the parasites were absent in king cobras (Ophiophagus hannah). Eggs of Capillaria sp. showed less predominance in Vandalur and Gunidy. Rat snakes [Ptyas mucosus (P. mucosus)] showed higher prevalence of strongyle infection in Vandalur, and Russell’s viper (Daboia russelii) showed higher prevalence in Guindy. Study on ectoparasites revealed Aponomma gerviasii ticks in P. mucosus, Indian cobras (Naja naja), king cobras (Ophiophagus hannah), reticulated pythons (Python reticulates) and Indian rock pythons (Python molurus), among them, the most heavy infestation was documented in P. mucosus (n = 9). Conclusions: Confinement favour stress and dysecdysis in captive condition affect the health status of snakes in zoological park.

559-563

Authors: Hasan Soliman Yusufoglu

Objective: To study analgesic, antipyretic, renal and antioxidant effects of the aerial parts of Bassia eriophora (Family: Chenopodiaceae) (B. eriophora), a wild plant in Saudi Arabia. Methods: Alcoholic extract (90%) of the aerial parts of B. eriophora was tested for analgesic, antipyretic, nephritic and antioxidant activities, to show their therapeutic potential. For analgesic effect, hot plate and writhing methods were used while for antipyretic effect, rectal temperature method was used. The renal protective effects and antioxidant properties were determined through CCl4-intoxicated animal method. Results: Animals treated with dose of 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight, after 90 min showed significant analgesic effect (8.10 ± 0.18 and 8.10 ± 0.12) respectively, comparable to indomethacin (9.18 ± 0.22) in hot plate method, while in writhing method, the percentage reduction accounted for 55.14% and 68.38% at the dose of 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight respectively. The antipyretic effect using rectal temperature method after 90 min, at the dose of 500 mg/kg body weight was 35.66 ± 0.13, comparatively more effective than indomethacin (35.10 ± 0.22). The significant reduction of CCl4 on elevated creatinine, urea, uric acid, Ca, Na and K as well as increase on the depleted total protein after administration of the plant extract, indicated the safe use in kidney dysfunctions. The normalization of changed CCl4 intoxication, malondialdehyde and nonprotein sulfhydryls levels designated antioxidant nature of this plant. The histopathological evaluation of the kidney also revealed that B. eriophora alcoholic extract may prevent the occurrence of kidney lesions. Conclusions: B. eriophora may have analgesic, antipyretic and antioxidant activities, and may be safely used in renal toxicity condition

569-574

Authors: Juliana Janet R. Martin-Puzon, Demetrio Lim Valle Jr., Windell L. Rivera

Objective: To determine the antibacterial activities and the thin-layer chromatography (TLC) fingerprint profiles of leaf and stem extracts of Glinus oppositifolius L. Aug. DC (G. oppositifolius). Methods: The leaves and stems were extracted using chloroform, ethanol and methanol as solvents. The antibacterial activity of the extracts were evaluated through disc diffusion, minimum inhibitory concentration and bactericidal concentration assays against methicillinresistant Staphylococcus aureus, vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus, extended spectrum β-lactamase-producing, carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae, and metallo-β-lactamaseproducing Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) and Acinetobacter baumanii (A. baumanii). The TLC separation was carried out on leaf and stem ethanol extracts in ethyl acetate: n-hexane solvent system. Distinct spots were examined under visible light, UV 254 nm, UV 366 nm and after spraying with vanillin-sulfuric acid. Results: The leaf extracts revealed antibacterial activities, inhibiting the growth of the nonresistant and multidrug-resistant strains of the Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli, P. aeruginosa and A. baumanii. The TLC fingerprint profiles demonstrated the presence of various phytochemicals in leaf and stem extracts. Leaf extracts exhibited more diverse constituents compared to stem extracts, but some constituents were similar in both plant parts. Conclusions: G. oppositifolius leaf extracts can be used as new, alternative sources of antimicrobials against non-resistant and multidrug-resistant strains of the Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli, P. aeruginosa and A. baumanii. The TLC profiles represent the chemical integrity of G. oppositifolius leaf and stem extracts which form an important and powerful tool for standardization, authentication, quality control and determination of bioactive components of G. oppositifolius in any formulation and in powder form.

579-582

Authors: Rajeswari Shome, B Shankaranarayan Padmashree, Kalleshamurthy Triveni, Natesan Krithiga1 , Swati Sahay, Bibek Ranjan Shome, Nagarathna Chandrashekar, Habibur Rahman

Brucellosis caused by Brucella species is readily transmissible to humans, causing acute febrile illness and undulant fever which may progress to a more chronic form and can also produce serious complications affecting the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and central nervous systems. A veterinary livestock inspector presented to the institute with symptoms of intermittent fever, pain involving muscles and joints, loss of weight, anxiety and weakness for about three months has been investigated. The isolation, serological tests and PCR were performed for diagnosis of brucellosis. Based on history of constant professional association with animals, characteristic symptoms, hematological and biochemical, multiple serological and PCR assay results, the patient was diagnosed as brucellosis. Detection of Brucella abortus directly in the clinical samples by gel based PCRs were highly useful for diagnosis and monitoring of treatment. This diagnostic protocol will facilitate in a simple way to map major Brucella species infecting humans in a geographical region.

586-588

Authors: Somsri Wiwanitkit, Viroj Wiwanitkit

The earthquake is usually a big disaster that causes several death and mortalities. Post earthquake crisis is an important situation for management. The recent 2015 Nepal earthquake is one of the most destructive earthquakes in history. The important concern is on the important concern of emerging diseases after earthquake. In this specific short article, the authors discusses on tropical disease after earthquake.

430-440

Authors: Emmanuel Adekanmi Adewusi, Vanessa Steenkamp

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that primarily affects the elderly population. Its management has been a long-standing challenge and area of interest. One of the pathological features of the disease is the formation of senile plaques which are made up of amyloid beta (Aβ) peptides. Aβ causes neurodegeneration by a complex interaction of processes that involves increasing the extracellular concentration of glutamate, intracellular Ca2+ and apoptosis. The Aβ peptide is therefore a prime target for developing therapies for AD, and inhibition of the peptide has been explored as a possible approach toward treatment of AD. A potential source of Aβ inhibitors is provided by the abundance of medicinal plants in nature. Several extracts from medicinal plants and isolated compounds have been tested in animal and cellular models of AD with promising results. The present work constitutes a review of the literature on medicinal plants and isolated compounds which have been tested for their inhibitory activity against Aβ. The plant species and compounds listed are potential inhibitors of Aβ and may aid researchers in their further studies on the development of treatments for AD from natural products.

445-447

Authors: Sonjoy Kumar Borthakur, Parimal Roychoudhury, Kanta Bhattacharjee, Saidul Islam, Dilip Kumar Deka, Prabhat Chandra Sarmah

Objective: To access the prevalence of Dirofilaria repens (D. repens) in dogs from Assam, India. Methods: A total of 223 blood samples from local dogs were examined with conventional (wet film and Knott’s concentration technique), serological (ELISA test using Snap4Dx kits) and molecular techniques (targeting internal transcribed spacer-2 region using panfilarial primers) in Guwahati, Assam, India. Results: The study revealed 4 (1.79%) cases of asymptomatic canine dirofilariasis caused by D. repens. The blood samples were positive for D. repens with microfilaremia on wet blood film, at Giemsa stained smear and under Knott’s concentration technique, but were negative at Snap®4Dx test (IDEXX Laboratory, Westbrook, USA) which is specific for Dirofilaria immitis. D. repens could be detected by molecular test. Further confirmation was obtained on the basis of DNA sequencing and homology searching by basic local alignment search tool. Sequence analysis revealed that the species prevalent in Guwahati was genetically distinct from the other D. repens reported from elsewhere. Conclusions: Occurrence of D. repens in dogs from this part of India was recorded for the first time, confirming the presence of a autochthonous canine reservoir for the zoonotic filarial nematode in Assam, India, where three cases of human subcutaneous and ocular infection with D. repens (dirofilariasis) have been reported.

454-457

Authors: Syamsudin Abdillah, Risma Marisi Tambunan, Yunahara Farida, Ni Made Dwi Sandhiutami, Rita Marleta Dewi

Objective: To evaluate ethanolic extracts of phytochemical screening, in vitro and in vivo antiplasmodial activities of 15 plants used as antimalarial in Sei Kepayang, North Sumatra. Methods: Extraction was done through maceration with 70% ethanol and screened against chemical content, in vitro test anti-plasmodium against Plasmodium falciparum 3D7 strain and in vivo test in mice infected Plasmodium berghei. Results: The results showed that the plant extract contained a group of saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids, quinone, sterols, triterpene, tannins and cumarine. However, extract of Momordica charantia, Carica papaya, Garcinia atroviridis, Alstonia scholaris, Smallanthus sonchifolia and Cassia siamea had strong anti-plasmodium activity both in vitro and in vivo. Conclusions: In vitro and in vivo antiplasmodial activities of 15 plants are used as antimalarial in Sei Kepayang, North Sumatra. All the plants have in vitro and in vivo anti-plasmodium activity except Orthosiphon stamineus and Luffa cylindrica (ED50 > 1000 mg/kg body weight and IC50 > 100 μg/mL, respectively).

463-467

Authors: Carlos Granados-Echegoyen, Rafael Pérez-Pacheco, Nancy Alonso-Hernández, Alfonso Vásquez-López, Luicita Lagunez-Rivera, Alejandra Rojas-Olivos

Objective: To determine chemical composition and mosquito larvicidal activity of essential oil from dried leaves of Persea americana against Culex quinquefasciatus. Methods: About 20 larvae in each group were used for larvicidal assays. The mortality, relative growth index, larval and pupal duration and viability were estimated. The essential oil was analyzed by solid phase microextraction using gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. Results: The most abundant compounds were estragole (61.86%), sabinene (15.16%) and 1R-α-pinene (14.25%). The essential oil inhibited mosquito larvae growth up to 26.73% [relative growth index (RGI) = 0.74)] and 16.83% (RGI = 0.84) at 800 and 50 mg/L respectively, while the untreated control and group treated with polysorbate 20 showed the RGI of 1.01. The viability of larvae to pupae decreased 53.75% when used 800 mg/L essential oil causing prolongation of development of 14.14 days, while the control had durability in its development of 12 days. In the pupae-adult phase, when used 800 and 50 mg/L of essential oil, 22.36% and 21.81% adults were formed, and there was prolongation of 15.88 days and delay of 13.62 days respectively; however the control showed duration of 14.63 days. Mortality at the end of the experiment was recorded as 57.50% with treatment of 800 mg/L and gradually decreased to 40% with treatment of 50 mg/L essential oil. Conclusions: The study demonstrated that the larvicidal activity of essential oil of Mexican avocado inhibited the normal growth and development of mosquito larvae, prolonged larval and pupal duration.

471-473

Authors: Naushaba Siddiqui, Haris Mansoor Khan, Tamkin Rabbani, Parvez Anwar Khan, Fatima Shujatullah

Objective: To study the prevalence of toxoplasmosis in pregnant females with history of habitual abortions. Methods: The study was conducted in the Department of Microbiology, Antenatal Clinic and Gynaecology, OPD of Jawahar Lal Nehru Medical College and Hospital from February 2011 to September 2012. A total of 400 patients presented with history of multiple spontaneous abortions. On basis of history and clinical examination, 48 patients are classified as high risk group for toxoplasmosis. Serum specimens were subjected to IgG ELISA, IgM ELISA and Enzywell Toxoplasma IgG avidity ELISA test. Results: Most of the patients were in the age group of 20-30 years. About 78.2% of females were from rural background. History of contact with cats was present in 56.5% of patients. About 91.3% of patients were non-vegetarian. Maximum number of patients with positive results in all the three serological tests had 2 spontaneous abortions. The prevalence of toxoplasmosis in pregnant females with history of habitual abortions were found to be 47.9%. IgM was positive in 35.4% while 16.6% of the patients had low IgG avidity antibodies indicating acute infection. Conclusions: Regular serological screening early in pregnancy will allow recognition of maternal infection and prompt treatment.

483-488

Authors: Sajid Nawaz Hussain, Bashir Ahmad Chaudhry, Muhammad Uzair, Muhammad Naeem Qaisar

Objective: To probe the traditional medicinal claims about anti-inflammatory and analgesic potential of Cassia sophera Linn. (Caesalpiniaceae) (C. sophera) through scientific methodology. Methods: The analgesic activity of root methanol extract of C. sophera was studied using acetic acid-induced writhing, hot-plate and formalin-induced paw licking tests. Carrageenaninduced paw edema and cotton-pellet edema models were used to assess the anti-inflammatory effects of methanol extract of C. sophera root. The methanol extract of C. sophera root was administered at concentrations of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg. Results: In acetic acid-induced writhing model, methanol extract of C. sophera root showed significant activity at all doses with maximum inhibition of 76.29%. Methanol extract of C. sophera root exhibited marked inhibition of pain stimuli with latency of (12.28 ± 4.60) s in hot-plate test. The methanol extract of C. sophera root significantly reduced licking time at all doses with maximum reduction in licking time (30.6 ± 3.1) s in late phase of paw licking in formalin-induced paw licking test. The methanol extract of C. sophera root showed highly significant results in carrageenan-induced paw edema model with maximum protection (65.75%) from edema. A significant inhibition of granuloma formation was observed in cottonpellet edema model with maximum inhibition (57.37%) of granuloma. Conclusions: The significant inhibitory effect on peripheral and central pain stimuli; marked edema reduction and granuloma inhibition justified the ethnomedicinal use of C. sophera in the management of pain and inflammation.

497-499

Authors: Kheyra Sbahi, Brahim Kacem, Ahmed Semmoud, Ahmed Addou

Objective: To detect a correlation between crystalluria and symptomatic hematuria, which may be indicative of urological or kidney disease. Methods: A total of 617 first morning urine from 306 patients, including 59 urolithiasic subjects and 247 patients with other urinary tract problems but without lithiasis, were collected and analyzed by a light microscope and urine dipsticks. Meanwhile, 202 urines from 100 healthy subjects were analyzed to compare results. Results: Results show that in patients with hematuria, 81.08% of urolithiasis, 32.39% of patients without urolithiasis and 21.88% of controls had a positive crystalluria. The crystalline species most encountered in urolithiasis was whewellite with 37.84% followed by uric acid dihydrate with 21.62%. Conclusions: In most cases, the formation and growth of a calculi are the result of urinary disorders, metabolic, infectious or anatomical, whose identification can provide prophylactic and preventive measures of recurrence kidney stones.

502-504

Authors: Somsri Wiwanitkit, Viroj Wiwanitkit

Leishmaniasis is an important parasitic infestation. This blood infestation can be seen in many tropical countries in South America, Africa, the Middle East and Indian subcontinent. Focusing on Southeast Asia, this disease is not endemic though it is also a tropical region. In the past, there are sporadic imported cases of leishmaniasis in Thailand. Within the recent year, a new species was declared from southern region of Thailand. The species, namely, Leishmania siamensis has been continuously reported in both immunocompromised and immunocompetent cases. There are several remained questions on this new species. In this specific mini-review, the authors discuss on some facts and perspectives on emerging Leishmania siamensis in Southern Thailand.

342-352

Authors: Andrés Zorrilla-Vaca, Melissa M. Silva-Medina, Kevin Escandón-Vargas

Over the past two decades there has been a worldwide spread of blood-sucking bedbugs (Cimicidae), leading to naming them a re-emerging plague. New hosts and species have been reported and even vector-borne diseases have been associated to Cimicidae, though the latter is not fully established yet. Cimex, which is the most representative genus, is well-known for its parasitic capacity, worldwide distribution and for being considered by many authors as a manspread plague. The healthcare impacts of Cimex invasion are being studied, but currently it is considered an alarming public health concern that has been defined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as “a pest of significant public health importance”. In this review, the general characteristics of Cimex, its morphology and its current geographical distribution are discussed not only in developed countries but also including nations from South America, Africa and Asia. Furthermore, we briefly describe the impact that Cimicidae has had on public health, and especially the medical importance of bites, focusing on the possible vector-borne diseases newly reported in the literature including wild species of cimicids.

358-362

Authors: Vicente Ylanan Belizario Jr., Jose Rafael Marfori, Paul Lester Chua, June Rose Naig, Jeffrey Mark Erfe

Objective: To demonstrate the safety and feasibility of school-based combined mass drug administration (MDA) using albendazole and praziquantel in selected areas in the Philippines. Methods: This study consisted of two phases: Phase I assessed the safety and feasibility of combined MDA; Phase II assessed the feasibility of teacher-assisted combined MDA. Sites chosen had ongoing school-based MDA of albendazole for soil-transmitted helminthiases in order to demonstrate integration of services by adding MDA of praziquantel for schistosomiasis onto the manpower and infrastructure of the existing program. Results: School-based combined MDA coverage rates were 80.1% and 75.5% in Phases I and II, respectively. Of students treated, 5.2% in Phase I and 5.4% in Phase II experienced adverse events, which were mostly mild and transient. In Phase II, the average time for combined treatment was less than one minute per student, with shorter times observed in older age groups. Conclusions: Integration of MDA in schools may help in achieving good treatment coverage for soil-transmitted helminthiases and schistosomiasis control among school-age children. The safety profile and feasibility of school-based combined MDA as demonstrated by this study may provide basis for larger scale implementation in other co-endemic areas.

369-373

Authors: Comfort Oluladun Aiki-Raji, Adebowale Idris Adebiyi, Victor Ibukun Agbajelola, Shakirat Adeola Adetunji, Quadri Lameed, Munir Adesina, Glory Adekanye, Fatai Omidokun, Olusegun Fagbohun, Daniel Oladimeji Oluwayelu

Objective: To conduct sero-epidemiological and virological surveillance for lowly pathogenic avian influenza virus (LPAIV) in apparently healthy birds slaughtered at live-bird markets (LBMs) in Southwestern Nigeria. Methods: A competitive ELISA was used for detecting avian influenza virus-specific antibodies in 491 chicken sera obtained from five LBMs in Oyo and Ogun States, Nigeria while haemagglutination inhibiting antibodies against LPAIVs were detected using H5N2, H7N1 and H9N2 subtype-specific antigens. Suspensions prepared from 400 cloacal swabs were inoculated into 9-day-old embryonated chicken eggs and harvested allantoic fluids were tested for the presence of haemagglutinating agents. Results: An overall avian influenza virus antibody prevalence of 10.4% (51/491) was obtained with mean percentage inhibition of 61.0 (95% confidence interval: 58.2-63.8) and geometric mean of 60.3 (95% confidence interval: 57.7-62.9). Whereas no LPAIV H7N1 antibodies were detected, 47.1% and 52.9% seroprevalence were obtained for H5N2 and H9N2 viruses respectively. Virus isolation in embryonated eggs was unsuccessful. Conclusions: Considering the propensity of LPAIVs for mutation into high pathogenicity strains, detection of LPAIV H5N2 and H9N2 antibodies in these chickens is of public health significance and warrants continuous surveillance. Interventions to reduce market-based disease transmission including routine cleaning and disinfection, wearing of protective clothing and gloves, and periodic market rest days are advocated in Nigerian LBMs.

380-384

Authors: Rajaa Ejghal, Salsabil Hamdi, Mouna Idrissi, Mostapha Hida, Aboubaker El Hessni, Meryem Lemrani

Objective: To examine whether polymorphic alleles at these two loci are involved in the susceptibility to visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in Moroccan children. Methods: We have genotyped polymorphisms by PCR-restricted fragment length polymorphisms in 102 patients with VL, 92 asymptomatic carriers [positive skin test delayedtype hypersensitivity (DTH+)] and 40 healthy controls (negative skin test delayed-type hypersensitivity), with no history of Leishmania infection. Results: Regression analysis showed no significant association between polymorphisms of tumor necrosis factors-ααwhen comparing VL and DTH + group (P > 0.05). The associations were detected between VL and negative skin test delayed-type hypersensitivity for the heterozygote genotype (P = 0.021), the recessive model: 1/2 + 2/2 (P = 0.044) and the minor allele 2 (P = 0.019). The resistance to VL was found to be under the recessive model 1/2 + 2/2 of tumor necrosis factors-β, when comparing VL and DTH + group (odds ratios: 0.558, 95%; confidence interval: 0.316-0.987; P = 0.044). Conclusions: These results must be regarded to preliminary but suggestive that further study with larger populations is worthwhile.

393-398

Authors: Saeed Ullah Khattak, Nafees Bacha, Ghosia Lutfullah Jehan Bakht, Sajid Ali, Johar Ali, Abid Ali Khan

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) isolated from skin wards of the hospitals of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, its resistance against various commonly and commercially available antibiotics, as well as different genetic traits of resistance and their correlations with the phenotypic visible resistance. Methods: In the present study a simple PCR technique were used to investigate the genetic traits of resistance in S. aureus isolated from skin wards of two major hospitals of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. A total of 100 samples were collected from both the male and female, of which 50 were from patient’s site of infection and 50 from ward environment. Results: These results demonstrated that the total prevalence of S. aureus both in ward as well as in patients was 48%. The S. aureus prevalence was the highest in female patients (50%) followed by ward environment (29%) and then male patients (21%). The antibiotic sensitivity tests revealed that the highest (91.6% isolates) sensitivity was shown to imipenem. However, the highest resistance was found to be against penicillin (100% isolates) followed by cefotaxime (75% isolates). In addition, only 29% of the isolates were found to be resistant to methicillin. PCR technique based on the previously designed primers targeting different genetic traits of resistance revealed that 13 out of the 14 isolates resistant to methicillin were positive for mecA gene. blaZ Genetic traits were found in all isolates resistant to penicillin. The multidrug resistance traits, vgaA and vgaB each was detected only in 12.5% of S. aureus isolates. The phenotypic character of antibiotic resistance is highly correlated to different genetic traits of resistance. Conclusions: Based on our findings, it is concluded that antibiotic resistance in S. aureus strains is increasing day by day due to self-medications and medication by non-registered medical practitioners. Therefore, for quick and fast detection, we propose next-generation sequencing be utilized to screen for antibiotic resistance.

404-411

Authors: Landry Lienou Lienou, Bruno Phelix Telefo, Charlotte Nangue, Bale Bayala, Stephanie Chekem Goka, Didiane Mefokou Yemele, Richard Simo Tagne, Nathalie Jiatsa Donfack, Gildas Tetaping Mbemya, Ana Paula Ribeiro Rodrigues

Objective: To assay the comparative effect of Senecio biafrae leaves and stems methanol/ methylene chloride extract as well as its hexane, n-butanol and ethyl acetate fractions on reproductive function of immature female rat. Methods: Various doses of the methanol/methylene chloride extract and fractions were orally administered for 20 consecutive days to immature female rats. The parameters of the rats such as body, ovarian and uterus weight, uterine, ovarian and serum proteins, ovarian cholesterol as well as follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, estradiol and progesterone levels were recorded. Results: Levels of ovarian cholesterol and protein as well as uterine protein were doubled principally in animals treated with the ethyl acetate fraction not matter what dose was administered. The animals treated with crude extract presented a significant increase (P < 0.05) of 108%, 79% and 135% in serum estradiol level at the dose of 8 mg/kg, 32 mg/kg and 64 mg/ kg respectively. Conclusions: Results of the present study provide evidence on the inducing effect of the methanol/methylene chloride extract of S. biafrae and its fractions on immature female rat’s fertility parameters in serum, ovary and uterus.

418-420

Authors: Avijit Roy, Ramanathan Thamizhmani, Ratchagadasse Vimal Raj, Sunish Pulikkottil

Malaria is a life-threatening disease which contributes to significant morbidity and mortality, especially in developing countries. We report here two cases, mixed malaria and vivax malaria with unusual presentation of gastroenteritis. Two male patients aged 42 years old and a female patient aged 15 years old were admitted to hospital with fever. The patients both had symptoms of fever, chills, rigor, headache and vomiting. First patient peripheral blood smear revealed Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax and second patient blood smear examined Plasmodium vivax. To our knowledge, this is the first report of vivax malaria with unusual presentation of gastroenteritis in this island and mixed malaria infection is not uncommon, and it needs to be diagnosed and treated effectively in order to control the disease.

263

Authors: Sora Yasri, Viroj Wiwanitkit

No

271-278

Authors: Hafiz Ansar Rasul Suleria, Masood Sadiq Butt, Nauman Khalid, Saira Sultan, Ali Raza, Muhammad Aleem, Munawar Abbas

Functional and nutraceutical foods provide an opportunity to improve one’s health by reducing health care costs and to support economic development in rural communities. For this reason, various phyto-based functional foods are becoming popular worldwide owing to number of evidences for their safer therapeutic applications. Garlic (Allium sativum L.,) is an essential vegetable that has been widely utilized as seasoning, flavoring, culinary and in herbal remedies. The consumption of traditional plants especially garlic has progressively increased worldwide because of their great effectiveness, fewer side effects and relatively low cost. Garlic is well known to contain an array of phytochemicals. These bioactive molecules are playing pivotal role in maintaining human health and having potential to reduce various ailments. It has distinct nutritional profile with special reference to its various bioactive components that can be used in different diet based therapies to cure various life-style related disorders. The present review is an attempt to explore the functional/nutraceutical role of garlic against various threats including dyslipidemia and hyperglycemia, cardiovascular disorders, antioxidant capacity and carcinogenic perspectives.

284-288

Authors: Duan Pham Ngoc, Yuji Arimatsu, Sasithorn Kaewkes, Sung-Jong Hong, Banchob Sripa

Objective: To characterize immunogenic protein fraction of Clonorchis sinensis (C. sinensis) by partial purification. Methods: A total of 30 hamsters were infected with 50 C. sinensis metacercariae, and then C. sinensis protein was purified by gel filtration chromatography. Indirect ELISA and immunoblot were used to detect the antibody in sera of hamsters infected with C. sinensis. Results: The gel filtration showed 2 peaks at high (fraction No. 10 to 14) and low (fraction No. 21 to 26) molecular weight proteins. Indirect ELISA showed that both antibodies of clonorchiasis and opisthorchiasis reacted strongly with early fractions (6 to 14) and the reaction was gradually reduced at middle and late fractions (15 to 50). Both antibodies showed different individual fraction of C. sinensis by immunoblot. It showed several protein bands that the 34 and 37 kDa were major proteins. The 53 kDa protein which was only found in the clonorchiasis reacted with fraction 20. Conclusions: The purified antigen of C. sinensis reacted similarly with both antibodies of clonorchiasis and opisthorchiasis where strong reaction was seen with early fractions. The C. sinensis protein fraction No. 20 may be useful for immunodiagnosis of clonorchiasis.

293-298

Authors: Joshua Luka, Albert Wulari Mbaya

Objective: To determine the distribution of cercariae of trematodes and their associated snail intermediate hosts in Borno State, Nigeria. Methods: Handpicking and scooping by the aid of scoop nets were used to collect a total of 1 700 snails. They were examined for cercarial release using emergent method of cercarial release. Results: About 16 (0.94%) of the 1700 snails were positive for cercariae of trematodes based on morphology and standard measurement. Three species (Bulinus forskalli, Bulinus globosus and Lymnae natalensis) of snails were identified based on shell morphology and standard criteria. Distribution of the infection among the sampled snails showed that, 10 (1.75%) of Bulinus globosus and 6 (0.55%) of Lymnae natalensis released cercariae of Schistosoma haematobium and a distome cercaria of Fasciola spp. respectively. The intensity of infection among the examined snails varied significantly (P<0.05) based on senatorial zones of sampling. Conclusions: The present study has demonstrated the presence of some important trematodes and snail species that are possible intermediate hosts in Borno State. This study will further provide insight into better understanding of the epidemiology of schistosomiasis caused by Schistosoma haematobium and other trematodes and the role of snails (Bulinus globosus and Lymnae natalensis) as intermediate hosts.

307-312

Authors: Richard Simo Tagne, Bruno Phelix Telefo, Emmanuel Talla, Jean Noel Nyemb, Sylvain Nguedia Njina, Mudassir Asrar, Farah Mukhtar, Armel Hervé Nwabo Kamdje, Paul Fewou Moundipa, Ahsana Dar Farooq, M. Iqbal Choudhary

Objective: To investigate the anticancer and antioxidant potential of methanol bark extract of Ziziphus mauritiana (Z. mauritiana), which is used by traditional healers to cure some cases of cancer in Cameroon. Methods: The methanol crude extract of Z. mauritiana has the antiproliferative activity on four cancer cell lines and its antioxidant activity. The extract was partitioned in five different solvents, and each fraction was tested. The effect of the most antiproliferative fraction on cell cycle was determined. Bio-guided fractionation was performed on the fraction with the highest antiproliferative and the highest antioxidant activities. Results: Z. mauritiana methanol extract was active on all tested cells, and showed promising antioxidant activity. All fractions except hexane fraction were active with the dichloromethane fraction being the most active and showed S and G2-M phase arrest (P<0.01) on cell cycle progression of NCI-H460 and MCF-7, respectively. Bio-guided fractionation of the dichloromethane fraction led to lupeol and betulinic acid. The greatest antioxidant activity was recorded with ethyl acetate fraction and its fractionation led to catechin and epigallocatechin. Conclusions: Overall, this study showed that Z. mauritiana barks has benefits as a chemoprevention agent cancer.

316-321

Authors: Asma Hamood Al-Saeedi, Mohammad Amzad Hossain

Objective: To investigate total phenols, flavonoids content of methanol crude extract of pigeon pea seeds powder and its different polarities soluble fractions and evaluate their free radical scavenging activity. Methods: The powder seeds samples were used for extraction with methanol. Methanol crude extract from the seeds was defatted by water and fractioned by different polarities of solvents. The investigation of total phenols and flavonoids contents of total six crude extracts of pigeon pea were determined by Folin-Ciocalteu reagent and aluminum chloride calorimetric methods. Antioxidant activity of six crude extracts from the seeds of pigeon pea was determined through α,α-diphenyl-β-picrylhydrazyl method. Results: Significant amount of total phenols content was presented in hexane crude extract among the six crude extracts of pigeon pea and the order was hexane>chloroform> methanol>ethyl acetate>butanal>water. Similarly, significant amount of total flavonoids content was presented in chloroform crude extract and the order was chloroform>methanol>ethyl acetate>butanol>water>hexane. The crude extracts displayed significant α,α-diphenyl-β- picrylhydrazyl free radical scavenging activity with highest value in hexane extract followed by butanol, methanol, ethyl acetate, chloroform and water crude extracts having value of 95.50%, 83.30%, 64.60%, 64.20%, 60.60% and 52.60%, respectively. Conclusions: The crude extracts from seeds of pigeon pea have high contents of total phenols, flavonoids and antioxidant activity. In this regards, it could be used as a medicine for the treatment of different chronic diseases.

329-333

Authors: Gebremedhin Gebrezgabiher, Gebremedhin Romha, Gobena Ameni

Objective: To assess Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) strains exsisting in Gedeo zone and the surrounding areas of the Southern Ethiopia using spoligotyping. Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out from February, 2012 to June, 2013 and 97 (76 sputum and 21 fine needle aspirate) samples were taken from tuberculosis diagnosed patients at Dilla University Referral Hospital and other private clinics. Culturing, region of difference (RD9) deletion typing and spoligotyping techniques were employed to isolate M. tuberculosis strains. Results: Growth of mycobacteria was observed in 35.1% (34/97). Speciation of isolates showed that 91.2% (31/34) of the isolates were M. tuberculosis. Further characterization led to the identification of 23 different spoligotype patterns of M. tuberculosis of which 61% and 39% displayed unique and cluster patterns, respectively. The most dominant shared type was spoligotype international type 53. Of the 23 strains, 12 have not been registered in the international spoligotyping database (SpolDB4). Seventy one percent of the strains belonged to the Euro-American lineage. Conclusions: This study revealed the existence of both genetically diverse and clustered M. tuberculosis strains from tuberculosis patients in the area, suggesting reactivation of infection and recent transmission, respectively. Molecular epidemiology of M. tuberculosis should be done nationwide in order to set appropriate control measures.

175-180

Authors: Mahesh Bandappa Manke, Shashikant Chaburao Dhawale, Prasad Govindrao Jamkhande

Helminthiasis is the most common infection caused by worms that is contaminant to human body parts. Normally, the worms live in the gastrointestinal tract, liver and other organs. The currently available anthelmintic drugs, including albendazole, mebendazole, thiabendazole, niridazole, dietylcarbamazine, ivermectin, praziquantel, are widely used to control helminthiasis. But these drugs have serious drawbacks such as hepatotoxicity, loss of appetite, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, headache and diarrhea. Thus, it is necessary to look for more effective anthelmintic drugs with the minimum side effects. Eighty percent of the world’s population relies on traditional medicines and plant extracts and the active constituents are used to meet people’s primary health care needs. This review focuses on helminthiasis and the role of traditional plants in the treatment of helminthiasis.

186-189

Authors: Hidayat Hussain, Karl-Heinz Drogies, Ahmed Al-Harrasi, Zahid Hassan, Afzal Shah3 , Usman Ali Rana, Ivan Robert Green, Siegfried Draeger, Barbara Schulz, Karsten Krohn

Objective: To evaluate the antimicrobial potential of fraction of the fungus Fusarium sp. and study the tentative identification of their active constituents. Methods: Six compounds were purified from an fraction of endophytic fungus Fusarium sp. using column chromatography and their structures have been confirmed based on 1 H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectra, distortionless enhancement by polarization transfer, 2D COSY, heteronuclear multiple quantum correlation and heteronuclear multiple bond correlation experiments. The six isolated compounds were screened for antimicrobial activity using the agar well diffusion method. Results: Phytochemical investigation of endophytic fungus Fusarium sp. lead to the isolation and identification of the following compounds viz., colletorin B, colletochlorin B, LL-Z1272β (llicicolin B), 4,5-dihydroascochlorin, ascochlorin, and 4,5-dihydrodechloroascochlorin. Colletorin B and colletochlorin B displayed moderate herbicidal, antifungal and antibacterial activities towards Chlorella fusca, Ustilago violacea, Fusarium oxysporum, and Bacillus megaterium. On the other hand LL-Z1272β (llicicolin B) showed moderate antifungal activity towards Ustilago violacea and Fusarium oxysporum while 4,5-dihydroascochlorin showed strong antibacterial activity towards Bacillus megaterium. Furthermore, 4,5-dihydrodechloroascochlorin showed very strong antifungal activity towards Eurotium repens. Conclusions: Antimicrobial activities demonstrated by five of the six isolated compounds clearly demonstrate that these fungi extracts and active compounds present a great potential for the food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries.

195-198

Authors: Md. Nazmul Hasan, Mohammad Habibur Rahman, Renkai Guo, Akinori Hirashima

Objective: To estimate the hypoglycemic activity of Blumea lacera (B. lacera) leaf methanol extract. Methods: A study was undertaken for preliminary exploration of hypoglycemic activity via oral glucose tolerance test. B. lacera leaves were dried under shaded sunlight, milled and then macerated in methanol. Glibenclamide was used as reference drug, and 50-400 mg/kg leaf extract was administered orally to four test groups. Results: Treatment of leaf extract on glucose loaded hypoglycemic mice lead to significant (P<0.000 1) reduction of the blood glucose levels in a dose dependent manner. Conclusions: The result suggests that methanolic leaf extract of B. lacera possesses antidiabetic properties, and its use as ethnomedicine for treatment of diabetes.

204-209

Authors: Kollakondan Muthaiya Maria John, Muniappan Ayyanar, Thangavel Arumugam, Gansukh Enkhtaivan, Kijoun Jin, Doo Hwan Kim

Objective: To study the phytochemical class and its antioxidant activity of various extractions of Strychnos minor (S. minor), a rare endemic medicinal plant of South India. Methods: Leaves of S. minor were collected from Agasthiyar Malai hills of South India and shade dried. Different solvent extractions were made for the preliminary screening of phytochemicals and their total flavonoids and polyphenols levels were quantified using standard procedures. Finally, the extracts were studied for their antioxidant potential by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl and chelating effects on ferrous ions. Results: Phytochemical screening of the plant shows the presence of various biochemicals like alkaloid, tannins, terpenoids, saponins, flavonoids and resins and absence of phlobatannins. Flavanoids were high with water extracts (6.14 mg/g) and showed high 1,1-diphenyl-2- picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity (77.25%) whereas total polyphenols was high with methanol extraction (12.12 mg/g). Ethylacetae extract showed poor flavanoid and polyphenol content which reflected their low antioxidant potential when compared to other extracts. Conclusions: The present study confirms the presence of various phytochemicals which shows good antioxidant potential of S. minor. This work will be helpful to explore the biochemical profile and active compound identification in the field of pharmaceutical research.

214-218

Authors: Christopher Igoche Ogbaje, Idris Alao Lawal, Ologunja Joseph Ajanusi

Objective: To assess Nigerian field isolates of Trypanosoma congolense (T. congolense) and Trypanosoma vivax (T. vivax) to commonly available trypanocides (isometamidium chloride, homidium chloride and diminazene aceturate). Methods: Thirty-six Yankasa sheep of both sexes were used for the study. The sheep were screened for ecto and endoparasites, and acclimatized for 2 weeks before the commencement of the experiment. The animals were randomly divided into six groups of six sheep each. Two groups (A and B) were infected intravenously with phosphate buffer solution dilute infected blood of approximately 2.0×106 of T. vivax and two other groups (E and F) were also infected intravenously with blood containing the same number of T. congolense. The remaining two groups served as uninfected controls. Of the two T. vivax infected groups, one was further divided into three subgroups of two animals each and each of the sub-groups was treated with different trypanocides 9 days after the establishment of parasitaemia. The same treatment was carried out on the T. congolense infected groups. The other infected groups were left untreated. All the animals were monitored for 8 weeks post infection. Prepatent period of 6 d was recorded for both parasite species. Results: T. vivax was found to be resistant to homidium chloride but sensitive to diminazene aceturate and isometamidium chloride at the recommended doses. Conversely, T. congolense was found to be resistant to all the three trypanocides used at the recommended doses. Conclusions: Although, resistance to trypanocides exists, it was observed to be more prominent with T. congolense than T. vivax infected sheep.

224-230

Authors: Thodhal Yoganandham Suman, Radhika Rajasree Santha Ravindranath, Devan Elumalai, Patheri Kuny Kaleena, Rajendiran Ramkumar, Pachiappan Perumal, Lakshminarayanan Aranganathan, Paneer Selvam Chitrarasu

Objective: To assess the larvicidal activity of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2NPS) synthesized from the root aqueous extract of Morinda citrifolia (M. citrifolia) against the larvae of Anopheles stephensi (An. stephensi), Aedes aegypti (Ae. aegypti) and Culex quinquefasciatus (Cx. quinquefasciatus). Methods: The M. citrifolia broth solution was prepared by taking 8 g of the powdered root of M. citrifolia in 250 mL Erlenmeyer flask along with 100 mL of distilled water and boiled for 5 min. About 20 mL of M. citrifolia root extract was added into the 80 mL of an aqueous solution of 5 mmol/L TiO(OH)2 for the reduction under continuous stirring for 4 h at 50 °C. Synthesized TiO2NPS were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. X-ray diffraction confirmed the crystalline nature of the nanoparticles. Toxicity studies were carried out against non-target fish species Poecilia reticulata, the most common organism in the habitats of An. stephensi, Ae. aegypti and Cx. quinquefasciatus. Results: The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy for TiO2NPS synthesized by M. citrifolia root extract showed band at 3 426 cm-1 , 1 637 cm-1 and 714 cm-1 . The 3 426 cm-1 showed O-H stretching due to alcoholic group; 1 637 cm-1 showed N-H bend due to alcoholic group. In particular, the 1 637 cm-1 indicated the presence of H bend bond for 1° for proteins. A peak was observed around 714 cm-1 due to Ti-O-O bond. Field emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy showed the spherical nature of the nanoparticles with a size of 20.46-39.20 nm. The biosynthesized TiO2NPS showed maximum activity against the larvae of An. stephensi, Ae. aegypti and Cx. quinquefasciatus when compared to the aqueous extract of M. citrifolia. Toxicity studies revealed no toxicity towards Poecilia reticulata at LC50 and LC90 doses of TiO2NPS. Conclusions: TiO2NPS could be used along with Poecilia reticulata in integrated vector control.

234-238

Authors: Sonali Jain, Amit Kumar Singh, Ravinder Pal Singh, Jyoti Bajaj, Ajit Shriram Damle

Objective: To determine the occurrence of tuberculosis (TB) among HIV infected patients and their CD4 + cell count profile. Methods: A total of 263 HIV-seropositive patients either hospitalized or reporting to the antiretroviral therapy centre for follow up were included in the study. HIV-seropositive patients were then investigated clinically, radiologically and microbiologically for diagnosis of pulmonary TB as per the revised guidelines issued by WHO. Two early morning sputum samples were collected from patients, and isolation and identification of Mycobacterium tuberculosis was done as per standard protocol. Results: Out of them 41 (15.6%) were TB positive and 222 (84.4%) were TB negative. Among TB positive patients, smear positive and culture positive patients were 19 (7.2%), while smear negative and culture positive were 9 (3.4%). Mean CD4 + T cell counts for HIV-seropositive and HIV-related TB patients were 156.14 cells/µL and 197.24 cells/µL respectively. Conclusions: The clinical manifestations in HIV-related TB patients are quite variable and lead to difficulties in diagnosis. Thus radiological evaluation along with proper laboratory investigation in all clinically suspected cases of tuberculosis is the key for prompt diagnosis and treatment.

242-245

Authors: Gholamreza Farnoosh, Mohamadreza Mahmoudian Sani, Kazem Hassanpour, Mostafa Mellat, Ramezan Ali Taheri

Objective: To investigate drug resistance of various strains of Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria isolated from female patients with urinary tracts infections (UTIs) in Shalamzar, Iran. Methods: This study was conducted from April 2011 to April 2012 on 150 female patients with positive urine culture and 105 CFU/mL colony count. The pattern of antibiotic sensitivity was recognized using antibiogram by the disc diffusion method. Results: The results revealed that the predominant bacterium was E. coli (90%), followed by Klebsiella pneumonia (3%). Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole is the initial medicine to treat UTIs (without complications) which demonstrated relatively poor activity against E. coli (with 40% sensitivity), though alternative medicines such as nitrofurantoin (97% sensitivity) and ciprofloxacin (91% sensitivity) showed good activity against E. coli as well. Conclusions: The findings emphasized the necessity of pursuing the investigations in national and local governments in order to retain the efficacy of treating UTIs using effective antibiotics.

251-252

Authors: Somsri Wiwanitkit, Viroj Wiwanitkit

Feline disease is usually an important concern in veterinarian medical practice. There are many feline diseases and some have trends to transmit to human. As cat is an important human pet, it is no doubt that zoonosis is important consideration in veterinarian medicine. Here, the author briefly reviews and discusses on the important feline diseases that pose chance for human zoonosis in Thailand, a tropical Southeast Asian country.