Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Disease

91-97

Authors: Marufa Sharmin, Prangan Das Banya, Laboni Paul, Fouzia Ferdows Khan Chowdhury, Sarah Afrin, Mrityunjoy Acharjee, Tasmina Rahman, Rashed Noor

Objective: To examine the prevalence of microorganisms and the antibacterial feature within commonly available flowers including Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, Ixora coccinea, Ipomoea digitata, Allamanda cathartica, Nymphaea nouchali and Vinca rosea, samples were randomly collected from different areas in Dhaka city, Bangladesh. Methods: Conventional cultural and biochemical methods were applied to isolate and enumerate the flower accessing microorganisms. Flower extracts were prepared using the solvent extraction methods and the subsequent antibacterial activities were demonstrated. Results: The total bacterial load and fungal load was estimated to be around 107 -108 CFU/g and 105 -107 CFU/g, respectively. All samples were found to be shaded with Staphylococcus spp. (~107 CFU/g) while the prevalence of actinomycetes was also observed except for Ipomoea digitata. The prevalence of Gram negative pathogenic bacteria was also noted within more than 50% samples. The in vitro antibacterial activity of these flowers, especially of Ixora coccinea, Hibiscus rosasinensis, Allamanda cathartica and Nymphaea nouchali in alcoholic extracts (methanol and ethanol) was notable against most of the tested microorganisms. Conclusions: The contaminating microbial flora identified within the flower samples studied could be a potential environmental hazard if disseminated. Conversely the revealed antibacterial traits of the flower extracts would be useful alternate remedies of the synthetic drugs for disease medication.

107-115

Authors: Bala Sambo Audu, Malachy NO Ajima, Paul Chike Ofojekwu

Objective: To investigate the effects of different concentrations of leaf extract of Cannabis sativa (C. sativa) on the biochemical changes and level of alterations in the enzymatic activities in serum, liver and gill of common carp, Cyprinus carpio fingerlings. Methods: The fish specimens were exposed to sublethal concentrations (1.88, 3.75, 7.50, 15.00 and 30.00 mg/L) of crude leaf extract of C. sativa over a period of 56 d in a static renewable bioassay. The biomarkers studied were alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase and total protein in the gill, liver and serum while aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase bilirubin, total bilirubin, albumin, urea acid and cholesterol were determined in the serum only. Results: Statistical significant differences (P<0.05) were found in all the biochemical parameters of the gills, liver and serum in all the experimental fish exposed to C. sativa compared with the controls. Phytochemical analysis of the leaves of C. sativa revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, resins, terpins and steroids. Conclusions: The investigation revealed that prolonged exposure of Cyprinus carpio fingerlings to crude leaf extract of C. sativa cumulated to stressful conditions in the fish. Further investigation should be conducted on the molecular mechanisms of these parameters on the biochemical and enzymatic activities as their mode operations are not well studied in fish.

119-122

Authors: Mohammad Khalili, Hamze Ghobadian Diali, Hossein Norouzian Mirza, Seyed Morteza Mosavi

Objective: To use PCR for the detection of Coxiella burnetii (C. burnetii) in bulk tank milk samples collected from dairy caprine herds in southeast Iran. Methods: In the present study, 31 goat bulk milk from 31 dairy goat herds were tested for C. burnetii using trans-PCR assay. The animals which their milk samples collected for this study were clinically healthy. Results: In total, 5 of 31 (16.12%) goat milk samples were positive. Conclusions: The results of this study indicate clinically healthy dairy goats are important sources of C. burnetii infection in this area.

130-135

Authors: Gizachew Muluneh, Mulugeta Kibret

Objective: To assess the prevalence of Salmonella species and associated factors from cattle carcasses in abattoir of Bahir Dar, Ethiopia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among slaughtered cattle carcass samples from Bahir Dar abattoir from December 2012 to February 2013. A total of 300 carcasses from hind limb, abdomen and neck of one hundred cattle were collected and analyzed for the prevalence of Salmonella. An observation checklist was used to collect data on the risk factors for contamination of carcass. Results: Out of the total 300 carcass samples, 23 (7.6%) were positive for Salmonella species. Eleven (47.8%), nine (39.1%) and three (13.1%) of the isolates were Salmonella group A, Salmonella arizonae and Salmonella typhi, respectively. Wearing garment during slaughtering, handwashing after separating intestinal content, washing of the knife before slaughtering, slaughtering on sanitized floor and carcass-washing during slaughter were important risk factors that have statistically significant association with the isolation rate of Salmonella in slaughtered cattle carcasses (P<0.05). The mean aerobic mesophilic count of cattle carcass surfaces was 5.39 log CFU/ cm2. Conclusions: Unlike other studies, Salmonella group A appears to be the most prevalent species in cattle carcasses in the present study. Among carcass sites, the highest contamination was recorded in the abdomen and the main source of contamination is human and intestinal contents. Therefore, there is a need to maintain proper hygienic practices in Bahir Dar abattoir during slaughtering.

151-152

Authors: Munim Frenil Chetanbhai, Kalwaje Vandana Eshwara, Pandit Vinay, Mukhopadhyay Chiranjay

No

158-160

Authors: Mahmoud Bahmani, Majid Gholami-Ahangaran, Fereidoun Ghotbian, Hassan Hassanzadazar, Seyed Ahmad Karamati, Reza Sepahvand, Ayoub Darabi

Leech enters to mouth and nose through water. Nose and nasopharynx mucosa are the most preferred places for leech attachment with epistaxis and respiratory distress symptoms. But the leeches may rarely stick deeper to trachea or esophagus which could cause hematemesis, hemoptysis and severe respiratory distress. Leech infestation can cause gastrointestinal, respiratory and genital bleeding in rare cases. Various animals such as ruminants, single-toed and carnivores, are easily infected with leeches. In May 2014, a 2-year-old turkey infected with leeches through the contaminated drinking water was referred to a veterinarian with respiratory distress symptoms, anxiety, bleeding from the mouth in Maze-Abdali Village located at 17 km from Dehloran City of Ilam Province in the west of Iran. After physical observations, a moving dark green particle was seen. Limnatis nilotica were detected after separation from the oral cavity of turkey. Respiratory distress and oral cavity bleeding should be regarded in the areas where spring and flooded water were infested with leeches. Untreated and contaminated waters consumption should be prohibited.

163-168

Authors: Bilkisu Yunusa Kaltungo, Shehu Naallah Alhaji Saidu, Anthony Kojo Bedu Sackey, Haruna Makanjuola Kazeem

Objective: To determine the current status of Brucella antibodies in sheep in Kaduna North Senatorial District of Kaduna State, Nigeria. Methods: A total of 579 serum samples were collected (114 rams and 465 ewes) and analysed using Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT), serum agglutination test with ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (SAT-EDTA) and lateral flow assay (LFA). Results: The prevalence of Brucella antibodies was found to be 26.5%, 11.1% and 2.4% using RBPT, SAT-EDTA and LFA respectively. The prevalence was 22.8%, 7.9%, 1.8% and 27.5%, 12.7% and 3.0% for the males and females using RBPT, SAT-EDTA and LFA, respectively. The prevalence rate for animals of less than 1 year of age was 23.8%, 14.3% and 9.5% for RBPT, SAT-EDTA and LFA, respectively, the corresponding prevalence rate for animals within the age bracket of 1 to 3 years was 26.7%, 11.2% and 1.4%, using RBPT, SAT-EDTA and LFA, respectively. Seroprevalence for animals above 3 years old were 24.7%, 12.4% and 3.5%, respectively. Conclusions: It is evident that sheep in the study area are infected with Brucella spp., including Brucella melitensis in view of the LFA positivity. This is of public health significance.

7-12

Authors: Abbas Doosti, Faham Khamesipour, S hahin Nekoei, Ismar Lutvikadic

Objective: T o evaluate the occurrence of Neospora caninum ( N. caninum ) DNA using polymerase chain reaction ( PCR ) technique in frozen semen samples of I ranian bulls that were used for artificial insemination. Methods: I n this study, 57 frozen bull’s semen samples were collected randomly from artificial insemination centers and genomic DNA was extracted. F or detection of p NC-5 gene of N. caninum by oligonucleotide primers were amplified using PCR technique and 1 % agarose gel electrophoresis used for visualization of amplified PCR products. Results: T he results of this study present 6 of 57 ( 10 . 53 % ) as positive samples. T his show high presence of N. caninum infection and display importance of frozen semen samples of bulls, which were used for artificial insemination, in the spread of bovine neosporosis in I ran. T hese results present PCR as suitable technique for fast detection of this protozoan parasite in semen specimens. Conclusions: A ccording to these results control and eradication programs, for example prevent vaccinations, as reduction of economic losses caused by this protozoan infection in I ranian cattle seems to be necessary.

17-21

Authors: Daniel Oladimeji Oluwayelu, Adebowale Idris Adebiyi, Obokparo Godspower Ohore

Objective: To screen for rabies virus (RABV) antibodies in apparently healthy confined, hunting and roaming dogs by a community-based approach. Methods: Sera from 230 (80 confined, 92 hunting and 58 roaming) dogs in some urban and periurban communities in Ogun and Oyo states, Southwestern Nigeria were screened for RABV antibodies using the indirect ELISA method. Results: Analysis of administered questionnaires showed that of 80 confined dog owners, 37 were aware of anti-rabies vaccination (i.e. they were informed) while 17 were negligent and 26 uninformed. Of the 230 sera tested, only 13 (5.7%) from vaccinated confined dogs in Oyo state were positive (i.e. had optimal RABV antibody titres) (mean 0.54, 95% CI: 0.42–0.67) while all confined dog sera in Ogun state were negative. Eleven (12.0%) and 14 (24.1%) of the hunting and roaming dogs respectively had sub-optimal RABV antibody titres while the rest were negative. Conclusions: Evidently, these groups of dogs are a totally unprotected and susceptible dog population that can serve as potential reservoirs of RABV in the study area. Responsible pet ownership, vaccination of hunting and roaming dogs, and community-based active rabies surveillance are therefore advocated in Nigeria.

28-32

Authors: Aseer Manilal, Behailu Merdekios, Akbar Idhayadhulla, Chinnaswamy Muthukumar, and Mulugeta Melkie

Objective: To assess the in vitro antimicrobial efficacy of Rhizophora mucronata (R. mucronata) collected from the mangrove wetland of Ayiramthengu (southwest coast of India) against potential human and shrimp pathogens and to analyse the allelochemical constituents by gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (GC-MS) profiling. Methods: Agar diffusion assay was used to investigate the efficacy of R. mucronata extracted in different polar and non-polar solvents. The antimicrobial activity was assessed against six type cultures of human and seven type cultures of shrimp pathogens. Results: In the present study, methanol was found to be the best solvent for extracting the antimicrobial principles from R. mucronata. The results of the antimicrobial assay inferred that this mangrove could be a potential source of antibiotics for controlling the bacterial pathogens in human and shrimp. Furthermore, phytoconstituents of the crude extract were identified by GC-MS analysis. The GC-MS profile of the crude extract revealed that the main constituent was, Ethanone,1-(2-hydroxy-5-methylphenyl (Rt=9.213), which might have a functional role in the antibiotic activity. Conclusions: Collectively, the overall results implies the mangrove, R. mucronata could be utilized as a renewable natural source for the development of novel biotherapeutics to combat human and shrimp pathogens.

38-46

Authors: Siméon Pierre Chegaing Fodouop, Donatien Gatsing, Benjamin Talom Tangue, Richard Simo Tagne, Sédric Donald Tala, Joseph Tchoumboué, Jules Roger Kuiate

Objective: To evaluate the effect of bacterial infection on cell oxidation and to study the in vitro and in vivo antioxidant activity of aqueous extract of Ludwigia abyssinica and Vitellaria paradoxa. Methods: The Salmonella typhimurium-infected rats (1.5×108 CFU) concurrently received either different doses of plant extract (55, 110, 220 and 440 mg/kg) or ascorbic acid (vitamin C 100 mg/ kg) daily for 18 d. The parameters like, lipid profile, reduced glutathione content, superoxide dismutase, catalase activities and bilirubin were assessed. Results: Infection has resulted in an increase of heart reduced glutathione, heart and kidneys malondihaldehyde and liver superoxide dismutase activity followed by decreases of that of heart. The administration of the extract at 55, 110, 220 and 440 mg/kg body has resulted in the correction of some of these injuries. Conclusions: The present study demonstrates that aqueous extract of Ludwigia abyssinica and Vitellaria paradoxa can fight against bacterial infection and cell oxidation induced by infection with Salmonella typhimurium.

51-59

Authors: Sirria Mostafa EL-Marhoumy, Koloud Abd EL-Nouby, Zeinab Salah Shoheib, Amina Mostafa Salama

Objective: To determine the prevalence of Blastocystis hominis (B. hominis) among pre-school children and evaluate the different staining techniques for its detection in stool. Methods: A total of 300 children of both sexes aged 2-5 years were included in this study. Each child was subjected to examination of stool sample using iodine, safranine methylene blue (SMB) and modified Ziehl-Neelsen (MZN) stains. Immunofluorescence antibody (IFA) stain was applied on stool specimens of 30 cases only. Results: Results showed a total prevalence rate of 53%. A higher prevalence was detected among children aged 4-5 years and most of them were males. The majority of cases (82.8%) infected with Blastocystis alone were symptomatic. Fecal parasite burden was significantly higher in symptomatic than asymptomatic cases, so B. hominis should be considered as a pathogenic parasite. IFA stain was proved to be the most sensitive (73.3%) followed by MZN (68.2%), iodine (59.1%) and SMB (50%) stains. Conclusions: This study confirmed the pathogenic potential of B. hominis and shed light on the great need to promote the hygienic standards among the risky group of children. IFA staining technique though having the highest sensitivity, it is suitable for use in large hospitals or public health laboratories in developed countries owing to its high cost. The MZN staining technique had a significantly higher sensitivity than iodine and SMB stains, and was more feasible to be used in laboratories with limited funds as in Egypt, because it is cheap, rapid, easy to perform and clarify the definitive morphological details of the parasite.

67-69

Authors: Duyen Thuy Thanh Phan, Lertrak Srikitjakarn , Saruda Tiwananthagorn, Phuong Thi Thuy Thai , Maximilian P.O. Baumann, Peter Paulsen

Objective: To analyze the prevalence of Alaria sp. mesocercariae in slaughter pigs in the Mekong Delta in Vietnam. Methods: From December 2012 to March 2013, 621 carcasses of slaughter pigs originating from nine Vietnamese provinces (69 carcasses per province) bordering the Mekong Delta were tested for the presence of Alaria alata mesocercariae. From each carcass, 30 g tissue (a mix of peritoneal fat and cheek tissue) were examined using the Alaria-migration-technique. Animals originated from traditional farming with free access of pigs to water/wetlands. Fattening pigs (5.5-7.5 months of age, 84% males) constituted 97.1% of the sample set, whereas sows>26 months accounted for 2.9%. Results: All samples tested were negative for motile mesocercariae. Conclusions: Results indicate that the actual prevalence of this parasite will not exceed 5% (α=0.05) in pigs from the study area. Further studies could elucidate if this is due to (unapproved) antimollusc and antiparasitic treatment in the study area or if the parasite is absent in the wildlife at all.

71-76

Authors: Shyam Kumar Mishra, Rajeshwori Shrestha, Basista Prasad Rijal, Bharat Mani Pokhrel

Objective: To determine the bacterial etiology of nosocomial pneumonia (NP) and to assess the current levels of antimicrobial resistance with special reference to the status of extendedspectrum-beta-lactamase (ESBL) and metallo-beta-lactamase (MBL)-producing bacterial strains in a university hospital of Nepal. Methods: A total of 60 specimens (sputum and endotracheal secretion) from patients diagnosed of NP were collected and processed following standard methodology. Combined disk and double disk synergy test method were used for the detection of ESBL. Ethylene-diamine-tetraacetic acid-based combined disk method was used for the detection of MBL-producing isolates. Results: Out of total 60 specimens, 85% yielded significant mixed bacterial growth. Acinetobacter spp. was the most predominant isolate (30.43%) followed by Klebsiella spp. (28.98%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (17.39%), Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) (8.69% for each). All Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp. and S. aureus were multidrug resistant. Nearly 76% of Acinetobacter spp. were extensively drug resistant. MBL was seen in 25.3% of the Gram-negative isolates. Acinetobacter spp. was the most frequent MBL-producer (15.9%). ESBL was present in 41.3% of Gram-negative isolates. Tigecycline and polymyxin B followed by carbapenems, cefoperazone-sulbactam, piperacillin-tazobactam and amikacin were the most effective antibiotics for drug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. All isolates of S. aureus were methicillinresistant; however, they were susceptible to vancomycin, linezolid, quinupristin-dalfopristin and tigecycline. Conclusions: High prevalence of drug resistance among the isolates of NP has demanded cautious selection of antibiotics. Further studies should be done in our setting to find out genes responsible for drug resistance. Last but not least, we advocate for the development of new antibiotics.

80-84

Authors: Hamid Kassiri, Ali Kasiri, Elnaz Kasiri, Parvin Abdian, Fatemeh Matori, Masoud Lotfi

Objective: To study the epidemiology of scorpion stings in Mahshahr County during 1997-2001. Methods: This descriptive study was based on 1 635 subjects from Mahshahr County who were admitted to the health services centers in Mahshahr with definite scorpion stings during the 5-year period between 1997 to 2001. A questionnaire was distributed to physicians to gather patient information. Data taken from the questionnaires about these cases were analyzed with SPSS software. Results: The frequency of cases was higher during 1998 (24.6%) and 1999 (23.1%). The average incidence was calculated 1.62 per 1 000 population for the mentioned years. A total of 1 034 (63.2%) cases were reported from urban areas. Frequency distribution of cases of scorpion stings by seasons included: spring (26.6%), summer (50.9%), autumn (19.9%) and winter (2.6%). The incidence of scorpion stings was found to be higher among males (63.6%). The most common sting site was foot (54.8%). With respect to the age, it was shown that the 21-30 and 31-40 age groups presented more scorpion stings 24.8% and 22.1%, respectively. Conclusions: A well-being training schedule might be beneficial in protecting scorpion stings by utilization of shoes, gloves, clothes, care in handling stones and other objects. The higher incidence of injuries among those over 11 years of age conducts the consideration to outdoor sting. This is mostly due to their job and their custom of pleasure leisure time. This is also observed from increasing frequency of stings during summer (50.9%), spring (26.6%), autumn (19.9%) rather than winter (2.6%).

7-8

Authors: Sora Yasri, Viroj Wiwanitkit

The problem of Ebola virus infection is the big global concern. Preparedness for ongoing Ebola virus infection is the topic that should be discussed. In fact, it is necessary to set up a biosecurity system to protect against the present Ebola outbreak. The medical personnel have to prepare for fighting the problem. The management of the present outbreak requires international collaboration and control of cross-border disease transmission is also the big challenge. The good case study is the Hajj scenario.

11-12

Authors: Kamon Chaiyasit, Viroj Wiwanitkit

Ebola haemorrhagic fever is a viral infection causing a major health problem worldwide. In this short article, the authors briefly review and discuss on the nutritional management (energy, protein, fat and micronutrient) in management of Ebola infection.

15-18

Authors: Beena Uppal, Prabhav Aggarwal, Naz Perween, Anuj Sud

Objective: To determine the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma infection in the HIV infected and HIV non-infected individuals in our region, including antenatal women. Methods: Five mL of blood sample was collected from a total of 1 181 individuals aged 12 years and above. These included 661 (55.9%) from HIV positive patients and 520 (44.1%) from HIV negative individuals. A total of 238 samples out of the 520 HIV negative patients were collected from the antenatal women. Demographic profile of the subjects was recorded. Immunoglobulin G ELISA was performed for all the samples, while only the samples received from antenatal women were tested by immunoglobulin M capture ELISA . Results: Seroprevalence among HIV infected and non-infected was found to be 21.3% (95% confidence interval = 18.4%-24.6%) and 14.2% (95% confidence interval = 11.5%-17.5%), respectively. The difference was statistically significant (P = 0.003). No significant gender differences were found. Seroprevalence increased from 9.1% to 30% with increasing age in the HIV infected patients. Only 2 (0.84%) samples of antenatal women were positive for immunoglobulin M capture ELSIA , while one sample was equivocally reactive. Conclusions: Seroprevalence of latent toxoplasmosis in our region is moderately high, particularly in the HIV infected patients, exposing them to the risk of reactivation. This suggests that serologic testing of all HIV infected patients is essential to initiate Toxoplasma prophylaxis. Similarly, screening for active Toxoplasma gondii infection during antenatal care and preventive education is essential to prevent and minimize congenital toxoplasmosis.

27-30

Authors: Gavendra Singh, Soam Prakash

Objective: Entomopathogenic fungi like Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae have been significantly pathogenic for mosquito vectors. Although few have been used for control. Moreover, the genus Verticillium encompasses a cosmopolitan group of ascomycete fungi. It is a major plant pathogen and parasitic on other fungi and insects. Methods: The culture filtrates released from the Verticillium lecanii ( MTCC 3692) were grown potato carrot broth media. These filtrates were purified with Whatman-1 filter paper and flash chromatograph respectively. Results: The results demonstrated LC 50 , LC 90 , and LC 99 values of 0.6, 4.2, and 4.86, for Culex quinquefasciatus , and 1.3, 2.32, and 3.36 (µL/cm 2 ) for Anopheles stephensi after exposure for 10 h. LT 90 values were 6.76 for Culex quinquefasciatus and Anopheles stephensi 3.54 for Anopheles stephensi. Moreover, the Aedes aegypti were completely susceptible at all selected doses. Conclusions: The fungal culture filtrates of Verticillium sp. can reduce malaria, dengue, and filarial transmission on a par with chemical insecticides providing efficient delivery system can be developed.

33-41

Authors: Vijayakumar Subramaniyan, Ramesh Venkatachalam

Objective: To analyze the E and NS proteins of four dengue virus ( DENV) serotypes which involve in the formation of dengue fever and to find out the active binding sites on the surfaces of the above proteins to access with the effective drug molecule to counter dengue. Methods: ClustalW analysis for phylogram, BLASTP analysis for E and NS proteins of DENV serotypes and Swiss-Prot for 3D structure of E and NS proteins were used. Results: E proteins were grouped into two clusters, DENV-1 , DENV-2 and DENV-3 forming one cluster and DENV - 4 alone forming a different serotype. On the surfaces of E proteins of four serotypes, five binding sites for ligands were located in different DENV which the fourth binding site was identified as the active ligand binding site in DENV-2 , DENV-3 and DENV-4 serotypes and second binding site in the DENV-1 . Among the seven NS proteins, NS-1, NS-3 and NS-5 were identified as significant molecules involved in dengue disease. Conclusions: Binding sites, essential for ligand binding are found on all the E and NS proteins which active binding sites have been identified.

45-46

Authors: Beuy Joob , Viroj Wiwanitkit

Dengue virus infection is common in tropical world and becomes the big public health threat in tropical medicine. The changing of its epidemiology is very interesting. The good transportation is an important consideration. The concern on the imported dengue virus is interesting. On the other hand, the new alternative method corresponding to the infection is interesting. Here, the authors make some discussions on imported dengue virus and use of adjunctive recombinant activated factor VIIa in dengue.

51-53

Authors: Adil Raza, Sumit Kumar Varshney, Haris Manzoor Khan, Mohammad Ashraf Malik, Abbas Ali Mehdi, Indu Shukla

Objective: To estimate superoxide dismutase ( SOD ) activity in erythrocytes infected with Plasmodium falciparum in the cases of cerebral malaria. Methods: The diagnosis of cerebral malaria was made clinically and by Giemsa stained peripheral blood smear examination, quantitative buffy coat ( QBC ) examination and rapid antigen detection test ( RDT ). Parasitemia per micro litre of blood was evaluated by counting 200 white blood corpuscles and used to calculate parasite density considering 8000 white blood corpuscles per micro litre. SOD activity was estimated by the method given by Joe M. McCord and Irwin Fridovich spectrophotometrically. Statistical analysis was performed by using SPSS software version 17. Results: The SOD activity in the cases was found to be (1.06 ± 0.50) nmol/mL and that in the controls was (3.55 ± 0.07) nmol/mL. The SOD activity in the cases was significantly decreased (P < 0.05) as compared to the controls. The Pearson’s coefficient of correlation between SOD activity and parasitemia was found to be -0.93 showing strong negative relationship. Conclusions: There is severe oxidative stress in falciparum malaria due to reactive oxygen species and supplementation of antioxidants may modify the course and outcome of the disease.

59-66

Authors: Periyasamy Senthamarai Selvan, Arulsamy Jebanesan, Govindaraj Divya and Velu Ramesh

Objective: To study the diversity and distribution of mosquitoes in Western Ghats of Coimbatore and Nilgiris District, Tamilnadu, India. Methods: Random collections were carried out during August-2013 to July-2014 in cesspits, animal footprints, rock holes, tree holes, drainages at study areas of Marudhamalai, Valparai, Mettupalayam in Coimbatore District and Dhottapeta, Coonoor, Gudalur in Nilgiris District of Tamilnadu, India by using suction tube and kerosene pump. Mosquitoes were identified by standard entomological procedures. Results: A total of 1 018 mosquitoes (larvae and pupae) were collected from all over the study areas comprising 6 genera and 23 species. They are, Culex mimulus, Culex pseudovishnui, Culex quinquefasciatus, Culex vishnui, Culex khazani, Culex uniformis, Heizmannia chandi, Heizmannia grenii, Heizmannia indica, Oclerotatus anureostriatus, Oclerotatus albotaeniatis, Oclerotatus deccanus, Oclerotatus gubernatoris, Aedes aegypti, Aedes albopictus, Aedes edwardsi, Aedes krombeini, Toxorhynchites minimus, Toxorhynchites splendens, Anopheles aitkenii, Anopheles barbirostris, Anopheles culiciformis and Anopheles maculatus. Shannon- Weaver diversity index, Margalef’s index of richness and Simpsons dominance index was also studied. From 6 sites, the highest mosquitoes were collected from Marudhamalai (309) and the least mosquitoes were collected in Mettupalayam (68). The study determined whether physicochemical characteristics differ between habitats with high and low presence of mosquito larvae. Based on Margalef’s index of richness (D mg ), the highest values were present in Mettupalayam (5.214) study area and the lowest in Marudhamalai (3.837). It can be concluded from Shanon-Weaver index of diversity that, the highest values were present in Mettupalayam (2.947) and the least value were in Gudalur (2.410) during the study period. Conclusions: In areas with reservoirs of disease, mosquito abundance information can help to identify the areas at higher risk of disease transmission. The study identifies mosquito species density and diversity of culicine and anopheline larvae. Hence, this research contribution has more significance for basic biological research and developing control strategies for vector borne diseases.

73-76

Authors: Samuel Tennyson, John Ravindran, Alex Eapen, John William

Objective: To evaluate the larvicidal activity of Ageratum houstonianum (A. houstonianum) crude leaf extracts against the immatures of vector mosquitoes. Methods: Bioassays were performed in the laboratory with hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol crude leaf extracts of A. houstonianum at concentrations of 62.5, 125, 250, 500, 1 000, 2 000, 4 000 and 8 000 mg/L against the third instar larvae of Anopheles stephensi, Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus. Results: Poor larvicidal activity was observed. The lowest LC 50 value was noted in ethyl acetate extract against all three vector mosquito species studied and was 3 377.84, 1 952.12 and 3 558.32 mg/L respectively after 24 h. The effect of toxicity was also manifested in a shorter period when compared to the other extracts viz., hexane and methanol. In Anopheles stephensi, more than 80% mortality was however observed at higher concentrations, after 24 h exposure in all the three extracts. In Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus, this was observed by 3 and 24 h respectively in ethyl acetate extract. Conclusions: Screening of other parts of A. houstonianum with other solvents from different places for its larvicidal activity is recommended.

80-84

Authors: Rahul C.N, Shiva Krishna K, Meera M, Sandhya Phadke, Vidya Rajesh

Objective: To characterize the sequence diversity of blood-stage Plasmodium falciparum serine repeat antigen-5 ( PfSERA5 ) which is lacking in a malaria-endemic country like India. Methods: In this study, parasitic DNA was obtained from field isolates collected from various geographic regions. Subsequently, PfSERA5 gene sequence was PCR amplified and DNA sequenced. Results: We reported the existence of unique repeat polymorphisms and novel haplotypes for both the octamer repeat (OR) and serine repeat (SR) regions of the N-terminal fragment of PfSERA5 from Indian isolates. Several isolates from India were identical to low-frequency African haplotypes. Unique finding of our study was an Indian isolate showing deletion in a perfectly conserved 14 mer sequence within octamer repeat. Indian haplotypes reported in this study were found to be distributed into the three earlier classified allelic clusters of FCR3, K1 and Honduras showcasing broad diversity as compared to worldwide haplotypes. Conclusions: This study is the first report on genetic diversity of PfSERA5 antigen from India. Further evaluation of these haplotypes by serotyping would provide useful information for investigating variant-specific immunity and aid in malaria vaccine research.

89-92

Authors: Sunil Pandey, Amrit Lama Lo, Ravi Bhakta Shrestha

Objective: To find out the prevalence of parasitic infection among school aged children and to make necessary recommendations for preventive measures. Methods: The stool samples were examined for evidence of parasitic infections by direct microscopy and confirmed by concentration methods (formal ether sedimentation technique). Results: Among 300 samples, 15 (5.00%) were found to be positive for Entamoeba histolytica 5 (1.67%) followed by parasite Giardia lamblia 4 (1.33%), by parasite Ascaris lumbricoides 3 (1.00%) by parasite Hymenolepis nana 2 (0.67%), by Cyclospora 1 (0.33%). Conclusions: Major contributors for the prevalence of parasites were found to be poor personal hygiene and the educational level of the children. This should be regarded as an issue of public health priority and demand for effective school health programs involving periodic health education and screening.

96-98

Authors: Beuy Joob, Viroj Wiwanitkit

Opisthorchiasis is a kind of trematode infection. This parasitic infestation is a chronic hepatobiliary tract infection and can cause chronic irritation that will finally lead to cholangiocarcinoma. It is highly endemic in northeastern region of Thailand and contributes to many cholangiocarcinoma cases annually. The attempt to control the disease becomes a national policy. However, the sanitation becomes a major underlying factor leading to infection and meanwhile, the poverty and low education of the local people become an important concern. In this opinion, the authors discuss the effect of local environment and culture on opisthorchiasis in northeastern Thailand. Due to the pattern change of local environment, global warming and globalization, the dynamicity can be observed.

104-108

Authors: Zahra Mohtasham-Amiri, Davoud Pourmarzi, Maryam Razi

Objective: To determine epidemiological aspects of dog bite in Guilan Province, north of Iran. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on 1 643 cases of dog bites who presented at rabies vaccination centers in Guilan, Iran from June 2011 to May 2012. Data including demographic characteristics of dog bite cases, characteristics of biting dog, treatment and preventive measures carried out, and dog bite incident circumstances were collected. Independent t-test, ANOVA , Fisher exact test and chi-square test were used. Results: Dog bite incidences in men and women were 179.4 and 55 in 100 000 populations, respectively. Incidences in urban and rural were 72.8, and 181.9 in 100 000 population, respectively. The highest percentage of victims (20.1%) was in 20-29 years old age group. Majority of dogs (92%) were owned. Victims in the highest percentage (26.6%) were dog owners. Most of dog bites were occurred in houses (58.5%). Entering to the dog’s guarding territory was the most common circumstances (27.6%). Injuries most commonly involved the lower extremities (51%). Rabies vaccine, rabies immunoglobulin, tetanus vaccine and tetanus immunoglobulin were administered for 100%, 23.2%, 74.8%, and 9.1%, respectively. There were significant differences between men and women in term of area and place of bite incidence and dog ownership (P < 0.05). Mean age differences among categories of dog ownership, dog bite circumstance, and bitted site of body were significant (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Designing comprehensive educational programs to reduce dog bite incidence based on gender and age of target groups can be useful.

114-115

Authors: Naima Fasih, Kauser Jabeen, Tazeen Fatima, Rashida Ahmed, Ali Bin Sarwar Zubairi, Afia Zafar

Pulmonary cryptococcosis is usually underdiagnosed entity due its highly variable clinical presentation. In tuberculosis (TB)-endemic countries like Pakistan, its diagnosis is easily overlooked as there is a high degree of overlap in clinical, laboratory and radiographic presentation with TB. For definitive diagnosis fungal culture or molecular identification is required.

121-126

Authors: Tanzia Akon, Kamal Kanta Das, Luthfun Naher Nitu, Rashed Noo

Objective: To demonstrate the antibacterial activity of cosmetic products commonly used by the community of Dhaka metropolis. Methods: A total of 10 categories of cosmetic samples (with a subtotal of 30 brands) were subjected to microbiological analysis through conventional culture and biochemical tests. Agar well diffusion method was used to determine the antibacterial trait in the tested samples which was further confirmed by the minimum inhibitory concentration method. Results: All samples were found to be populated with bacteria and fungi up to 10 5 CFU / g and 10 3 CFU /g, respectively. Growth of Staphylococcus spp., Pseudomonas spp. and Klebsiella spp. was recorded as well. Conversely, 7 out of 30 items were found to exhibit the in vitro antibacterial activity against an array of laboratory test bacterial species including Staphylococcus spp., E. coli, Bacillus spp., Pseudomonas spp., Klebsiella spp. and Listeria spp. Consequently, all the samples showed antibacterial activity below the concentration of 0.46 mg/mL as found in the minimum inhibitory concentration test. Conclusions: Overall, the presence of huge microbial population in cosmetic products is not acceptable from the point microbiological contamination level. The antibacterial trait of these items, in contrary, may draw an overall public health impact.

133-136

Authors: Ali Sharifzadeh, Hossein Momeni, Payam Ghasemi-Dehkordi, Abbas Doosti

Objective: To investigate the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in the silage samples. Methods: Silage samples obtained from 150 different farms in Shahrekord city (Iran) and after DNA extraction, all samples were analyzed by PCR technique using one pair of primers for presence of this pathogen. The amplified products were detected on 1.5% agarose gel electrophoresis. Results: Listeria monocytogenes was isolated in 4 (2%) of the 150 samples. The detection of this bacterium from silage samples in Shahrekord city indicated that these products could create a serious risk in public health of animal and human. The findings showed that in positive silage samples for Listeria monocytogenes, the pH value was about five and it was due to bacterial activity in these products. Conclusions: The quality of silage and hygiene parameters and good herd health management play an important role in the microbiological quality of herd and farm. Considering the high specificity and sensitivity of the employed PCR technique, it is recommended to be useful technique for identification of Listeria monocytogenes.

142-144

Authors: Aziza Saif Rashid Alkhawalidy, Mohammad Amzad Hossain

Objective: To use the leaves of Annona squamosa (A. squamosa) for the preparation of crude extracts and all crude extracts were used to evaluate their antioxidant activity and total phenolics content collected from Jabal Al Akhdar. Methods: The leaves powder samples of A. squamosa were used for the preparation of crude extracts with methanol by Soxhlet extractor method. Defatted methanol crude extract by water was extracted by different polarities of solvents with increasing polarities. All crude extracts were used for the determination of total phenolics content and antioxidant activity by Folin- Ciocalteu reagent and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl methods. Results: The high amount of total phenolics content found in the leaves crude extracts was in the range of 54.75 to 352.0 mg/100 g of dry powder samples. The highest antioxidant activity was found in methanol and the lowest was found in ethyl acetate crude extract. Conclusions: The crude extracts from A. squamosa leaves showed strong antioxidant activity. Therefore, it could be used as a medicine for the treatment food borne diseases.

151-154

Authors: Rafiqul Islam, Md. Shahedur Rahman, Riad Hossain, Nazmun Nahar, Belal Hossin, Abir Ahad, Shaikh Mizanur Rahman

Objective: To find out the combined antibacterial efficacy of Aegle marmelos, Aphanamixis polystachya, Cuscuta reflexa and Aesclynomene indica against bacterial pathogens. Methods: Antibacterial potency of combined plant extracts has been tested against Bacillus subtilis IFO 3026 , Sarcina lutea IFO 3232 , Xanthomonas campestris IAM 1671 , Escherichia coli IFO 3007 , Klebsiella pneumoniae ATTC 10031 , Proteus vulgaris MTCC 321 and Pseudomonas denitrificans KACC 32026 by disc diffusion assay. Commercially available standard antibiotic discs were also used to find out antibiotic resistance pattern of test organisms. Results: Among the test organisms, Escherichia coli, Proteus vulgaris, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Proteus denitrificans showed resistance against multiple commercially available antibiotics. On the other hand, these multiple drug resistant organisms showed susceptibility against combined plant extracts. Conclusions: These combined plants extracts showed synergistic antibacterial activity and could lead to new antibacterial drug designing.

159-165

Authors: Emmanuel Anyachukwu Irondi, Ganiyu Oboh, Afolabi Akintunde Akindahunsi, Aline Augusti Boligon, Margareth Linde Athayde

Objective: To quantify some major pharmacologically important flavonoids and phenolic acids in Brachystegia eurycoma seed flour (BESF) and evaluate its antidiabetic activity in type 2 diabetic rats. Method: Flavonoids and phenolic acids were quantified using a reverse-phase high pressure liquid chromatrography coupled with diode array detection. Type 2 diabetes was induced in rats using high-fat diet, low-dose streptozotocin (HFD/STZ) model, by feeding the rats with HFD for 2 weeks followed by single dose administration of STZ (40 mg/kg body weight, intraperitoneally). The diabetic rats were later fed BESF-supplemented (10% and 20%) diets, or administered with metformin (25 mg/kg b.w.) for 21 days; the control rats were fed basal diet during this period. After the dietary regimen, the rats were sacrificed, and their blood, liver and pancreas samples were collected for biochemical assays. Results: The flavonoids (catechin, rutin, quercitrin, quercetin and kaempferol) and phenolic acids (gallic acid, caffeic, chlorogenic and ellagic acid) were abundant in BESF. BESF- supplemented diets (BESF-SD) significantly (P < 0.05) decreased the levels of fasting blood glucose (FBG); ameliorated the lipid profile, and significantly (P < 0.05) increased the hepatic glycogen of the diabetic rats. BESF-SD also significantly (P < 0.05) attenuated the oxidative stress induced by STZ in the liver and pancreas of the diabetic rats. The ameliorative effects of 20% BESF-SD compared (P > 0.05) with metformin administration in some of the biomarkers. Conclusion: The flavonoids and phenolic acids in BESF may have acted synergistically to produce the observed antidiabetic effects. BESF could therefore be an effective and affordable dietary therapy for the management of T2DM; and an excellent source for drug discovery.

169-174

Authors: Reham Zakaria Hamza, Mohammad Salem Al-Harbi

Objective: To evaluate the ameliorative role of silymarin or/and Nigella sativa (N. sativa) water extract against N-acetyl-p-aminophenol ( APAP )-induced renal function deterioration in male mice at the biochemical levels. Methods: The mice were divided into seven groups (10/group). The first group was served as control. The second group was treated with dose of APAP . The third and fourth groups were treated with silymarin alone and N. sativa water extract alone, respectively. The fifth and sixth groups were treated with combination of APAP with silymarin and APAP with N. sativa water extract, respectively. The seventh group was treated with a combination of both ameliorative compounds (silymarin and N. sativa water extract) with APAP and all animals were treated for a period of 30 days. Results: Exposure to APAP at the treated dose for mice led to an alteration of kidney function parameters, increase in the level of serum urea and creatinine. Also, paracetamol administration induced oxidative stress in kidney homogenates by increasing malondialdhyde level and decreasing superoxide dismutase and catalase activities and this stress was ameliorated by administration of either silymarin or N. sativa water extract. Conclusions: Administration of silymarin or/and N. sativa water extract to APAP -treated mice alleviate the toxicity of APAP , and this appeared clearly by biochemical improvement of kidney function parameters and antioxidant parameters. But, the alleviation is more pronounced with the both antioxidants. Thus, the pronounce effect of silymarin and N. sativa water extract is most effective in reducing the toxicity induced by APAP and improving the kidney function parameters and antioxidant status of kidney of male mice.

178-180

Authors: Manish Garg, Abha Mangal, Harsh Tak, Dharmendra Pal Singh, Atul Soni

Hydatid cysts of the spleen are uncommon (2-3.5%). Primary involvement of the spleen is even rarer. We present a case of a large primary hydatid cyst of the spleen in a 55-year-old woman. Diagnosis was based on computed tomography (CT) scan along with a high degree of clinical suspicion. En-masse excision was successfully performed, and the patient was discharged with prophylactic albendazole therapy. Unless there is a high degree of clinical suspicion, this life- threatening condition may be missed; hence, the importance of this report.

184-186

Authors: Shyamapada Mandal

The current communication, based upon the previous published papers in various scientific web-based journals, states the scenario of over-the-counter sales of antibiotics, including many other factors, that enhance people practice antibiotic self-medication world-wide, which in the developed countries the situation is little different having some resolution with the antibiotic self-medication problems. This paper also states about the prudent use of antibiotics through medical supervision and prescription in order to combat the unwanted antibiotic side effects including emergence of antibiotic resistant bacteria from antibiotic misusage.

190-191

Authors: Varikasuvu Seshadri Reddy, Pullaiah Pasupuleti, Balananda Perugu

No

202-208

Authors: Sabira Sultana, Hafiz Muhammad Asif, Naveed Akhtar, Khalil Ahmad

Medicinal plants are the part and parcel of human society to combat against different diseases from the dawn of human civilization. According to World Health Organization, approximately 80% population of the developing countries are facing difficulties to afford synthetic drugs and are relying on traditional medicines mainly of plant origin in order to maintain their primary health care needs. Plants are being used in various disorders e.g., gastrointestinal disorders, genitourinary problems, hepatobilliary discomforts and psychological and respiratory problems through time immemorial and people in western countries are now reverting back towards herbal medicines because of their extensive biological and medicinal activities, higher safety and lesser costs. Many plants are being traditionally used in the treatment of fever and their antipyretic activities have been confirmed scientifically. The current review clearly demonstrates the importance of medicinal plants in the treatment of fever. Furthermore, this review can help the scientists and researchers to find some new antipyretic agents from traditional medicinal plants.

214-223

Authors: Fidèle Ntchapda, Emmanuel Talla, Paul Sakava, Franco Tanzi, Fernand-Nestor Tchuenguem Fohouo, Joseph Mbafor Tanyi, ThÉophile Dimo

Objective: To evaluate the pharmacological property of erythrodiol, a natural triterpenoid contained in propolis, as vasodilatory agent, and to determine its mechanism of action. Methods: Rats aortic rings were isolated and suspended in organ baths, and the effects of erythrodiol were studied by means of isometric tension recording experiments. Nitric oxide (NO) was detected by ozone-induced chemiluminescence. The technique used to evaluate changes in intracellular Ca 2+ concentration in intact endothelium was opened aortic ring and loaded with 16 µmol Fura-2/AM for 60 min at room temperature, washed and fixed by small pins with the luminal face up. In situ, ECs were visualized by an upright epifluorescence Axiolab microscope (Carl Zeiss, Oberkochen, Germany) equipped with a Zeiss×63 Achroplan objective (water immersion, 2.0 mm working distance, 0.9 numerical apertures). ECs were excited alternately at 340 and 380 nm, and the emitted light was detected at 510 nm. Results: In aortic rings with intact endothelium pre-contracted with norepinephrine (10 -4 mol/L), the addition of erythrodiol (10 -8 -10 -4 mol/L) induced vasorelaxation in a concentration-dependent manner; in endothelium-denuded rings, the relaxant response induced by erythrodiol was almost completely abolished suggesting that vasorelaxation was endothelium-dependent. They had almost no relaxant effect on depolarised or endothelium-denuded aortic segments. The relaxation was significantly attenuated by pre-treatment with the NO synthase inhibitor Nv- nitro-L-arginine-methylester. Erythrodiol (10 -4 mol/L) was able to significantly increase NOx levels. This effect was completely abolished after removal of the vascular endothelium. Erythrodiol (100 µmol/L) caused a slow, long-lasting increase in intracellular Ca 2+ concentration. These results further supported the hypothesis that erythrodiol can induce activation of the NO/soluble guanylate cyclase/cyclic guanosine monophosphate pathway, as suggested by functional studies. Conclusions: The present results suggest that the mechanism of relaxation seems to be mainly mediated by the endothelial production of NO. Such a vasorelaxation was an endothelium- dependent effect, via the NO/soluble guanylate cyclase/cyclic guanosine monophosphate pathway. This result also suggests that erythrodiol causes a slow influx of extracellular Ca 2+ release from the intracellular Ca 2+ stores and an inhibition of Ca 2+ extruding mechanism. It can be concluded that erythrodiol may have interesting therapeutic potential as a new vasodilator drug, for protecting the cardiovascular system.

433-437

Authors: Neila Nedji, Wahida Loucif-Ayad

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

442-446

Authors: Olukemi Aromolaran, Omotola Kikelomo Badejo

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

452-456

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

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

463-468

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

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

473-479

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

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

484-488

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

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

492

Authors: Somsri Wiwanitkit, Viroj Wiwanitkit

No

497-499

Authors: Ayodhia Pitaloka Pasaribu, Syahril Pasaribu

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

348-355

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

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

363-366

Authors: Neerja Jindal, Renu Bansal, Nitika Dhuria

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

372-377

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

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

384-390

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

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

398-400

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

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

402-407

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

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

412-415

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

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