Sahar Abu Helw - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Thesis Chapters by Sahar Abu Helw
Papers by Sahar Abu Helw
Scottish Medical Journal, 2002
Human subcutaneous dirofilariasis is a rare infection caused by filarial worms of the genus Dirof... more Human subcutaneous dirofilariasis is a rare infection caused by filarial worms of the genus Dirofilaria. The parasites are transmitted to man by zooanthropophilic bloodsucking insects and the infection is manifested as subcutaneous nodules. Excisional biopsy is both diagnostic and therapeutic. We herein report three cases of human subcutaneous dirofilariasis diagnosed, over a period of ten years (1991-2000), in North East Greece. The patients, two women and one man, were all adults between 32 and 67 years of age. In two cases the infection was manifested as breast nodules, while in the third case as a painful nodule in the axillary region. The excisional biopsy showed the presence of an adult Dirofilaria, identified as Dirofilaria (Nochtiella) repens. It is emphasised that both clinicians and pathologists should have an increased awareness of this clinicopathologic entity and include dirofilariasis in the differential diagnosis in patients presenting with breast or subcutaneous nodu...
Parasitologists United Journal, 2016
Background Mirazid (MZD) was licensed in Egypt for treatment of schistosomiasis in the year 2002;... more Background Mirazid (MZD) was licensed in Egypt for treatment of schistosomiasis in the year 2002; the drug gained much attention experimentally and clinically, with conflicting views on its efficacy. Objective The study aimed to evaluate MZD anti-schistosomal activity in an animal model at a selected dose. Materials and methods Swiss albino mice (n=36) were infected with Schistosoma mansoni and divided into two equal groups of 18 mice each: group 1 was the nontreated infected control group given only the vehicle; gourp 2 was infected and treated with MZD at a dose of 500 mg/kg for 5 days per os 7 weeks postinfection. Efficacy of the drug was assessed parasitologically with fecal egg counts evaluated every other day until the animal was euthanized at 1, 2, and 4 weeks post-treatment (WPT); worm burden, tissue egg count and oogram pattern were studied at 1, 2, and 4 WPT. Results MZD reduced fecal egg counts in infected mice (69.6%) and reduced total worm load (71.9%) and tissue egg counts in the intestine and the liver (66 and 77.4%, respectively) at 4 WPT. The drug changed oogram pattern with progress of treatment. Conclusion MZD has moderate antischistosomal activity in animal models.
Scottish Medical Journal, 2002
Human subcutaneous dirofilariasis is a rare infection caused by filarial worms of the genus Dirof... more Human subcutaneous dirofilariasis is a rare infection caused by filarial worms of the genus Dirofilaria. The parasites are transmitted to man by zooanthropophilic bloodsucking insects and the infection is manifested as subcutaneous nodules. Excisional biopsy is both diagnostic and therapeutic. We herein report three cases of human subcutaneous dirofilariasis diagnosed, over a period of ten years (1991-2000), in North East Greece. The patients, two women and one man, were all adults between 32 and 67 years of age. In two cases the infection was manifested as breast nodules, while in the third case as a painful nodule in the axillary region. The excisional biopsy showed the presence of an adult Dirofilaria, identified as Dirofilaria (Nochtiella) repens. It is emphasised that both clinicians and pathologists should have an increased awareness of this clinicopathologic entity and include dirofilariasis in the differential diagnosis in patients presenting with breast or subcutaneous nodu...
Journal of the Egyptian Society of Parasitology, 2015
Infection is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with chronic kidney disea... more Infection is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) due to their depressed immunity. T. gondii is a ubiquitous parasite that causes severe manifestations in immunocomprmised patients. The present study investigated rate, pattern, predictors and related morbidity of T. gondii seropositivity in CKD patients. The study included four groups: i- patients on maintenance hemodialysis (HD; n = 60); ii- patients with systemic lupus erythematosus on immunosuppressive therapy for lupus nephritis (SLE; n = 30) iii-Renal transplant recipients (RTR; n = 30) and iv- healthy controls (HC; n = 30). Anti-Toxoplasma IgG, IgM & IgG avidity were determined using enzyme immunoassays. Patients' medical data and information on plausible risk factors for toxoplasmosis were recorded. Results revealed that T. gondii seropositivity rates in HD, SLE and RTR groups (61.7, 60 & 70% respectively) were significantly high compared to HC (30 %). Among seropositive patients, 79% of those with negative IgM displayed high IgG avidity confirming past infection. None of IgM positive patients had low IgG avidity. The latter was detected in some IgM negative patients. Multivariate analysis showed that seropositivity was significantly associated with undercooked meat consumption (adjusted OR = 6.256, CI = 2.167-18.056) and blood transfusion (adjusted OR = 5.953, CI = 2.987-11.864). No significant association could be found between T. gondii seropositivity and the clinical manifestations of CKD patients.
Parasitologists United Journal, 2016
Background Mirazid (MZD) was licensed in Egypt for treatment of schistosomiasis in the year 2002;... more Background Mirazid (MZD) was licensed in Egypt for treatment of schistosomiasis in the year 2002; the drug gained much attention experimentally and clinically, with conflicting views on its efficacy. Objective The study aimed to evaluate MZD anti-schistosomal activity in an animal model at a selected dose. Materials and methods Swiss albino mice (n=36) were infected with Schistosoma mansoni and divided into two equal groups of 18 mice each: group 1 was the nontreated infected control group given only the vehicle; gourp 2 was infected and treated with MZD at a dose of 500 mg/kg for 5 days per os 7 weeks postinfection. Efficacy of the drug was assessed parasitologically with fecal egg counts evaluated every other day until the animal was euthanized at 1, 2, and 4 weeks post-treatment (WPT); worm burden, tissue egg count and oogram pattern were studied at 1, 2, and 4 WPT. Results MZD reduced fecal egg counts in infected mice (69.6%) and reduced total worm load (71.9%) and tissue egg counts in the intestine and the liver (66 and 77.4%, respectively) at 4 WPT. The drug changed oogram pattern with progress of treatment. Conclusion MZD has moderate antischistosomal activity in animal models.
Journal of the Egyptian Society of Parasitology, 2009
The multifactor outcome of hypoandrogenemia with the impact of oxidative stress induced by glucos... more The multifactor outcome of hypoandrogenemia with the impact of oxidative stress induced by glucose intolerance, fascioliasis with or without schistosomiasis and cumulative smoking influence on bone remodeling and the early development of osteoporotic manifestations were studied. The effect on vascular endothelium immune mediated mechanisms and antioxidant capacity were monitored in cases of youth aged selected male smokers involving 20 with hypoandrogenemia who were either subjected to sedentary life style, glucose intolerance fascioliasis hepatic fibrosis (FHF) (G1) or without (G2) and GI after following 6 months therapy (G3). Monitoring of clinical picture and biochemical assessments of osteoporotic indices (osteocolcin, bone alkaline phosphatase, parathyroid hormone, urinary cyclic AMP), hypoandrogenism (dehydroepiandrosterane sulphate or DHEAS & testosterone) glycemic determinant (insulin) immuno-inflammatory response (interleukein-6, tumor necrosis factor alpha, E-selectin, cer...
Journal of the Egyptian Society of Parasitology, 2015
Infection is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with chronic kidney disea... more Infection is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) due to their depressed immunity. T. gondii is a ubiquitous parasite that causes severe manifestations in immunocomprmised patients. The present study investigated rate, pattern, predictors and related morbidity of T. gondii seropositivity in CKD patients. The study included four groups: i- patients on maintenance hemodialysis (HD; n = 60); ii- patients with systemic lupus erythematosus on immunosuppressive therapy for lupus nephritis (SLE; n = 30) iii-Renal transplant recipients (RTR; n = 30) and iv- healthy controls (HC; n = 30). Anti-Toxoplasma IgG, IgM & IgG avidity were determined using enzyme immunoassays. Patients' medical data and information on plausible risk factors for toxoplasmosis were recorded. Results revealed that T. gondii seropositivity rates in HD, SLE and RTR groups (61.7, 60 & 70% respectively) were significantly high compared to HC (30 %). Among seropositive patients, 79% of those with negative IgM displayed high IgG avidity confirming past infection. None of IgM positive patients had low IgG avidity. The latter was detected in some IgM negative patients. Multivariate analysis showed that seropositivity was significantly associated with undercooked meat consumption (adjusted OR = 6.256, CI = 2.167-18.056) and blood transfusion (adjusted OR = 5.953, CI = 2.987-11.864). No significant association could be found between T. gondii seropositivity and the clinical manifestations of CKD patients.
Journal of the Egyptian Society of Parasitology, 2009
Giardiasis is one of the most common enteroprotozoal diseases; its association with Helicobacter ... more Giardiasis is one of the most common enteroprotozoal diseases; its association with Helicobacter pylori is a common clinical finding. This work studied the impact of such association. Fifty giardiasis patients were classified into two groups according to the concomitant presence of H. pylori and ten normal healthy controls were also included. All patients were subjected to complete history taking, thorough clinical and stool examination, endoscopy, and biopsy of gastric and duodenal mucosa as well as histopatological examination. Results revealed significant upper gastrointestinal symptoms (epigastric pain and anorexia) in giardiasis patients with H. pylori. Also, endoscopic and histopathologic examination showed significant gastric lesions in this group of patients as compared to those suffering only G. lamblia.
Journal of the Egyptian Society of Parasitology, 2009
The multifactor outcome of hypoandrogenemia with the impact of oxidative stress induced by glucos... more The multifactor outcome of hypoandrogenemia with the impact of oxidative stress induced by glucose intolerance, fascioliasis with or without schistosomiasis and cumulative smoking influence on bone remodeling and the early development of osteoporotic manifestations were studied. The effect on vascular endothelium immune mediated mechanisms and antioxidant capacity were monitored in cases of youth aged selected male smokers involving 20 with hypoandrogenemia who were either subjected to sedentary life style, glucose intolerance fascioliasis hepatic fibrosis (FHF) (G1) or without (G2) and GI after following 6 months therapy (G3). Monitoring of clinical picture and biochemical assessments of osteoporotic indices (osteocolcin, bone alkaline phosphatase, parathyroid hormone, urinary cyclic AMP), hypoandrogenism (dehydroepiandrosterane sulphate or DHEAS & testosterone) glycemic determinant (insulin) immuno-inflammatory response (interleukein-6, tumor necrosis factor alpha, E-selectin, cer...
Journal of the Egyptian Society of Parasitology, 2008
The impact of concomitant S. mansoni infection on H. pylori induced gastritis was studied in twen... more The impact of concomitant S. mansoni infection on H. pylori induced gastritis was studied in twenty patients infected exclusively with H. pylori. The patients were compared with twenty patients coinfected with the bacteria and S. mansoni and twelve patients with schistosomiasis alone. All patients were subjected to clinical, parasitological, endoscopic and histopathological studies. In addition, serum malondialdehyde level (MDA), as an indicator of lipid peroxidation was measured. The results of revealed that severe gastritis was significantly more common in the patients infected exclusively with H. pylori. Serum MDA was significantly higher in this group compared to the other groups. The results were discussed.
Journal of the Egyptian Society of Parasitology, 2009
Giardiasis is one of the most common enteroprotozoal diseases; its association with Helicobacter ... more Giardiasis is one of the most common enteroprotozoal diseases; its association with Helicobacter pylori is a common clinical finding. This work studied the impact of such association. Fifty giardiasis patients were classified into two groups according to the concomitant presence of H. pylori and ten normal healthy controls were also included. All patients were subjected to complete history taking, thorough clinical and stool examination, endoscopy, and biopsy of gastric and duodenal mucosa as well as histopatological examination. Results revealed significant upper gastrointestinal symptoms (epigastric pain and anorexia) in giardiasis patients with H. pylori. Also, endoscopic and histopathologic examination showed significant gastric lesions in this group of patients as compared to those suffering only G. lamblia.
Journal of the Egyptian Society of Parasitology, 2008
Examination of five hundred pet dogs revealed Echinococcus granulosus in nine dogs, Dipylidium ca... more Examination of five hundred pet dogs revealed Echinococcus granulosus in nine dogs, Dipylidium caninum in twenty dogs, and Toxocara canis in thirty dogs. The risky role played by pet dogs in the transmission and spreading of zoonotic cystic hydatidosis was discussed.
Journal of the Egyptian Society of Parasitology, 2008
The impact of concomitant S. mansoni infection on H. pylori induced gastritis was studied in twen... more The impact of concomitant S. mansoni infection on H. pylori induced gastritis was studied in twenty patients infected exclusively with H. pylori. The patients were compared with twenty patients coinfected with the bacteria and S. mansoni and twelve patients with schistosomiasis alone. All patients were subjected to clinical, parasitological, endoscopic and histopathological studies. In addition, serum malondialdehyde level (MDA), as an indicator of lipid peroxidation was measured. The results of revealed that severe gastritis was significantly more common in the patients infected exclusively with H. pylori. Serum MDA was significantly higher in this group compared to the other groups. The results were discussed.
Journal of the Egyptian Society of Parasitology, 2008
In the present study, methanol was used instead of Schaudinn's fluid for preparation of perma... more In the present study, methanol was used instead of Schaudinn's fluid for preparation of permanently stained faecal smears. The efficacy of this method to detect Giardia lamblia trophozoites and cysts were compared to merthiolate iodine formalin (MIF) direct smear method and MIF concentration (MIFC) technique. Fresh faecal samples were collected from school students with gastrointestinal symptoms. In 50 Giardia positive faecal samples, trophozoites were detected alone in 9 samples and in association with cysts in 24 ones. A paired comparison of the frequency of detection of trophozoites and cysts by various methods was performed using McNemar statistical test. The results revealed that trichrome staining of methanol fixed smears was the most sensitive technique for trophozoite detection followed by MIF direct smear method (p < 0.05). For cysts, trichrome staining and MIFC had nearly equal sensitivity and were more sensitive than MIF direct smear method but with no statisticall...
Journal of the Egyptian Society of Parasitology, 2007
This study assessed levels of growth hormone, albumin and ferritin in human fascioliasis and schi... more This study assessed levels of growth hormone, albumin and ferritin in human fascioliasis and schistosomiasis. Forty three patients and ten healthy parasite free subjects were included as controls. All were subjected to clinical, parasitological, and haematological examinations. Serum growth hormone (GH) levels were measured by an immunoenzymometric assay. Statistical analysis revealed significant elevation in GH levels in acute and chronic fascioliasis patients compared to controls. Serum albumin was significantly low in schistosomiasis patients compared to controls. Non-significant changes in serum ferritin were in all patients. The results were critically discussed on the light of the work done before.
Journal of the Egyptian Society of Parasitology, 2007
The role of sFas in human toxoplasmosis was designed, included 23 pregnant women serologically po... more The role of sFas in human toxoplasmosis was designed, included 23 pregnant women serologically positive for anti-Toxoplasma antibodies, and ten sero-negative pregnant females constituted the control group. Antibody titer was assessed by indirect haemagglutination test. The presence of specific IgM antibodies was determined by comparing antibody titer before and after serum treatment with 2-mercapto-ethanol. sFas was quantified in sera of cases and controls by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Antibody titers. ranged from 1/160 to 1/640. All cases were negative for specific IgM antibodies indicating that they had passed the acute stage of infection Statistical analysis revealed significant elevation in sFas level in cases compared to controls. The sFas role in establishment of a stable host parasite interaction in toxoplasmosis was discussed.
Parasitologists United Journal, 2014
Background Early reports on microsporidial diarrhea involved mainly HIV-immunodeficient patients.... more Background Early reports on microsporidial diarrhea involved mainly HIV-immunodeficient patients. More recent studies indicate that microsporidial spores may also be detected in immunocompromised persons not infected with HIV as well as in immunocompetent individuals. However, the exact mechanism of microsporidial diarrhea is not clearly defined. Objectives The aims of this study were to evaluate the contribution of microsporidia toward the burden of diarrheal diseases and to investigate the occurrence of associated intestinal inflammation and malabsorption. Patients and methods Stool samples of 237 patients with diarrhea were examined for microsporidial spores using modified trichrome stain. Microsporidia-positive samples were examined for concomitant parasitic infections. Intestinal inflammation was evaluated in patients infected solely with microsporidia ( n = 30) by comparing the fecal lactoferrin level measured by an enzyme immunoassay with that of a control group of healthy, age and sex matched, parasite-free nondiarrheic individuals ( n = 15). Fecal pH and assessment of fecal fat using oil red O stain were used as indictors of carbohydrate and fat malabsorption, respectively. Results Microsporidian spores were detected in 15.6% of diarrheic patients. Considering the median and range values, microsporidia-infected patients showed significantly higher fecal lactoferrin levels (median 49.75, range 2.8-220 μg/g, respectively) and lower fecal pH (median 5.82, range 5.12-6.98, respectively) compared with the control group (median 4.1, range 2.4-31 μg/g and median 6.7, range 6.3-7.16 μg/g, respectively). A significantly greater proportion of microsporidia-infected patients had elevated lactoferrin levels (>7.4 μg/g stool), markedly acidic stool (pH < 6), or increased fecal fat compared with the control group. Conclusion Infection with microsporidia is present in a considerable proportion of diarrheic patients and results in an intestinal inflammatory response as well as carbohydrate and fat malabsorption. Enteric microsporidiosis should be taken into consideration in the management of diarrheal diseases.
Scottish Medical Journal, 2002
Human subcutaneous dirofilariasis is a rare infection caused by filarial worms of the genus Dirof... more Human subcutaneous dirofilariasis is a rare infection caused by filarial worms of the genus Dirofilaria. The parasites are transmitted to man by zooanthropophilic bloodsucking insects and the infection is manifested as subcutaneous nodules. Excisional biopsy is both diagnostic and therapeutic. We herein report three cases of human subcutaneous dirofilariasis diagnosed, over a period of ten years (1991-2000), in North East Greece. The patients, two women and one man, were all adults between 32 and 67 years of age. In two cases the infection was manifested as breast nodules, while in the third case as a painful nodule in the axillary region. The excisional biopsy showed the presence of an adult Dirofilaria, identified as Dirofilaria (Nochtiella) repens. It is emphasised that both clinicians and pathologists should have an increased awareness of this clinicopathologic entity and include dirofilariasis in the differential diagnosis in patients presenting with breast or subcutaneous nodu...
Parasitologists United Journal, 2016
Background Mirazid (MZD) was licensed in Egypt for treatment of schistosomiasis in the year 2002;... more Background Mirazid (MZD) was licensed in Egypt for treatment of schistosomiasis in the year 2002; the drug gained much attention experimentally and clinically, with conflicting views on its efficacy. Objective The study aimed to evaluate MZD anti-schistosomal activity in an animal model at a selected dose. Materials and methods Swiss albino mice (n=36) were infected with Schistosoma mansoni and divided into two equal groups of 18 mice each: group 1 was the nontreated infected control group given only the vehicle; gourp 2 was infected and treated with MZD at a dose of 500 mg/kg for 5 days per os 7 weeks postinfection. Efficacy of the drug was assessed parasitologically with fecal egg counts evaluated every other day until the animal was euthanized at 1, 2, and 4 weeks post-treatment (WPT); worm burden, tissue egg count and oogram pattern were studied at 1, 2, and 4 WPT. Results MZD reduced fecal egg counts in infected mice (69.6%) and reduced total worm load (71.9%) and tissue egg counts in the intestine and the liver (66 and 77.4%, respectively) at 4 WPT. The drug changed oogram pattern with progress of treatment. Conclusion MZD has moderate antischistosomal activity in animal models.
Scottish Medical Journal, 2002
Human subcutaneous dirofilariasis is a rare infection caused by filarial worms of the genus Dirof... more Human subcutaneous dirofilariasis is a rare infection caused by filarial worms of the genus Dirofilaria. The parasites are transmitted to man by zooanthropophilic bloodsucking insects and the infection is manifested as subcutaneous nodules. Excisional biopsy is both diagnostic and therapeutic. We herein report three cases of human subcutaneous dirofilariasis diagnosed, over a period of ten years (1991-2000), in North East Greece. The patients, two women and one man, were all adults between 32 and 67 years of age. In two cases the infection was manifested as breast nodules, while in the third case as a painful nodule in the axillary region. The excisional biopsy showed the presence of an adult Dirofilaria, identified as Dirofilaria (Nochtiella) repens. It is emphasised that both clinicians and pathologists should have an increased awareness of this clinicopathologic entity and include dirofilariasis in the differential diagnosis in patients presenting with breast or subcutaneous nodu...
Journal of the Egyptian Society of Parasitology, 2015
Infection is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with chronic kidney disea... more Infection is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) due to their depressed immunity. T. gondii is a ubiquitous parasite that causes severe manifestations in immunocomprmised patients. The present study investigated rate, pattern, predictors and related morbidity of T. gondii seropositivity in CKD patients. The study included four groups: i- patients on maintenance hemodialysis (HD; n = 60); ii- patients with systemic lupus erythematosus on immunosuppressive therapy for lupus nephritis (SLE; n = 30) iii-Renal transplant recipients (RTR; n = 30) and iv- healthy controls (HC; n = 30). Anti-Toxoplasma IgG, IgM & IgG avidity were determined using enzyme immunoassays. Patients' medical data and information on plausible risk factors for toxoplasmosis were recorded. Results revealed that T. gondii seropositivity rates in HD, SLE and RTR groups (61.7, 60 & 70% respectively) were significantly high compared to HC (30 %). Among seropositive patients, 79% of those with negative IgM displayed high IgG avidity confirming past infection. None of IgM positive patients had low IgG avidity. The latter was detected in some IgM negative patients. Multivariate analysis showed that seropositivity was significantly associated with undercooked meat consumption (adjusted OR = 6.256, CI = 2.167-18.056) and blood transfusion (adjusted OR = 5.953, CI = 2.987-11.864). No significant association could be found between T. gondii seropositivity and the clinical manifestations of CKD patients.
Parasitologists United Journal, 2016
Background Mirazid (MZD) was licensed in Egypt for treatment of schistosomiasis in the year 2002;... more Background Mirazid (MZD) was licensed in Egypt for treatment of schistosomiasis in the year 2002; the drug gained much attention experimentally and clinically, with conflicting views on its efficacy. Objective The study aimed to evaluate MZD anti-schistosomal activity in an animal model at a selected dose. Materials and methods Swiss albino mice (n=36) were infected with Schistosoma mansoni and divided into two equal groups of 18 mice each: group 1 was the nontreated infected control group given only the vehicle; gourp 2 was infected and treated with MZD at a dose of 500 mg/kg for 5 days per os 7 weeks postinfection. Efficacy of the drug was assessed parasitologically with fecal egg counts evaluated every other day until the animal was euthanized at 1, 2, and 4 weeks post-treatment (WPT); worm burden, tissue egg count and oogram pattern were studied at 1, 2, and 4 WPT. Results MZD reduced fecal egg counts in infected mice (69.6%) and reduced total worm load (71.9%) and tissue egg counts in the intestine and the liver (66 and 77.4%, respectively) at 4 WPT. The drug changed oogram pattern with progress of treatment. Conclusion MZD has moderate antischistosomal activity in animal models.
Journal of the Egyptian Society of Parasitology, 2009
The multifactor outcome of hypoandrogenemia with the impact of oxidative stress induced by glucos... more The multifactor outcome of hypoandrogenemia with the impact of oxidative stress induced by glucose intolerance, fascioliasis with or without schistosomiasis and cumulative smoking influence on bone remodeling and the early development of osteoporotic manifestations were studied. The effect on vascular endothelium immune mediated mechanisms and antioxidant capacity were monitored in cases of youth aged selected male smokers involving 20 with hypoandrogenemia who were either subjected to sedentary life style, glucose intolerance fascioliasis hepatic fibrosis (FHF) (G1) or without (G2) and GI after following 6 months therapy (G3). Monitoring of clinical picture and biochemical assessments of osteoporotic indices (osteocolcin, bone alkaline phosphatase, parathyroid hormone, urinary cyclic AMP), hypoandrogenism (dehydroepiandrosterane sulphate or DHEAS & testosterone) glycemic determinant (insulin) immuno-inflammatory response (interleukein-6, tumor necrosis factor alpha, E-selectin, cer...
Journal of the Egyptian Society of Parasitology, 2015
Infection is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with chronic kidney disea... more Infection is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) due to their depressed immunity. T. gondii is a ubiquitous parasite that causes severe manifestations in immunocomprmised patients. The present study investigated rate, pattern, predictors and related morbidity of T. gondii seropositivity in CKD patients. The study included four groups: i- patients on maintenance hemodialysis (HD; n = 60); ii- patients with systemic lupus erythematosus on immunosuppressive therapy for lupus nephritis (SLE; n = 30) iii-Renal transplant recipients (RTR; n = 30) and iv- healthy controls (HC; n = 30). Anti-Toxoplasma IgG, IgM & IgG avidity were determined using enzyme immunoassays. Patients' medical data and information on plausible risk factors for toxoplasmosis were recorded. Results revealed that T. gondii seropositivity rates in HD, SLE and RTR groups (61.7, 60 & 70% respectively) were significantly high compared to HC (30 %). Among seropositive patients, 79% of those with negative IgM displayed high IgG avidity confirming past infection. None of IgM positive patients had low IgG avidity. The latter was detected in some IgM negative patients. Multivariate analysis showed that seropositivity was significantly associated with undercooked meat consumption (adjusted OR = 6.256, CI = 2.167-18.056) and blood transfusion (adjusted OR = 5.953, CI = 2.987-11.864). No significant association could be found between T. gondii seropositivity and the clinical manifestations of CKD patients.
Journal of the Egyptian Society of Parasitology, 2009
Giardiasis is one of the most common enteroprotozoal diseases; its association with Helicobacter ... more Giardiasis is one of the most common enteroprotozoal diseases; its association with Helicobacter pylori is a common clinical finding. This work studied the impact of such association. Fifty giardiasis patients were classified into two groups according to the concomitant presence of H. pylori and ten normal healthy controls were also included. All patients were subjected to complete history taking, thorough clinical and stool examination, endoscopy, and biopsy of gastric and duodenal mucosa as well as histopatological examination. Results revealed significant upper gastrointestinal symptoms (epigastric pain and anorexia) in giardiasis patients with H. pylori. Also, endoscopic and histopathologic examination showed significant gastric lesions in this group of patients as compared to those suffering only G. lamblia.
Journal of the Egyptian Society of Parasitology, 2009
The multifactor outcome of hypoandrogenemia with the impact of oxidative stress induced by glucos... more The multifactor outcome of hypoandrogenemia with the impact of oxidative stress induced by glucose intolerance, fascioliasis with or without schistosomiasis and cumulative smoking influence on bone remodeling and the early development of osteoporotic manifestations were studied. The effect on vascular endothelium immune mediated mechanisms and antioxidant capacity were monitored in cases of youth aged selected male smokers involving 20 with hypoandrogenemia who were either subjected to sedentary life style, glucose intolerance fascioliasis hepatic fibrosis (FHF) (G1) or without (G2) and GI after following 6 months therapy (G3). Monitoring of clinical picture and biochemical assessments of osteoporotic indices (osteocolcin, bone alkaline phosphatase, parathyroid hormone, urinary cyclic AMP), hypoandrogenism (dehydroepiandrosterane sulphate or DHEAS & testosterone) glycemic determinant (insulin) immuno-inflammatory response (interleukein-6, tumor necrosis factor alpha, E-selectin, cer...
Journal of the Egyptian Society of Parasitology, 2008
The impact of concomitant S. mansoni infection on H. pylori induced gastritis was studied in twen... more The impact of concomitant S. mansoni infection on H. pylori induced gastritis was studied in twenty patients infected exclusively with H. pylori. The patients were compared with twenty patients coinfected with the bacteria and S. mansoni and twelve patients with schistosomiasis alone. All patients were subjected to clinical, parasitological, endoscopic and histopathological studies. In addition, serum malondialdehyde level (MDA), as an indicator of lipid peroxidation was measured. The results of revealed that severe gastritis was significantly more common in the patients infected exclusively with H. pylori. Serum MDA was significantly higher in this group compared to the other groups. The results were discussed.
Journal of the Egyptian Society of Parasitology, 2009
Giardiasis is one of the most common enteroprotozoal diseases; its association with Helicobacter ... more Giardiasis is one of the most common enteroprotozoal diseases; its association with Helicobacter pylori is a common clinical finding. This work studied the impact of such association. Fifty giardiasis patients were classified into two groups according to the concomitant presence of H. pylori and ten normal healthy controls were also included. All patients were subjected to complete history taking, thorough clinical and stool examination, endoscopy, and biopsy of gastric and duodenal mucosa as well as histopatological examination. Results revealed significant upper gastrointestinal symptoms (epigastric pain and anorexia) in giardiasis patients with H. pylori. Also, endoscopic and histopathologic examination showed significant gastric lesions in this group of patients as compared to those suffering only G. lamblia.
Journal of the Egyptian Society of Parasitology, 2008
Examination of five hundred pet dogs revealed Echinococcus granulosus in nine dogs, Dipylidium ca... more Examination of five hundred pet dogs revealed Echinococcus granulosus in nine dogs, Dipylidium caninum in twenty dogs, and Toxocara canis in thirty dogs. The risky role played by pet dogs in the transmission and spreading of zoonotic cystic hydatidosis was discussed.
Journal of the Egyptian Society of Parasitology, 2008
The impact of concomitant S. mansoni infection on H. pylori induced gastritis was studied in twen... more The impact of concomitant S. mansoni infection on H. pylori induced gastritis was studied in twenty patients infected exclusively with H. pylori. The patients were compared with twenty patients coinfected with the bacteria and S. mansoni and twelve patients with schistosomiasis alone. All patients were subjected to clinical, parasitological, endoscopic and histopathological studies. In addition, serum malondialdehyde level (MDA), as an indicator of lipid peroxidation was measured. The results of revealed that severe gastritis was significantly more common in the patients infected exclusively with H. pylori. Serum MDA was significantly higher in this group compared to the other groups. The results were discussed.
Journal of the Egyptian Society of Parasitology, 2008
In the present study, methanol was used instead of Schaudinn's fluid for preparation of perma... more In the present study, methanol was used instead of Schaudinn's fluid for preparation of permanently stained faecal smears. The efficacy of this method to detect Giardia lamblia trophozoites and cysts were compared to merthiolate iodine formalin (MIF) direct smear method and MIF concentration (MIFC) technique. Fresh faecal samples were collected from school students with gastrointestinal symptoms. In 50 Giardia positive faecal samples, trophozoites were detected alone in 9 samples and in association with cysts in 24 ones. A paired comparison of the frequency of detection of trophozoites and cysts by various methods was performed using McNemar statistical test. The results revealed that trichrome staining of methanol fixed smears was the most sensitive technique for trophozoite detection followed by MIF direct smear method (p < 0.05). For cysts, trichrome staining and MIFC had nearly equal sensitivity and were more sensitive than MIF direct smear method but with no statisticall...
Journal of the Egyptian Society of Parasitology, 2007
This study assessed levels of growth hormone, albumin and ferritin in human fascioliasis and schi... more This study assessed levels of growth hormone, albumin and ferritin in human fascioliasis and schistosomiasis. Forty three patients and ten healthy parasite free subjects were included as controls. All were subjected to clinical, parasitological, and haematological examinations. Serum growth hormone (GH) levels were measured by an immunoenzymometric assay. Statistical analysis revealed significant elevation in GH levels in acute and chronic fascioliasis patients compared to controls. Serum albumin was significantly low in schistosomiasis patients compared to controls. Non-significant changes in serum ferritin were in all patients. The results were critically discussed on the light of the work done before.
Journal of the Egyptian Society of Parasitology, 2007
The role of sFas in human toxoplasmosis was designed, included 23 pregnant women serologically po... more The role of sFas in human toxoplasmosis was designed, included 23 pregnant women serologically positive for anti-Toxoplasma antibodies, and ten sero-negative pregnant females constituted the control group. Antibody titer was assessed by indirect haemagglutination test. The presence of specific IgM antibodies was determined by comparing antibody titer before and after serum treatment with 2-mercapto-ethanol. sFas was quantified in sera of cases and controls by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Antibody titers. ranged from 1/160 to 1/640. All cases were negative for specific IgM antibodies indicating that they had passed the acute stage of infection Statistical analysis revealed significant elevation in sFas level in cases compared to controls. The sFas role in establishment of a stable host parasite interaction in toxoplasmosis was discussed.
Parasitologists United Journal, 2014
Background Early reports on microsporidial diarrhea involved mainly HIV-immunodeficient patients.... more Background Early reports on microsporidial diarrhea involved mainly HIV-immunodeficient patients. More recent studies indicate that microsporidial spores may also be detected in immunocompromised persons not infected with HIV as well as in immunocompetent individuals. However, the exact mechanism of microsporidial diarrhea is not clearly defined. Objectives The aims of this study were to evaluate the contribution of microsporidia toward the burden of diarrheal diseases and to investigate the occurrence of associated intestinal inflammation and malabsorption. Patients and methods Stool samples of 237 patients with diarrhea were examined for microsporidial spores using modified trichrome stain. Microsporidia-positive samples were examined for concomitant parasitic infections. Intestinal inflammation was evaluated in patients infected solely with microsporidia ( n = 30) by comparing the fecal lactoferrin level measured by an enzyme immunoassay with that of a control group of healthy, age and sex matched, parasite-free nondiarrheic individuals ( n = 15). Fecal pH and assessment of fecal fat using oil red O stain were used as indictors of carbohydrate and fat malabsorption, respectively. Results Microsporidian spores were detected in 15.6% of diarrheic patients. Considering the median and range values, microsporidia-infected patients showed significantly higher fecal lactoferrin levels (median 49.75, range 2.8-220 μg/g, respectively) and lower fecal pH (median 5.82, range 5.12-6.98, respectively) compared with the control group (median 4.1, range 2.4-31 μg/g and median 6.7, range 6.3-7.16 μg/g, respectively). A significantly greater proportion of microsporidia-infected patients had elevated lactoferrin levels (>7.4 μg/g stool), markedly acidic stool (pH < 6), or increased fecal fat compared with the control group. Conclusion Infection with microsporidia is present in a considerable proportion of diarrheic patients and results in an intestinal inflammatory response as well as carbohydrate and fat malabsorption. Enteric microsporidiosis should be taken into consideration in the management of diarrheal diseases.
Parasitologists United Journal, 2014
Background The role of fish living freely in their natural habitats in the transmission of fish-b... more Background The role of fish living freely in their natural habitats in the transmission of fish-borne trematodes is well recognized. Moreover, the role played by aquaculture fish has also gained great attention in the last few years. Objectives To investigate the rate, density, distribution of infection, and infectivity of heterophyid metacercariae in free living and farmed fish collected from El-Max Bay, a Mediterranean coastal bay in Egypt. The influence of freezing duration on the infectivity of the detected metacercariae was also evaluated. Materials and methods Tilapia nilotica and Mugil cephalus from both habitats were examined for encysted heterophyid metacercariae using a compression method. The density of infection was estimated by the number of metacercariae per gram of trunk tissue following artificial digestion. The distribution of infection was studied in snips taken from the head, gills, trunk, viscera, and tail. Infectivity of the collected metacercariae was tested in rats. The susceptibility of metacercariae to freezing was evaluated by assessment of their infectivity to rats after they were kept frozen at −15°C for 4, 7, and 14 days. Results Rates of infection with heterophyid metacercariae ranged from 11 to 23% in the different groups of fish. Free living fish had a significantly higher rate of infection and/or density as well as higher infectivity of metacercariae than farmed fish. Higher metacercarial density was observed in the trunk and viscera of the studied fish compared with the head, tail, and gills. Infectivity of the detected metacercariae decreased gradually with increasing duration of freezing. Conclusion Both free living and farmed fish can transmit Heterophyes parasites, the former being somewhat more important. The potential risk of human infection is considered to be high. Freezing for 2 weeks is an effective means of inactivating the parasite. Our results underscore the need to raise awareness among public health agencies, consumers, and aquaculture managers of the measures needed to reduce transmission of this intestinal fluke.