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Papers by Sami Abdel-Hafez

The Journal of Immunology

The responses of congenitally athymic rats to Schistosoma mansoni were compared to thymic reconst... more The responses of congenitally athymic rats to Schistosoma mansoni were compared to thymic reconstituted, heterozygous littermate controls, and inbred Fischer rats. The mechanisms of the impaired resistance of athymic rats to initial exposure and re-exposure to S. mansoni were investigated by the study of various parameters of antibody response. The uninfected athymic animals demonstrated normal levels of total IgM but reduced levels of total IgG2a and IgE. After infection with S. mansoni, the immunoglobulin increases in athymic rats were less than those observed in heterozygote control rats. In addition, the level of anti-S. mansoni IgG antibody, utilizing ELISA assay, was reduced. Furthermore, the functional avidity of the IgG2a antibody, which was produced by the athymic animals, was significantly lower than that of control heterozygote and Fischer animals. Similarly, the levels of IgE and IgG2a anaphylactic antibodies were reduced in the congenitally athymic animals. After thymic reconstitution and exposure to S. mansoni of the congenitally athymic animals, all of these parameters became similar to the analogous value obtained from exposed heterozygous and homozygous animals. In vitro studies of antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) activity indicated that the antibody response of the congenitally athymic animals was characterized by significant reductions in IgE-macrophage-mediated, IgG-eosinophil-mediated, and IgE-eosinophil-mediated cytotoxicity directed against schistosomula. These results, coupled with previously reported in vivo observations, that athymic animals produced antibody that was less capable of transferring resistance in adoptive-challenge experiments, suggest that the mechanisms of impaired resistance in the congenitally athymic rat may involve the failure to develop adequate, functional ADCC mechanisms. As such, these studies suggest a relationship between in vivo resistance and possible in vitro mechanisms of that resistance.

The American journal of tropical medicine and hygiene, 1998

An outbreak of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ZCL) occurred in a battalion of 80 soldiers post... more An outbreak of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ZCL) occurred in a battalion of 80 soldiers posted at Qurayqira camp in Wadi Araba in southern Jordan. The battalion spent an intermittent period of five and a half months in the area, during which 45.0% (36 of 80) of the soldiers showed clinical disease. Of the 44 clinically negative soldiers, 31 were tested with leishmanin and 11 (35.5%) were leishmanin positive. The number of lesions in infected soldiers ranged from one to 15 and were mostly on the face and extremities. This report shows the level of transmission of ZCL in Wadi Araba, which is presently undergoing economic expansion and development following the peace process of the Arab-Israeli conflict.

The American journal of tropical medicine and hygiene, 2003

Diagnosis of Echinococcus granulosus infection in dogs by detecting adult worms recovered post mo... more Diagnosis of Echinococcus granulosus infection in dogs by detecting adult worms recovered post mortem or purged from the intestines after treatment with arecoline is not suitable for mass screening. Large-scale diagnosis by detection of copro-antigens is useful but only with relatively high intensity infections, and only by genus. To provide a more sensitive and specific diagnosis, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was developed, that amplified a target repeated sequence (EgG1 Hae III) newly identified in the genome of the common sheep strain of E. granulosus. This repeated sequence consists of approximately 6,900 copies, arranged in tandem, in groups of 2-6 repeats. The corresponding primers used in the PCR easily detected a single egg with no cross-amplification of DNA from closely related cestodes, including E. multilocularis and Taenia spp. Fecal samples from naturally infected dogs, with 2-10,000 E. granulosus worms at necropsy, were all PCR positive, while E. multilocula...

Parasitology Research, 2003

A total of 112 stray and semi-stray dogs (Canis familiaris) from four different geographical area... more A total of 112 stray and semi-stray dogs (Canis familiaris) from four different geographical areas in northern and middle Jordan were necropsied to evaluate the prevalence and intensity of intestinal helminthiasis. Of these, 33 dogs (29.5%) were infected with Echinococcus granulosus and 61 (54.5%) with other Taenia species. Other cestodes found included Dipylidium caninum in 36 dogs (32.1%), Diplopylidium in 6 dogs (5.4%), Mesocestoides sp. in 3 dogs (2.7%) and Joyuexiella in 1 dog (0.9%). Toxocara nematodes were found in 10 dogs (9.2%) and only 1 dog was positive for acanthocephalans. Among the dogs infected with E. granulosus, 8 dogs (24.2%) had a worm load higher than 1,000 worms. The ratio of infected male to female dogs was 1.9:1.0. Strain analysis of E. granulosus using random primers revealed the dominance of the G1 strain (sheep/dog strain) in the region. Only one dog harbored another E. granulosus strain, which resembled the G4 strain pattern.

Zeitschrift f�r Parasitenkunde Parasitology Research, 1986

Examination of 471 sheep, 118 goats, 157 cattle and 56 camels slaughtered in abattoirs in North J... more Examination of 471 sheep, 118 goats, 157 cattle and 56 camels slaughtered in abattoirs in North Jordan was carried out during March-May 1984. Drought conditions that prevailed during the preceding winter led to slaughtering old female sheep (greater than or equal to 4 years) due to scarcity of food, which allowed us to analyse the prevalence of hydatidosis in various age groups of sheep. An overall infection rate of 27.8, 1.7, 5.8 and 10.7 percent was found in sheep, goats, cattle and camels, respectively. The infection rate was as low as 1.5 percent in male and 1.9 percent in female sheep under 2 years of age. However, the rate of hydatid infection increased with age and reached as high as 63.7 percent in ewes 4 years of age and older. The percentage of animals with fertile cysts was also highest in sheep (68.7 percent of infected animals) and increased with age reaching 100 percent in ewes which were 10 years of age or older. Analysis of all cysts recovered from the livers and lungs of infected ewes from various age groups revealed a sharp increase in the mean total number of cysts in age groups over 8 years of age. The fertility rate of the cysts in the liver was significantly greater in ewes 6 years old or more (64.8--78.6 percent) than in younger age groups (8.7-46.2 percent). In the lung, the fertility rate increased progressively with age reaching as high as 97.9 percent in ewes 10 years old or more. These findings of high infection and fertility rates of hydatid disease in sheep, particularly of older age groups, prompt plans for further epidemiological studies and control programmes.

Veterinary Parasitology, 1995

Echinococcus granulosus is one of the most important and widespread of the helminth zoonoses. Dia... more Echinococcus granulosus is one of the most important and widespread of the helminth zoonoses. Diagnosis of E. granulosus infection in dogs currently relies on arecoline dosing and detailed examination of the purge for adult worms. Two immunodiagnostic tests (ELISA) based on genus specific coproantigen detection or serum antibody (IgG, IgA and IgE) detection were compared against arecoline purgation for the detection of Echinococcus in naturally infected dogs in Uruguay. The coproantigen ELISA had a sensitivity of 76.9% compared with 34.6% for the serum IgG ELISA when assessed against 26 purge positive dogs (purge worm count range 1-4331). Coproantigen reactivity was positively correlated (r = 0.65) to purge worm count, with a threshold at over 20 worms. There was no positive correlation of antibody levels with worm counts. In 26 matched Echinococcus positive dog samples, the overall sensitivity of serological detection increased to 69.2% when seroreactivity for IgA and IgE antibodies were included and to 96.2% for both coproantigen and antibody assays combined. The detection of current infection of individual dogs with E. granulosus by coproantigen ELISA has the potential to replace arecoline purgation, while specific serum antibody detection should be useful in assessing Echinococcus exposure in dog populations.

Veterinary Parasitology, 1989

A total of 380 ewes of different age groups were inspected for spleen hydatidosis during the summ... more A total of 380 ewes of different age groups were inspected for spleen hydatidosis during the summer of 1985. Of these, 7.6% had cysts in the spleen. There was an increase in the prevalence of the disease with increasing age of the animal, reaching 11.8% in > 8-year-old ewes. Out of all the animals with spleen hydatidosis, 61.5% were found to have fertile cysts and, when classified, 46.7% were found to be fertile with a mean total number of protoscolices of 13.4× 103 per cyst. The majority of the protoscolices were found to be viable (74%). Spleen hydatidosis which is mainly solitary seems to be secondary to the involvement of the liver or the liver and lung simultaneously. The importance of these aspects of spleen hydatidosis are discussed.

Parasitology Today, 1986

Fig. I. Map of.lordan showing major sites of Bulinus truncatus (0) and the site where human infec... more Fig. I. Map of.lordan showing major sites of Bulinus truncatus (0) and the site where human infect/on took place (arrow).

Parasitology Research, 2002

Parasitology Research, 2003

The costs of illness and surgical intervention for human cystic echinococcosis (CE) cases in Jord... more The costs of illness and surgical intervention for human cystic echinococcosis (CE) cases in Jordan was economically evaluated by 77 surgeons and 77 CE patients. The cost of diagnosis for each CE case was 111.30 US Dollars and 146.20 US Dollars as estimated by surgeons and patients, respectively. The cost of surgical extraction of hydatid cysts for each case was 590.20 US Dollars and 638.50 US Dollars as estimated by both groups, respectively. Knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of 77 CE patients as well as several Jordanian groups with different occupations including 144 shepherds, 119 settled livestock owners, 25 slaughter house workers, 400 university students and 80 inhabitants of a CE focus in southern Jordan were analyzed through a set of questionnaires. All of these groups had poor knowledge of CE, especially the source and causes of infection. All practices and attitudes of each group favored continuous transmission of the parasite and indicate the need for the implementation of a proper control program in the country.

Parasitology Research, 1999

Necropsy of 340 stray and semi-stray dogs (Canis familiaris) and nine red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) f... more Necropsy of 340 stray and semi-stray dogs (Canis familiaris) and nine red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) from Jordan revealed that 239 dogs (70.3%) and all foxes were infected with at least one intestinal helminth species. No trematodes were found in the intestine of these hosts. The overall infection rates with cestodes, nematodes and acanthocephalans in dogs were 66.8%, 4.4% and 2.9%, respectively. The following cestodes were identi®ed: Echinococcus granulosus (9.4%), Taenia pisiformis (11.8%), T. hydatigena (7.4%), T. ovis (4.4%), T. multiceps (3.8%), T. taeniaeformis (2.9%), Dipylidium caninum (19.4%), Joyeuxiella (3.2%), Diplopylidium (2.4%), and Mesocestoides (0.9%). Other intestinal worms in dogs were Toxascaris (2.6%), Toxocara canis (1.2%), and Protospirura (0.6%) nematodes, and gigantorhynchiid acanthocephalans (2.9%). Intestinal helminths found in foxes included cestodes (D. caninum, Joyeuxiella, Diplopylidium, Mesocestoides), nematodes (Protospirura, Uncinaria stenocephala and Oxynema) and an acanthocephalan (Macracanthorhynchus). In both hosts, most helminths were recovered from the second intestinal segment of four equally divided segments.

International Journal for Parasitology, 1988

Abstract Said IM, Abdel-Hapez SK and Al-Yaman FM 1988. Morphological variation of Echinococcus gr... more Abstract Said IM, Abdel-Hapez SK and Al-Yaman FM 1988. Morphological variation of Echinococcus granulosus protoscoleces from hydatid cysts of human and various domestic animals in Jordan. International Journal for Parasitology18: 1111–1114. Rostellar hook ...

International Journal of …, 2008

This study explores the immune response generated in BALB/c mice that were genetically immunized ... more This study explores the immune response generated in BALB/c mice that were genetically immunized with the second subunit of antigen B of Echinococcus granulosus (EgAgB8/2). In addition, immunomodulation by codelivery of IL-4 and IFN-γ cytokine genes was assessed. Following cloning of EgAgB8/2 gene to a pDRIVE-meIF4A1 expression vector, successful gene expression was proved in vivo and in vitro by RT-PCR and polyclonal antibody response. The generated antigen specific IgG of gene immunization reacted with the 8 and 36 kDa fractions of crude sheep hydatid fluid; while the native antigen immunization resulted in antibody production reactive to the 8, 16, 24, and 36 kDa fractions. Spleen cells of mice immunized with EgAgB8/2 gene (using gene gun) or intradermally with native AgB (nAgB) secreted moderate levels of IL-4 but not IFN-γ. Coimmunization with EgAgB8/2 and IL-4 gene elevated the relative expression of both cytokines, while coimmunization with IFN-γ gene elevated significantly the expression of this cytokine gene only. While, no IgG1 response was detected in mice immunized with EgAgB8/2 gene, those immunized with nAgB showed a significant IgG1 response. However, neither source alone induced IgG2a response. Immunization with EgAgB8/2 gene induced about four times higher IgG3 antibody titers than that induced by nAgB. Coimmunization with IL-4 or IFN-γ genes reduced or abolished the IgG3 levels, respectively. In contrast, such treatments elevated markedly IgG1 and IgG2a with a significantly higher IgG1 level in IL-4 gene treated mice. On the cellular level, IFN-γ gene coimmunization induced the highest spleen cell proliferation. Both cytokine genes restored the reduced levels of splenic CD8 cells in gene immunized animals to control levels. In conclusion, the expression of EgAgB8/2 gene in mice induced a Th2 type response characterized by splenocyte IL-4 gene expression associated with high IgG3 response. Co-immunization with cytokine genes elevated IgG1 and IgG2a levels but lowered IgG3 titer.

Acta Tropica, 2003

A retrospective follow-up study on the surgical incidence of cystic echinococcosis (CE) was carri... more A retrospective follow-up study on the surgical incidence of cystic echinococcosis (CE) was carried out in major governmental, military and private hospitals throughout Jordan between 1994 and 2000. A total of 472 cases were recorded over the 7-year period and an overall mean annual surgical incidence (MASI) of 2.3 per 100,000 inhabitants was estimated. The highest number of surgical cases was recorded in hospitals of the middle region of the country. The highest MASI (3.6 per 100,000) was found in the southern region while the lowest (1.4 per 100,000) was in the northern region of the country. Taking into consideration the population size and the origin of surgically confirmed cases of each region, a relative surgical index (RSI) was calculated at which the highest (RSI=3.4) was among cases originated from the southern region and the lowest (RSI=0.7) was among those originated from the middle region of Jordan. The northern region and desert areas (badia) showed comparable RSI at 1.0 and 1.1, respectively. Males younger than 15 years of age showed significantly higher surgical incidence than females of comparable age at a ratio of 1.6:1, whereas the number of female cases of different age groups over 15 years of age was consistently higher than that of males at a ratio of 1.25-2.5:1.0. The liver was the primary site of cyst development in 69.4% of the cases and the lung involvement accounted for 13.3% of the cases. Diagnosis of CE in Jordan relies mostly on imaging methods with serological techniques being rarely used for diagnosis. The frequency of CE recurrence was 27.5% of the cases, which may be attributed to the low use of chemotherapeutic antihelminthics among surgically treated cases.

Folia parasitologica

The prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in serum samples of 55 habitually aborting wo... more The prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in serum samples of 55 habitually aborting women, 46 women with normal pregnancies, 92 outpatient adults, and 150 University students from North Jordan was studied using the enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Sera from the habitually aborting group were also tested by the indirect immunofluorescent (IIF) test. No significant difference was found between the overall prevalence rates in University students, outpatient adults and women with normal pregnancies (25.3%, 22.8% and 26.1% respectively). The prevalence in habitually aborting women exceeded two times that in women with normal pregnancies or in outpatient females (58.2%, 26.1% and 25.0% respectively), and was approximately three times that in female University students (18.3%). The greatest difference in the prevalence rate between habitually aborting women and those with normal pregnancies or outpatient females was found in groups having the highest antibody level (greater than or equal to 100% of standard positive controls). A positive correlation between the results of the ELISA and those of the IIF test occurred at titres of greater than or equal to 1:40 of the latter test in habitually aborting women.

Jordan Journal of Biological Sciences, 2014

The effects of metronidazole (MTZ) and novel synthesized MTZ derivatives on in vitro cultured Ech... more The effects of metronidazole (MTZ) and novel synthesized MTZ derivatives on in vitro cultured Echinococcus granulosus protoscoleces (PSCs), 30 day old segmentation stage and hydatid cysts (HC) developing secondarily in BALB/c mice were compared to those caused upon treatment with comparable doses of albandazole (ABZ) and mebendazole (MBZ) drugs. The highest protoscolicidal action resulted from the use of a non-schiff based MTZ derivative (MTZ-w: 4-[2-(2-methyl-5nitro-1H-imidazol-1-yl) ethyoxy] benzeyldehyde). Incubation of PSCs with MTZ-w concentrations of 25, 12.5 and 6.25 µg/ml resulted in significantly higher mortality rates than those caused by ABZ or MBZ at all periods post incubation. Total mortality of PSCs always occurred one day earlier using MTZ-w. Moreover, incubation of PSCs with MTZ-w at 6.25 µg/ml concentration resulted in greater mortality of PSCs than that caused by ABZ at 25ug/ml concentration. Three other MTZ derivatives showed similar in vitro effects on PSCs to those caused by ABZ or MTZ. Light microscopy revealed that changes in PSCs exposed to MTZ derivatives and ABZ reflected their relative actions in targeting scolex hooks, suckers and tegument. MTZ-w and ABZ caused rupture of hooks, deformation in suckers and disintegration in tegument of both PSCs and in vitro cultured segmentation stage. Less detrimental changes occurred upon the exposure to other MTZ derivatives. Exposure of HC to MTZ-w and ABZ caused regression in their size, damage in germinal membrane, fragmentation of underlining tissue, and scaling of laminated membrane. MTZ-w warrants further assessment as a potential chemotherapeutic drug against cystic echinococcosis in both animals and humans.

The Journal of Immunology

The responses of congenitally athymic rats to Schistosoma mansoni were compared to thymic reconst... more The responses of congenitally athymic rats to Schistosoma mansoni were compared to thymic reconstituted, heterozygous littermate controls, and inbred Fischer rats. The mechanisms of the impaired resistance of athymic rats to initial exposure and re-exposure to S. mansoni were investigated by the study of various parameters of antibody response. The uninfected athymic animals demonstrated normal levels of total IgM but reduced levels of total IgG2a and IgE. After infection with S. mansoni, the immunoglobulin increases in athymic rats were less than those observed in heterozygote control rats. In addition, the level of anti-S. mansoni IgG antibody, utilizing ELISA assay, was reduced. Furthermore, the functional avidity of the IgG2a antibody, which was produced by the athymic animals, was significantly lower than that of control heterozygote and Fischer animals. Similarly, the levels of IgE and IgG2a anaphylactic antibodies were reduced in the congenitally athymic animals. After thymic reconstitution and exposure to S. mansoni of the congenitally athymic animals, all of these parameters became similar to the analogous value obtained from exposed heterozygous and homozygous animals. In vitro studies of antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) activity indicated that the antibody response of the congenitally athymic animals was characterized by significant reductions in IgE-macrophage-mediated, IgG-eosinophil-mediated, and IgE-eosinophil-mediated cytotoxicity directed against schistosomula. These results, coupled with previously reported in vivo observations, that athymic animals produced antibody that was less capable of transferring resistance in adoptive-challenge experiments, suggest that the mechanisms of impaired resistance in the congenitally athymic rat may involve the failure to develop adequate, functional ADCC mechanisms. As such, these studies suggest a relationship between in vivo resistance and possible in vitro mechanisms of that resistance.

The American journal of tropical medicine and hygiene, 1998

An outbreak of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ZCL) occurred in a battalion of 80 soldiers post... more An outbreak of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ZCL) occurred in a battalion of 80 soldiers posted at Qurayqira camp in Wadi Araba in southern Jordan. The battalion spent an intermittent period of five and a half months in the area, during which 45.0% (36 of 80) of the soldiers showed clinical disease. Of the 44 clinically negative soldiers, 31 were tested with leishmanin and 11 (35.5%) were leishmanin positive. The number of lesions in infected soldiers ranged from one to 15 and were mostly on the face and extremities. This report shows the level of transmission of ZCL in Wadi Araba, which is presently undergoing economic expansion and development following the peace process of the Arab-Israeli conflict.

The American journal of tropical medicine and hygiene, 2003

Diagnosis of Echinococcus granulosus infection in dogs by detecting adult worms recovered post mo... more Diagnosis of Echinococcus granulosus infection in dogs by detecting adult worms recovered post mortem or purged from the intestines after treatment with arecoline is not suitable for mass screening. Large-scale diagnosis by detection of copro-antigens is useful but only with relatively high intensity infections, and only by genus. To provide a more sensitive and specific diagnosis, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was developed, that amplified a target repeated sequence (EgG1 Hae III) newly identified in the genome of the common sheep strain of E. granulosus. This repeated sequence consists of approximately 6,900 copies, arranged in tandem, in groups of 2-6 repeats. The corresponding primers used in the PCR easily detected a single egg with no cross-amplification of DNA from closely related cestodes, including E. multilocularis and Taenia spp. Fecal samples from naturally infected dogs, with 2-10,000 E. granulosus worms at necropsy, were all PCR positive, while E. multilocula...

Parasitology Research, 2003

A total of 112 stray and semi-stray dogs (Canis familiaris) from four different geographical area... more A total of 112 stray and semi-stray dogs (Canis familiaris) from four different geographical areas in northern and middle Jordan were necropsied to evaluate the prevalence and intensity of intestinal helminthiasis. Of these, 33 dogs (29.5%) were infected with Echinococcus granulosus and 61 (54.5%) with other Taenia species. Other cestodes found included Dipylidium caninum in 36 dogs (32.1%), Diplopylidium in 6 dogs (5.4%), Mesocestoides sp. in 3 dogs (2.7%) and Joyuexiella in 1 dog (0.9%). Toxocara nematodes were found in 10 dogs (9.2%) and only 1 dog was positive for acanthocephalans. Among the dogs infected with E. granulosus, 8 dogs (24.2%) had a worm load higher than 1,000 worms. The ratio of infected male to female dogs was 1.9:1.0. Strain analysis of E. granulosus using random primers revealed the dominance of the G1 strain (sheep/dog strain) in the region. Only one dog harbored another E. granulosus strain, which resembled the G4 strain pattern.

Zeitschrift f�r Parasitenkunde Parasitology Research, 1986

Examination of 471 sheep, 118 goats, 157 cattle and 56 camels slaughtered in abattoirs in North J... more Examination of 471 sheep, 118 goats, 157 cattle and 56 camels slaughtered in abattoirs in North Jordan was carried out during March-May 1984. Drought conditions that prevailed during the preceding winter led to slaughtering old female sheep (greater than or equal to 4 years) due to scarcity of food, which allowed us to analyse the prevalence of hydatidosis in various age groups of sheep. An overall infection rate of 27.8, 1.7, 5.8 and 10.7 percent was found in sheep, goats, cattle and camels, respectively. The infection rate was as low as 1.5 percent in male and 1.9 percent in female sheep under 2 years of age. However, the rate of hydatid infection increased with age and reached as high as 63.7 percent in ewes 4 years of age and older. The percentage of animals with fertile cysts was also highest in sheep (68.7 percent of infected animals) and increased with age reaching 100 percent in ewes which were 10 years of age or older. Analysis of all cysts recovered from the livers and lungs of infected ewes from various age groups revealed a sharp increase in the mean total number of cysts in age groups over 8 years of age. The fertility rate of the cysts in the liver was significantly greater in ewes 6 years old or more (64.8--78.6 percent) than in younger age groups (8.7-46.2 percent). In the lung, the fertility rate increased progressively with age reaching as high as 97.9 percent in ewes 10 years old or more. These findings of high infection and fertility rates of hydatid disease in sheep, particularly of older age groups, prompt plans for further epidemiological studies and control programmes.

Veterinary Parasitology, 1995

Echinococcus granulosus is one of the most important and widespread of the helminth zoonoses. Dia... more Echinococcus granulosus is one of the most important and widespread of the helminth zoonoses. Diagnosis of E. granulosus infection in dogs currently relies on arecoline dosing and detailed examination of the purge for adult worms. Two immunodiagnostic tests (ELISA) based on genus specific coproantigen detection or serum antibody (IgG, IgA and IgE) detection were compared against arecoline purgation for the detection of Echinococcus in naturally infected dogs in Uruguay. The coproantigen ELISA had a sensitivity of 76.9% compared with 34.6% for the serum IgG ELISA when assessed against 26 purge positive dogs (purge worm count range 1-4331). Coproantigen reactivity was positively correlated (r = 0.65) to purge worm count, with a threshold at over 20 worms. There was no positive correlation of antibody levels with worm counts. In 26 matched Echinococcus positive dog samples, the overall sensitivity of serological detection increased to 69.2% when seroreactivity for IgA and IgE antibodies were included and to 96.2% for both coproantigen and antibody assays combined. The detection of current infection of individual dogs with E. granulosus by coproantigen ELISA has the potential to replace arecoline purgation, while specific serum antibody detection should be useful in assessing Echinococcus exposure in dog populations.

Veterinary Parasitology, 1989

A total of 380 ewes of different age groups were inspected for spleen hydatidosis during the summ... more A total of 380 ewes of different age groups were inspected for spleen hydatidosis during the summer of 1985. Of these, 7.6% had cysts in the spleen. There was an increase in the prevalence of the disease with increasing age of the animal, reaching 11.8% in > 8-year-old ewes. Out of all the animals with spleen hydatidosis, 61.5% were found to have fertile cysts and, when classified, 46.7% were found to be fertile with a mean total number of protoscolices of 13.4× 103 per cyst. The majority of the protoscolices were found to be viable (74%). Spleen hydatidosis which is mainly solitary seems to be secondary to the involvement of the liver or the liver and lung simultaneously. The importance of these aspects of spleen hydatidosis are discussed.

Parasitology Today, 1986

Fig. I. Map of.lordan showing major sites of Bulinus truncatus (0) and the site where human infec... more Fig. I. Map of.lordan showing major sites of Bulinus truncatus (0) and the site where human infect/on took place (arrow).

Parasitology Research, 2002

Parasitology Research, 2003

The costs of illness and surgical intervention for human cystic echinococcosis (CE) cases in Jord... more The costs of illness and surgical intervention for human cystic echinococcosis (CE) cases in Jordan was economically evaluated by 77 surgeons and 77 CE patients. The cost of diagnosis for each CE case was 111.30 US Dollars and 146.20 US Dollars as estimated by surgeons and patients, respectively. The cost of surgical extraction of hydatid cysts for each case was 590.20 US Dollars and 638.50 US Dollars as estimated by both groups, respectively. Knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of 77 CE patients as well as several Jordanian groups with different occupations including 144 shepherds, 119 settled livestock owners, 25 slaughter house workers, 400 university students and 80 inhabitants of a CE focus in southern Jordan were analyzed through a set of questionnaires. All of these groups had poor knowledge of CE, especially the source and causes of infection. All practices and attitudes of each group favored continuous transmission of the parasite and indicate the need for the implementation of a proper control program in the country.

Parasitology Research, 1999

Necropsy of 340 stray and semi-stray dogs (Canis familiaris) and nine red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) f... more Necropsy of 340 stray and semi-stray dogs (Canis familiaris) and nine red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) from Jordan revealed that 239 dogs (70.3%) and all foxes were infected with at least one intestinal helminth species. No trematodes were found in the intestine of these hosts. The overall infection rates with cestodes, nematodes and acanthocephalans in dogs were 66.8%, 4.4% and 2.9%, respectively. The following cestodes were identi®ed: Echinococcus granulosus (9.4%), Taenia pisiformis (11.8%), T. hydatigena (7.4%), T. ovis (4.4%), T. multiceps (3.8%), T. taeniaeformis (2.9%), Dipylidium caninum (19.4%), Joyeuxiella (3.2%), Diplopylidium (2.4%), and Mesocestoides (0.9%). Other intestinal worms in dogs were Toxascaris (2.6%), Toxocara canis (1.2%), and Protospirura (0.6%) nematodes, and gigantorhynchiid acanthocephalans (2.9%). Intestinal helminths found in foxes included cestodes (D. caninum, Joyeuxiella, Diplopylidium, Mesocestoides), nematodes (Protospirura, Uncinaria stenocephala and Oxynema) and an acanthocephalan (Macracanthorhynchus). In both hosts, most helminths were recovered from the second intestinal segment of four equally divided segments.

International Journal for Parasitology, 1988

Abstract Said IM, Abdel-Hapez SK and Al-Yaman FM 1988. Morphological variation of Echinococcus gr... more Abstract Said IM, Abdel-Hapez SK and Al-Yaman FM 1988. Morphological variation of Echinococcus granulosus protoscoleces from hydatid cysts of human and various domestic animals in Jordan. International Journal for Parasitology18: 1111–1114. Rostellar hook ...

International Journal of …, 2008

This study explores the immune response generated in BALB/c mice that were genetically immunized ... more This study explores the immune response generated in BALB/c mice that were genetically immunized with the second subunit of antigen B of Echinococcus granulosus (EgAgB8/2). In addition, immunomodulation by codelivery of IL-4 and IFN-γ cytokine genes was assessed. Following cloning of EgAgB8/2 gene to a pDRIVE-meIF4A1 expression vector, successful gene expression was proved in vivo and in vitro by RT-PCR and polyclonal antibody response. The generated antigen specific IgG of gene immunization reacted with the 8 and 36 kDa fractions of crude sheep hydatid fluid; while the native antigen immunization resulted in antibody production reactive to the 8, 16, 24, and 36 kDa fractions. Spleen cells of mice immunized with EgAgB8/2 gene (using gene gun) or intradermally with native AgB (nAgB) secreted moderate levels of IL-4 but not IFN-γ. Coimmunization with EgAgB8/2 and IL-4 gene elevated the relative expression of both cytokines, while coimmunization with IFN-γ gene elevated significantly the expression of this cytokine gene only. While, no IgG1 response was detected in mice immunized with EgAgB8/2 gene, those immunized with nAgB showed a significant IgG1 response. However, neither source alone induced IgG2a response. Immunization with EgAgB8/2 gene induced about four times higher IgG3 antibody titers than that induced by nAgB. Coimmunization with IL-4 or IFN-γ genes reduced or abolished the IgG3 levels, respectively. In contrast, such treatments elevated markedly IgG1 and IgG2a with a significantly higher IgG1 level in IL-4 gene treated mice. On the cellular level, IFN-γ gene coimmunization induced the highest spleen cell proliferation. Both cytokine genes restored the reduced levels of splenic CD8 cells in gene immunized animals to control levels. In conclusion, the expression of EgAgB8/2 gene in mice induced a Th2 type response characterized by splenocyte IL-4 gene expression associated with high IgG3 response. Co-immunization with cytokine genes elevated IgG1 and IgG2a levels but lowered IgG3 titer.

Acta Tropica, 2003

A retrospective follow-up study on the surgical incidence of cystic echinococcosis (CE) was carri... more A retrospective follow-up study on the surgical incidence of cystic echinococcosis (CE) was carried out in major governmental, military and private hospitals throughout Jordan between 1994 and 2000. A total of 472 cases were recorded over the 7-year period and an overall mean annual surgical incidence (MASI) of 2.3 per 100,000 inhabitants was estimated. The highest number of surgical cases was recorded in hospitals of the middle region of the country. The highest MASI (3.6 per 100,000) was found in the southern region while the lowest (1.4 per 100,000) was in the northern region of the country. Taking into consideration the population size and the origin of surgically confirmed cases of each region, a relative surgical index (RSI) was calculated at which the highest (RSI=3.4) was among cases originated from the southern region and the lowest (RSI=0.7) was among those originated from the middle region of Jordan. The northern region and desert areas (badia) showed comparable RSI at 1.0 and 1.1, respectively. Males younger than 15 years of age showed significantly higher surgical incidence than females of comparable age at a ratio of 1.6:1, whereas the number of female cases of different age groups over 15 years of age was consistently higher than that of males at a ratio of 1.25-2.5:1.0. The liver was the primary site of cyst development in 69.4% of the cases and the lung involvement accounted for 13.3% of the cases. Diagnosis of CE in Jordan relies mostly on imaging methods with serological techniques being rarely used for diagnosis. The frequency of CE recurrence was 27.5% of the cases, which may be attributed to the low use of chemotherapeutic antihelminthics among surgically treated cases.

Folia parasitologica

The prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in serum samples of 55 habitually aborting wo... more The prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in serum samples of 55 habitually aborting women, 46 women with normal pregnancies, 92 outpatient adults, and 150 University students from North Jordan was studied using the enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Sera from the habitually aborting group were also tested by the indirect immunofluorescent (IIF) test. No significant difference was found between the overall prevalence rates in University students, outpatient adults and women with normal pregnancies (25.3%, 22.8% and 26.1% respectively). The prevalence in habitually aborting women exceeded two times that in women with normal pregnancies or in outpatient females (58.2%, 26.1% and 25.0% respectively), and was approximately three times that in female University students (18.3%). The greatest difference in the prevalence rate between habitually aborting women and those with normal pregnancies or outpatient females was found in groups having the highest antibody level (greater than or equal to 100% of standard positive controls). A positive correlation between the results of the ELISA and those of the IIF test occurred at titres of greater than or equal to 1:40 of the latter test in habitually aborting women.

Jordan Journal of Biological Sciences, 2014

The effects of metronidazole (MTZ) and novel synthesized MTZ derivatives on in vitro cultured Ech... more The effects of metronidazole (MTZ) and novel synthesized MTZ derivatives on in vitro cultured Echinococcus granulosus protoscoleces (PSCs), 30 day old segmentation stage and hydatid cysts (HC) developing secondarily in BALB/c mice were compared to those caused upon treatment with comparable doses of albandazole (ABZ) and mebendazole (MBZ) drugs. The highest protoscolicidal action resulted from the use of a non-schiff based MTZ derivative (MTZ-w: 4-[2-(2-methyl-5nitro-1H-imidazol-1-yl) ethyoxy] benzeyldehyde). Incubation of PSCs with MTZ-w concentrations of 25, 12.5 and 6.25 µg/ml resulted in significantly higher mortality rates than those caused by ABZ or MBZ at all periods post incubation. Total mortality of PSCs always occurred one day earlier using MTZ-w. Moreover, incubation of PSCs with MTZ-w at 6.25 µg/ml concentration resulted in greater mortality of PSCs than that caused by ABZ at 25ug/ml concentration. Three other MTZ derivatives showed similar in vitro effects on PSCs to those caused by ABZ or MTZ. Light microscopy revealed that changes in PSCs exposed to MTZ derivatives and ABZ reflected their relative actions in targeting scolex hooks, suckers and tegument. MTZ-w and ABZ caused rupture of hooks, deformation in suckers and disintegration in tegument of both PSCs and in vitro cultured segmentation stage. Less detrimental changes occurred upon the exposure to other MTZ derivatives. Exposure of HC to MTZ-w and ABZ caused regression in their size, damage in germinal membrane, fragmentation of underlining tissue, and scaling of laminated membrane. MTZ-w warrants further assessment as a potential chemotherapeutic drug against cystic echinococcosis in both animals and humans.