Percentage Of Infection Research Articles

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the incidence and type of infections in hospitalized patients with cirrhosis: a retrospective study

Infections are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in cirrhosis, especially those caused by multi-drug resistant bacteria. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the incidence and type of infection in these patients may have been influenced by the restrictive measures implemented. We aimed to compare the infections in patients with cirrhosis hospitalized before the COVID-19 pandemic versus those hospitalized during the pandemic. We retrospectively compared infections in patients with cirrhosis hospitalized in the hepatology unit during the pre-pandemic period (3/2019–2/2020) with infections in patients hospitalized during the pandemic (3/2020–2/2021). Baseline characteristics, type of infections, type of bacteria, antimicrobial resistance and mortality were evaluated. There were 251 hospitalizations in 170 patients during the pre-pandemic period and 169 hospitalizations in 114 patients during the pandemic period. One or more infections were identified in 40.6% of hospitalizations during the pre-pandemic period and 43.8% of hospitalizations during the pandemic, P = 0.52. We found 131 infections in the pre-pandemic period and 75 infections during the pandemic. The percentage of nosocomial infections decreased in the pandemic period (25.3% vs. 37.4% in the pre-pandemic period, P = 0.06). We found a non-significant trend to a higher incidence of infections by multi-drug resistant organisms (MDRO) in the pandemic period than in the pre-pandemic period (6.5% vs. 4%). The incidence of infections was similar in both periods. However, during the pandemic, we observed a trend to a lower incidence of nosocomial infections with a higher incidence of MDRO infections.

Analysis of age-specified and genotype distribution of HPV multiple infections in the Chinese population.

Multiple infections are a key component of HPV pathogenesis and have a direct impact on how an infection turns out. It's crucial to look at the associations between HPV multiple infections and both age and HPV genotypes in the Chinese population, searching for the causative factors of multiple infections with a view to providing new ideas for the treatment and prevention of multiple infections. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed the data of HPV infections among outpatients from the 2019year to the 2021year of Shandong Maternal and Child Health Hospital. Analyzed the correlation between HPV multiple infections and age using logistic regression. Differences in the percentage of multiple infections between age groups were compared using the chi-square test. The chi-square test compared the differences in the distribution of 15 common HPV genotypes in mono- versus multiple infections. A two-dimensional matrix presented the frequency of HPV genotype combinations. Logistics regression analysis showed that age was significantly associated with the occurrence of multiple infections, with a dominance ratio OR 1.026 (95% CI 1.02-1.04). Interestingly, the proportion of HPV multiple infections among HPV-positive individuals increases with age in people older than 30years of age. The chi-square test showed there was a difference in the distribution of HPV genotypes between multiple infections and mono- HPV infection (χ2 = 76.4; p = 0.000), a difference in the composition of HPV genotypes for dual versus single infections (χ2 = 90.6; p = 0.000) and a difference in HPV genotypes for triple versus single infections (χ2 = 56.7; p = 0.000). A 2 × 2 matrix showed that the combination of HPV52/HPV58 (30; 6.4%) was the combination of the highest frequency of infection for dual infections; The HPV52/HPV58 (21; 4.8%) combination was the highest frequency of HPV tripleinfection combination. HPV multiple infections were positively correlated with age; increasing age was positively correlated with the proportion of HPV multiple infections in the total infected population; the distribution of the 15 common genotypes of HPV differed between multiple infections and single infections; and HPV52:58 was a common type of infection combination in the Shandong population.

TRACING THE ANTIBACTERIAL, ANTIFUNGAL AND ANTI-BIOFILM ACTIVITIES OF ROOT EXTRACT BAJAKAH TAMPALA (SPATHOLOBUS LITTORALIS HASSK)

Biofilm is a common causative factor for urinary tract infections due to catheter usage with a percentage of infection around 70-80%. The Bajakah tampala (Spatholobus littoralis Hassk) is one of native plants of Kalimantan which contains phenolic compounds, flavonoids and tannins which are proven to accelerate wound healing, have antibacterial activity, and have very high and strong antioxidant activity. This study aims to determine the antibacterial and anti-biofilm activity of bajakah root extract (Spatholobus littoralis Hassk) on catheter colonies of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans and to determine their mechanism of action in vitro. This research is carried out with an in vitro experimental study design using a microplate reader. Extraction was carried out by maceration method using 96% ethanol solvent. The results showed that the ethanol extract of Bajakah tampala (Spatholobus littoralis Hassk) had antibacterial activity against S. aureus with a concentration of 1% w/v of 88.33% ± 0.01 and anti-biofilm activity of 82.21% ± 0.01. E. Coli bacteria had an antibacterial activity of 84.83% and an anti-biofilm activity of 80.11 at a concentration of 1% w/v. C. albicans had an antifungal activity at a concentration of 1% w/v of 82.31% ± 0.01 and anti-biofilm activity of 77.00% ± 0.01. From these results it can be concluded that the ethanol extract of Bajakah tampala (Spatholobus littoralis Hassk) has antibacterial and antifungal activities and the potential as a new anti-biofilm agent against S.aureus, E. coli and C. albicans

Study of epidemiological Helicobacter pylori infection among Iraqi patients

Background: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) continues to be a highly prevalent chronic infection on a global scale. Despite an apparent rise in prevalence across numerous countries globally, H.pylori continues to be a significant determinant in the etiology of peptic ulcer disease, gastric cancer, and dyspeptic symptoms. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of H.pylori infection in Baghdad province, Iraq. Patients and methods: This prevalence study was conducted in Baghdad province from March 2019 to March 2023. 240 participants were divided into 120 males and 120 females, all participants suffered from a disorder in the gastrointestinal tract. The presence of H.pylori was identified using the Urea breath test method, a standard procedure employed to diagnose H.pylori or validate the elimination of the pathogen from patients following H.pylori treatment. Results: The research findings indicate that the prevalence of H.pylori infection differs between genders, with females having a higher incidence rate (29.2%) than males (22.5%). The study shows the level of education does not decrease the percentage of infection and the percentage of infected persons in non-literate was (11.6 % ), the secondary level was ( 14.1 % ) and in academic level person ( 22.9 % ). The study shows the age effect on the percentage of infection, in patients aged less than 20 years old the percentage was (7.9 % ), in patients between 21 – and 40 years old the percentage was ( 30.4 % ) which is considered a high percentage, and in age more than 40 years old the percentage decreased to (11.6 %). Conclusion: In conclusion, the study H.pylori infection is influenced by gender, with a greater frequency of infection seen in females. The level of education did not decrease the percentage of infection. The percentage of infection affected by age and the higher percentage the age between (21–and 40) was considered a higher age for infection.

Epizootological Features and Prevention of Fascioliasis in Sheep on the Julfa District Territory

The article reflects the epizootological features of fascioliasis in sheep kept in various individual and farm enterprises on the territory of the Julfa district, and the results of studies aimed at studying preventive measures against helminthiasis. As a result of the studies, carried out, it was found that both types of fascioles parasitize in animals in farms: Fasciola hepatica Linnaeus, 1758 and Fasciola gigantica Cobbold, 1855. According to the results of examination of internal organs (liver and gallbladder) of 194 head pf sheep, in which an incomplete helminthological autopsy was performed, the intensity of invasion (II) was 1.1 helminth/animal, and the extensiveness (IE) was 37.6%. When analyzing the intensity of the spread of invasion depending on the altitude zones of the terrain, in 2023, during the helminthological examination of the internal organs of animals in mountainous and foothill areas, fascioles were not detected. And when examining during the autopsy of the internal organs of animals in farms located near swampy areas in the lowland zone, helminths were observed. Since that year the air temperature was higher than the annual norm, which led to the drying of stagnant water in many areas, the intermediate host organisms of fascioles died, as a result, this led to a decrease in the percentage of infection.

Study the Correlation between covid-19 infection and chronic disorder

The significant of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that started in China highly risky for human live. The symptoms that describe Coronavirus Disease 2019 include asymptomatic, moderate, or severe pneumonia. (COVID-19). People with COVID-19 who also have diabetes, COPD, CVD, hypertension, cancer, HIV, and other comorbidities could be in danger of dying. SARS-CoV-2 employs the ACE-2 receptors on the host cell's surface to enter the cell. Increased ACE-2 receptor expression and proportion converses release are associated with several comorbidities, which facilitate viral entry into host cells. The comorbidities, which are closely connected to severe morbidity and mortality, cause the COVID-19 patient to enter a life-long cycle of infectious disease. Comorbid patients require special attention and precautions, as well as extra measures. The study's goal is: The current study were focused to examine the association between chronic illnesses and poorer COVID-19 infection outcomes (death and ICU hospitalization) as well as how chronic illnesses alter an individual's assessment of their own risk for these outcomes. Patients and procedures: Information about each of the 15000 COVID-19 patients was entered into a questionnaire. This model covered chronic illnesses such as respiratory, cardiovascular, cancer, renal, and stomach ailments. A few documents have been found that discuss the connection between COVID-19 and comorbidities; however, this study shows the wider range of comorbidities that COVID-19 patients deal with. Conclusions: Males are more likely to have Covid-19 (60%) than females (40%). With age comes a rise in the Covid-19. The COVID-19 recorded the highest percentage of infections in individuals with cardiovascular illnesses (53.3% and 15.7%).

Asymptomatic Leishmania infantum infection in dogs and dog owners in an endemic area in southeast France.

The prevalence of asymptomatic leishmaniasis in dogs and their owners in the main endemic areas of France has not been studied to date. The objective of this study was to quantify asymptomatic Leishmania infantum infection in southeast France in healthy people and their dogs using molecular and serological screening techniques. We examined the presence of parasitic DNA using specific PCR targeting kinetoplast DNA (kDNA) and specific antibodies by serology (ELISA for dogs and Western blot for humans) among immunocompetent residents and their dogs in the Alpes-Maritimes. Results from 343 humans and 607 dogs were included. 46.9% (n=161/343) of humans and 18.3% (n=111/607) of dogs were PCR positive; 40.2% of humans (n=138/343) and 9.9% of dogs (n=60/607) were serology positive. Altogether, 66.2% of humans (n=227) and 25.7% of dogs (n=156) had positive serologies and/or positive PCR test results. Short-haired dogs were more frequently infected (71.8%, n=112) than long-haired dogs (12.2%, n=19) (p=0.043). Dogs seemed to be more susceptible to asymptomatic infection according to their breed types (higher infection rates in scenthounds, gun dogs and herding dogs) (p=0.04). The highest proportion of dogs and human asymptomatic infections was found in the Vence Region, corresponding to 28.2% (n=20/71) of dogs and 70.5% (n=31/44) of humans (4.5/100,000 people). In conclusion, the percentage of infections in asymptomatic humans is higher than in asymptomatic dogs in the studied endemic area. It is questionable whether asymptomatic infection in humans constitutes a risk factor for dogs.

Optimization of culture condition for Spodoptera frugiperda by design of experiment approach and evaluation of its effect on the expression of hemagglutinin protein of influenza virus.

The baculovirus expression vector system (BEVS) is a powerful tool in pharmaceutical biotechnology to infect insect cells and produce the recombinant proteins of interest. It has been well documented that optimizing the culture condition and its supplementation through designed experiments is critical for maximum protein production. In this study, besides physicochemical parameters including incubation temperature, cell count of infection, multiplicity of infection, and feeding percentage, potential supplementary factors such as cholesterol, polyamine, galactose, pluronic-F68, glucose, L-glutamine, and ZnSO4 were screened for Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf9) cell culture and expression of hemagglutinin (HA) protein of Influenza virus via Placket-Burman design and then optimized through Box-Behnken approach. The optimized conditions were then applied for scale-up culture and the expressed r-HA protein was characterized. Optimization of selected parameters via the Box-Behnken approach indicated that feed percentage, cell count, and multiplicity of infection are the main parameters affecting r-HA expression level and potency compared to the previously established culture condition. This study demonstrated the effectiveness of designing experiments to select and optimize important parameters that potentially affect Sf9 cell culture, r-HA expression, and its potency in the BEVS system.

Evaluation of pests affecting maize imported across Malawi borders

Cross-border trade is one of the major factors that puts maize at risk as it creates pathways for spread of different maize pests in Malawi. This study was carried out to identify pests associated with imported maize in order to improve phytosanitary measures and reduce the introduction of pests. Random sampling technique was used to collect imported maize at selected borders and commercial cities with the aim of identifying pests present during importation. There were no significant differences (p>0.05) in the population of insect pests before and after incubation in all the surveyed districts. Significant differences were observed after incubation for larger grain borer (LGB) and common maize weevil. The highest percentage infestation (32%) of living LGB was recorded in Karonga and the least in Mzuzu (p<0.05). On the other hand, for maize weevil, the highest percentage infestation (20%) was recorded in Nkhatabay while the least was observed in Lilongwe district (p<0.05). Common fungal pathogen species isolated included Fusarium (70%), Aspergillus (29%) and Penicillium (1%). The highest percentage of kernel infection with Fusarium sp. was recorded in Dedza and Lilongwe while for Aspergillus sp. were in Mzuzu. The Aspergillus sp. isolated were A. niger (29%), A. flavus (22%) and A. parasiticus (5%) while Fusarium sp. isolated was Fusarium verticilloides. The study provided the status and causes of storage losses by various pests on maize. It is recommended that the phytosanitary system present at various Malawi borders where maize is imported should be strengthened. This can be achieved through human and infrastructure capacity building, strict compliance with importation regulations and improved funding of organizations mandated to ensure phytosanitary compliance. Key words: Aspergillus sp., consignment, food security, grain storage, random sampling, sanitary and phytosanitary measures.

Arbuscula Mycorrhizal Fungi on The Rhizosphere Three in The Ex-Sand Mine at Cipancur-Kuningan West Java

Sand and stone mining activities in Kuningan Regency cause damage to soil and environmental ecosystems, so reclamation and revegetation are carried out. The purpose of this study is to determine the existence of indigenous / local Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (FMA) found in the rhizozofer stands of Sengon (Paraserianthes falcataria) and Acacia (Acacia mangium) which are revegetation plants on the land of former sand and stone mines Cipancur village, Kalimanggis district, Kuningan regency. Sampling using the composite sampling method, FMA isolation technique using the wet pour method is then continued with the centrifugation technique and root colonization observation technique using the root staining technique (staining). The temperature of the ex-mining soil ranges from 28C – 29C, the soil pH is 5.5 including acidic, the soil moisture varies between wet, medium (slightly wet) and dry (dry) but during the rainy season the soil will become wet and even flooded. The results showed that there were 5 genera, it are Acaulospora, Glomus, Gigaspora, Sclerocytis and Scutellospora. The dominant genus is Glomus. The highest spore density was found in Sengon stands with 1,157 spores per 50 grams of soil. The highest percentage of AMF infection was at the root of Sengon stands at 69% from the ex-sand mining area.

Comparison of Empirically Derived and Model-Based Estimates of Key Population HIV Incidence and the Distribution of New Infections by Population Group in Sub-Saharan Africa.

The distribution of new HIV infections among key populations, including female sex workers (FSWs), gay men and other men who have sex with men (MSM), and people who inject drugs (PWID) are essential information to guide an HIV response, but data are limited in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). We analyzed empirically derived and mathematical model-based estimates of HIV incidence among key populations and compared with the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) estimates. We estimated HIV incidence among FSW and MSM in SSA by combining meta-analyses of empirical key population HIV incidence relative to the total population incidence with key population size estimates (KPSE) and HIV prevalence. Dynamic HIV transmission model estimates of HIV incidence and percentage of new infections among key populations were extracted from 94 country applications of 9 mathematical models. We compared these with UNAIDS-reported distribution of new infections, implied key population HIV incidence and incidence-to-prevalence ratios. Across SSA, empirical FSW HIV incidence was 8.6-fold (95% confidence interval: 5.7 to 12.9) higher than total population female 15-39 year incidence, and MSM HIV incidence was 41.8-fold (95% confidence interval: 21.9 to 79.6) male 15-29 year incidence. Combined with KPSE, these implied 12% of new HIV infections in 2021 were among FSW and MSM (5% and 7% respectively). In sensitivity analysis varying KPSE proportions within 95% uncertainty range, the proportion of new infections among FSW and MSM was between 9% and 19%. Insufficient data were available to estimate PWID incidence rate ratios. Across 94 models, median proportion of new infections among FSW, MSM, and PWID was 6.4% (interquartile range 3.2%-11.7%), both much lower than the 25% reported by UNAIDS. Empirically derived and model-based estimates of HIV incidence confirm dramatically higher HIV risk among key populations in SSA. Estimated proportions of new infections among key populations in 2021 were sensitive to population size assumptions and were substantially lower than estimates reported by UNAIDS.

Molecular characterization and incidence of new tospovirus: Soybean Vein Necrosis Virus (SVNV) in Egypt.

Field survey study was conducted season (2017). Soybeans and weeds were weekly sampled randomly. Thrips adults were identified and counted. Detection of the virus isolate and the natural incidence was determined using; Mechanical transmission, host range, DAS-ELISA, RT-PCR. The natural incidence thrips individuals was detected depending on the SVNV% in thrips individuals and weeds hosts. Ten thrips species were associated with soybean plants in the field. The most abundant species was T. tabaci, average 256.5 average no.of individuals, followed by F. occidentalis (142.5 average no. of individuals), then N. variabilis (86.6/ average no. of individuals). Fourteen thrips species occurred on 5 legumes field crops and 41 weed plant species within soybean field. The highest average number 40.6.of individuals were recorded on Ammi majus. While the lowest one 3.3 average no. of individuals were on Urtica urens. Only 21diagnostic plant species were susceptible to infection with SVNV. G. max and Vigna radiate, were the highest percentage of infection 80% followed by V. unguilata & N. benthamiana, 75%. Egyptian isolate of Soybean vein necrosis virus (SVNV) in this study showed a high degree of similarity and it is closely related to TSWV from Egypt (DQ479968) and TCSV from USA (KY820965) with nucleotide sequence identity of 78%. Four thrips species transmitted SVNV (F. fusca 4.0%, F. schultzei 4.3%, F. tritici 3.3% and N. variabilis 68.0% transmission). Both C. phaseoli and M. sjostedti can acquire the virus but unable to transmit it. The following species; T. tabaci, F. occidentalis, S. dorsallis and T. palmi cannot acquire or transmit SVNV. The incidence of SVNV in the field started by the end of July then increased gradualy from 12.7 to 71.3% by the end of the season. In conclusion, few thrips individuals invaded soybean crops are enough to transmit high rate of SVNV within the crop. Furthermore, several vector species are also abundant on weeds, which are the major sources of soybean viruses transmitted to the crops. This information might be important for control and reduce the incidence of SVNV infection.

FVB/NJ strain as a mouse model for cutaneous leishmaniasis by Leishmania (L.) amazonensis.

Leishmaniases encompass a spectrum of neglected diseases caused by parasites of the genus Leishmania, grouped in two forms: tegumentary and visceral leishmaniasis. In this study, we propose Friend Virus B NIH Jackson (FVB/NJ) mouse strain as a new experimental model of infection with Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis, the second most prevalent agent of tegumentary leishmaniasis in Brazil. We performed in vitro infections of FVB/NJ macrophages and compared them with BALB/c macrophages, showing that BALB/c cells have higher infection percentages and a higher number of amastigotes/cell. Phagocytosis assays indicated that BALB/c and FVB/NJ macrophages have similar capacity to uptake parasites after 5 min incubations. We also investigated promastigotes' resistance to sera from FVB/NJ and BALB/c and observed no difference between the two sera, even though FVB/NJ has a deficiency in complement components. Finally, we subcutaneously infected FVB/NJ and BALB/c mice with 2 × 106 parasites expressing luciferase. Analysis of lesion development for 12 weeks showed that FVB/NJ and BALB/c mice have similar lesion profiles and parasite burdens. This work characterises for the first time the FVB/NJ mouse as a new model for tegumentary leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania (L.) amazonensis.

Formulation of Nano-fertilizer and Phytochemical Screening of orange peel were utilized to enhance the growth of Vigna radiata

Nanotechnology has developed into one of the most valued fields of sciences in the current century owing to the introduction of revolutionary changes in several disciplines of sciences. A key product of nanotechnology, i.e., nanoparticles (NPs) are abundantly used in modern research due to their novel applications. Orange peel contains vital nutrients that can be recycled into valuable material used for different purposes. In this study, we synthesized nano fertilizer from orange peel and tested its potential for promoting the growth of Vigna radiata and reducing the population of root rot pathogens. Nano-fertilizer extract was subjected to physical and chemical analyses for characterization. Transmission electron microscopy indicated spherical nanoparticles with sizes ranging between 18.22nm and 61.05nm. While the X-Ray diffraction analysis the peaks were observed at 2ɵ value of 19.830, 20.550, 21.240, 24.440, 27.330 and 29.770 which represented the similarity with urea slandered peak. The Synthesized nano-fertilizers contained phenols, steroids, triterpenes and xanthoproteins. In a screen house experiment, the nano fertilizer extract was administered to the seeds of Vigna radiata. The research demonstrated that increasing the dose of orange peel extract enhanced germination percentage by positively influencing plant growth characteristics. Meanwhile, a high concentration of orange peel amendment successfully reduced the colonization and infection percentage of root rotting pathogens when compared to the positive and negative controls.

RESISTANCE OF IRAQI WHEAT CULTIVARS TO COMMON BUNT DISEASE AND MOLECULAR DIAGNOSIS OF THE AVIALABLE BT GENES IN EACH CULTIVAR

This study was conducted to identify resistance sources in the Iraqi wheat cultivars using pathological and molecular approaches. Results revealed that forty-four reeleased wheat cultivars were divided into four groups according to their mean infection percentage to common bunt disease. Resistant group consists of wheat cultivars Farris 1, Ashur, Tamuz 3, AlMadian, AlBaraka, Latiffiya, and Rabia. The mean infection percentage of this group ranged from 0.28-3.98% and significantly was higher than that of all other groups during two growing seasons. Moderately resistant cultivars included cv’s Bura, Iratom, Charmo, Maaroof, and AlRasheed with mean infection range of 10.39- 21.10%. The majority of the tested cultivars (63%) explored high susceptibility to the disease (52.14-91.97%) while the mean infection of the susceptible group ranged from 31.51% in Buhoth 22 to 47.47% in Wafia. Molecular analysis using SSR markers GWM7433, XGWM114, and XGWM264 revealed that Charmo and Hsad- possess the resistance gene Bt9 at 296bp, while Buhoth 10 possesses the known resistance gene Bt12 at 175bp. All the tested cultivars not contain the known resistance genes Bt8, Bt10, and Bt11. The high resistance level of the resistant group could be attributed to the presence of additional known resistance Bt genes or other unidentified resistance genes.

Аналіз ураження коропових риб ендо- та ектопаразитами у рибогосподарських водоймах Одеської області

Purpose. Conducting an analysis of parasitic diseases of different age groups of carps grown in specialized fish farms of Odesa region under different forms of ownership for 2014–2023. Methodology. The paper presents the generalized results of studies carried out during planned test catches in specialized fish farms of various forms of ownership located in Odesa region. Parasitological studies were carried out according to the Bykhovska-Pavlovska method. The study included: visual inspection; excision of skin and muscle tissue; microscopy of scrapings from the surface of the body, fins and gills; microscopy of eye lenses; pathological autopsy, search for parasites in the body cavity; compression microscopy of internal organs and muscle tissue; intestinal dissection; gallbladder microscopy; dissection and microscopy of the swim bladder walls. At the same time, the parasitic species were identified, and the extensiveness and intensity of the invasion were calculated. Parasites were identified using identification keys. Findings. The study was conducted by employees of the ichthyopathology laboratory of the Institute of Fisheries of the National Academy of Sciences in laboratory conditions and at sampling sites in the period from 2014 to 2023. The objects of the study were different age groups of common carp (Cyprinus carpio), hybrids of silver and bighead carps (Hypophthalmichthys spp.), grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) and crucian carp. Parasitological analysis showed that carp were most often affected by monogeneans, the prevalence (P) was 50.6% of the studied fish, and infestation intensity (II) was an average of 10 parasites per fish. In addition, a large percentage of infection was caused by ciliates with P of 24% P, II was 9 parasites per fish. Grass carp, in turn, were most affected by ciliates — P 56.3% with an average II — 16 parasites per fish and monogeneans — P 36.4% with an average II — 12 parasites per fish and trematodes — P 25.4% with II 8 parasites per fish. Grass carp was the most affected by crustaceans, the P was 46.6%, and the II was 3 parasites per fish, trematode P 16.6% with an average II of 10 parasites per fish. In Prussian carp, infestation by monogeneans was most often detected, which reached 75% with II — 5 parasites per fish. In the period of 2019-2023, carp was most often affected by monogeneans, where P was 29.3%, and II was 3 parasites per fish, also a high percentage of infection was due to ciliates 24%, II was 6 parasites per fish. Chinese carps, in turn, was most affected by trematodes — P 59.1% at II — 60 parasites per fish. Grass carp was the most affected by diplostoma, where P was 45.5% with an average II of 45 parasites per fish. Crucian carp was most affected by lernea. Based on the analysis of data on parasitic diseases of freshwater fish, it can be concluded that both in the period 2014‒2018 and 2019‒2023, fish were most often affected by monogeneans and infusoria, but in the period 2019‒2023, the infestation of silver and grass carps by diplostomes and postodiplostomes increased significantly. Originality. An analysis of parasitic diseases of carp grown in specialized farms of various forms of ownership, located in the Odesa region for the period of over the past ten years has been presented. The results of these studies can be used for parasitological monitoring of water bodies as well as control of the spread of ecto- and endoparasites. Practical value. The obtained results can be used for a timely understanding of trends in the spread of parasitic diseases and allows using the obtained material for parasitological monitoring of fish farms. Keywords: fish, carps, parasites, prevalence, infestation intensity.

Investigation of In Vitro Effectiveness of Polymeric Nanoparticles Containing Clinoptilolit on Cryptosporidium Parvum

Cryptosporidium species, which do not have a definite prevention and treatment protocol, are pathogenic protozoans that cause diarrhoea in humans and many animal species. This study aimed to demonstrate the in vitro efficacy of clinoptilolite polymer nanoparticle, which has known antidiarrheal effects. DNA isolation was made for species identification of Cryptosporidium oocysts obtained from faeces samples from naturally infected calves and lambs. RFPL analysis was performed in typing. For this purpose, nested PCR and SrpI, VspI and MboII enzymes were used. The coverslip surface was covered with 80% CaCo-2 cells and infected with 1x109 C. parvum. Nanoparticles containing 250, 500, 750 and 1000 μg/mL clinoptilolite were applied to infected cells. Percent of infection rate was calculated by counting under a fluorescent microscope following incubation. While the infection rate was 23.46% in the water-treated control cell group, the percentage infection rates in the clinoptilolite-containing nanoparticle treated group were respectively 15.60%, 8.13%, 10.33% and 13.46%. Inhibition percentages were determined as 33.54%, 65.56%, 55.99% and 42.66%, respectively. As a result, it was observed that the nanoparticle containing clinoptilolite had anticriptocidal activity in infection with C. parvum in Caco-2 cells. In addition, it was observed that the efficacy was dose-dependent, and the IC50 value was the most appropriate value at 750 and 1000 μg/mL doses.

Detection of Cryptosporidium parvum by modified acid-fast stain among cancer patients in Thi-Qar province

Cryptosporidium parvum is a widespread opportunistic parasite belonging to the family Apicomplexa that completes its life cycle in a single host and is found frequently in immunocompromised persons, especially in patients with cancer. This research's objectives were to determine the prevalence of Cryptosporidium parvum infection among cancer patients in the Thi-Qar Province of Iraq, using modified Ziehl-Neelsen (MZN) stain. This study included 300 stool samples, 200 of which were for patients with cancer and 100 were for healthy people (the control group). Based on the modified acid-fast stain, the results showed the rate of infection with Cryptosporidium parvum among cancer patients was 54.0% (108/200) compared to 30.0% (30/100) in the control group, and there were statistically significant differences between them .And the percentage of infection among cancer patients in males was higher than in females, but there were no significant differences between them, as the percentage was 57.14% and 52.03%, respectively. As for the age groups Cryptosporidium parvum it affects all age groups in different proportions. The study showed that the highest infection rate among the age groups reached ?60 years at a rate of 64.44%, and the lowest infection rate among the age group ?20 years at a rate of 35.71%. As for the number doses of chemotherapy the results showed that the infection rate was higher in patients who received half and more than half of the doses of chemotherapy, where the percentage of those who received 16-20 doses (64.0%)

Assessment of Epizootic Ulcerative Syndrome (EUS) in Estuarine Fishes Collected from Arasalar Estuary, Puducherry State, India

Fishes form an important source of cheap protein for people of many countries. The majority of the global production comes from freshwater aquaculture (58%) followed by marine (36%) and brackish water (6%). With an average increase in aquaculture production of 11% during the last decade, aquaculture has become the fastest growing sector of the world food economy However, fish diseases is now posing a great threat to achieve maximum production and has become a limiting factor to the success of aquaculture. Among the various diseases, Epizootic Ulcerative Syndrome (EUS) is a disease affecting a wide range of wild and farmed freshwater and estuarine fish which has spread across south-east Asia and India. From the fish survey, Food Fishes were collected from the Arasalar estuary, Puducherry State, India. The fish caught were identified and average 200 species of each fish were examined for EUS (Epizootic ulcerative syndrome) infection for the four seasons of the year (Pre-summer, Summer, Post-summer and Rainy season). The results of the number of fishes with EUS that could be identified in the different seasons are reported. Of the 75 fishes, that were examined, 12 were affected with EUS. This shows that 16% of the fishes were subjected to infection.
 Among Lizaparsia, 11 species were infected representing 14.6% of infection and among Mystus, seven fishes were infected forming 9.3% of infection. With regard to Oreochromis mossambicus, only four species were infected forming 5.3% of infection. With regard to Glossogobius giuris, nine species were infected thus 12% of infection. Nevertheless, during this period, the range of infection ranged from nil to 16%.
 During the pre-summer season, the percentage of infection again ranged from nil but to 12%. The maximum infection was noticed in Liza parsia (9 fishes) representing 12% infection, Puntius filamentosus (8 fishes) recording 10.6% followed by Glossogobius and Mystus (8%) and Oreochromis mossambicus (1.33%) infection respectively. During the summer and the post-summer season, none of the fishes that were investigated recorded any signs of EUS. Thus, an overall comparison reveals that the highest percentage of EUS was recorded in the rainy season followed by the pre-summer season and least in summer and post-summer season.

Epidemiological and clinical features of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant infection in Quanzhou, Fujian province: a retrospective study

Epidemiological and clinical data of patients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Omicron variant (BA.2) admitted to three designated hospitals in Quanzhou City, Fujian Province, China, were collected and analyzed. Overall, 2,541 patients infected with BA.2, comprising 1,060 asymptomatic, 1,287 mild, and 194 moderate infections, were enrolled. The percentage of moderate infections was higher in patients aged ≥ 60 years than in those aged < 18 years and 18–59 years. The median hospitalization duration was 17 days. Among the 2,541 patients, 43.52% had a clear history of close contact. The vaccination rate was 87.92%, and the percentage of asymptomatic infections was higher in vaccinated than in unvaccinated patients. Moreover, patients with underlying diseases, including hypertension and diabetes mellitus, had more moderate infections than those without underlying diseases. The three most common clinical manifestations were fever, dry cough, and sore throat. The albumin-to-globulin (A/G) ratio and lymphocyte count decreased in cases with mild and moderate infections, while procalcitonin, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, interleukin-6, D-dimer, and C4 levels increased. Advanced age, non-vaccination, and underlying comorbid diseases were high-risk factors for disease progression in patients. However, dynamic monitoring of blood routine parameters, A/G ratio, and inflammatory indicators facilitated the prediction of disease progression.