Modified Acid Fast Staining Research Articles

Prevalence of opportunistic intestinal coccidian parasites and associated factors in HIV/AIDS patients attending anti-retroviral therapy (ART) clinic at Debre Tabor Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study.

A growing number of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients suffer from opportunistic intestinal coccidian infections. Instead of human immuno deficiency virus (HIV) infection itself, opportunistic infections like intestinal coccidian parasites cause death of over 80% AIDS patients. Factors like exposed drinking water sources and poverty aid the prevalence of opportunistic intestinal coccidian parasitic infections in HIV/AIDS patients. The goal of this study was to determine the prevalence of intestinal coccidian parasites and associated factors in HIV/AIDS patients. A health facility based cross sectional study was conducted from 140 HIV/AIDS patients attending ART clinic in Debre Tabor Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia from September to December 2023. The sociodemographic characteristics were collected through face-to-face interviews. Stool samples were processed with Modified Acid Fast staining technique. Statistical Package for Social Sciences software version 20 was used to analyze the data. Logistic regression was used to assess factors associated with dependent variable and p < 0.05 was considered significantly associated. The total prevalence of opportunistic intestinal coccidian parasites (OICPs) in HIV/AIDS patients was 16.4% (23/140). Drinking surface water [p = 0.015, COR = 3.4] compared to tape water, drinking alcohol [p = 0.001, COR = 18] compared to not drinking alcohol, diarrhea [p = 0.005, COR = 1] compared to non-diarrheic, drug dropout [p = 0.01, COR = 11] compared to regular drug intake and low CD4 count [p = 0.042, COR = 9] compared to CD4 > 500/µL showed significant association with increased prevalence of OICPs in HIV/AIDS patients. OICPs are still the common causes of morbidity and mortality in HIV/AIDS patients. Surface water consumption, alcoholism, interruption of treatment drugs, diarrhea, and reduced CD4+ T-cells significantly contribute to acquisition and prevalence of OICPs in HIV/AIDS patients. Routine screening of OICPs with sensitive diagnostic techniques in HIV/AIDS patients regardless of symptoms is crucial and has to be practiced in health settings.

Microscopic and Molecular Identification of Cyclospora cayetanensis and Cystoisospora belli in HIV-Infected People in Tabriz, Northwest of Iran.

Opportunistic pathogens such as Cryptosporidium, Cystoisospora belli, and Cyclospora cayetanensis cause various gastrointestinal and non-digestive disorders in people with HIV/AIDS. These symptoms are especially severe in HIV-infected people who have a CD4+ count of less than 200 cells/mL. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of C. belli and C. cayetanensis infections among people living with HIV in Tabriz, northwest of Iran. This descriptive study was performed on 137 people with HIV who had been referred to behavioral disease counseling centers in Tabriz. Then, after receiving written consent, fecal samples were collected and evaluated for the detection of parasitic infections using direct methods and modified acid fast staining, as well as polymerase chain reaction (PCR).From the 137 fecal samples collected (98 males and 39 females, between 20 and 40 years old), 1.5% were positive for C. cayetanensis and 2.9% were positive for C. belli. Due to the prevalence of C. cayetanensis and C. belli in people with HIV in Tabriz, essential measures, including personal hygiene training for infection control and prevention, seem necessary.

Prevalence of Parasites in Soil by two Floatation Techniques and Modified Acid-Fast stain in Baghdad city

The objective of the present study is to determine the prevalence ofparasitic forms such as (eggs, Oocysts,....etc) in soil texture (loam) duringthe period from September 2013 to March 2014 by using two floatationtechniques (Saturated salt floatation and Sheather’s floatation techniques),in addition to the Modified acid fast stain technique to detect Oocyst. 100soil samples were collected from different locations and random areas in(50 soil samples from Al-Karch &amp; 50 soil samples from Al-Rusafa) forisolation the parasites by two floatation techniques, and modified acid faststain method in Baghdad city. Our result showed that, Toxocara spp. eggsisolated by two floatation techniques in (48.00%&amp;42.00%) from Al-Karch&amp; Al-Rusafa places respectively, in addition to the Chi-Square appearedhighly significant for this isolation (9.25)(

Effect of oxidase sliver nanoparticles in cryptosporidium SSP. Oocysts in vitro

The aim of this research is to assessment the effect of oxidase silver nanoparticles outside the body of the organism by exposure the samples diagnosed using the modified acid fast stain and microscopic and isolated examination using the floatation into three concentrations per nano-material is(01, 0.03 and 0.05). And then examined the samples at half an hour after exposure using trypan blue stain half an hour later and calculate living and dead oocytes using the (hemocytometer) and the percentage of oocystes at The concentration of (0.01) nano-silver is (46.57%) and the concentration (0.03) nano silver was the percentage of dead oocystes (43.93%), the lowest while the dead parasite oocsyts were (48.38%).

Prevalence of Taenia solium taenaisis in Kanchipuram district of Tamil Nadu (India): A cross-sectional study

Background: Taenia solium infections in humans include the infection by the adult tapeworm, these infections are of public health concern and are among the most important afflictions of humans who live in areas of poverty in the developing world and least developed countries. T. solium, a zoonotic disease, transmitted between pigs and humans and among humans, is common in developing countries. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to estimate the detection rate of T. solium taeniasis among patients and random community screening with an indication of intestinal parasitic infection by routine stool examination. Materials and Methods: Collection of stool samples from community and patients. Those who were willing, samples were screened for the cysts/ova/egg by direct microscopic examination by saline, iodine, concentration technique, and modified acid fast staining, were performed to differentiate species of T. solium and Taenia saginata. Results: Overall samples were 2030, out of which 870 stool samples were from community field screening 585 (28.81%) were positive. 1160 from tertiary care center, 668 (32.90%) were positive gave a total prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection of 61.72%. The prevalence of T. solium taeniasis was 194 (9.55%) out of which 92 (4.53%) were from community and 102 (5.02%) were from tertiary care center. Conclusion: The high prevalence of intestinal parasitic infestation might be due to the poor sanitary, contaminated water, and lack of education that is prevalent in the studied region as in other pockets in rural India. Our study showed the usefulness of the Ziehl-Neelsen modified acid-fast stain for identification of Taenia species.

Detection of Coccidian Parasites using Auramine Rhodamine Stain: A Rapid and Sensitive Tool

Introduction: Intestinal coccidian parasites known to cause opportunistic infections have increased since the past years and are often indistinguishable from other forms of community- acquired diarrhoea, which suggests a need for proper and rapid diagnostic techniques to recover and identify the organism. Aim: To investigate if Auramine Rhodamine (AR) staining is a sensitive and time conserving staining technique in contrast to modified acid fast stain. Materials and Methods: A descriptive observational study was conducted at Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad, India, over a period of three months (i.e., from July to September 2019). A total of 100 stool samples received by the Department of Microbiology were subjected to macroscopic and microscopic examination by saline mount, iodine mount, kinyoun acid fast stain, modified AR staining. Results: In the present study the prevalence of coccidian infections were observed to be 6%. Coccidian parasites reported were Cryptosporidium species and Cystoisospora species immunocompromised patients were found to be more prone to infections with coccidian parasites. The AR stain showed 100% agreement with modified acid fast stain. Conclusion: This study concluded that the AR stain is a rapid and better stain than kinyoun acid-fast stain for the detection of coccidian parasites.

Severe Cystoisospora belli Diarrhoea in Post Renal Transplant Patient

Cystoisospora belli (C. belli) is an opportunistic protozoal parasite. It is prevalent in tropical and subtropical areas of the world. It is frequently encountered in immunocompromised patients with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and other immunodeficiency illnesses. Infection usually occurs due to faecal contamination of food and water. Chronic severe watery diarrhoea occurs in C. belli infected patients. C. belli is diagnosed by demonstration of characteristic oocyst in the stool sample. The common methods used for stool examination are wet saline mount, iodine mount, and modified acid fast staining. Although C. belli is distributed worldwide and more prevalent in developing countries but not much reported from India. Most of the cases reported from India are in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-positive patients and not many cases reported in renal transplant cases. Here, a case of 27-year old male post renal transplant patient having severe diarrhoea has been presented. Patient complaining of watery diarrhoea off and on for last one month for which he had taken some medicine from his local level but not got relieved. The patient was negative for HIV and was on immunosuppressive drugs. Stool sample of the patient examined by direct wet mount, iodine mount and acid fast staining. On microscopy characteristic oocysts of C. belli were detected. The patient was given combination treatment to which he responded well.

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites Co-infection and Associated Factors Among Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients in Adama Town, East Shoa, Oromia, Ethiopia

Tuberculosis and parasitic infections are co-endemic in many parts of the world. The treatments of many patients with tuberculosis are under the influence of Intestinal parasite infection that worsens the progression of this disease. Hence, adequate information on co-infection rate is needed to undertake the integrated prevention and control program. Therefore this study aimed to assess the prevalence of intestinal parasite co-infection and associated factors among pulmonary tuberculosis patients in Adama Town, East shoa, Oromia, Ethiopia. A facility based cross sectional study was conducted from November 2018 up to January 2019 using multi stage random sampling technique. Data on socio-demographic characteristics and potential risk factors for intestinal parasite co-infection was collected by standardized semi structured interviewer administered questionnaire. One gram stool samples for direct saline microscopy, formol-ether concentration technique and modified acid fast staining was collected and processed in accordance to the standard parasitological techniques and procedures at Adama Science and Technology University Higher Health Center Laboratory. Data entry was done by EPI info version 7, and analyzed using SPSS version 22.0. Pearson chi-square and multiple logistic regression models were used to identify associated factors. Overall co-infection rate of intestinal parasites was 75 (21.4%) (95% CI: 17.1-25.4). Protozoans’ account 40 (11.4%) and Helminthes were 35 (10.0%). The predominate isolates were Entamoeba histolytica 30 (40%) and Ascaris lumbricoides12 (16.0%) from protozoans and helminthes, respectively. Eating raw vegetables/ fruits without washing or peeling [AOR]: 5.311 (2.089-13.506), habit of not using soup [AOR]: 11.238 (3.134-40.296) and Body mass index<18.5 kg/m² [AOR]: 15.337 (5.860-40.142) were significant determinants of intestinal parasite among pulmonary tuberculosis patient. In general overall co-infection rate of intestinal parasites in this study was high (21.4%). Therefore, integrating screening and mass deworming of parasite into existing tuberculosis program should be considered.

Intestinal Parasitosis and its Association with CD4+ T Cell Count and Viral Load among People Living with HIV in Parasite Endemic Settings of Northwest Ethiopia.

PurposeTo study intestinal parasitosis and its association with viral load and CD4+ T cell count in HIV-infected individuals at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted from March to June 2019. Three hundred and sixteen study participants were selected using systematic random sampling technique. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected using structured questionnaire. Stool samples were collected and examined using direct saline, formol ether concentration technique and modified acid fast staining. CD4+ T cell counts and viral load were determined by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (BD FACS) and COBAS Ampliprep/COBAS TaqMan HI2CAP assay, respectively. Data were entered into Epi Data 3.1 and transferred to SPSS version 20 software for analysis. Bivariable and multivariable analyses were performed using a binary logistic regression model. P values of less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant.ResultsThe overall prevalence of intestinal parasitosis was 24.7% (78/316). The most commonly detected parasite was Cryptosporidium species with 5.4% (17/316), followed by Ascaris lumbricoides with 5.1% (16/316). There was a significant association with low CD4+ T cell count (AOR: 3.207; 95% CI: 1.237, 8.317), high viral load (AOR: 2.933; 95% CI: 1.326, 6.489), individuals aged 31–40 years (AOR: 0.305; 95% CI: 0.124, 0.751) and individuals aged 41–50 years (AOR: 0.261; 95% CI: 0.101, 0.671).ConclusionIn this study, prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections was high and was associated with low CD4+ T cell count and high viral load. Therefore, screening of HIV patients, especially those with low CD4+ T-cell count and high viral load, particularly for opportunistic intestinal parasitic infections would be of utmost importance in the efforts to prevent and control opportunistic infections in HIV patients.

COMPARISON OF DIFFERRENT LABORATORY METHODS FOR DIAGNOSIS OF CRYPTOSPORIDIUM

The present study was carried on to compare several methods for identification of Cryptosporidium oocysts sp. which conclude modified acid fast stain, Sheather's flotation solutions, Ritchi formal-ether sedimentation solutions, noval stain and iodine technique. The modified acid-fast stain and its combination with formal – ether technique gave the best demonstration 100%. The most reliable technique for identification of oocysts was formal-ether concentration combination with modified acid fast stain (100%), followed by using modified acid fast stain only (97%), sucrose flotation technique (90%) novel staining technique (85%), formal ether concentration (84%), and iodine technique (69%) respectively.

Evaluation of nested PCR for diagnosis of Cyclospora cayetanensis in a sample of immunosuppressed and diarrheic patients in Turkey

Background: Cyclospora cayetanensis is a food-borne coccidian parasite that causes cyclosporiasis inhumans and possibly in other animals. It presents with watery diarrhea and other related symptoms.Since detection of oocysts may be difficult with histological stains, a negative result should not exclude thepossibility of C. cayetanensis. PCR methods can achieve more sensitive detection of the parasite.Objective: The presence of C. cayetanensis was investigated in an immunosuppressed patient group,diarrhea patient group, and in both immunosuppressed and diarrhea patient group using the modifiedacid-fast staining and nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR) methods.Subjects and Methods: Included in the study were 80 patients with immune suppression, 50 patientswith diarrhea, and 70 patients with both immune suppression and diarrhea. The clinical findings of thesepatients were recorded, stool samples were collected and examined using both the modified acid-fast (AF)staining and nPCR methods.Results: The overall detection rate of C. cayetanensis was 8% and 12% using the modified AF and nPCR,respectively. C. cayetanensis was detected in 5% of immunosuppressed patients, 12%, in patients withdiarrhea and 20% in patients with both immune suppression and diarrhea. Statistically significantrelationships were identified between the frequency of C. cayetanensis and abdominal pain (P<0.01),nausea (P<0.01), fatigue (P<0.01), diarrhea (P<0.05), and weight loss (P<0.01).Conclusion: nPCR gave a higher rate of cyclosporiasis, and it is more appropriate especially in cases withrecurrent prolonged symptoms.

Metastatic cholangiocarcinoma mimicking tuberculosis in a cow.

Here we describe a metastatic hepatic cholangiocarcinoma (cholangiocellular carcinoma) in a 14-y-old Beefmaster cow that was euthanized because of depression and progressive weight loss. Gross changes included coalescing, white-to-yellow, firm-to-hard nodules with central areas of necrosis and mineralization that effaced much of the hepatic parenchyma, omentum, mesentery, ruminal serosa, and diaphragm. A fresh sample of a hepatic nodule was submitted for a modified acid-fast (MAF) stain during autopsy to rule out tuberculosis. The MAF stain was inconclusive, and the sample was subsequently submitted for a PCR assay for Mycobacterium spp. Histologically, all nodules consisted of a neoplastic proliferation of epithelial cells surrounded by extensive areas of desmoplasia, consistent with a metastatic cholangiocarcinoma. PCR for Mycobacterium spp. was negative. Although the histologic diagnosis in our case was metastatic hepatic cholangiocarcinoma, gross changes were strikingly similar to those described in cases of tuberculosis, highlighting the need to remain vigilant in the identification of zoonotic and suspected foreign animal diseases during autopsy to protect human health.

Prevalence of Opportunistic Intestinal Parasitic Infections Among HIV/AIDS Patients Before and After Commencement of Antiretroviral Treatment at Felege Hiwot Referral Hospital: A Follow-up Study.

BackgroundCoccidian parasites are opportunistic intestinal parasites that cause diarrhea in immunocompromised individuals. Although the impacts of coccidian infection are significant among HIV/AIDS infected cases, proper diagnosis and management of coccidian infection is limited in sub-Saharan Africa including Ethiopia.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of coccidian parasitic infections among HIV/AIDS cases before and after commencement of antiretroviral treatment.MethodsAn institution-based longitudinal study was conducted among 304 randomly selected HIV/AIDS cases from February to July 2018 before and after commencement of antiretroviral therapy. A structured questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic and associated factors data. Stool and blood samples were collected before and three months after treatment. Coccidian detection and CD4+ count were conducted via modified acid fast stain technique and fluorescence-activated cell scanning, respectively. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 20. Descriptive statistics were used to compute coccidian prevalence. Logistic regression was used to compute possible association between associated factors and coccidian parasitic infection. Variables with P<0.05 were considered to be statistically significant.ResultsAmong 304 HIV/AIDS cases, prevalence of coccidian parasitic infection before and after antiretroviral treatment was 23.4% and 8.9%, respectively. Prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. (19.7%) and Isospora belli (4.3%) before antiretroviral treatment were higher than Cryptosporidium spp. (7.9%) and Isospora belli (1.0%) after treatment. Drinking unprotected water (AOR: 7.41; 95%CI: 1.64–33.45), poor knowledge of HIV/AIDS and coccidian parasite (AOR: 4.19; 95%CI: 1.69–10.40), and CD4+ count below 200 cells/mm3 (AOR: 62.49; 95%CI: 25.32–154.21) were significantly associated with coccidian infection.ConclusionPrevalence of coccidian parasites among HIV/AIDS cases decreases after antiretroviral treatment. Drinking unsafe water, limited knowledge of HIV/AIDS and coccidian parasite and low CD4+ cell count are factors associated with coccidian infection. Therefore, proper detection and treatment of coccidian parasites among HIV/AIDS cases should be prioritized.

Prevalence and risk factors of Cryptosporidium spp. on dairy farms in Bogor

Cryptosporidial infection is one of the most common causes of diarrhea in humans and livestock worldwide. This study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection and to identify potential risk factors associated with shedding of oocysts in Bogor. A total of 308 faecal samples were collected from 136 calves less than 6 months, 44 from those 6-12 months and 128 from those than 12 months. Data of factors potentially associated with the likelihood of Cryptosporidium spp. infection were recorded (i.e., enviromental status, size of herd, and herd management). Cryptosporidium spp. oocyst was identified by using modified acid fast (Ziehl Neelsen) staining technique and microscopically examined under 400x magnifition. Results showed that the prevalence of cryptosporidiosis in Bogor was 21.1% (CI 95%; 16.5%-25.6%). The highest prevalence was 29% (CI 95%; 26.8%-31.7%) in cattle aged less than 6 months. The oocysts abundance were around &lt;5 oocysts per microscopy visual area. Data was analyzed using logistic regression models. Statistical analysis showed that there were association between cryptosporidiosis and calves aged less than 6 months with an odds ratio (OR) of 2.7 (CI 95%; 1.5-5.2) times compared with cattle aged more than 12 months.

Prevalence of intestinal parasites in pregnant women

Parasitic infections affect tens of millions of pregnant women worldwide, and directly or indirectly lead to a spectrum of adverse maternal and fetal/placental effects. To determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites in pregnant women and its association with various factors. Stool specimens were collected from pregnant women in a clean, wide mouth, leak-proof screw capped container. Formol ether Concentration technique was performed to increase the yield of the eggs and larvae. Modified Acid Fast staining was done for opportunistic parasitic infections. Out of the 300 pregnant women screened for presence of intestinal parasites, the prevalence of intestinal parasites was 42.67%. Protozoa (88.65%) were predominant than the helminths (11.34%). The prevalence of intestinal parasites was more in the second and the third trimester as compared to the first trimester. Primigravida women had greater positivity of intestinal parasites than the multigravida. Out of 220 anemic females, 115 (52.27%) had presence of intestinal parasites showing an association between anemia and intestinal parasites. Intestinal parasitosis showed a significant correlation with eosinophilia. Two independently collected stool specimens for routine stool examination should be sufficient to ensure adequate diagnostic sensitivity. Routine screening of stool samples for intestinal parasites, especially in anemic, malnourished and women with eosinophilia should be considered as a part of the routine antenatal care. Considering the fact that sanitation and hygiene is suboptimal in most parts of the country, there should be a strong emphasis on the recommendations in the national guidelines regarding deworming in pregnancy.

The Distribution of Intestinal Parasites in Patients Presenting to a University Hospital in Istanbul: A Seven-year Retrospective Analysis

The purpose of this study was to determine the intestinal parasite distributions in patients who applied to the Parasitology Laboratory of Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Cerrahpaşa Medical Faculty, by evaluating the parasites retrospectively. Normal saline and stool lugol were applied for direct examination of stool samples that were sent for parasite examination; cellophane band samples were evaluated microscopically. The samples suspected to have protozoa were evaluated using modified acid fast and trichrome staining methods. We evaluated the parasitological examination results of patients who applied to our laboratory between January 2012 and December 2018. A total of 2.96% of the 20,948 patients who applied had parasites in their faeces. Blastocystis spp. was detected at the highest rate (63.23%), followed by Giardia intestinalis (17.26%), Enterobius vermicularis (12.58%), Taenia saginata (2.42%), Cryptosporidium spp. (1.94%) and Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (1.45%). Although the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections has decreased when compared to previous years, it still remains important. For this reason, solving infrastructure problems, providing information on personal hygiene and sanitation rules are among the most important tasks needed to reduce the prevalence of intestinal parasites.

SAT-350 DIARRHOEA IN RENAL TRANSPLANT RECEPIENTS:- EXPERIENCE FROM A CENTRE IN SOUTH INDIA

Diarrhoea is a frequent complication of kidney transplantation with an incidence around 11% to 23%. Causes of diarrhoea can be varied, from infectious to non-infectious etiologies. Since each diarrhoeal episode is an insult to renal allograft, prompt identification of etiology and early initiation of therapy is of paramount importance. This study aimed at assessment of etiologies and risk factors of diarrhoea in renal transplant recipients and the impact of diarrhoea on graft function We did a retrospective analysis of 912 renal allograft recipient records who underwent renal transplantation between January 2006 & June 2019. Patients with severe diarrhoea requiring hospitalization were included in this study. All patients with diarrhoea had undergone investigations like stool microscopy including modified acid fast stain and stool culture. Tests for Cytomegalovirus ( CMV) infection and colonoscopy were performed when indicated Study included 912 renal transplant recepients. There were a total of 618 diarrhoeal episodes in 149 (16.3%) patients. Among 149 patients with post transplant diarrhoea,119 (79%) were males. Fifty eight (39%) patients were deceased donor renal transplant (DDRT)recepients and 91 (61%) were live renal transplant recipients. Significant risk factors were DDRT {58(39%} (p-0.00024), use of induction immunosuppression {44 (29.5%} (p-0.0002) & anti rejection therapy {60(40.3%)}(p-0.0034). Use of Mycophenolate Mofetil({124 (83%} & diabetes mellitus {37 (24.8%)} were not significant risk factors. Diarrhoea within one year of transplantation occurred in 64 (42.9%) patients and 85 (57.1%) had diarrhoea after one year. All patients had received steroid. Eighty three (55.7%) patients were on Tacrolimus-MMF,29 (19.5%) on Cyclosporine (CSA)-MMF, 15 (11%) on CSA-Azathioprine,12 (8%) on MMF alone and 6 (4%) on Azathioprine alone regimen. Infectious cause was identified in 85 (57%) patients, the causes being CMV in 42 (28.2%) patients, protozoal in 36 (24.2%) patients and bacterial in 7 (4.7%) patients. Faecal culture grew E.Coli 3 (2%), Klebsiela 2 (1.3%), Citrobacter 1 (1%) and Shigella 1 (1%). Entamoeba histolytica 16 (10.7%), Giardiasis 8 (5.4%), Strongyloides 5 (3.4%), Cryptosporidium 4 (2.7%), Anchylostoma 2 (1.3%),Microsporidia 1 (0.7%)& Cyclospora 1 (0.7%) were diagnosed by stool microscopy examination. Colonoscopy was done in 19 (12.8%) patients in whom 3 patients had CMV colitis. Hypotension occurred in 46 (31%) patients, leukopenia in 45 (30.2%) and hypokalaemia in 20 (13%) patients. Temporary graft dysfunction during diarrhoeal episode occurred in 67 (45%) patients & 7 (4.7%) required dialysis therapy. After diarrhoeal episode,16 (10.7%) patients developed persistent graft dysfunction & 3 (2%) patients expired. Even after extensive workup, in 64 (42%) patients the cause of diarrhoea could not be identified. 1)Diarrhoea occurred in 16.9% of renal transplant recipients∖t

CYCLOSPORA INFECTION IN RENAL TRANSPLANT RECIPIENT

Cyclospora cayetanensis (C. cayetanensis) can cause serious diarrheal illness in immunocompromised patients. The present work aimed to detect C. cayetanensis infection among patients with renal transplantation attending the nephrology unit of Kasr Al-Aini, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University. A total of 50 stool samples were collected and subjected to direct microscopy to screen for parasitic stages. A modified acid fast staining technique (Kinyoun’s method) was used to detect C. cayetanensis oocysts. Cyclospora oocysts were revealed in 5 (10%) of the stool samples examined. Other parasites detected among the patients included Cryptosporidium parvum 5 (10%) and Blastocystis 15 (30%). 30% of the patients were suffering from diarrhea and or colic. All C. cayetanensis positive cases were presenting with diarrhea.

Isolation and identification of Brucella melitensis using bacteriological and molecular tools from aborted goats in the Afar region of north-eastern Ethiopia

BackgroundInfection with Brucella melitensis (B. melitensis) is one of the most important causes of abortion in goats and sheep, and also causes severe systemic disease in exposed humans. In Ethiopia, based on seroepidemiological studies, brucellosis is known to be endemic. However, there is little information on the isolation and molecular detection of Brucella species in small ruminants. Therefore, the present study was conducted in the Amibara district of Afar Region of Ethiopia to isolate and molecularly detect Brucella infection in small ruminants.ResultsOut of the total 64 samples cultured, eight samples (five vaginal swabs and three milk) were positive for Brucella species based on colony morphology, growth characteristics, modified acid fast staining and biochemical tests results. Further identification using Brucella- ladder PCR method showed that four of the isolates (three from vaginal swabs and one from milk) from goats amplified fragments of 1071 bp, 794 bp, 587 bp, 450 bp and 152 bp in band size. The molecular result combined with the microbiological and biochemical characteristics of the isolates indicated that the isolates were strains of B. melitensis.ConclusionThe finding of this study could suggest economic and zoonotic significance of B. melitensis and warrants for the need for control strategies in livestock and creation of awareness in the pastoral communities on the safe consumption of foods of animal origin and avoidance of physical contact with aborted materials.

Nocardia brasiliensis gluteal abscess in an immunocompetent young male: A case report and literature review of Nocardiosis

Nocardiae are aerobic gram positive filamentous bacteria that are acid fast when stained by modified acid fast staining. They are called “Aerobic actinomycetes” because of their resemblance to actinomycetes in gram stain. They usually cause infections in immunocompromised individuals but can affect the immunocompetent as well. We have described here the report of an immunocompetent young male who presented with nocardial gluteal abscess. Nocardia must be considered in the differential diagnosis of any systemic illness and must be ruled out prior to making any other diagnosis. Correct suspicion of nocardiosis by the treating physician and the clinical microbiologist and early treatment of nocardiosis can be life saving to a great extent. Gram staining and modified acid fast staining performed together can definitely help in arriving at the exact diagnosis at the earliest. Keywords: Nocardiosis, Nocardia, Nocardial abscess, Nocardia in immunocompetent, Nocardia brasiliensis infection.