Wet Mount Preparation Research Articles

Parasitic intestinal infection in students of disabilities centers in Sanaa governorate, Yemen

Background: Intestinal parasite infections remain prevalent in low-income countries, especially among children, due to poor drinking water quality and insufficient personal and environmental cleanliness. This study sought to diagnose, prevent, and manage intestinal parasites in individuals with special needs in Sanaa Governorate. Method: We collected stool samples from 232 students, aged 1 to 18, of which 143 were male and 89 were female. We collected data using a validated standard questionnaire. We processed and analyzed fecal samples using a wet mount preparation, adhering to the standing concentration technique. Results: We found an overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection of 83.6%. E. histolytica (76.7%), G. lamblia (8.6%), A. lumbricoides (0.4%), H. nana (6.5%), S. mansoni (0.4%), Ent. vermicularis (6.5%), and S. stercoralis (2.2%). Conclusions: In children, E. histolytica was the most common intestinal parasite infection. There are few methods of transmission and protection for students with special needs.

Role of Oral Yeast in Replenishing Gastric Mucosa with Yeast and Helicobacter pylori.

The relationship between oral and gastric yeasts and their role in the colonization of Helicobacter pylori in the stomach was studied. Four groups of 221, 7, 44, and 10 patients were used for the isolation of H. pylori and oral and gastric yeasts. In Group 1, gastric biopsies were used for the isolation of H. pylori and yeast, rapid urease test (RUT), staining with Gram's and hematoxylin & eosin (H&E), and immunohistochemistry (IHC) methods. In the other three groups, DNAs extracted from H. pylori and yeasts were used for the amplification of H. pylori-specific genes. Wet mounts of yeasts in Group 2 were examined to observe intracellular bacteria and released EVs. Among 221 patients, 65 (29.3%) had oral yeast, 35 (15.8%) H. pylori, and 31 (14%) gastric yeast. Culture of oral yeasts showed a significant correlation with the detection of H. pylori by IHC (10.3%), Gram stain (9%), RUT (6.3%), H&E (4.9%), and culture (4%) (p < 0.05). Gram-stained biopsies showed the occurrence of yeast and H. pylori, and the release of EVs from yeast. Detection of similar H. pylori genes in oral and gastric yeasts from patients in Group 2 showed their common source. Oral yeasts in Groups 3 and 4 also carried H. pylori genes. Wet mount preparations of yeasts showed intracellular bacteria inside the yeast vacuole and the release of EVs that could carry H. pylori. Oral yeast protects its intracellular H. pylori and releases it inside EVs to safely reach gastric mucosa. Yeast, as the environmental reservoir of H. pylori, plays a crucial role in bacterial reinfection after successful eradication.

Assessing the Effectiveness of Wet Mount and PCR Methods in Diagnosing Trichomonas vaginalis Infections in Endocervical and Urine samples

Trichomonas vaginalis is the cause of trichomonas’s infection, which is referred to be the global sexually transmitted disease (STD) worldwide. This parasite primarily spreads through sexual activity, though it can also spread through intimate. Vaginal inflammation in females causes a variety of clinical symptoms, such as a profusion of greenish-yellow, frothy, foul-smelling discharge, valvar enlargement, itching, and punctate erythematous lesions of the cervix, commonly referred to as "strawberry cervix." There are numerous scenarios in which women may be sick but not exhibit any symptoms. The purpose of the current study is to compare the diagnostic efficacy of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and wet mount preparation for detecting T. vaginalis in various sample types, including endocervical discharge, endocervical swabs, and urine, of 300 female patients (married and single), ages ranging from 15 to 62, who were referred to Dohuk Maternity Hospital, Shariya Camp, either inside or outside of Dohuk city. Based on the clinical symptoms of the patients, the diagnosis of parasite infection was validated by microscopically confirming the infection in the laboratory using two methods: PCR and direct wet mount preparation. The study findings demonstrated, out of 240 samples, 61 (25.4%) at Dohuk Maternity Hospital and 15 (25%) out of 60 samples in Shariya Camp were contaminated with T. vaginalis. Of the 300 samples, 74 (24.6%) had wet mount preparation infection, and 75 (25.0%) had PCR infection. In the current study, 42 single women had 10 (23.8%) and 258 married women had 66 (25.5%) infected. The age range of 15 to 25 had a higher infection rate (32.8%).

Distribution and risk factors of Trichomonas vaginalis infection with relevance to interleukin profile among population in Duhok city, Iraq

BackgroundVaginal trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease causes adverse health outcomes, the causative agent is Tichomonas vaginalis. Infected women develop abnormal vaginal discharge with vaginitis. While, men mostly suffer from prostatitis and urethritis. ObjectivesThis study aimed to detect the rate of T.vaginalis infection in association with risk factors, measurement of blood parameters, interleukine-2 (IL-2) and interleukine-8(IL-8) levels among individuals. MethodsA total of 500 females were tested, a vaginal swab and blood were collected from the participants, and they were within the age range of 18–70 years old. High vaginal swabs were examined microscopically using wet mount preparation, the blood used for measurement of blood parameters using coulter count machine and IL-2 and IL-8 levels were evaluated using ELISA technique. ResultsOut of 500 individuals, the prevalence of T. vaginalis infection was 45(9.0 %). The maximum infection rates were reported among age group (18–28) years, rural residents, illiterates, married women (16.7 %), (15.9 %),(30.0 %),(11.7 %),respectively. Moreover, high positivity of infection revealed among low economical level 12.5 % compared to only 1.7 % in high economy group. Unemployed women, those with bad vaginal hygiene showed high incidence of infection 10.5 % and 6.3 %, respectively. It was noted a significant decrease in red blood cells and hemoglobin concentration, however, there was a significantly increased in white blood cells among infected subjects. Furthermore, the levels of both interleukin-2 and interleukin-8 were significantly higher among infected individuals compared to healthy ones. ConclusionsEffective strategies for disease awareness are needed and should include health promotion, education, and prevention.

Associations of Plasmodium and Intestinal Helminth Infections with Maternal Anemia and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes in Northwest Ethiopia.

Malaria and intestinal helminth infections are significant public health challenges in Ethiopia. However, little is known about the relationship of Plasmodium and intestinal helminth infections in pregnancy with maternal anemia and adverse pregnancy outcomes. A health-facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 526 parturients in northwest Ethiopia to investigate the associations of these parasitic infections with anemia and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Maternal and newborn profiles were collected using questionnaires and checklists. Maternal hematocrit was determined using the micro-hematocrit method. Malaria was diagnosed by microscopy, rapid diagnostic tests, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction, whereas intestinal parasites were detected microscopically using stool wet mount and Kato-Katz preparations. Among the women, 38.6% were anemic, and 36.5% had adverse pregnancy outcomes. Single infections of hookworm (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 3.11, 95% CI: 1.64-5.87) in pregnancy were associated with anemia at parturiency, whereas malaria single infections were associated with anemia (aOR = 4.28, 95% CI: 2.17-8.23) and adverse pregnancy outcomes (aOR = 2.94, 95% CI: 1.47-5.91). Moreover, intestinal helminth coinfections in pregnancy were associated with anemia (aOR = 13.3, 95% CI: 4.8-36.8), whereas malaria-helminth coinfections were associated with anemia (aOR = 7.47, 95% CI: 3.71-15.04) and adverse pregnancies (aOR = 4.75, 95% CI: 2.36-9.57). Overall, the study showed that Plasmodium and intestinal helminth infections in pregnancy are associated with anemia and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Thus, strengthening malaria and intestinal parasite infection prevention and control practices in pregnancy is warranted to alleviate the burden of anemia and adverse pregnancy outcomes.

A Workshop on the Utilization of Light Microscope for Biology Education Pre-Service Students of FKIP ULM through the Use of Wet Mount Preparations

Microscopes in learning biology are very important as a tool for students in studying microscopic organisms and objects that cannot be seen by the eye directly. The results of the needs analysis show that biology education students in the Year of 2022 have never received training in the use and maintenance of microscopes and have never used a microscope with a magnification of 1000x. therefore, 98% of the survey results to participants indicate the need for training in the use of microscopes. The training on the use of light microscope was trained to make wet mount preparations of Rhoeo discolor leaf stomata and Hibiscus rosa-sinensis flower pollen. The microscopes used were monocular microscope and electric binocular microscope. The microscope magnifications used were 10x10; 10x40; and 10x100. The training results show that students are able to use all microscope magnifications and figures of the results of microscope observations well and clearly. The results of the microscope proficiency test were 21.06%, very good; 45.61% good/adequate grades; 24.56 adequate grades, but there were 8.7% still getting poor grades. The next service can be trained in making preparations with the whole mount preparation method, squash method for mitosis observation, slice preparation method without embedding and slice preparation method with paraffin method.

Enhanced Labor Management: Implementing WHO Recommendations in Oyo State Nursing Practice

Introduction: An increase in the incidence of Urinary tract infections due to Candida species has been observed. The higher rate of Candiduria due to Non albicans Candida is now being reported than due to Candida albicans.The emergence of drug resistance in Candida species has complicated the patient management. Aim: to observe the prevalence of Candida species in UTIs and their antifungal susceptibility pattern in a tertiary care hospital. Materials and Methods: An observational study was conducted fora period of three months in NIMS, Jaipur. Symptomatic patients belonging to all age groups were included in the study. Catheterized or clean catch midstream urine were centrifuged and the sediment was plated on Sabouraud’s Dextrose Agar slants with and without Chloramphenicol. A wet mount preparation was also made and looked for the presence of pus cells, yeast cells, pseudohyphae, etc. Yeast were identified by using germ tube, Chromogenic agar, chlamydospore formation and carbohydrate assimilation tests. Antifungalsusceptibility testing was performed on Muller Hinton Methylene Blue Agar. Result: The Candida species were isolated in only 24 (4.8%) samples. Only 8 cases yielded Candida albicans(33.33%). The highest cases were found to be of Candida tropicalis (n=14) while remaining two cases has growth of Candida krusai (n=1) and Candida glabrata (n=1). Keywords: WHO guidelines, labor management, and patient care &amp; outcomes.

Socio-demographic, obstetric characteristics and molecular confirmation of &lt;i&gt;Trichomonas vaginalis&lt;/i&gt; detected from pregnant women attending Kawo General Hospital, Kaduna, Nigeria

Trichomoniasis is a widespread Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) that can have detrimental consequences, including infection of the skin, endometrium, Bartholin glands, and fallopian tubes and ovaries (the adnexa of the uterus). This study was conducted to assess the prevalence of Trichomonas vaginalis (T. vaginalis) and T. vaginalis from vaginal swabs of pregnant patients attending Kawo general hospital in Kaduna state. A total of 250 high vaginal swab samples were randomly taken from consenting pregnant women attending antenatal. Structured questionnaires were used to collect participant demographic and medical data. Samples were analysed by wet mount preparation and T. vaginalis positive samples were confirmed using Polymerase Chains Reaction (PCR). Out of the 250 pregnant women that were examined, 24 (9.6%) were positive for T. vaginalis infection. T. vaginalis was detected more in age group 20-25 (9.4%), and among women of third trimester stage (11.4%). T. vaginalis infection was significantly associated with age, gravidation, education and occupation. Among the 24 pregnant women that tested positive for T. vaginalis infection, only 2 (8.0%) were without symptoms associated with vaginal trichomoniasis, while the remaining 22 (92.0%) presented symptoms such as vaginal odour (20%), itching and discomfort (32%) and greenish yellow vaginal discharge (92%). Molecular analysis confirmed 1 positive case out of the 5 samples randomly analysed. Trichomoniasis transmission to newborn infants could be avoided with better personal cleanliness, screening, and treatment for pregnant women who are affected.

Cumulative mortalities in white leg shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei Boone 1931, cultured in biofloc system in Egypt reflected new record of Fusarium verticillioides infection

The Egyptian aquaculture sector is still struggling to establish L. vannamei culture. In an effort to stimulate shrimp production with minimal environmental impact and less water loss, biofloc technology (BFT) has been employed. Chronic mortality was recently observed in L. vannamei which was raised in the BFT system. Examining samples of moribund shrimp revealed sporadic melanization on the musculature and gills, suggesting the potential existence of black gill disease. The present work was carried out to isolate and identify potentially implicated fungus species based on mycological properties of interest. To isolate and serve as initial identification tools, wet mount preparations and colonial features, along with slide culture techniques, were used. PCR assays, gene sequencing, and phylogenetic analyses were used in the molecular identification process to clarify the confirmation of the fungal isolates that were acquired. The pathogenicity tests were designed to fulfil Koch’s postulates in addition to clarifying the infectivity of isolated fungus. Moreover, histopathological examination was employed to notice tissues’ alterations associated with experimentally infected shrimp. The results revealed the isolation of three fungal isolates, namely, BNS 1117, BNS 2117, and BNS 3117, that were confirmatively identified as Fusarium verticillioides, and their selected sequences were submitted to Genbank. Moreover, experimental infection using F. verticillioides selected isolate (BNS 31,117) at both high (5 × 105 CFU/mL, group A) and low (3 × 105 CFU/mL, group B) doses of its conidial suspensions experienced cumulative mortality of 72.2% and 21.1%, respectively. Besides, the selected isolate was re-isolated from the experimentally infected shrimp in a pure form, which satisfied Koch’s postulates. Histopathological alterations demonstrated several degrees of either degenerative, oedema, or proliferative changes in the hepatopancreas, musculatures, and gills, respectively. This study sets a new record for F. verticillioides to be included in Fusarium species linked to shrimp mortality.

Prediction Model for Pregnancy Success in IVF Program in the Poor Prognosis Group

Introduction: An increase in the incidence of Urinary tract infections due to Candida species has been observed. The higher rate of Candiduria due to Non albicans Candida is now being reported than due to Candida albicans.The emergence of drug resistance in Candida species has complicated the patient management. Aim: to observe the prevalence of Candida species in UTIs and their antifungal susceptibility pattern in a tertiary care hospital. Materials and Methods: An observational study was conducted fora period of three months in NIMS, Jaipur. Symptomatic patients belonging to all age groups were included in the study. Catheterized or clean catch midstream urine were centrifuged and the sediment was plated on Sabouraud’s Dextrose Agar slants with and without Chloramphenicol. A wet mount preparation was also made and looked for the presence of pus cells, yeast cells, pseudohyphae, etc. Yeast were identified by using germ tube, Chromogenic agar, chlamydospore formation and carbohydrate assimilation tests. Antifungalsusceptibility testing was performed on Muller Hinton Methylene Blue Agar. Result: The Candida species were isolated in only 24 (4.8%) samples. Only 8 cases yielded Candida albicans(33.33%). The highest cases were found to be of Candida tropicalis (n=14) while remaining two cases has growth of Candida krusai (n=1) and Candida glabrata (n=1). Keywords: Infertility, prediction model, In Vitro Fertilization, Logistic Regression, Endometrial Thickness, Poor Prognosis, Clinical Pregnancy

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasite Infection Among Prison Inmates and Their Associated Risk Factors at Hosanna Town, South-Central Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Introduction: In developing countries, prisoners are one of the marginalized groups most susceptible to intestinal parasite infection due to inadequate living conditions, malnutrition, a lack of potable water, overcrowding, and poor hygiene. Thus, this study is aimed at assessing the prevalence and associated factors of intestinal parasitic infections among inmates of Hosanna town prison. Materials and Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Hosanna Town's prisoners from June 1 to July 30, 2022, on a total of 420 inmates. The study participants were chosen using a simple random sampling technique. Sociodemographic, sanitation, hygienic, and related information were collected by using pretested questionnaires. In addition, about 5 g of stool sample was collected using a leak-proof plastic stool cup and examined microscopically by using direct wet mount preparation and formalin-ether concentration techniques, and data were analyzed by using SPSS Version 25. Results: This study indicated an overall 39.2% (95% CI: 34.6-44.1) prevalence of intestinal parasites (165/420). Entamoeba histolytica/dispar was the most prevalent intestinal parasite found, followed by Giardia lamblia, Ascaris lumbricoides, Hookworms, Taenia species, and Schistosoma mansoni. About 3.1% of participants had dual parasitic infections. In addition, there is a significant association in multivariable logistic regression analysis between intestinal parasitic infection and various hygiene practices such as not using soap when washing hands after using the toilet ((aOR 1.62 (95% CI: 1.06-2.48)), p ≤ 0.027), not regularly washing hands before meals ((aOR 2.83 (95% CI: 1.79-4.46)), p ≤ 0.001), poor hand hygiene overall ((aOR 3.18 (95% CI: 2.00-4.99)), p ≤ 0.001), not trimming fingernails ((aOR 2.09 (95% CI: 1.29-3.37)), p ≤ 0.003), and length of time in prison (aOR: 4.27, 95% CI: 22.62-6.96, p = 0.001). Conclusions: The findings of the study indicated that the overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections was 39.2%, with 38.8% of the infected individuals falling within the 25-34 age range. Additionally, 67.3% of those infected had been imprisoned for over a year. Furthermore, the personal hygiene status of prisoners was found to be substantially correlated with the presence of parasites. Hosanna town prison should ensure sufficient sanitary supplies, promote personal hygiene, and implement health education. Regular medical checkups and routine nail-clipping sessions are crucial for maintaining cleanliness and reducing parasite transmission among inmates.

Incidence of Tricomonas Tenax in Diseased Mouth

Objective: Is to report the incidence of T. tenax in relation to oral health, age, sex and residency. Materials and Methods: Two hundreds patients with diseased mouths were examined by wet mount preparation and Giemsa’s stained methods for identification of Trichomonas tenax. Results: Its frequency was 9% among the examined swabs. There were 50% infection rate for both males as well as females. The highest incidence (11.25%) was found among 21-40 years old while the lowest (6.66%) in 41-60 years old. There were no significant variation in relation to residency. The association between T. tenax infection and dental caries was noticed at a rate of 66.7%. In addition, different rates for T. tenax were observed among patients with some other oral diseases as bleeding gum, gingivitis and periodonititis. Conclusion: This parasite should be considered as a potential etiological agent in diseased mouth, especially in individuals with poor oral hygiene

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Trichomonas vaginalis Infection among Female Students of Prince Abubakar Audu University, Nigeria

Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence rate and associated risk factors of Trichomonas vaginalis infection among undergraduate female students at Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, Kogi State, Nigeria.&#x0D; Methods: This cross-sectional and institutional-based study involved female students who consented to screening. A total of four hundred (400) high vaginal swab samples were randomly collected from consenting female students and analyzed by wet mount preparation. Demographic and clinical information about the participants was obtained using prepared questionnaires.&#x0D; Results: It was observed that the overall prevalence of T. vaginalis infection among the 400 female participants was 170 (42.5%). The age ranges 14–18 and 24-28 had the highest prevalence of 50%, while the age range 19–23 had the least prevalence of 41.2%. The Ebira tribe had the highest prevalence of 60%, while the lowest prevalence was 0.0% among Hausa and others. Islam had the highest prevalence of 66.7%, while Christianity had the lowest prevalence of 40.5%. Students at the 100 level had the highest prevalence of 50%, and those at the 200 level had the least prevalence of 38.5%. There was no significant association between T. vaginalis infection and predisposing factors such as douching, sanitation, and sexual habits. However, the study did find that females who did not use sanitary pads were at a significantly higher risk of infection, while females who did not douche their vagina with antiseptic or deodorant products had a slightly higher risk of infection.&#x0D; Conclusion: It is clear from the results of the present study that Prince Abubakar Audu University's undergraduate female students are at a high prevalence of 42.5% for Trichomonas vaginalis infection. The study offers crucial information about the incidence of T. vaginalis infection and the risk factors connected to it among female participants in the study area. The high prevalence of infection highlights the need for increased awareness and education about the infection and its prevention in the study area.

Epididymal stallion sperm quality improves with single layer centrifugation prior to cryopreservation or post-thawing

Cryopreservation of epididymal spermatozoa is the last method for preserving gametes of valuable stallions in case of sudden death, severe injuries, or orchiectomy. Due to harvesting methods, sperm is unavoidably contaminated with epithelial and red blood cells, leukocytes, debris, and bacteria. These contaminants and dead spermatozoa can cause detrimental effects on sperm quality. Colloid centrifugation can reduce the load of these contaminants and select a subpopulation of motile spermatozoa. The objective of this experiment was to evaluate whether single layer centrifugation (SLC) prior to cryopreservation or post-thawing improves the quality of stallion epididymal sperm. Ten stallions were submitted to bilateral orchiectomy and harvesting of epididymal cauda spermatozoa (n=20) was performed by retrograde flushing with an extender. Epididymal sperm samples were subjected to conventional centrifugation (no colloid - 600xg for 20 minutes), and SLC prior to cryopreservation (SLC-PC) or SLC post-thaw (SLC+). SLC was performed at 300 x g for 10 minutes (Androcoll-Equine, Minitube, Tiefenbach, Germany). All samples were cryopreserved, thawed, and evaluated. The post-thaw group (SLC+) was thawed, centrifuged by SLC, and resuspended in freezing extender (SLC+F) or cooling extender (SLC+C). Total motility and progressive motility were evaluated with computer-assisted semen analyses (CASA). Sperm morphology was evaluated by examining a wetmount preparation of unstained samples fixed in formol saline. Mitochondrial functionality, membrane integrity, and DNA integrity were evaluated in a fluorescence microscope with specific fluorescent dyes. All variables were normally distributed according to the Shapiro–Wilk test. Data were evaluated by descriptive statistics, one-way analysis of variance, and Tukey's test. Significance was set at p <0.05. SLC-PC (24.6 ± 3.6%) and SLC+F (26.2 ± 4%) treatments yielded significantly higher total sperm motility than SLC+C (16.7 ± 1.7%) and conventional (16 ± 3.5%) treatment. SLC+F (17.5 ± 3.8%) yielded significantly higher progressive motility than the conventional (8.8 ± 2%), SLC+C (9.8 ± 1.3%), and SLC-PC (12.9 ± 4.1%) treatments. The mitochondrial functionality of all SLC groups was significantly higher (SLC-PC 72 ± 2%; SLC+C 74.6 ± 1.8%; SLC+F 82.5 ± 1.9%), than that of the conventional group (25.2 ± 2.1%). Plasma membrane integrity was higher in SLC-PC (48.6 ± 4%) than in SLC+F (30 ± 6.5%), SLC+C (36 ± 4.8%), and conventional (22.8 ± 4.5%) samples. DNA integrity and percentage of morphologically normal samples were unaffected by treatment. SLC is a simple procedure that can be performed prior to cryopreservation or post-thawing and that can improve stallion epididymal sperm quality. Epididymal spermatozoa submitted to SLC only after thawing is best extended using freezing extender than cooling extender.

A clinical case series of Acanthamoeba keratitis diagnosed by a simple technique of detection of motile trophozoites in wet mount preparation

Acanthamoeba keratitis is diagnosed fairly late because of lack of early clinical suspicion and unavailability of simple and effective technique for detection of the protozoa in ordinary laboratory settings. The detection of motile trophozoites in wet mount preparation of corneal scraping is probably the best confirmatory test of Acanthamoeba keratitis in ordinary laboratory settings. However, it is not easy to demonstrate motile trophozoites given the fact that the trophozoites rapidly encyst outside living tissue. We employed a protocol of preparation and transport of the wet mount to the nearby laboratory within fifteen minutes whereby optimum chance of demonstration of motile trophozoites was possible. We had been successful to detect the typical amoeboid movement of acanthamoeba in three cases. Healing of ulcers were achieved by an appropriate therapy in all three cases. Visual recovery was good in two out of three cases. To the best of our knowledge, the present case series is the first one in English literature where diagnosis of acanthamoeba keratitis is based solely on detection of motile trophozoites in direct wet mount examination. A careful history and an incisive look into the corneal lesion revealed some clue to suspect the acanthamoeba etiology. Simple laboratory technic employing wet mount microscopy rapidly confirmed the diagnoses. Healing of ulcers were achieved in all three cases by instillation of 0.02% chlorhexidine eye drop. Visual recovery was good in two out of three cases.

Candidiasis profile at the outpatient department of the university of cape coast hospital in the central region of Ghana: a retrospective study

IntroductionVulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a public health problem with an estimated 138 million women globally experiencing recurrent VVC annually. The microscopic diagnosis of VVC has low sensitivity, but it remains an essential tool for diagnosis as the microbiological culture methods are limited to advanced clinical microbiology laboratories in developing countries. The study retrospectively analyzed the presence of red blood cells (RBCs), epithelial cells (ECs), pus cells (PCs) and Candida albicans positive in wet mount preparation of urine or high vaginal swabs (HVS) samples to test for their sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of candidiasis.MethodsThe study is a retrospective analysis at the Outpatient Department of the University of Cape Coast between 2013 and 2020. All urine and high vagina swabs (HVS) cultures samples using Sabourauds dextrose agar with wet mount data were analyzed. 2 × 2 contingency diagnostic test was used to ascertain the diagnostic accuracy of red blood cells (RBCs), epithelial cells (ECs), pus cells (PCs), and Candida albicans positive in wet mount preparation of urine or high vaginal swabs (HVS) samples for the diagnosis of candidiasis. The association of candidiasis among patients' demographics was analyzed using relative risk (RR) analysis.ResultsThe high prevalence of candida infection was among female subjects 97.1% (831/856) compared to males 2.9% (25/856). The microscopic profiles which characterized candida infection were pus cells 96.4% (825/856), epithelial cells 98.7% (845/856), red blood cells (RBCs) 7.6% (65/856) and Candida albicans positive 63.2% (541/856). There was a lower risk of Candida infections among male patients compared to female patients RR (95% CI) = 0.061 (0.041–0.088). The sensitivity (95%) for detecting Candida albicans positive and red blood cells (0.62 (0.59–0.65)), Candida albicans positive and pus cells (0.75 (0.72–0.78)) and Candida albicans positive and epithelial cells (0.95 (0.92–0.96)) with corresponding specificity (95% CI) of 0.63 (0.60–0.67), 0.69 (0.66–0.72) and 0.74 (0.71–0.76) were detected among the high vaginal swab samples.ConclusionIn conclusion, the study has shown that the presence of PCs, ECs, RBCs or ratio of RBCs/ECs and RBCs/PCs in the wet mount preparation from urine or HVS can enhance microscopic diagnosis of VVC cases.

Stability Study of Pashanbhedadi Churna Used in Treatment of Ashmari (Renal Calculi): with Respect to Baseline Microbial Diagnostic Modalities

Ashmari (Renal Calculi) is most common disease of urinary system. Ashmari or calculus looks like small gravels/stones hence they are termed as Ashmari. For the treatment of Ashmari Pashanbhedadi Churna was taken as a trial drug. As Pashanbhedadi Churna was trial drug it was necessary to check the stability. Stability of the drug is the time period from the drug production until the time it is intended to be consumed. So, present study was carried out to know the stability of Pashanbhedadi Churna and to check microbial contamination in the Pashanbhedadi Churna at different time interval. Pashanbhedadi Churna was stored in plastic bag. Microbial study of the drug was done at different climatic conditions, humidity and temperature set ups with regular intervals for a period of 11months to analyse mycological and bacteriological findings by wet mount preparation and Gram stain test respectively. Though in different climate, temperature and humidity conditions, at the end of microbial study, Churna has shown absence of microbes for approx.11 months of preparation of drug. So, it is showed that drug is stable in minimum 32°C temperature to maximum 38°C and minimum humidity 23% to maximum 74% humidity. That means stability duration of drug after preparation is approx. 11 months which showed that drug was in a standard condition. Hence it is concluded that stability test of Pashanbhedadi Churna with respect to microbiological findings was negative at room temperature, warm and cold, dry and humid conditions.

Early detection of Pseudocapillaria tomentosa by qPCR in four lines of zebrafish, Danio rerio (Hamilton 1882).

The intestinal nematode Pseudocapillaria tomentosa in zebrafish (Danio rerio) causes profound intestinal lesions, emaciation and death and is a promoter of a common intestinal cancer in zebrafish. This nematode has been detected in zebrafish from about 15% of the laboratories. Adult worms are readily detected about 3 weeks after exposure by either histology or wet mount preparations of the intestine, and larval worms are inconsistently observed in fish before this time. A quantitative PCR (qPCR) test was recently developed to detect the worm in fish and water, and here we determined that the test on zebrafish intestines was effective for earlier detection. Four lines of zebrafish (AB, TU, 5D and Casper) were experimentally infected and evaluated by wet mounts and qPCR at 8, 15-, 22-, 31- and 44-day post-exposure (dpe). At the first two time points, only 8% of the wet mounts from exposed fish were identified as infected, while the same intestines screened by qPCR showed 78% positivity, with low and consistent cycle threshold (Ct) values at these times. Wet mounts at later time points showed a high prevalence of infection, but this was still surpassed by qPCR.

Enteric Protozoal Infections among Children with Cancers Receiving Chemotherapy

Objectives: To detect enteric protozoal species in stool samples of children affected by malignancies who are receiving chemotherapy compared to healthy children and to investigate differences in the infection rates among different cancer types.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: This study included 100 children diagnosed with malignancy under chemotherapy attended Ibn-Al-Atheer Teaching Hospital during the period from December 2013 to June 2014. The study also included 50 apparently healthy children as a control group who were age and gender matched to the cancer patients. Children were already diagnosed as having malignant disease by consultant oncologists and receiving chemotherapy. A Questionnaire Form was completed for each child. Stool samples were taken from patients and controls to detect protozoal infections. The stool was tested by direct wet mount preparation, iodine staining, and concentration methods, hot modified Ziehl-Neelson staining method was also used to detect the acid-fast oocysts of Cryptosporidium.&#x0D; Results: Enteric protozoal infection was detected in 60 (60%) of patients compared to 5(10%) of controls (p&lt;0.05). Four protozoal species were observed among patients included G. lamblia representing (24%), C. parvum (19%), E. histolytica/E. dispar (5%), and B. species (5%). Whereas in the control group, included G. lamblia (6%), C. parvum (2%), and B. species (2%). The highest infection rate was found among children with lymphoma (77.27%), followed by (62.26%) and (40%) among patients with leukemia and solid tumors, respectively (p&gt;0.05).&#x0D; Conclusions: The incidence of enteric protozoal infections is higher among cancer children than healthy group and dominates by Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium parvum, but other species including E. histolytica/ E. dispar and B. hominis are also found. Patients with lymphohematopoietic malignancies show the highest infection rates.

An Intriguing Case of Chronic Peristomal Ulcer.

An Intriguing Case of Chronic Peristomal Ulcer.