Wet Mount Preparation Research Articles

Pattern of Keratitis: A Study of 500 Cases in Tertiary Hospital of Bangladesh

Background: Keratitis is a potentially serious corneal infection and a major cause of visual impairment worldwide. Most common form of which is infectious variety; pathogens may be bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites which varies with age and predisposing factors. Topical antimicrobials and cycloplegic agents are the mainstay of treatment. Pattern of causative organisms and drug sensitivity changes from time to time and differs from one to another geographic location.
 Objective: To assess and evaluate the pattern of diagnosed patient of keratitis presented in a tertiary hospital.
 Material and methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 500 diagnosed patients of keratitis in the department of cornea of National Institute of Ophthalmology & Hospital, a well-known tertiary care hospital with 500 beds for a period of 6 months. Patients were selected based on specific selection criteria. Detail history was taken, and thorough ocular examination was done in every patient. Corneal scrapings were taken for Gram’s stain and 10% potassium hydroxide wet mount preparation. All the relevant data was recorded in a predesigned data collection sheet.
 Results: The mean age of the study subjects was 38.49 years. Male (43.2%) and female (56.8%) ratio was almost equal. The prevalence was highest among lower economic class (56.8%) as usual, and lowest among affluent class (3.8%) but not sparing them. In terms of regional distribution, majority (42.6%) of the patients came from rural area, whereas 37% from urban non-slum area and 20.8% from urban slum area. The problem was mostly observed among day-laborers (24.8%) with gradually declining trend among students (20.6%), housewives (20%), service holders (14.2%), businessmen (3.2%) and unemployed (2.2%), surprisingly! Presentation of the cases were mostly in between 2nd-3rdweek (55%), while 30% patients were presented within 1st week & 15% after 4 weeks of diagnosis. Among the cases, it was found that 28.8% patients had corneal injury, which were caused by vegetative trauma in 16% cases, 4% dust or sand trauma, 2.8% animal injury, 2.2% stick injury, 1% nail injury and 2.8% patients had history of other injury like stone, wooden materials, flying insects, dirty wire etc. Ocular diseases predispose to corneal ulcer were present in 9% patients. These were chronic dacriocistitis, entropion and trichiasis. 1.2% patients were diabetic, and 1% patients had history of inadvertent use of steroids. On the contrary, there were no specific predisposing factors in 71.2% cases. Among the cases, 96.6% experienced photophobia, 90% had foreign body sensation, 88.4% had reduced vision, 85.4% had eye pain, 78.8% suffered from watering, 73.6% had discharge, 48.8% had burning sensation, 12.2% had decreased corneal sensation and 11.2% patients noticed white spot in cornea in first stage. Slit lamp bio-microscopic examination of the patients shows 90% patients had conjunctival injection, 70% had epithelial defect, 28.6% patients had stromal infiltration, 18.4% patients had hypopyon, 14% patients had feathery pattern, 8.8% patients had suppuration, anterior chamber reaction was present in 4.4% cases and 2.2% patients had satellite lesion. The evaluation of etiology on the basis of clinical appearance reveals 61.4% of cases were presented with viral keratitis, 23.0% fungal corneal ulcer, 11.4% with bacterial corneal ulcer, 2.2% with marginal keratitis, 0.8% with exposure keratitis, 0.8% with filamentary keratitis and 0.4% cases with Acanthamoebic keratitis at the time of presentation. While assessing the depth of keratitis of the study subjects, 73.2% found superficial while 26.8% found deep. Assessment of area of corneal involvement in terms of punctate epithelial defect showed that in 46.8 % cases less than 3mm of cornea was involved, 3 to 6 mm of the cornea involved in 19.6 % cases and in 11.8 % corneal involvement was found in more than 6 mm area. Corneal scraping done in 118 (23.6%) out of 500 patients. Among them, Fungi were found in 11.2% cases, mixed organism in 4%, Bacteria in 5.6% and Acanthamoeba found in o.4% cases while 2.4% remains unidentified.
 Conclusion: Analysis of the study findings shows diversity in the pattern, presentation, predisposing factors of different form of keratitis which may be helpful as basis of further study on this problem.

A study on microbiological profile in women with symptomatic vaginal discharge

Background and Objective: Abnormal vaginal discharge is characterized by change of colour, consistency, volume, or odour, and may be associated with symptoms such as itch, soreness, dysuria, pelvic pain, or intermenstrual or post-coital bleeding. Main objective of the study is to know the incidence of symptomatic vaginal discharge in various age groups and to know the microbiological profile in women presenting with symptomatic vaginal discharge. Methods: The study was conducted in the department of OBG, EPIONE Hera Hospitals over a period of 20 months Aug 2018- Apr 2020 among women complaining of vaginal discharge of various degrees who fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included in the study. A detailed clinical history and examination of all cases were done, a speculum was inserted into the vagina, to visualize cervix and vagina, any pathology in the cervix and vagina noted, swabs were collected from the posterior fornix of vagina and sent for microbiological examination. Following tests were done a) Gram staining and Nugent scoring system used, based on the morphology of the bacteria, score 0 to 7 is considered positive for bacterial vaginosis, b) Wet mount preparation done to look for motility of Trichomonas, c) KOH preparation, d) Swabs are inoculated in Blood agar, Mac Conkey’s agar and Sabouraud’s dextrose agar. Results: Out of 260 cases, majority of the patients 145 (55.76%) were in the age group of 19-28 years, followed by 91 (35%) cases in the age group 29-38 years, 21 (8.07%) cases in age Group 39-48 and 3 (1.15%) were below 19 years. Maximum 128 (49.23%) were illiterate, followed by 82 (31.53%) were with primary schooling educational status. Most of the women 160 (61.53%) were in the lower socioeconomic status followed by 62 (23.84%) upper lower class. Majority patients 161 (61.92%) had associated combined symptoms of foul smell and itching, others like only vaginal discharge 51 (19.61%) abdominal pain 18 (6.92%), burning micturition 13 (5%), heavy menstrual bleeding (3.46%) and lower backache 8 (3.07%) were noted. Large part 98 (37.69%) showed mucopurculent discharge, followed by 89 (34.23%) yellowish and fothy discharge, curdy white 46 (17.69%) and homogenous discharge 27 (10.38%). Prevalence of bacterial vaginosis is maximum 122 (46.92%), followed by Trichomonas vaginalis 99 (38.07%), vaginal candidiasis 18 (6.92%), other nonspecific 9 (3.46%). In around 10 (3.84%) of cases no cause was identified. Conclusion: White discharge is one of the major women public health problem, principle morbidity to the women in terms of loss of self-esteem, reduction in work time, increased hospital visits and their expenses and also vulnerable to pelvic inflammatory diseases, infertility, endometriosis, cuff cellulitis, urethral syndrome, spontaneous abortions, preterm labor etc. So, it is very important for microbiological diagnosis of abnormal vaginal discharge especially, when a patient is having recurrence or not responding to standard therapy. Increase of educational status in urban and rural areas is considered one of the greatest way to reduce the genital health problems.

Comparison of In-Clinic Diagnostic Testing Methods for Macrorhabdus ornithogaster.

Macrorhabdus ornithogaster is an ascomycete yeast often found at the isthmus of the ventriculus and proventriculus of infected birds. Antemortem diagnosis has traditionally involved direct visualization of organisms on wet-mount or gram-stained fecal preparations, cloacal and crop swabs, or by both methods; however, different in-clinic diagnostic techniques have never been compared to establish an optimum test for the identification of M ornithogaster in an avian patient. We compared 5 microscopically evaluated diagnostic testing methods: fecal Gram's stain, direct fecal wet preparation, macro suspension technique, macro suspension with Gram's stain, and macro suspension stained with new methylene blue. Each technique was performed on 96 fecal samples collected during the treatment of M ornithogaster-infected budgerigars with water-soluble amphotericin B. The macro suspension technique produced statistically higher organism counts than the other 4 techniques and was always estimated to have the largest detection probability. We recommend that the macro suspension technique be implemented as the most efficacious diagnostic test for in-clinic assessment of avian patients possibly infected with M ornithogaster.

EPIDEMIOLOGICAL PROFILE OF FUNGAL KERATITIS IN PATIENTS ATTENDING A TERTIARY CARE CENTRE IN BIHAR

Introduction: Corneal blindness is a major public health problem worldwide and fungal keratitis is one of its predominant causes. The etiological and epidemiological pattern of fungal keratitis varies signicantly with patient population, geographical region and prevailing socioeconomic conditions. Objectives:The objective of the study was to identify the specic pathogenic agents and to study epidemiological characteristics of fungal keratitis presenting at a tertiary care centre in Patna, Bihar. Materials And Methods: Corneal scrapings were obtained from clinically suspected patients of keratomycosis during the period of 18 months from May 2015 to October 2016. The scraping material was processed and identied by standard laboratory techniques. Demographic and clinical features of the patients were also collected. Results: Out of total 115 suspected fungal corneal ulcers, 63(54.78%) were positive for fungal etiology. Of these, 53(84.13%) were positive on KOH mount. 40(63.49%) and 35(55.56%) were positive in Gram stain and culture respectively. In culture, aspergillus spp (16;45.71%) were the predominant fungal species, followed by fusarium spp (12;34.29%). Males (35/63;55.56%) were more commonly affected. 22 out of 63 patients (34.92%) were of age group 31-45 years. Majority of patients were farmers (68.25%). Corneal trauma (50.79%) was the most common predisposing factor in which trauma due to vegetative matter (53.13%) was most signicant. Conclusion: Fungal keratitis continues to be a cause of concern to ophthalmologists. Agricultural activity and related ocular trauma are principal causes of mycotic keratitis. A potassium hydroxide (KOH) wet mount preparation is a simple, and sensitive, method for diagnosis.

A preliminary Study of Malaria infection (Plasmodium spp.) in Iraqi Livestock

Malaria in livestock (cattle, buffalo, sheep, and goat) was detected and diagnosed in Mosul, Iraq. A total of forty infected animals of local breeds, from different ages and both sexes, showed Plasmodium parasites in their blood smears. Ten animals of each species were selected. All animals were clinically examined. The identification of Plasmodium parasites was done by microscopy and PCR assay. Fever, pale mucous membranes, lymphadenitis, jaundice, and recumbences are more common clinical signs were associated with malaria infection in livestock. Trophozoites, schizonts, and gametocytes appeared morphologically resemble those of Plasmodium spp. of humans. Sporozoites, Oocyte, and Ookinets were observed in stained blood smears of some cows, sheep, and goats. A high degree of parasitemia and erythrocytes infected with two or more trophozoites were seen. Trophozoites were seen more visible in the peripheral blood smears stained with the direct Acridine Orange and wet mount preparations in comparison to the traditional Giemsa, and Leishman stains method. The presence of hemozoin crystals was diagnostic of malaria parasites. Plasmodium DNA was detected from all samples. We need further studies to genotype Plasmodium spp. in livestock and to understand the prevalence of malaria parasites in animals of Iraq.

Epidemiology and Clinical Characteristics Associated with Blastocystis Hominis in More Than Ten Years Infections in Wasit Province / Iraq

To assess the prevalence of bowel parasites in patients in Wasit City, Iraq. Already Blastocystis hominis is gaining recognition as an agent of intestinal disease in humans. A cases study was conducted regarding the cause of gastroenteritis in humans. Wet mount preparation and formalin-ether concentration, examination of a total of 300 specimens of stools.(146) persons infected with gastrointestinal parasites infection percentage (48.67 %). 103 (70.55%) these specimens from patients with gastrointestinal infection contained B. hominis Parasite alone, the appearance of severe symptoms has been associated with increased parasite numbers in diarrheal specimens (more than five parasites per field with x400), magnification) included (Cryptosporidium, Entamoeba. histolytica, Giardia intestinalis, Entamoeba coli. Enterobius vermicularis, Hymenlepis nana). 43 (29.45%) had other pathogenic parasites, in addition to B. hominis in the same specimen. monthly rate of infection (24.33 %), the highest rate on infection with gastrointestinal parasites in May was (57.42%) and the lowest rate percentage of infection was in January (28.76%); Infection percentage in dependence on Sexes of patients representation in positive sample stool with gastrointestinal parasites, the highest parasite infections were 87 (59.59 %); cases in male, the parasite infection were 59(40.41) cases in female. Infection percentage according of age groups, rate of ages of patients’ representation in positive sample stool with gastrointestinal parasites, the highest rate of ages in patients group were (15-24), Percentage of infection 44 (30.14 % ). And the lowest rate percentage included the age group were (55-65) Percentage of infection 18 (12.33%).The purpose of the research is to determine the B. hominis frequency among Gastrointestinal and B hominis Symptomatic Diarrhea Infections.

Study of Parasitic Infection in Immunosuppressive Patients and its Association with the Socio-demographic Status

Introduction: In developing countries, immunosuppressive patients are at greater risk of parasitic infection which may cause morbidity and mortality. Socio-economic and environmental factors including lack of health hygiene in close contact with infected reservoir animal which plays an important role. Aim: To determine the prevalence of parasitic infections and their association with socio-demographic status. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study which was carried out at tertiary care hospital located in Central East India. Total 120 stool samples were collected from the immunosuppressive patients and were processed using direct wet mount preparation with saline and Lugol, formalin-ether concentration and Modified Ziehl-Neelsen stain. Different socio-demographic parameters were recorded. Statistical analysis was done using Graph Pad Prism version 8 Chi-square test. The p-value ≤0.05 was considered as statistically significant Results: Out of total 120 patients, 20 (16.7%) were found to be infected. Majority of the population were males (66.7%). Among the total positive samples, 75% (15) showed the presence of Protozoa in which 10 samples had Entamoeba histolytica. The presence of Helminths was found in 25% (5), in which three samples showed Ascaris lumbricoides and two had Taenia species (10%). Conclusion: The prevalence of parasitic infection among immunosuppressive patients in the present study was 16.7%. Entamoeba histolytica was the most commonly observed parasite. There was no significant association between prevalence of parasitic infections and socio-demographic data variables.

Molecular Epidemiologic Study of Male Trichomoniasis in Hamadan, Western Iran.

Background:Trichomoniasis, caused by Trichomonas vaginalis protozoan, may lead to clinical or subclinical urethritis or prostatitis in men. Despite the importance of men in the epidemiology of trichomoniasis, there is little information about this topic. This epidemiological study was performed on men in Hamedan, western Iran.Methods:During Oct 2018 to Mar 2019, 214 male individuals, presenting to the Urology Clinic of Shahid Beheshti Hospital in Hamadan, were enrolled and evaluated for trichomoniasis. First-voided urine specimen was used for detection of T. vaginalis infection using molecular and parasitological methods.Results:Trichomoniasis was detected in 10 of 214 male participants (4.7%, 95% CI: 7.5–1.8%) using PCR assay. Culture and wet mount preparation of urine sediment were unable to isolates any T. vaginalis parasite. Nine of the 10 infected men were married, and six of them were ≥49 yr of age. Urinary frequency and dysuria were the most complaints (80%) among infected individuals.Conclusion:Given the notable prevalence of the infection, the prevalence of male trichomoniasis will be underestimated if only conventional diagnostic methods are used. Therefore, the risk of infection as well as the molecular survey of T. vaginalis infection should be considered in men with or without clinical symptoms.

Microbiological profile and antimicrobial sensitivity pattern of culture positive bacterial keratitis: A prospective observational study

Background: Microbial keratitis is suppurative infection of cornea considered as emergency and potential threat to vision. Prompt diagnosis and treatment of microbial keratitis is required to prevent complication and blindness. So present study has been designed to determine bacteriological profile and sensitivity pattern of culture positive bacterial keratitis, risk factor associated it and treatment outcome.Material and Method: After enrolment of patients a detailed relevant history of patients regarding to mode of injury and predisposing factor were recorded and detailed clinical examination was done. Visual acuity of all patients was tested. Slit lamp biomicroscopy was performed and Corneal ulcer was examined properly. Under local anaesthesia with 4% lignocaine corneal scrap was taken from edge and base of ulcer. Sample was sent for gram stain, 10% KOH wet mount preparation, blood agar and Sabouraud's dextrose agar.Result: In present study out of 600 specimen 460(76.66%) patients were culture positive out of them 47.33% were fungal and remaining were bacterial(29.33%). Regarding bacteriological profile of culture positive corneal ulcer, we have observed that gram positive bacteria were common than gram negative. Among all staphylococcus aureus was common organism 54(30.68%).Discussion and Conclusion: From present study we can conclude that bacterial corneal ulcer is less common than funga ulcer. Regarding bacteriological profile of culture positive corneal ulcer, we have observed that gram positive bacteria were common than gram negative. Among all staphylococcus aureus was common organism followed by pseudomonas. Regarding sensitivity of common organism isolated staphylococcus was 100% sensitive to vancomycin and azithromycin, sensitivity to fluoroquinolones were from 60 % to 80 %. More than 80% pseudomonas was sensitive to fluoroquinolones and aminoglycosides. 77.27% patients were recovered at final follow up.

A survey on gastro-intestinal helminth parasites of Channa species at Kanchanrup Municipality, Saptari, Nepal

A survey on gastro-intestinal helminth parasites of Channa species was done from the fish markets of Kanchanrup municipality and surrounding rivers and ponds with the help of local fishermen from May 2017 to April 2018. The experimental fishes were carried in the laboratory of Post Graduate Campus, Biratnagar. The visceral masses of the fishes were removed and examined under microscope by simple wet mount preparation for occurrence of various helminth parasites. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 16. C. orientalis (n=200) was infected by nematodes (Capillaria pterophylli), trematodes (Gonocerca physidis and Genarchopsis goppo) and cestodes (Senga sp.) giving prevalence of 87.5%. Similarly, C. striatus (n=225) was infected by nematodes (Camallanus intestinalis and Neocamellanus sp.), cestodes (Bothriocephalus sp.) and acanthacephalan (Pallisentis ophiocephali) with prevalence of infection 85.33%. The total multiple infection number was 131(74.9 %) found in C. orientalis. Channa spp. were heavily loaded by gastro-intestinal helminth parasites which may give rise to a health threat of zoonotic transmission to consumers. Therefore, immediate development of effective control measures and an application of good nourishment practice urgently needed to lower the helminth infection to fishes.

Rise of superficial mycoses: A clinicoepidemiological study among the patients attending tertiary health care centre in north India

Introduction: Superficial mycoses refer to the disease of skin, hair and nail caused by fungi, are a serious problem due to deficient sanitation and education. This group includes dermatophytoses, non dermatophytic molds and Candida spp. Microscopic detection of fungal elements using wet mount preparation of 10% and 40% potassium hydroxide (KOH) is a rapid and precise tool for laboratory diagnosis. Objectives: This retrospective study was conducted to evaluate the sensitivity of wet preparation direct microscopy using potassium hydroxide for early detection of fungal elements from various clinical specimens and thereby helping the clinicians in initiating the appropriate antifungal treatments. Materials and Methods: All clinical specimen like skin and nail scrapping from patients suspected of superficial mycoses were subjected to KOH examination for screening and detection and positive samples were cultured on SDA (Sabouraud’s Dextrose Agar) medium for identification. Results: A total of 5734 samples of clinically suspected patients of superficial mycoses attended the tertiary care teaching hospital between September 2013 and August 2017 were included. 3165 patients (55%) were found to be positive by KOH examination. In the present study the most common clinical type was tinea cruris (74.3%) followed by tinea corporis (22.6%) in the patients attending tertiary health care centre. Conclusion: Clinical finding and wet mount with KOH can be believed upon as the single most important rapid and sensitive tool for early diagnosis of superficial mycoses. Since there is a high incidence of superficial mycoses in rural people coming to the tertiary heath care facilities therefore preventive and early screening measures are need of hours. Keywords: Potassium hydroxide preparation, Superficial mycoses, Tinea spp.

Rapid onsite cytologic evaluation and diagnosis of hydatidosis from soft-tissue swelling in neck on unstained wet mount preparation.

Rapid onsite cytologic evaluation and diagnosis of hydatidosis from soft-tissue swelling in neck on unstained wet mount preparation.

Prevalence of the common intestinal parasitic infections and predisposing factors among the asymptomatic primary school children in Finoteselam town, West Gojam Zone, Amhara region (Ethiopia).

Background: Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) have been still quite common in developing countries including Ethiopia, particularly in children with low socio-economic and poor living conditions. Previous studies in Ethiopia have shown high burden of intestinal parasitic infections among the primary school children. The effective prevention and control of parasitic infections require research work based on the identification of intestinal parasites including associated predisposing factors. Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of common intestinal parasitic infections and predisposing factors among the asymptomatic primary school children. Methods: A school based cross- sectional study was conducted from September, 2019- January, 2020 and a total of 422 asymptomatic primary school children were involved in the study. Specimens of the stool samples were examined using the standard parasite and ova method. Direct microscopy using saline and iodine wet mount preparation was used to examine the presence of eggs and larvae of helminthes and trophozoites and cysts of protozoan parasites and formalin ether concentration method was used for quality assurance. Structured questionnaires were also used to collect quantitative data on socio-demographic characteristics and predisposing factors. Analysis of the data was made manually using the thematic framework method including descriptive statistics. Results: Among the 422 students (aged 5-14 years) participated in the study, 245(58%) were positive for one or more intestinal parasites. Of the total infected participants, 192(45.5%) were single infections and 53(12.6%) were double infections identified. Seven types of intestinal parasitic infections were identified in the present study. The most prevalent parasite was Giardia lamblia 95(22.5%) followed by hook worm 58(13.7%). Age groups 5-9 years old were more infected, 173 (70.6%) than age groups 10-14 years old 72(29.4%). This result also showed parasitic infections were associated with predisposing factors related to infectious cycles. Concluding Remarks and Recommendations: The present study revealed that there was a high prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection among students in the targeted primary schools. Therefore, all stakeholders should give attention to raise awareness about the prevention and control mechanisms of intestinal parasitic infections. Moreover, the health services of the local government should develop a habit of mass public health education and deworming intervention to improve the level of parasitic infection and environmental hygiene in the study area.

STABILITY STUDY OF MODIFIED MUSTA-TRIPHALADIAVALEHA WITH RESPECT TO BASELINE MICROBIAL PROFILE USED IN THALASSEMIA MAJOR

Introduction: stability study of Modified Musta- Triphaladi Avaleha was done for 12 months (1 year) to know the stability of formulation in reference of its phyto-constituents and microbial growth therein. Modi-fied Musta-Triphaladi Avaleha have been used in Thalassemia children as an adjuvant therapy prepared with various herbal product. Methods: Modified Musta-Triphaladi Avaleha was made in Pharmacy with standard classical method (Avaleha Kalpana) as per AFI part-1 (The Ayurvedic formulary of India, part-1 part- A) In present study, stability with respect to its Microbial profile of Modified Musta-Triphaladi Ava-leha carried out. Avaleha was stored in 2 plastic containers during different climatic condition. Avaleha were studied at regular intervals for a period of 1 month to analysis Mycological findings and presence of Microorganisms by wet mount preparation and Gram stain test respectively. Results: At the end of study both Avaleha container has not present of microbes after 1 year of preparation, even in different climate and temperature. Conclusion: Since it is traditional Avaleha kalpana, the shelf life period was about one year (Sharangdhar Samhita) The presented study reflects that Microbiological findings of Modified Musta-Triphaladi Avaleha was negative at room temperature, warm and cold, dry and humid condition.

A study of Trichomonas vaginalis and risk factors in women of reproductive age attending health facilities in Okene metropolis, Kogi State, Nigeria

Background: This study was conducted to determine the prevalence and risk associated with Trichomonas vaginalis amongst women in Okene metropolis, Kogi State. Methods: High vaginal swabs were collected from females of reproductive age groups using swab sticks from February to May 2019 and were examined microscopically using wet mount preparation and were confirmed with Dorset culture method. Structured questionnaires were administered to assess the risk factors. Results: A total of 180 (40.7%) women were infected with T. vaginalis. The General Hospital had the highest prevalence of 80 women (42.1%), whereas the least was from Oyiza Hospital (66 women, 39.3%). The age group of 21–30 years (65, 55.1%) had the highest prevalence, whereas the age group of 14–20 years (20, 25.0%) had the least prevalence. Divorced women, women with multiple partners and those that do not use condom are at higher risk of infections. Conclusion: T. vaginalis is endemic amongst women in Okene metropolis, Kogi State, with an overall prevalence of 40.7%. Proper awareness on this disease should be heightened to help reduce the burden of infection.

Tinea corporis: an updated review.

BackgroundTinea corporis is a common fungal infection that mimics many other annular lesions. Physicians must familiarize themselves with this condition and its treatment.ObjectiveThis article aimed to provide a narrative updated review on the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of tinea corporis.MethodsA PubMed search was performed with Clinical Queries using the key term ‘tinea corporis.’ The search strategy included clinical trials, meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials, observational studies, and reviews. The search was restricted to the English language. The information retrieved from the mentioned search was used in the compilation of the present article.ResultsTinea corporis typically presents as a well-demarcated, sharply circumscribed, oval or circular, mildly erythematous, scaly patch or plaque with a raised leading edge. Mild pruritus is common. The diagnosis is often clinical but can be difficult with prior use of medications, such as calcineurin inhibitors or corticosteroids. Dermoscopy is a useful and non-invasive diagnostic tool. If necessary, the diagnosis can be confirmed by microscopic examination of potassium hydroxide wet-mount preparations of skin scrapings from the active border of the lesion. Fungal culture is the gold standard to diagnose dermatophytosis especially if the diagnosis is in doubt and results of other tests are inconclusive or the infection is widespread, severe, or resistant to treatment. The standard treatment of tinea corporis is with topical antifungals. Systemic antifungal treatment is indicated if the lesion is multiple, extensive, deep, recurrent, chronic, or unresponsive to topical antifungal treatment, or if the patient is immunodeficient.ConclusionThe diagnosis of tinea corporis is usually clinical and should pose no problem to the physician provided the lesion is typical. However, many clinical variants of tinea corporis exist, rendering the diagnosis difficult especially with prior use of medications, such as calcineurin inhibitors or corticosteroids. As such, physicians must be familiar with this condition so that an accurate diagnosis can be made and appropriate treatment initiated.

Serous effusions: A clinicopathological study

This study is a prospective, observational study done for two years, comprising of 267 cases. Their episodes were while tapping pleural cavity, peritoneal cavity and pericardial sac, pleural, ascitic and pericardial fluids were collected. Majority of the samples received were from our hospital (98%) while 2% (5 samples) were obtained from outside. The male cases (55%) outnumbered the females (45%). And, a maximum number of instances in quinquagenarian among males and sexagenarian among females. In peritoneal fluids, females (29/30) outnumbered males. Fifty-nine (22%) samples showed the presence of clot with the majority being in pleural fluid (35/59). Few of the cases of TB showed neutrophilic (10%) or eosinophilic (2.5%) exudate instead of lymphocytic effusion. In contrast, a few cases of liver cirrhosis showed exudative effusion instead of transudative because of bacterial peritonitis. Majority cases were exudates (58.2%) excluding the peritoneal fluids, out of 71 cases of known malignancy. Out of these, 50% of the malignant effusions were nonhemorrhagic. Common microorganisms were gram-negative bacilli and grampositive cocci. There were three unusual cases in this study, viz: Eosinophilic effusion, Parasite (Ascaris) in pleural fluid and an example of a second malignancy. If the effusion is suspected for malignancy, the fluid typing of exudate or transudate may be done. Also, wet mount preparation for abnormal cells may be done before Examination of fixed smears for cancerous cells, as we did not find any transudate fluid positive for malignancy. Diagnostic effusion tapping, followed by immediate processing of fluid in a laboratory may improve cytological outcome. Malignant effusions may not be hemorrhagic in appearance. Rarely effusion may be the first manifestation of malignancy.

Molecular and morphological characterisation of a novel microsporidian species, Tubulinosema suzukii, infecting Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae)

A microsporidium showing morphological characteristics typical of a Tubulinosema species was discovered in Drosophila suzukii. All developmental stages were diplokaryotic and grew in direct contact with the host cell cytoplasm. Spores from fresh preparations were ovoid to slightly pyriform and measured 4.29 × 2.47 μm in wet mount preparations. The spore wall consisted of a 125 nm thick endospore covered by a double layered exospore of 39 nm and 18 nm. The polar filament measured 67 μm in length, was slightly anisofilar and was arranged in ten coils in one or rarely two rows. The two posterior coils were 95 nm in diameter while the anterior coils were 115 nm in diameter. Early developmental stages were surrounded by electron-dense, 35.3 nm diameter, surface ornaments scattered over the membrane. Tubular elements with diameters of approximately 75 nm were seen attaching to the periphery of meronts and sporonts. Tissues infected included fat body, midgut and muscle. A 1915 bp rDNA fragment, covering the small subunit (SSU), the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and the 5′ end of the large subunit ribosomal DNA, was amplified by PCR and sequenced. Phylogenetic analyses of the SSU rDNA fragment revealed closest relationship to Tubulinosema pampeana (Host: Bombus atratus, South America) and Tubulinosema loxostegi (Host: Loxostege sticticalis, ubiquitous), but using the complete dataset of SSU-ITS-LSU rDNA genes revealed T. hippodamiae (Host: Hippodamiae convergens) as the most closely related species. Based on the morphological and genetic features a new species, Tubulinosema suzukii sp. nov., is proposed for this microsporidium isolated from D. suzukii.

The Prevalence of Candida albicans and Trichomonas vaginalis among First Year Female Students of a Tertiary Institution in Southeastern Nigeria

Aim: To determining the prevalence of Candida albicans and Trichomonas vaginalis infections among first year female students of Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, a tertiary institution in Southeastern Nigeria.
 Study Design: A cross sectional exposed case study.
 Place and Duration of Study: Ultramodern Diagnostic Laboratory and Research Center, Department of Medical Laboratory Science, between June and November, 2019.
 Methodology: The study involved 350 randomly selected students who consented to the study. Urine and high vagina swab (HVS) samples were carefully and aseptically collected using sterile universal containers and sterile cotton swabs respectively and analysed within 30 minutes of collection. Analytical methods including plate culturing, Gram staining, wet mount preparation and germ tube tests were used to diagnose these infections.
 Results: The overall results showed a Candida albicans and Trichomonas vaginalis prevalence of 11.1% and 6.0% respectively, while 2.0% were co-infected. The subjects within the age group 21-25 years had the highest prevalence of C.albicans and T. vaginalis, 14.5% and 8.5% respectively, while subjects between the ages of 26-30 years had the least prevalence;5.5% and 0% respectively. However, a weak association was observed between C. albicans infection and age difference of the subjects (P = .11), while a strong association was observed between age difference of subjects and T. vaginalis infection (P = .04).
 Conclusion: The study confirms the prevalence of these infections among the students of Ebonyi State University. There is need for provision of proper counseling on sexual behavior and genital hygiene as well as public health education for creation of awareness and sensitization for students through regular seminars is recommended.

Detection of Canine Vector-Borne Filariasis and Their Wolbachia Endosymbionts in French Guiana.

In French Guiana, canine heartworm disease is well known, but the diversity of filarial parasites of dogs remains largely unknown. A total of 98 canine blood samples from Cayenne and Kourou were assessed by a blood wet mount preparation, heartworm antigen test and molecular exploration of filarioid and Wolbachia DNAs, followed by a multiplex species-specific qPCR’s identification and a subsequent sequencing analysis. Thereafter, a phylogeny based on maximum likelihood was carried out to facilitate specific identification. Five dogs were microfilaremic. Heartworm antigens were detected in 15 (15.3%) dogs. Of these, six (6.1%) were considered as occult infections as neither microfilariae nor Dirofilaria immitis DNA were detected. The 11 (11.2%) D. immitis isolates corresponded to a low virulent strain. Six of the D. immitis isolates were positive for Wolbachia endosymbionts of D. immitis belonging to the clade C DNA. Acanthocheilonema reconditum DNA was detected in 3 (3.1%) samples. Of these latter, one was found co-infected with the Brugia sp. genotype and the DNA of the clade D of the Wolbachia endosymbiont of Brugia species. This latter was also detected in two filarioid DNA-free samples. Finally, two samples were positive for Cercopithifilaria bainae genotype, which is distinct from those identified in Europe. The present study highlights the urgent need to implement chemoprophylaxis associated with anti-Wolbachia drugs to control these potential zoonoses.