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Hamdy DA, Eid RA, Abdel-Tawab H, El-Badry MA, Abdallah AM, El Wahab WMA. Impact of latent toxoplasmosis on pneumonic and non-pneumonic COVID-19 patients with estimation of relevant oxidative stress biomarkers. Folia Parasitol (Praha) 2024; 71:2024.008. [PMID: 38628099 DOI: 10.14411/fp.2024.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Susceptibility to COVID-19, the most devastating global pandemic, appears to vary widely across different population groups. Exposure to toxoplasmosis has been proposed as a theory to explain the diversity of these populations. The aim of the present study was to investigate the possible association between latent toxoplasmosis and COVID-19 and its probable correlation with markers of oxidative stress, C-reactive protein (CRP) and ferritin. In a case-control study, blood samples were collected from 91 confirmed (48 non-pneumonic; NP, and 43 pneumonic; P) COVID-19 patients and 45 healthy controls. All participants were tested for IgG anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies and oxidative stress markers (nitric oxide [NO], superoxide dismutase [SOD] and reduced glutathione [GSH]), and CRP and serum ferritin levels were determined. In COVID-19 patients, IgG anti-T. gondii antibodies were found in 54% compared to 7% in the control group, with the difference being statistically significant (P ˂ 0.001). However, no significant correlation was found between the severity of COVID-19 and latent T. gondii infection. Latent toxoplasmosis had a strong influence on the risk of COVID-19. NO and SOD levels were significantly increased in COVID-19 patients, while GSH levels decreased significantly in them compared to control subjects (P ˂ 0.001 for both values). CRP and ferritin levels were also significantly elevated in P COVID-19 patients infected with toxoplasmosis. This is the first study to look at the importance of oxidative stress indicators in co-infection between COVID-19 and T. gondii. The high prevalence of latent toxoplasmosis in COVID-19 suggests that T. gondii infection can be considered a strong indicator of the high risk of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doaa A Hamdy
- Department of Medical Parasitology, College of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Ragaey A Eid
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and infectious diseases (Tropical Medicine Department), College of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef,Egypt
| | - Heba Abdel-Tawab
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Mohamed A El-Badry
- Research Institute of Medical Entomology, General Organisation for Teaching Hospitals and Institutes (GOTHI), Giza, Egypt
| | - Abdelrahman M Abdallah
- Department of Chest Diseases, College of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Wegdan M Abd El Wahab
- Department of Medical Parasitology, College of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
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Hamdy DA, Ismail MAM, El-Askary HM, Abdel-Baki AAS, Al-Quraishy S, Mohamed F, Ahmed MM, Fouad FM, Hassan AO, Abdel-Tawab H. Green synthesis of zinc oxide/Allium sativum nano-composite and its efficacy against murine cryptosporidiosis. Microsc Res Tech 2024. [PMID: 38558483 DOI: 10.1002/jemt.24541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Cryptosporidiosis is a global health problem threats life of immunocompromised patients. Allium sativum (A. sativum) is one of the therapeutic options for cryptosporidiosis. This study develops green synthesized ZnO-NPs based on A. sativum extract, and assesses its therapeutic application in treating experimental cryptosporidiosis in immunosuppressed mice. FTIR, scanning electron microscopy, and zeta analyzer were used for characterization of bio ZnO-NPs. The morphology of prepared materials appeared as sponge with many pores on the whole surface that allows the feasibility of bio ZnO-NPs for different biological activities. Its structural analysis was highly stabilized with negative charge surface which indicated for well distribution into the parasite matrix. Twenty-five immunosuppressed Cryptosporidium parvum infected mice, classified into 5 groups were sacrificed at 21th day after infection with evaluation of parasitological, histopathological, oxidative, and proinflammatory biomarkers. Treated mice groups with 50 and 100 mg/kg of AS/ZnO-NPs showed a highly significant decline (79.9% and 83.23%, respectively) in the total number of expelled oocysts. Both doses revealed actual amelioration of the intestinal, hepatic, and pulmonary histopathological lesions. They also significantly produced an increase in GSH values and improved the changes in NO and MDA levels, and showed high anti-inflammatory properties. This study is the first to report green synthesis of ZnO/A. sativum nano-composite as an effective therapy in treating cryptosporidiosis which gave better results than using A. sativum alone. It provides an economical and environment-friendly approach towards novel delivery synthesis for antiparasitic applications. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Green synthesis of ZnO-NPs was developed using A. sativum extract. The morphology of prepared ZnO-NPs appeared as sponge with many pores on SEM The study evaluates its therapeutic efficacy against murine cryptosporidiosis The green synthesized ZnO-NPs significantly reduced percent of oocyst shedding, improved the pathological changes, and showed high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potentials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doaa A Hamdy
- Department of Medical Parasitology, College of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Mousa A M Ismail
- Department of Medical Parasitology, College of Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Hala M El-Askary
- Department of Medical Parasitology, College of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | | | - Saleh Al-Quraishy
- Zoology Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fatma Mohamed
- Nanophotonics and Applications (NPA) Lab, Faculty of Science, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
- Materials Science Lab, Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Marwa M Ahmed
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Fatma M Fouad
- Department of Medical Parasitology, College of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Ahmed O Hassan
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Heba Abdel-Tawab
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
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Hamdy DA, Ismail MAM, El-Askary HM, Abdel-Tawab H, Ahmed MM, Fouad FM, Mohamed F. Newly fabricated zinc oxide nanoparticles loaded materials for therapeutic nano delivery in experimental cryptosporidiosis. Sci Rep 2023; 13:19650. [PMID: 37949873 PMCID: PMC10638360 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-46260-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidiosis is a global health problem that threatens the lives of immunocompromised patients. This study targets to fabricate and investigate the efficiency of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs), nitazoxanide (NTZ)-loaded ZnO-NPs, and Allium sativum (A. sativum)-loaded ZnO-NPs in treating cryptosporidiosis. Further FTIR, SEM, XRD, and zeta analysis were used for the characterization of ZnO-NPs and loaded materials. The morphology of loaded materials for ZnO-NPs changed into wrapped layers and well-distributed homogenous particles, which had a direct effect on the oocyst wall. The charge surface of all particles had a negative sign, which indicated well distribution into the parasite matrix. For anti-cryptosporidiosis efficiency, thirty immunosuppressed Cryptosporidium parvum-infected mice, classified into six groups, were sacrificed on the 21st day after infection with an evaluation of parasitological, histopathological, and oxidative markers. It was detected that the highest reduction percent of Cryptosporidium oocyst shedding was (81.5%) in NTZ, followed by (71.1%) in A. sativum-loaded ZnO-NPs-treated groups. Also, treatment with A. sativum and NTZ-loaded ZnO-NPs revealed remarkable amelioration of the intestinal, hepatic, and pulmonary histopathological lesions. Furthermore, they significantly produced an increase in GSH values and improved the changes in NO and MDA levels. In conclusion, this study is the first to report ZnO-NPs as an effective therapy for treating cryptosporidiosis, especially when combined with other treatments that enhance their antioxidant activity. It provides an economical and environment-friendly approach to novel delivery synthesis for antiparasitic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doaa A Hamdy
- Department of Medical Parasitology, College of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Mousa A M Ismail
- Department of Medical Parasitology, College of Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Hala M El-Askary
- Department of Medical Parasitology, College of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Heba Abdel-Tawab
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Marwa M Ahmed
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Fatma M Fouad
- Department of Medical Parasitology, College of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Fatma Mohamed
- Nanophotonics and Applications (NPA) Lab, Faculty of Science, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, 62514, Egypt.
- Materials Science Lab, Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, 62511, Egypt.
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Abd El Wahab WM, Ali MI, Ibrahim SS, Mohamed YA, Hamdy DA. Toxocariasis: potential association with bronchial asthma, and pneumonia among pediatric children. J Parasit Dis 2023; 47:93-100. [PMID: 36910311 PMCID: PMC9998777 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-022-01543-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxocariasis is an underestimated geohelminthic infection which shows respiratory changes concurrent with larval migration. The purpose of the present study was to detect Toxocara seropositivity in asthmatic and pneumonic children, and in turn to evaluate its association with the children clinical manifestations, laboratory test results, and sociodemographic risk factors. A total of 50 asthmatic, 50 pneumonic children and 50 healthy controls were subjected to stool analysis by direct wet mount and concentration techniques to exclude possible cross reactivity. Blood samples were collected for complete blood count and assessment of eosinophil count. Sera were examined for anti-Toxocara IgG antibodies, and measurement of total IgE level. Anti Toxocara IgG was detected in 27.3% (41/150) of the studied children. It was significantly higher in asthmatic group compared to controls (26%. p value = 0.033) and significantly highest in pneumonia group compared to both bronchial asthma group (46%. p value = 0.030) and control group (10%. p value = 0.001). There was a significant association between anti Toxocara IgG seroprevalence and each of eosinophilia, total IgE and both combined. Anti Toxocara IgG showed significant higher percentage in asthmatic children who recorded history of soil contact and pets contact as compared to control and pneumonic groups. Toxocara IgG seropositivity was highly associated with fever, cough, wheezes and dyspnea with statistical significance. Toxocara seropositivity has to be considered as a vital associated factor for asthmatic and pneumonic children, and eventually better to be considered in differential diagnosis by pediatricians. Further studies are still needed to explore the correlation between toxocariasis and different patient categories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wegdan M. Abd El Wahab
- Department of Medical Parasitology, College of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Mona I. Ali
- Department of Medical Parasitology, College of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Shimaa S. Ibrahim
- Department of Medical Parasitology, College of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Yasmen A. Mohamed
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Doaa A. Hamdy
- Department of Medical Parasitology, College of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
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Ali SH, Ismail MAM, El-Badry AA, Abu-Sarea EY, Dewidar AM, Hamdy DA. An Association Between Blastocystis Subtypes and Colorectal Cancer Patients: A Significant Different Profile from Non-cancer Individuals. Acta Parasitol 2022; 67:752-763. [PMID: 35067864 PMCID: PMC8784229 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-021-00508-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Blastocystis is a common enteric human parasite of non-conclusive pathogenicity which may be determined by subtype (ST) variation. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is considered one of the primary causes of cancer mortality. Blastocystis ST7 has been shown to reduce beneficial intestinal microbiota and may exacerbate CRC. This study assessed the possible association between Blastocystis STs and CRC in comparison to non-cancer patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 200 fecal samples were obtained from CRC (100) and non-CRC (100) individuals attending Beni-Suef University Hospital, Egypt. Blastocystis was searched for in all samples using microscopy and culturing. Positive subculture samples were genetically sequenced and subtyped using conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Blastocystis STs were determined by sequencing and a phylogenetic tree was created. Related patient characteristics and tumor stages were analyzed for association with presence of Blastocystis. RESULTS Blastocystis was identified in 52% and 42% of CRC and non-cancer individuals, respectively. ST1, 2, and 3 were isolated from both cancer and non-cancer individuals; however, for the first time, ST7 was only isolated from CRC stool samples with significant association. Associated patient characteristics were evaluated as predictors. CONCLUSION Blastocystosis is highly prevalent in CRC patients, predominantly in the latest CRC grades and stages. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report the identification of Blastocystis ST7 in CRC patients. To determine whether certain STs of Blastocystis are associated with CRC would require further research, including the role played by gut microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaimaa H. Ali
- Department of Medical Parasitology, College of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni Suef, Egypt
| | - Mousa A. M. Ismail
- Department of Medical Parasitology, College of Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Ayman A. El-Badry
- Department of Microbiology-Medical Parasitology Section, College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Enas Y. Abu-Sarea
- Department of Medical Parasitology, College of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni Suef, Egypt
| | - Ahmad M. Dewidar
- Department of Oncology, College of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni Suef, Egypt
| | - Doaa A. Hamdy
- Department of Medical Parasitology, College of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni Suef, Egypt
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Abd El Wahab WM, El-Badry AA, Mahmoud SS, El-Badry YA, El-Badry MA, Hamdy DA. Ginger (Zingiber Officinale)-derived nanoparticles in Schistosoma mansoni infected mice: Hepatoprotective and enhancer of etiological treatment. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009423. [PMID: 34014936 PMCID: PMC8171924 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nanotechnology has been manufactured from medicinal plants to develop safe, and effective antischistosmal alternatives to replace today's therapies. The aim of the study is to evaluate the prophylactic effect of ginger-derived nanoparticles (GNPs), and the therapeutic effect of ginger aqueous extract, and GNPs on Schistosoma mansoni (S. mansoni) infected mice compared to praziquantel (PZQ), and mefloquine (MFQ). METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Eighty four mice, divided into nine different groups, were sacrificed at 6th, 8th, and 10th week post-infection (PI), with assessment of parasitological, histopathological, and oxidative stress parameters, and scanning the worms by electron microscope. As a prophylactic drug, GNPs showed slight reduction in worm burden, egg density, and granuloma size and number. As a therapeutic drug, GNPs significantly reduced worm burden (59.9%), tissue egg load (64.9%), granuloma size, and number at 10th week PI, and altered adult worm tegumental architecture, added to antioxidant effect. Interestingly, combination of GNPs with PZQ or MFQ gave almost similar or sometimes better curative effects as obtained with each drug separately. The highest therapeutic effect was obtained when ½ dose GNPs combined with ½ dose MFQ which achieved 100% reduction in both the total worm burden, and ova tissue density as early as the 6th week PI, with absence of detected eggs or tissue granuloma, and preservation of liver architecture. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE GNPs have a schistosomicidal, antioxidant, and hepatoprotective role. GNPs have a strong synergistic effect when combined with etiological treatments (PZQ or MFQ), and significantly reduced therapeutic doses by 50%, which may mitigate side effects and resistance to etiological drugs, a hypothesis requiring further research. We recommend extending this study to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wegdan M. Abd El Wahab
- Department of Medical Parasitology, College of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Ayman A. El-Badry
- Department of Microbiology-Medical Parasitology Section, College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Soheir S. Mahmoud
- Department of Parasitology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute (TBRI), Giza, Egypt
| | - Yaser A. El-Badry
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Taif University, Khurma, Taif, Saudi Arabia
- Organic Chemistry Lab., Faculty of Specific Education, Ain Shams University, Abbasseya, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohamed A. El-Badry
- Research Institute of Medical Entomology, General Organization for Teaching Hospitals and Institutes (GOTHI), Giza, Egypt
| | - Doaa A. Hamdy
- Department of Medical Parasitology, College of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
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Khalil HA, El-Yazbi AF, Hamdy DA, Belal TS. Application of HPTLC, spectrofluorimetry and differential pulse voltammetry for determination of the antifungal drug posaconazole in suspension dosage form. Ann Pharm Fr 2019; 77:382-393. [PMID: 31138437 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharma.2019.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Revised: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
This work presents the development, validation and application of three simple and direct analytical methods for determination of posaconazole (PSZ) in its pure form and in suspension dosage form. Method I is based on high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) where effective separation of PSZ and the internal standard (itraconazole) was achieved using Merck HPTLC plates (20×10cm aluminium plates with 250μm layer thickness precoated with silicagel 60 F254) and a mobile phase composed of acetone and chloroform (1:2, by volume), followed by densitometric measurement of the drugs' spots at 262nm. Method II involves measurement of the native fluorescence of PSZ in 0.1M H2SO4 at excitation and emission wavelengths of 260 and 365nm, respectively. Method III depends on the voltammetric analysis of PSZ. A well-defined cathodic wave was obtained for PSZ in Britton-Robinson buffer pH 6.5 using the differential-pulse mode at the hanging mercury drop electrode (HMDE). The developed methods were validated according to the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) guidelines regarding linearity, ranges, accuracy, precision, robustness and limits of detection and quantification. The proposed methods showed good linearity over the concentration ranges 5-50, 0.05-0.3, 0.005-0.05μg/mL PSZ for methods I, II, and III respectively. Intra and inter-day precision were verified by the RSD% values which were less than 2%. The proposed methods were successfully applied for the quantification of PSZ in suspension dosage form with no observable interferences. Assay methods were favorably compared with those obtained by previously reported HPLC method.
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Affiliation(s)
- H A Khalil
- Pharmaceutical Analytical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, 21521 Alexandria, Egypt
| | - A F El-Yazbi
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, 21521 Alexandria, Egypt; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, the American University of Beirut, Lebanon
| | - D A Hamdy
- Pharmaceutical Analytical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, 21521 Alexandria, Egypt; AbEx Health Services LTD, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - T S Belal
- Pharmaceutical Analytical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, 21521 Alexandria, Egypt.
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Abd El Wahab WM, El-Badry AA, Hamdy DA. Molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis of Acanthamoeba isolates in tap water of Beni-Suef, Egypt. Acta Parasitol 2018; 63:826-834. [PMID: 30367777 DOI: 10.1515/ap-2018-0101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2018] [Accepted: 08/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The genus Acanthamoeba is a free-living amoeba widely distributed in various aquatic environments. It is an etiologic cause of amoebic encephalitis and keratitis particularly for immunocompromised individuals. The purpose of the present study was to investigate Acanthamoeba species prevalence in household and hospital potable water in Beni-Suef governorate, Egypt, and to employ sequencing methods to identify positive Acanthamoeba species isolates and their potential health risks. Sixty tap water samples (30 household and 30 governmental and private hospital settings) collected from Beni-Suef governorate, Egypt were filtered, cultured on non-nutrient agar, identified by morphotyping keys after staining with Giemsa stain and then confirmed by PCR using Acanthamoeba specific primers. Twenty positive samples were successfully genetically characterized and phylogenetically analyzed to identify Acanthamoeba species. The total detection rate for Acanthamoeba was 48/60 (80%); Acanthamoeba contamination in water collected from domestic houses was higher than in hospitals; 27/30 (90%) versus 21/30 (70%) with statistical significant value (P value = 0.05). Sequencing of 20 positive isolates revealed Acanthamoeba T4 in 65% and T2 in 35%. To our knowledge, this is the first research that documents the occurrence and phylogeny of Acanthamoeba species in Beni-Suef, Egypt. The presence of a higher percentage of Acanthamoeba species in tap water, in particular T4, highlights the potential health hazards for immunocompromised individuals and emphasizes the urgent need for the implementation of effective filtration and disinfection measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wegdan M Abd El Wahab
- Department of Medical Parasitology, College of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Ayman A El-Badry
- Department of Microbiology-Medical Parasitology Section, College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Doaa A Hamdy
- Department of Medical Parasitology, College of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
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El-Badry AA, Abd El Wahab WM, Hamdy DA, Aboud A. Blastocystis subtypes isolated from irritable bowel syndrome patients and co-infection with Helicobacter pylori. Parasitol Res 2017; 117:127-137. [PMID: 29138961 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-017-5679-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2017] [Accepted: 11/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic functional gastrointestinal disease presenting clinically by abdominal pain with alteration of bowel habits. Although IBS has uncertain etiology, chronic gut inflammation due to persistent exposure to an infectious agent including Blastocystis sp. was proposed. The aim of this study was to detect the prevalence of Blastocystis sp. subtype (ST) isolated from stool of IBS patients and to assess Blastocystis sp. and H. pylori co-infection in IBS patients from Beni-Suef Governorate, Egypt. Stool samples were collected from 115 IBS patients, following Rome III criteria. All stool samples were microscopically examined by wet mount and permanent trichrome stain, cultured on Jones' medium with further sequencing of positive Blastocystis isolates and screened for detection of H. pylori coproantigen. Blastocystis sp. was the predominant parasite in IBS patients; it had statistical significant association with both rural residence (OR = 10) and flatulence (OR = 8.2). There was a predominance of Blastocystis sp. ST3 (81%) followed by ST1 (19%). Blastocystis culture results (19.1%) were superior than microscopy (16.5%). The majority of Blastocystis-positive IBS patients (72.7%) were co-infected with H. pylori with statistical significance; however, H. pylori was higher in Blastocystis-negative IBS patients (47/64) than in Blastocystis-positive IBS patients (17/64). Interestingly, IBS is usually associated with gut dysbiosis, while the most prevalent parasite in our IBS patients was Blastocystis sp., which is frequently found in asymptomatic individuals. Whether Blastocystis sp. is a cause or a consequence of IBS still needs further investigation, with a particular focus on correlation of IBS with different Blastocystis sp. subtypes and gut microbiomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayman A El-Badry
- Department of Microbiology-Medical Parasitology Section, College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Fasial University (previously University of Dammam), P.O. Box 2114, Dammam, 31451, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Wegdan M Abd El Wahab
- Department of Medical Parasitology, College of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Doaa A Hamdy
- Department of Medical Parasitology, College of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Alaa Aboud
- Department of Tropical Medicine, College of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
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Abstract
Valspodar is a P-glycoprotein inhibitor widely used in preclinical and clinical studies for overcoming multidrug resistance. Despite this, the pharmacokinetics of valspodar in rat, a commonly used animal model, have not been reported. Here, we report on the pharmacokinetics of valspodar in Sprague-Dawley rats following intravenous and oral administration of its Cremophor EL formulation, which has been used for humans in clinical trials. After intravenous doses, valspodar displayed properties of slow clearance and a large volume of distribution. Its plasma unbound fraction was around 15% in the Cremophor EL formulation used in the study. After 10 mg kg(-1) orally it was rapidly absorbed with an average maximal plasma concentration of 1.48 mg l(-1) within approximately 2 h. The mean bioavailability of valspodar was 42.8%. In rat, valspodar showed properties of low hepatic extraction and wide distribution, similar to that of its structural analogue cyclosporine A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Binkhathlan
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2N8, Canada
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