scholarly journals Frequency of Toxocariasis among Patients Clinically Suspected to Have Visceral Toxocariasis: A Retrospective Descriptive Study in Sri Lanka

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Devika Iddawela ◽  
Kiruthiha Ehambaram ◽  
Dhilma Atapattu ◽  
Kalyani Pethiyagoda ◽  
Lakmalee Bandara
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Larva Migrans ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Antigen Elisa ◽  
Clinical Syndromes ◽  
Younger Age ◽  
Antibody Positivity ◽  
Low Levels ◽  
High Level

Introduction. Human toxocariasis is caused by several species of the nematode Toxocara. Two common clinical syndromes are ocular and visceral larva migrans. Objectives. To determine the Toxocara antibody positivity in clinically suspected VLM patients and to describe demographic factors and clinical manifestations of seropositive patients. Methods. 522 clinically suspected patients were studied between 1993 and 2014. Relevant data was gathered from referral letters. Serum samples were subjected to Toxocara antigen ELISA. Results. Overall, seropositivity was 50.2% (262), of which 109 (40.8%) were positive at high level of Toxocara antibody carriage and 153 (58.4%) were positive at low levels. The seropositives ranged from 3 months to 70 years (mean = 7.8). Younger age group had higher levels of seropositivity and it was statistically significant. Majority of children under 5 years were seropositive (47.7%, n=125). Seropositivity was common in males (55.3%, n=145). Clinical manifestations of seropositives include lymphadenopathy (24.1%) skin rash (22.5%), dyspnoea (21.7%), fever (21%), hepatosplenomegaly (9.2%), and abdominal pain (3.8%). 197 (75.2%) seropositive cases had eosinophilia. These symptoms were not statistically significant. Conclusions. This study confirms toxocariasis as an important cause of childhood ill health identifying common clinical symptoms recommending preventive measures to limit transmission.

scholarly journals Serological monitoring of ornitobacteriosis in broilers in South Banat district

2014 ◽  
Vol 68 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 197-205
Author(s):  
Pavle Gavrilovic ◽  
Nikola Vaskovic ◽  
Milijan Jovanovic
Keyword(s):  
Respiratory Tract ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Respiratory Infections ◽  
Natural Infection ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Serological Response ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Exact Test ◽  
Specific Antibodies ◽  
Ornithobacterium Rhinotracheale

Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale is a relatively recently discovered bacterium and its role in the pathology of avian respiratory infections has not yet been clarified. Since there was no data relating to the prevalence of this infection in Serbia at the time of carrying out our investigations, we decided to explore the prevalence of the infection in broilers and its influence on clinical manifestations at the selected apizootiological area with developed poultry industry. A total of 430 blood samples from 26 flocks of broilers of different ages, from five municipalities were taken for examination. The serum samples were tested by ELISA for the presence of specific antibodies to the agent. Epizootiological investigation was carried out based on the results obtained with serological testing and epizootiological data, collected from the farms. The data were analyzed statistically to identify association between the infection and manifestation of clinical symptoms by Fisher?s exact test. Seropositive chickens were detected in 16 out of 26 examined broiler flocks at the age of 3 to 56 days. The percentage of seropositive samples per flock was 5-30%. The titer values of specific antibodies ranged from 946 to 6886. Serological response to O. rhinotracheale was evidenced in five flocks which had clinical symptoms in the form of respiratory tract disorders or stunting. However, specific antibodies against the agent were discovered in 11 flocks which did not show clinical symptoms. Statistical analysis revealed no association between the presence of infection and the appearance of clinical symptoms (p = 0.1213). The results are in agreement with those of other authors who investigated the prevalence of this infection and its manifestations in other countries. The present investigation determined indirectly, serologically a presence of O. rhinotracheale in the majority of examined broiler flocks (61,54%) and a small average number of individual seropositive chickens per flock - 10 % of all examined samples. Although O. rhinotracheale is wide-spread in intensive broiler production in South Banat its presence does not always lead to clinical manifestation of respiratory tract disorders. Seropositive chickens are detected in the first week of life, which indicates the presence of maternal antibodies. Presence of antibodies as the response of organism to the natural infection is detected in chickens after four weeks of age.

scholarly journals Hepatic syndromes and cytokine indices in patients with hepatic cirrhosis

2019 ◽  
Vol 36 (5) ◽  
pp. 27-34
Author(s):  
A. P. Schekotova ◽  
I. A. Bulatova ◽  
S. V. Paducheva
Keyword(s):  
Interleukin 6 ◽  
Hepatic Cirrhosis ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Liver Lesion ◽  
Cytokine Level ◽  
Complex Data ◽  
Necrosis Factor Alpha ◽  
Clinical Syndromes ◽  
Factor Alpha

Aim. To analyze the clinical manifestations of hepatic cirrhosis (HC) of different etiology and their correlation with proinflammatory cytokine level interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-). Materials and methods. Fifty patients with viral hepatic cirrhosis (as a result of chronic hepatitis C), 20 patients with alcoholic HC, 16 persons with mixed etiology HC (viral and alcoholic) with the mean age 53 13.01 years were examined. Hepatic cirrhosis was diagnosed using complex data of clinicolaboratory and instrumental studies. The levels of IL-6 and TNF- were determined with the kits of VectorBest company (Russia, Novosibirsk) using the method of enzyme immunoassay and registration of results on photometer Stat-Fax 2100 (USA). Results. No reliable differences in clinical manifestations and cytokine level in HC of different etiology were detected. The levels of cytokine concentration median significantly elevated as HC progressed. Interleukin-6 demonstrated moderate correlations with lethargy and hepatocellular insufficiency as a whole (Ki = 0.673 and Ki = 0.607, respectively). Conclusions. Clinical syndromes of HC practically do not depend on etiology of disease. Increase in production of IL-6 and TNF-a demonstrates pathogenetic significance of proinflammatory cytokines in the lesion of the liver. IL-6 level correlates with the severity of liver lesion and, thus, objectifies clinical symptoms in HC patients, especially those based on patients complaints.

scholarly journals Serological diagnosis of toxoplasmosis: usefulness of IgA detection and IgG avidity determination in a patient with a persistent IgM antibody response to Toxoplasma gondii

1999 ◽  
Vol 41 (3) ◽  
pp. 175-177 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luciana C. BERTOZZI ◽  
Lisandra A. SUZUKI ◽  
Cláudio L. ROSSI
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Elisa Test ◽  
Significant Rise ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Toxoplasma Infection ◽  
Elisa System ◽  
Igm Antibodies ◽  
Igg Avidity ◽  
One Year

We report the detection of specific IgA antibodies and the determination of IgG avidity in sequential serum samples from a patient exhibiting significant levels of Toxoplasma-specific IgM antibodies for seven years after the onset of the clinical symptoms of toxoplasmosis. IgM antibodies were detected by an indirect immunofluorescence test and by three commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Anti-T. gondii IgA was quantified by the <FONT FACE="Symbol">a</FONT>-capture ELISA technique using a commercial kit. As defined by the manufacturer of the IgA ELISA test used, most patients with acute toxoplasmosis have antibody levels > 40 arbitrary units per ml (AU/mL). At this cut-off level, the patient still had a positive ELISA result (45 AU/mL) in a serum sample taken one year after the beginning of clinical manifestations. The IgG avidity-ELISA test was performed with the Falcon assay screening test (F.A.S.T.®) - ELISA system. Avidity indices compatible with a recent Toxoplasma infection were found only in serum samples taken during the first 5 months after the onset of the clinical symptoms of toxoplasmosis. These results show that the interpretation of positive IgM results as indicative of recently acquired toxoplasmosis requires additional laboratory confirmation either by other tests or by the demonstration of a significant rise in the antibody titers in sequential serum samples.

scholarly journals Weil’s syndrome (Leptospiral infection): A case report

2007 ◽  
Vol 60 (9-10) ◽  
pp. 493-496
Author(s):  
Zeljko Mijailovic ◽  
Predrag Canovic ◽  
Olgica Gajovic
Keyword(s):  
Renal Failure ◽  
Case Report ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Severe Form ◽  
The Body ◽  
Symptomatic Therapy ◽  
Clinical Syndromes ◽  
Febrile Condition ◽  
Therapeutic Measures

Introduction. Leptospirosis is an acute zoonotic infection, caused by spirochetes of the genus Leptospira. It is characterized by extensive vasculitis. It is usually transmitted indirectly, per contaminated water, rarely directly, through contact with infected animals. Leptospira bacteria commonly enter the body through damaged skin or mucous membranes. The clinical syndromes may vary from a subclinical infection and mild febrile condition to severe clinical symptoms with jaundice and renal failure. Case report. This is a case report of a patient with leptospirosis (Weil's disease) whose clinical manifestations included: icterus, renal failure, hemorrhagic syndrome and disturbances of consciousness. After the use of antibiotics, symptomatic and substitution therapy, all symptoms resolved completely. However, in our patient, hemodialysis was necessary due to renal failure, as a palliative measure. Discussion. Weil?s syndrome is a severe form of leptospirosis, which can be fatal. Early clinical diagnosis of the disease, as well as serologic verification of infection, are very important prerequisites, followed by antibiotic and other symptomatic therapy, as soon as possible. Conclusion. This is a case report of a patient with rare clinical manifestations of leptosirosis. Although presenting with severe symptoms, thanks to palliative therapeutic measures, complete and fast recovery was achieved. We especially point out the role of hemodialysis in the treatment of this patient. .

scholarly journals Screening for F508del as a first step in the molecular diagnosis of cystic fibrosis

2013 ◽  
Vol 39 (3) ◽  
pp. 306-316 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fernando Augusto de Lima Marson ◽  
Carmen Silvia Bertuzzo ◽  
Maria Angela Goncalves de Oliveira Ribeiro ◽  
Antonio Fernando Ribeiro ◽  
Jose Dirceu Ribeiro
Keyword(s):  
Cystic Fibrosis ◽  
Burkholderia Cepacia ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Pancreatic Insufficiency ◽  
Genetic Diagnosis ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Clinical Severity ◽  
Clinical Variables ◽  
Younger Age ◽  
Severity Of The Disease

OBJECTIVE: To determine the relevance of screening for the F508del mutation of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator gene as a first step in the genetic diagnosis of cystic fibrosis (CF) by associating the genotype with various clinical variables. METHODS: We evaluated 180 CF patients regarding the F508del mutation. The clinical data were obtained from the medical records of the patients and from interviews with their parents or legal guardians. RESULTS: Of the 180 patients studied, 65 (36.1%) did not carry the F508del mutation (group 0 [G0]), 67 (37.2%) were F508del heterozygous (G1), and 48 (26.7%) were F508del homozygous (G2). All three groups showed associations with the clinical variables. Homozygosis was associated with younger patients, younger age at CF diagnosis, and younger age at the first isolation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA), as well as with higher prevalence of pancreatic insufficiency (PI) and non-mucoid PA (NMPA) colonization. In comparison with G1+G2 patients, G0 patients were older; first experienced clinical symptoms, digestive disease, and pulmonary disease at an older age; were older at CF diagnosis and at first PA isolation; and had a lower prevalence of PI and meconium ileus, as well as of colonization by NMPA, mucoid PA, and Burkholderia cepacia. In G1 patients, values were intermediate for age at CF diagnosis; age at first PA isolation, first pulmonary symptoms, and first clinical manifestations; MPA colonization; and OR for PI. CONCLUSIONS: The identification of F508del in 63.9% of the patients studied showed that this can be a useful tool as a first step in the genetic diagnosis of CF. The F508del genotype was associated with clinical severity of the disease, especially with the variables related to CF onset.

High world sugar prices: is Asia’s production cycle to blame?

2010 ◽  
pp. 169-173
Author(s):  
Martin Todd
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Supply And Demand ◽  
Production Cycle ◽  
Low Levels ◽  
High Level ◽  
High World

The current high world sugar prices reflect a major imbalance between global supply and demand, which has reduced stocks to very low levels. Although it remains to be seen whether prices will rise much above current values, it is clear that the supply chain will remain stretched throughout 2010 and this will help to maintain prices at a high level.

Etiology and clinical features of epididymo-orchitis: A single-center study in Tehran, Iran

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Abolghasemi ◽  
Mohammad Alizadeh ◽  
Ali Hashemi ◽  
Shabnam Tehrani
Keyword(s):  
Chlamydia Trachomatis ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Urine Culture ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Urinary Frequency ◽  
Serological Tests ◽  
Duration Of Symptoms ◽  
Two Samples ◽  
History Of ◽  
Tract Infections

Introduction: Epididymo-orchitis is a common urological disease among men. Little is known about the clinical and epidemiological aspects of the disease in Iran. Thus, the present study was aimed to investigate the etiology, clinical sequelae and risk factors of patients with epididymo-orchitis in Tehran, Iran. Materials and Methods: Patients presenting with epididymo-orchitis were prospectively analyzed in order to study the etiology and pattern of the disease. Bacteriological, molecular and serological tests were undertaken to look for Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Brucella spp., Mycoplasma spp, and other bacteria. Results: Fifty patients with epididymo-orchitis were evaluated according to their clinical symptoms, duration of symptoms, physical examination, and laboratory studies. The mean age of the patients was 53 years. Fever, dysuria, pain in the flanks, urinary frequency and discharges occurred in 58.0%, 50.0%, 50.0%, 28.0% and 6.0%, respectively. Bacterial pathogen was identified in 26% (13/50) of patients by urine culture. Escherichia coli was the etiological agent in 11/13 patients (84.6%). Two out of 50 patients (4.0%) were also positive for Chlamydia trachomatis. Two samples were serologically positive for Brucella spp. High Mean age, fever, urinary frequency, history of the underlying disease and history of urinary tract infections were found to have a significant association with the positive bacteriologic urine culture (P<0.05). Conclusions: The most common clinical manifestations were fever, dysuria, and abdominal pain. E. coli and C. trachomatis were the major causative agents. Use of a set of diagnostic approaches including clinical symptoms, urine culture and more precise techniques such as PCR should be taken into consideration for the definitive diagnosis.

Scrub typhus (Orientia tsutsugamushi), A rapidly spreading epidemic in Chennai - A standalone lab experience

2016 ◽  
Vol 5 (09) ◽  
pp. 4896
Author(s):  
Sripriya C.S.* ◽  
Shanthi B. ◽  
Arockia Doss S. ◽  
Antonie Raj I. ◽  
Mohana Priya
Keyword(s):  
Scrub Typhus ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Febrile Illness ◽  
Orientia Tsutsugamushi ◽  
The Past ◽  
Igm Elisa ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Specific Symptoms ◽  
Symptoms And Signs

Scrub typhus (Orientia tsutsugamushi), is a strict intracellular bacterium which is reported to be a recent threat to parts of southern India. There is re-emergence of scrub typhus during the past few years in Chennai. Scrub typhus is an acute febrile illness which generally causes non-specific symptoms and signs. The clinical manifestations of this disease range from sub-clinical disease to organ failure to fatal disease. This study documents our laboratory experience in diagnosis of scrub typhus in patients with fever and suspected clinical symptoms of scrub typhus infection for a period of two years from April 2014 to April 2016 using immunochromatography and IgM ELISA methods. The study was conducted on 648 patients out of whom 188 patients were found to be positive for scrub typhus. Results also showed that pediatric (0 -12 years) and young adults (20 – 39 years) were more exposed to scrub typhus infection and female patients were more infected compared to male. The study also showed that the rate of infection was higher between September to February which also suggested that the infection rate is proportional to the climatic condition. Statistical analysis showed that the mean age of the patients in this study was 37.6, standard deviation was 18.97, CV % was 50.45. 

scholarly journals Reassessing the Role of the Active TGF-β1 as a Biomarker in Systemic Sclerosis: Association of Serum Levels with Clinical Manifestations

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andréa Tavares Dantas ◽  
Sayonara Maria Calado Gonçalves ◽  
Anderson Rodrigues de Almeida ◽  
Rafaela Silva Guimarães Gonçalves ◽  
Maria Clara Pinheiro Duarte Sampaio ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systemic Sclerosis ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Vascular Involvement ◽  
Digital Ulcers ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Peripheral Blood Mononuclear ◽  
Pbmc Culture ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Skin Biopsies

Objective. To determine active TGF-β1 (aTGF-β1) levels in serum, skin, and peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) culture supernatants and to understand their associations with clinical parameters in systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients.Methods. We evaluated serum samples from 56 SSc patients and 24 healthy controls (HC). In 20 SSc patients, we quantified spontaneous or anti-CD3/CD28 stimulated production of aTGF-β1 by PBMC. The aTGF-β1 levels were measured by ELISA. Skin biopsies were obtained from 13 SSc patients and six HC, and TGFB1 expression was analyzed by RT-PCR.Results. TGF-β1 serum levels were significantly higher in SSc patients than in HC (p< 0.0001). Patients with increased TGF-β1 serum levels were more likely to have diffuse subset (p= 0.02), digital ulcers (p= 0.02), lung fibrosis (p< 0.0001), positive antitopoisomerase I (p= 0.03), and higher modified Rodnan score (p= 0.046). Most of our culture supernatant samples had undetectable levels of TGF-β1. No significant difference in TGFB1 expression was observed in the SSc skin compared with HC skin.Conclusion. Raised active TGF-β1 serum levels and their association with clinical manifestations in scleroderma patients suggest that this cytokine could be a marker of fibrotic and vascular involvement in SSc.

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