Parasitological detection of Theileria parasites in livestock in various regions of the Northern Emirates of the United Arab Emirates

Background and Aim

Theileriosis, caused by tick-borne hemoprotozoans of the genus Theileria, severely impacts the economics of the livestock industry in most tropical and subtropical countries. The aim of the present study was to detect Theileria spp. in domesticated animals (camels, cows, sheep, and goats) using direct microscopy and to determine the infection rate in geographically distinct regions in the northern emirates of the UAE.

Materials and Methods

Blood samples (n = 536) were collected from clinically symptomatic and asymptomatic domesticated animals and subjected to Giemsa staining and examined microscopically for the identification of Theileria.

Results

Smears showed an overall rate of positivity for Theileria spp. in 325/536 (60.6%) animals. Different infection rates were recorded across the various animal groups in the different study areas (Middle region 215/386 [55.7%], East region 100/139 [71.9%]). Of the 11 goat samples collected from the North region, 10 (90%) were positive. Infection rates per animal group based on microscopy were as follows: camels, 3/35 (8.5%); cows, 19/36 (52.7%); goats, 200/303 (66%); and sheep, 103/162 (63.5%). Real-time polymerase chain reaction confirmation of all microscopy-positive samples identified 23/325 (7.1%) results as false-positive.

Conclusion

This study clarified that Theileria spp. is present in the Middle (Sharjah, Umm Al Quwain, and Ajman), East, and North regions. This report also confirmed the use of direct microscopy with Giemsa-stained blood films as the method of choice for diagnosing acute infections. Further work is needed to molecularly determine the prevalence and species of Theileria spp. circulating in the different parts of the UAE.

Diagnostic performance of microscopic stool examination in Campylobacter infection performed by different medical specialties

Background

Microscopic examination of stool samples can contribute to the early diagnosis of Campylobacter gastroenteritis. However, it is unclear whether the diagnostic performance is reliable when performed by physicians.

Methods

This prospective study included fresh stool samples collected from patients with gastroenteritis between August 2018 and March 2020. The samples were used for microscopic examination through Gram staining. Two physicians, a clinical laboratory technician, and microbiologists performed the examinations. In addition, antigen tests (QuickNavi-Campylobacter; Denka Co., Ltd.) were evaluated for the samples collected between May 2019 and March 2020. Infection with Campylobacter spp. was confirmed when stool cultures or polymerase chain reaction tests provided positive results.

Results

Microscopic examination was performed on 205 samples, of which 46 (22.4%) were positive for Campylobacter spp. For the microscopic examination, the sensitivity and specificity were 53.5% and 98.1% for physician A, 46.7% and 96.2% for physician B, 63.0% and 100% for the clinical laboratory technician, and 67.4% and 100% for microbiologists, respectively. The antigen testing was evaluated in 131 of the 205 samples and showed a sensitivity of 93.3% and specificity of 99.0%.

Conclusions

Microscopic examination of the stool samples showed high specificity. The sensitivity when the examinations were performed by the physicians was insufficient. The rapid antigen tests can reliably detect Campylobacter spp. in stool samples.

Unexpected false-negative result in a traveller's malaria diagnosis

A 4-year-old traveller returned from Senegal with symptoms compatible with malaria. Plasmodium falciparum HRP-2 antigen detection was negative, whereas panmalarial aldolase was positive. Microscopy confirmed the presence of P. falciparum trophozoites with parasitaemia of 16%. Discarding other causes of false-negative antigen detection, this is a rare case of prozone effect.

Advances and challenges in automated malaria diagnosis using digital microscopy imaging with artificial intelligence tools: A review

Malaria is an infectious disease caused by parasites of the genus Plasmodium spp. It is transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito. It is the most common disease in resource-poor settings, with 241 million malaria cases reported in 2020 according to the World Health Organization. Optical microscopy examination of blood smears is the gold standard technique for malaria diagnosis; however, it is a time-consuming method and a well-trained microscopist is needed to perform the microbiological diagnosis. New techniques based on digital imaging analysis by deep learning and artificial intelligence methods are a challenging alternative tool for the diagnosis of infectious diseases. In particular, systems based on Convolutional Neural Networks for image detection of the malaria parasites emulate the microscopy visualization of an expert. Microscope automation provides a fast and low-cost diagnosis, requiring less supervision. Smartphones are a suitable option for microscopic diagnosis, allowing image capture and software identification of parasites. In addition, image analysis techniques could be a fast and optimal solution for the diagnosis of malaria, tuberculosis, or Neglected Tropical Diseases in endemic areas with low resources. The implementation of automated diagnosis by using smartphone applications and new digital imaging technologies in low-income areas is a challenge to achieve. Moreover, automating the movement of the microscope slide and image autofocusing of the samples by hardware implementation would systemize the procedure. These new diagnostic tools would join the global effort to fight against pandemic malaria and other infectious and poverty-related diseases.

Prevalence of camel babesiosis in southeast of Iran

Babesiosis is a globally distributed zoonotic parasitic disease in a broad range of vertebrates with great importance in the veterinary field. The standard diagnostic test for Babesiosis in animals is microscopic identification of the parasite in a venous blood smear stained with Giemsa combined with assessment of clinical manifestations throughout the acute phase of the disease. The present study was planned to determine the presence of Babesia species in camels from the southeastern regions of Iran. A total of 140 blood samples of camels were randomly collected in four selected cities including Qaen, Nehbandan, Iranshahr, and Zahedan from March to August 2019. Blood smears of each case were also examined by the Giemsa staining method and extracted DNA samples were subjected to internal transcribed spacers (ITS1) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification. The prevalence rates using microscopically and molecular examinations were 10% and 19.28%, respectively. The prevalence rates significantly vary between the selected regions (p = 0.003). PCR technique showed higher sensitivity than microscopy. We found that all infected camels were positive for Babesia caballi. The rate of infection with Babesia among the camel in Zahedan is remarkable. Early diagnosis and early treatment can prevent further spread of the disease in this area.

Analysis of Mechanical Properties and Mechanism of Natural Rubber Waterstop after Aging in Low-Temperature Environment

In order to elucidate the aging performance and aging mechanism of a rubber waterstop in low-temperature environments, the rubber waterstops were placed in the freezing test chamber to accelerate aging, and then we tested its tensile strength, elongation, tear strength, compression permanent deformation and hardness at different times. Additionally, the damaged specimens were tested by scanning electron microscope, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and energy dispersive spectrometry. The results showed that with the growth of aging time, the mechanical properties of the rubber waterstop are reduced. At the same time, many protrusions appeared on the surface of the rubber waterstop, the C element gradually decreased, and the O element gradually increased. During the period of 72–90 days, the content of the C element in the low-temperature air environment significantly decreased compared with that in low-temperature water, while the content of O element increased significantly.

Prevalence and Phylogenetic Analysis of Microsporidium Enterocytozoon bieneusi in Diarrheal Patients

Enterocytozoon bieneusi can cause severe diarrhea in children and adults. However, in China, there are scant studies on E. bieneusi in diarrheal children and adults, with the exception of prevalence and genotyping data in a small number of cities including Hubei, Shanghai, and Heilongjiang. In this study, 196 fecal samples (n = 132 in Chongqing, n = 44 in Shandong, n = 20 in Hubei) were collected, including 91 from children and 105 from adults. Through microscopic examination, 19 positive samples (11 from children and 8 from adults) were detected. Using PCR examination, the internal transcriptional spacer (ITS) region was utilized by nested PCR to detect and characterize E. bieneusi. Twenty positive samples were detected, including 14 from children (≤11 years of age) and 6 from adults. According to the sequence analysis of ITS data, one known zoonotic (D) and seven novel (CQH5-11) genotypes were identified. This is the first molecular epidemiological study of E. bieneusi in diarrheal patients in different regions of China. Therefore, this study can provide useful information for the molecular epidemiology and control of E. bieneusi infection in humans in the future.

Microscopic detection of bacillus Calmette-Guérin mycobacteria in bladder biopsy using fluorescence in situ hybridization: Détection microscopique des Bacilles biliés de Calmette et Guérin (BCG) dans une biopsie vésicale par hybridation in situ en fluorescence

Intravesical instillation of Bacilli Calmette Guérin (BCG) as a superficial bladder cancer treatment is generally well tolerated, but local or systemic complications may occur, some of which may be life-threatening. Following the suspicion of post-BCG cystitis in a 72-year-old man with a history of urothelial carcinoma treated by intravesical BCG instillation, we used fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) targeting the rpoB gene of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex to detect Mycobacterium bovis BCG in paraffin-embedded bladder biopsy sections. FISH yielded specific detection of BCG mycobacteria in the bladder biopsy section, appearing as red-fluorescent bacilli. Treatment with rifampicin, ethambutol and isoniazid is then initiated in combination with corticosteroid therapy.

The role of sampling by cotton swab in the molecular diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis

An appreciated sampling technique is essential for achieving optimum results from diagnostic tests of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL); conventional sampling methods, such as skin biopsy and dermal scrapping, are painful for the patients and require qualified staff and hospital facilities, while swabbing is patient-friendly more comfortable than invasive traditional techniques and can be carried out under field conditions. The aim of this study is to evaluate a non-invasive sampling method (swab) in the cutaneous leishmaniasis diagnosis, compared to microscopic examination. The recruitment of 205 patients was done during 3 years in six regions known as endemic CL foci in the south-east, the centre, the south-west and the north of Morocco. The results showed that molecular detection of the nuclear marker ITS1 on swab materials is to be less sensitive than microscopic examination, and the difference was statistically significant (p-value = .036). Thereafter, 55 patients were randomly selected to compare the results of two molecular techniques (ITS1-PCR and nested KDNA-PCR), performed both on swab and on stained smears used for microscopic examination; ITS1-PCR results from stained smears reached 87% positivity against 65,2% for cotton swab; and it was statistically significant (p-value = .019); on the other hand for the KDNA marker, results from cotton swab reached 93% of positivity against 91% for stained smears; and statistically the difference was not significant (p-value = .5113). One can presume that rubbing over the lesion with cotton swab implies a low parasitic load collection, but the choice of the amplification target greatly influences the results obtained from cotton swab; on top of that swab remains useful in the cases of patients with multiples lesions or the latter are located in sensitive places difficult to reach with an invasive method such as the eyelids, the lips or other mucous areas.

An extraordinary rare presentation of liver hydatidosis with hydatid cyst scolices

The extraordinary finding of scolices with the characteristic hooklets may be found during the microscopic analysis in patients with cystic echinococcosis.

Beretta barrel fired bullet validation study

A report published in 2016 by the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) criticized studies that have been published regarding the discipline of firearm identification. This study was designed to answer some of these criticisms and involved 30 consecutively manufactured Beretta brand 9 mm Luger caliber barrels. This study had an "open set" design to help the discipline of firearm identification establish "Foundational Validity" which is outlined in the PCAST report. Seventy-two qualified firearm examiners completed and submitted answers for this study that included 15 knowns and 20 unknowns. There were an additional 5 firearms with similar characteristics as the Beretta barrels that were also included as unknowns which provided "known non-match" comparisons. Test sets were created using the random function in Microsoft Excel. Collaborative Testing Services (CTS) funded, facilitated, distributed the tests, and collected the answers from qualified firearm examiners throughout the United States and the world. Firearm examiners were able to complete the test of fired bullets with a low error rate. The error rate for the corrected data was 0.08% (1 in 1250) with the lower confidence interval as low as 0.01% (1 in 10,000) and the upper confidence interval being as high as 0.4% (1 in 250).

Distribution of Intestinal Parasites Detected between September 2011-2018 at Dokuz Eylül University Medical Faculty Hospital

Objective

Intestinal parasitic diseases are important public health problems in our country as well as in the world. In this study, intestinal parasites were investigated in patients admitted to Dokuz Eylül University Hospital (DEUH) with various gastrointestinal system complaints.

Methods

Patients (n=18460) who were referred to the DEUH Central Parasitology Laboratory between January 2011 and December 2018, were included in the study. Fecal samples were examined with Nativ-lugol method and then formol ethyl-acetate precipitation method was applied. Trichrome and kinyoun acid-fast stainings were performed on the necessary samples. Demographic data of the patients were obtained from the hospital's and laboratory's information operating system.

Results

One or more parasites were detected in 6% (1128) of 18460 patients examined. The mean age of the patients with parasites was 39.7 (±23.1) years, of which 53.3% were male and 47.6% were female. The distribution of parasites detected were as follows; 4.8% (879) Blastocystis hominis, 0.7% (135) amoebas other than Entamoeba histolytica/dispar, 0.4% (70) Giardia intestinalis, 0.3% (49) Enterebius vermicularis, 0.1% (21) Entamoeba histolytica/dispar, and 0.01% (10) other rare parasites.

Conclusion

Our study shows that intestinal parasitic infections are still an important public health problem in our region and that there is a decrease in their incidence.

Non infective bullous lesions: a diagnostic challenge in a minimally equipped centre- based solely on microscopic findings

Vesicobullous lesions of skin may occur in different forms of dermatosis, which include various inflammatory, infective, autoimmune, drug induced as well as genetic conditions. Autoimmune bullous lesions, may be fatal if not treated with appropriate agents. Bearing in mind, the morbidity of these diseases, it is important to establish a firm diagnosis. A diagnostic skin biopsy with immunofluorescence is frequently used to confirm a clinical diagnosis, especially where it is not apparent clinically. There are many centres in India where immunofluorescence is not available and the diagnosis in these lesions is based on clinical and histopathological features only. Here in this study, we studied 53 skin punch biopsies with clinical suspicion of vesicobullous lesions followed by histopathological examination was carried out over a period of 2 years in a Medical College in Gujarat. Lesions were categorised based on the location of the blister. 1) Suprabasal 2) subcorneal 3) and subepidermal. Further subtyping was done based on additional histopathological features and clinical correlation. All the patients responded appropriately to the treatment and the results correlated well with the immunofluorescence done in a few cases. This study lays emphasis upon the histopathology and clinical features keeping in consideration of the lack of ancillary techniques in many centres especially in the developing world.

Rare amyloidoma of the tongue base: A case report and review of the literature

Localized amyloidosis is a rare condition characterized by the deposition of misfolding protein in a tissue, without other systemic manifestations. Only a small number of cases of localized amyloidosis of the tongue have been reported to date, in contrast to systemic amyloidosis, in which localization on the tongue is common. This study presents a rare case of localized amyloidosis of the tongue (amyloidoma) and provides a summary of the known literature of localized amyloidosis. This study describes the case of a 36-year-old female who presented with a swelling of the tongue base. The diagnosis of amyloidoma was made based on the findings of the physical examination, head and neck MRI findings and the histopathological examination with Congo red stain under polarized light. The histopathological diagnosis was as follows: Localized lambda light-chain amyloidosis. A thorough physical examination was performed by the ENT and Hematology/Oncology departments, without revealing signs of systemic disease. A series of hematological and imaging tests were also performed to verify that there was no sign of systemic involvement. The patient declined surgical excision and the 2-year follow-up did not reveal any changes in tumor dimension. Although the etiology of localized amyloidosis is yet not clear, the prolonged reaction of tissue plasma cells to environmental antigens may be a causative factor for the initiation of the neoplastic process.

Molecular identification of Leishmania tropica and L. infantum isolated from cutaneous human leishmaniasis samples in central Morocco

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in Marrakesh-Safi region located in the central-south part of Morocco is a public health problem. This study assessed the efficiency of a microscopic examination method in establishing the diagnosis of CL and PCR for the characterization and identification of the circulating Leishmania strains in different CL foci of the study area.

METHODS

A total of 297 smears obtained from cutaneous lesions of suspected patients with CL were stained with May-Grünwald Giemsa (MGG) for microscopic examination. For each positive smear, genomic DNA was extracted and PCR-analysed, targeting the small subunit ribosomal ribonucleic acid (ssu rRNA) gene to detect Leishmania DNA. Then, the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) was amplified and sequenced in order to identify the Leishmania species. The sensitivity and specificity of the conventional microscopy with ssu rRNA gene were compared by Leishmania nested PCR (LnPCR) and ITS1 gene by ITS-PCR.

RESULTS

A total of 257 smears were positive in the microscopic examination, i.e. the detection rate of amastigotes by optical microscopy was 86.53% (257/297). The LnPCR was found to have a specificity and a sensitivity of 100%, each. Interestingly, the sequencing results showed that 99.61% (256/257) of the isolates had Leishmania tropica and 0.39% (1/257) had L. infantum infection.

INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION

Though, classical microscopic examination is useful and economical, it is not sensitive enough, especially in endemic regions where several Leishmania species coexist. In such situations, PCR constitutes a complementary method for the identification of the causal species. The results indicate that both the L. tropica (dominant) and L. infantum are the causative agents of CL in the Marrakesh-Safi region. The rate of CL infection is high in Imintanout, and Chichaoua provinces. Hence, early diagnosis and prompt treatment of CL patients is necessary to prevent its extension to neighboring localities.

Performance Evaluation of Three URiSCAN Devices for Routine Urinalysis

BACKGROUND

This study compares the diagnostic performance (in routine urinalysis) of three URiSCAN devices and three Roche analyzers to manual microscopy and quantitative assays.

METHODS

We analyzed eight dipstick tests using three URiSCAN devices. The results were compared to those of the tests performed using three Roche analyzers. The results of leukocyte and erythrocyte screens were compared to those obtained using manual microscopy. Protein, glucose, pH, and specific gravity (SG) assays performed on the URiSCAN devices were compared with the results of corresponding quantitative assays.

RESULTS

The rates of agreement within one grade difference were found to be more than 94.3%. When compared with manual microscopy, the Optima provided better diagnostic performance for the detection of leukocytes compared with the Urisys 1100. Compared to the Urisys 2400, the Super plus provided better diagnostic performance with regard to both leukocytes and erythrocytes. There was good correlation between the three URiSCAN devices and each quantitative assay, except for SG detection.

CONCLUSION

There were well correlated results between those of the three URiSCAN devices and those obtained using the corresponding Roche analyzers, quantitative assays, and manual microscopy. URiSCAN series devices are therefore suitable for routine urinalysis in clinical laboratories.

The effect of pH on electrolyte detection of fingermarks on cartridge cases and subsequent microscopic examination

Cartridge cases may contain deposited fingermarks when the firearm was loaded (http://www.nij.gov/pubs-sum/225320.htm, J Forensic Sci, 53, 2008 and 812). Cartridge cases can be individualized with microscopic examination. However, heat and friction degrades the deposited fingermark on the fired cartridge cases, if any on the surface. Also, unfired and fired cartridge cases are made of metal, which is a nonporous surface that does not retain fingermarks well (http://www.nij.gov/pubs-sum/225320.htm). This study tests the effects of pH level on fingermark clarity on brass fired and unfired cartridge cases and microscopic striation examination (MSE). Two trials were performed to determine the optimal pH in fingermark clarity for both types of cartridges. This was performed through immersion in six pH range solutions from dilutions of sulfuric acid and sodium hydroxide for 24 h for the purpose of enhancing the fingermarks on the metal. The use of the optimal neutral pH level is suggested because immersion of the cartridge cases in pH 1-3 and 3-5 affects MSE.

Identification of immature granulocytes in cancer chemotherapy patients by cell counting vs. microscopic examination of blood smears

Tumor cell formation occurs through various mechanisms that may result in the growth of tumor blood vessels. Thus, novel methods are required to provide tumor therapy. The aim of the present study was to investigate the reliability of the abnormality-indicating alarm information provided by the automatic hematology analyzer in the measurement of immature granulocytes (IG) and assess the factors involved. The quality control groups at three concentration levels were repeatedly determined within 20 days to observe the within-run precision. The quality control groups at two concentration levels were repeatedly determined within 20 days to observe the between-run precision. The results obtained by the two methods were compared and the reliability of IG measurement using the hematology analyzer was analyzed. Additionally, IG parameters of 120 venous blood specimens collected from cancer patients were measured by cell counting using a hematology analyzer and stained blood smears were observed. The within-run precision experiment showed that the coefficient of variation (CV) values of the IG percentage in the high, middle and low concentration levels were 3.62, 6.75 and 13.69%, respectively, while the CV values of the IG percentage in the two-level between-run precision experiment were 5.6 and 7.1%, respectively. All of the CV values were <15% and within the permitted range. The true-positive rates obtained using the hematology analyzer in the IG≤1%, 1<IG≤10% and IG>10% groups were 11.5, 65.4 and 95.0%, respectively, and the false-negative rates were 0. The IG percentages obtained through the hematology analyzer measurement and from the microscopic observation were (6.98±11.18) and (9.36±20.71)%, respectively. Results of the correlation analysis revelaed that there was an excellent correlation between the two methods (r=0.1364). A significant difference between the two methods was observed using the signed-rank test (P=0.001). Manual microscopic observation is essential for the IG specimen that has been measured using an automatic hematology analyzer and has received an abnormality alarm. For cancer patients who receive chemotherapy, this application helps to provide laboratory data for clinical disease diagnosis and treatment monitoring.

Bacterial aggregation in infected root canal

The aim of this study was to investigate different microbial morphotypes in the root canal infection associated with chronic diffuse periapical lesion. In forty cases of asymptomatic teeth with radiographically diagnosed diffuse periapical lesion we took specimens of infected tissue from the root canals at the beginning of endodontic treatment. Fixation and four different staining methods of the specimens were obtained to provide microscope examination. All examined root canal specimens were heavily infected by bacteria. The most commonly identified were cocci 92 %, small mostly G+ diplococci and large G+cocci in clusters and grapelike groups, bacilli found in 67%, coccobacilli 37%, fungi 17%, and spirochetes in 5%.