Infectious and tropical diseases

2018 ◽  
pp. 381-434
Author(s):  
Drew Provan
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Investigation ◽  
Unknown Origin ◽  
Molecular Techniques ◽  
Nucleic Acid Detection ◽  
Laboratory Assessment ◽  
Pyrexia Of Unknown Origin ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Laboratory Investigations ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
The Tropics

This is a brief outline of the current clinical and laboratory investigations of patients suffering from infectious diseases, including those from the tropics. It includes clinical and epidemiological assessment of the patient with fever. The appropriate investigations are discussed and cover the wide range of organisms now found in clinical practice via parasitology, mycology, bacteriology, and virology. Understanding of the laboratory techniques available is important in order to guide their rational use and understand their limitations. The techniques range from traditional methods such as microscopy and culture to newer molecular techniques such as MALDI-TOF and nucleic acid detection polymerase chain reaction. The section on clinical investigation in action outlines the approach to the patient with pyrexia of unknown origin. The increasingly important and complex clinical and laboratory assessment of antimicrobial resistance is also outlined, including how the laboratory fits in with this agenda.

Genital elephantiasis and sexually transmitted infections – revisited

2006 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 157-166 ◽  
Author(s):  
Somesh Gupta ◽  
C Ajith ◽  
Amrinder J Kanwar ◽  
Virendra N Sehgal ◽  
Bhushan Kumar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sexually Transmitted Infections ◽  
Causative Agent ◽  
Significant Proportion ◽  
Medical Problem ◽  
Nucleic Acid Amplification ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Laboratory Facilities ◽  
Laboratory Investigations ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
The Tropics

Genital elephantiasis is an important medical problem in the tropics. It usually affects young and productive age group, and is associated with physical disability and extreme mental anguish. The majority of cases are due to filariasis; however, a small but significant proportion of patients develop genital elephantiasis due to bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs), mainly lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) and donovanosis. STI-related genital elephantiasis should be differentiated from elephantiasis due to other causes, including filariasis, tuberculosis, haematological malignancies, iatrogenic, or dermatological diseases. Laboratory investigations like microscopy of tissue smear and nucleic acid amplification test for donovanosis, and serology and polymerase chain reaction for LGV may help in the diagnosis, but in endemic areas, in the absence of laboratory facilities, diagnosis largely depends on clinical characteristics. The causative agent of LGV, Chlamydia trachomatis serovar L1–L3, is a lymphotropic organism which leads to the development of thrombolymphangitis and perilymphangitis, and lymphadenitis. Long-standing oedema, fibrosis and lymphogranulomatous infiltration result in the final picture of elephantiasis. Elephantiasis in donovanosis is mainly due to constriction of the lymphatics which are trapped in the chronic granulomatous inflammatory response generated by the causative agent, Calymmatobacterium (Klebsiella) granulomatis. The LGV-associated genital elephantiasis should be treated with a prolonged course of doxycycline given orally, while donovanosis should be treated with azithromycin or trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole combination given for a minimum of three weeks. Genital elephantiasis is not completely reversible with medical therapy alone and often needs to be reduced surgically.

Hospital based serological evidence of rickettsial diseases and assessment diagnostic tests of pyrexia of unknown origin

2019 ◽  
Vol 50 (2) ◽  
pp. 122-124
Author(s):  
Muzaheed ◽  
Amal J Fatani ◽  
Darshan D Divakar ◽  
Sanjay Rathod ◽  
Mustafa S Aloahd
Keyword(s):  
Scrub Typhus ◽  
Spotted Fever ◽  
Unknown Origin ◽  
Molecular Techniques ◽  
Serological Evidence ◽  
Serological Tests ◽  
Pyrexia Of Unknown Origin ◽  
Rickettsial Infections ◽  
Igm Elisa ◽  
Rickettsial Diseases

The present study examined hospital-based serological tests of rickettsial infections and assessment for diagnosis of pyrexia of unknown origin (PUO). Blood samples were tested for Weil Felix antigens, ELISA for scrub typhus group and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect the presence of DNA of spotted and scrub typhus group with the help of specific oligonucleotide. We tested 450 patient samples and found 101 Weil Felix-positive with 15 having ≥320 titres. IgM ELISA identified 32 (7.1%) positive cases. Positive PCR was seen in 13 (2.9%) samples, being only 40.1% of those testing positive for ELISA. Rickettsial infection is predominantly diagnosed through serological evidence in combination with molecular techniques. The Weil Felix test has a number of disadvantages and tends to provide false-positive results in a number of scenarios, especially where scrub typhus and spotted fever are widely distributed.

Pyrexia of Unknown Origin (PUO) in an Adult Sri Lankan Woman - A Diagnostic Dilemma Unraveled, a Rare Gastrointestinal Cause in the Tropics

2010 ◽  
Vol 105 ◽  
pp. S350
Author(s):  
Ravindra Satarasinghe ◽  
Ravi Jayawardana ◽  
Dumitha Govindapala ◽  
Upul Wickramasingha ◽  
Crislan Navaratne ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Unknown Origin ◽  
Sri Lankan ◽  
Diagnostic Dilemma ◽  
Pyrexia Of Unknown Origin ◽  
The Tropics

Identification of Microorganisms by Modern Analytical Techniques

2017 ◽  
Vol 100 (6) ◽  
pp. 1607-1623 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bogusław Buszewski ◽  
Agnieszka Rogowska ◽  
Paweł Pomastowski ◽  
Michał Złoch ◽  
Viorica Railean-Plugaru
Keyword(s):  
Analytical Techniques ◽  
Rapid Identification ◽  
Molecular Techniques ◽  
Ionization Time ◽  
Detection And Identification ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Microorganism Identification ◽  
Capillary Zone ◽  
Identification Of Bacteria ◽  
Polymerase Chain

Abstract Rapid detection and identification of microorganisms is a challenging and important aspect in a wide range of fields, from medical to industrial, affecting human lives. Unfortunately, classical methods of microorganism identification are based on time-consuming and labor-intensive approaches. Screening techniques require the rapid and cheap grouping of bacterial isolates; however, modern bioanalytics demand comprehensive bacterial studies at a molecular level. Modern approaches for the rapid identification of bacteria use molecular techniques, such as 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing based on polymerase chain reaction or electromigration, especially capillary zone electrophoresis and capillary isoelectric focusing. However, there are still several challenges with the analysis of microbial complexes using electromigration technology, such as uncontrolled aggregation and/or adhesion to the capillary surface. Thus, an approach using capillary electrophoresis of microbial aggregates with UV and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight MS detection is presented.

scholarly journals Assessment of the Nutraceutical Effects of Oleuropein and the Cytotoxic Effects of Adriamycin, When Administered Alone and in Combination, in MG-63 Human Osteosarcoma Cells

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 354
Author(s):  
Katerina Gioti ◽  
Anastasia Papachristodoulou ◽  
Dimitra Benaki ◽  
Nektarios Aligiannis ◽  
Alexios-Leandros Skaltsounis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chemotherapeutic Agent ◽  
Molecular Techniques ◽  
Osteosarcoma Cells ◽  
Elisa Method ◽  
Chain Reaction ◽  
Cytotoxic Effects ◽  
Human Osteosarcoma ◽  
Human Osteosarcoma Cells ◽  
Anti Cancer ◽  
Polymerase Chain

Oleuropein (OLEU) is the most distinguished phenolic compound found in olive fruit and the leaves of Olea europaea L., with several pharmacological properties, including anti-cancer actions. Adriamycin (ADR) is an anthracycline widely used as a chemotherapeutic agent, although it presents significant side effects. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of oleuropein alone (20 μg/mL) and in co-treatment with ADR (50 nM), in MG-63 human osteosarcoma cells. Therefore, cellular and molecular techniques, such as MTT assay, flow cytometry, real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), western blot and Elisa method, as well as Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, were applied to unveil changes in the signal transduction pathways involved in osteosarcoma cells survival. The observed alterations in gene, protein and metabolite levels denote that OLEU not only inhibits MG-63 cells proliferation and potentiates ADR’s cytotoxicity, but also exerts its action, at least in part, through the induction of autophagy.

scholarly journals Morphometric and Molecular Analyses of Ostertagia leptospicularis Assadov, 1953 from Ruminants: Species Diversity or Host Influence?

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 182
Author(s):  
Anna Wyrobisz-Papiewska ◽  
Jerzy Kowal ◽  
Elżbieta Łopieńska-Biernat ◽  
Paweł Nosal ◽  
Iwona Polak ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Host Species ◽  
Roe Deer ◽  
Bos Taurus ◽  
Capreolus Capreolus ◽  
Nematode Species ◽  
Molecular Techniques ◽  
Systematic Classification ◽  
Morphological Variations ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Induced Changes

Ostertagia leptospicularis Assadov, 1953 was formally described in roe deer Capreolus capreolus and has been reported in a wide range of ruminants, including other Cervidae, as well as Bovidae. Nematode specimens derived from various host species exhibit morphological similarity; however, some differences can be observed. It is unclear if this is due to the differential reaction of one nematode species in different host species (i.e., host-induced changes) or because of distinct nematode species in these hosts (i.e., species complex). This paper focuses on specimens resembling O. leptospicularis f. leptospicularis and its closely related species (Ostertagia ostertagi f. ostertagi) collected from various hosts. Morphometric and molecular techniques were applied to assess host-induced changes in nematode morphology and to clarify its systematic classification. There was an overall effect of host species on measurements of nematodes resembling O. leptospicularis (both males and females), but the distinctiveness of the specimens from cattle Bos taurus were highlighted. The results obtained may suggest that the specimens of O. leptospicularis from cattle in Germany and cervids in central Europe belong to different strains. Furthermore, nematodes from the cervid strain appear to circulate within particular host species, which can be seen in the stated morphological variations.

scholarly journals Hospital-Based Donor Recruitment and Predonation Serologic Testing for COVID-19 Convalescent Plasma

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joanna Balcerek ◽  
Evelin Trejo ◽  
Kendall Levine ◽  
Paul Couey ◽  
Zoe V Kornberg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Donation ◽  
High Titer ◽  
Igg Antibodies ◽  
Serologic Testing ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The Us ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Igg Level ◽  
Donor Recruitment ◽  
Selection Of

Abstract Objectives Serologic testing for antibodies to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in potential donors of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) convalescent plasma (CCP) may not be performed until after blood donation. A hospital-based recruitment program for CCP may be an efficient way to identify potential donors prospectively Methods Patients who recovered from known or suspected COVID-19 were identified and recruited through medical record searches and public appeals in March and April 2020. Participants were screened with a modified donor history questionnaire and, if eligible, were asked for consent and tested for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies (IgG and IgM). Participants positive for SARS-CoV-2 IgG were referred for CCP collection. Results Of 179 patients screened, 128 completed serologic testing and 89 were referred for CCP donation. IgG antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 were detected in 23 of 51 participants with suspected COVID-19 and 66 of 77 participants with self-reported COVID-19 confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The anti–SARS-CoV-2 IgG level met the US Food and Drug Administration criteria for “high-titer” CCP in 39% of participants confirmed by PCR, as measured by the Ortho VITROS IgG assay. A wide range of SARS-CoV-2 IgG levels were observed. Conclusions A hospital-based CCP donor recruitment program can prospectively identify potential CCP donors. Variability in SARS-CoV-2 IgG levels has implications for the selection of CCP units for transfusion.

Diagnostic Accuracy of a Direct Panfungal Polymerase Chain Reaction Assay Performed on Stained Cytology Slides

2021 ◽  
pp. 030098582199156
Author(s):  
Alexandra N. Myers ◽  
Unity Jeffery ◽  
Zachary G. Seyler ◽  
Sara D. Lawhon ◽  
Aline Rodrigues Hoffmann
Keyword(s):  
Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Diagnostic Accuracy ◽  
Molecular Techniques ◽  
Fungal Culture ◽  
Chain Reaction ◽  
Identification Of Fungi ◽  
Fungal Dna ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Panfungal Pcr ◽  
Pcr Targeting

Molecular techniques are increasingly being applied to stained cytology slides for the diagnosis of neoplastic and infectious diseases. Such techniques for the identification of fungi from stained cytology slides have not yet been evaluated. This study aimed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of direct (without nucleic acid isolation) panfungal polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by sequencing for identification of fungi and oomycetes on stained cytology slides from dogs, cats, horses, and other species. Thirty-six cases were identified with cytologically identifiable fungi/oomycetes and concurrent identification via fungal culture or immunoassay. Twenty-nine controls were identified with no cytologically or histologically visible organisms and a concurrent negative fungal culture. Direct PCR targeting the internal transcribed spacer region followed by sequencing was performed on one cytology slide from each case and control, and the sensitivity and specificity of the assay were calculated. The sensitivity of the panfungal PCR assay performed on stained cytology slides was 67% overall, 73% excluding cases with oomycetes, and 86% when considering only slides with abundant fungi. The specificity was 62%, which was attributed to amplification of fungal DNA from control slides with no visible fungus and negative culture results. Direct panfungal PCR is capable of providing genus- or species-level identification of fungi from stained cytology slides. Given the potential of panfungal PCR to amplify contaminant fungal DNA, this assay should be performed on slides with visible fungi and interpreted in conjunction with morphologic assessment by a clinical pathologist.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document