Afghanistan Journal of Infectious Diseases

Identification of Cryptosporidium oocyst and Giardia cyst in of the samples of raw surface water of Kan River in Tehran

Milad Mahdavi — 2024-07-02

Background: Giardia and Cryptosporidium are considered as the most important causual agents of non-bloody diarrhea especially among primary school children in many countries including Iran. Many rivers are contaminated with Cryptosporidium oocyst and Giardia lamblia cysts due to domestic wastewater or farms wastewater and also the living of rodents on their margins. The present study aims to evaluate Kan River contamination with Cryptosporidium oocyst and Giardia cyst in Tehran by molecular method.

Method: sampling was conducted from different parts of Kan River in different seasons in 2019. Firstly, the smear has been prepared from sediments after filtering the water and collecting the sediment, and stained with trichrome and acid-fast methods and finally were examined microscopically. Then, they were amplified with Nested-PCR method by using the specific primers, the giardian gene from Giardia and 18s rRNA gene from Cryptosporidium. Positive samples were sequenced and phylogenetic tree was drawn.

Results: After the microscopic investigation, 12 suspected samples of Giardia cyst and 2 suspected samples of Cryptosporidium oocyst were detected, but only 4 samples infected with Giardia lamblia were molecularly found and no Cryptosporidium infection was observed. In terms of genotype, the identified Giardia was 100% consistent with human isolates of genotype B.

Conclusion: The presence of Giardia lamblia cyst in the water of Kan River indicates the contamination of this river to human contaminating parasites.

Polyparasitism with soil transmitted helminthes and Schistosoma haematobium among school-aged children in Igede land, Benue state, Nigeria

Alaje Ojekahor Samuel — 2024-07-02

Abstract

Background: Polyparasitism is widespread in rural communities of the developing world and it is a serious problem to public health. The aim of this study is to investigate the co-infection of intestinal parasites and Urinary Schistosomiasis among school-aged children in two local government areas of Benue State.

Methods: 452 stool and urine samples were collected from randomly selected participants and examined using direct wet mount, formol ether concentration, and urine sedimentation techniques respectively. Questionnaires were used to assess associated risk factors. Data were analysed using Chi-square.

Results: A total of 131(29.0%) were infected with at least one parasite. 78 (17.3%) were male while 53(11.7%) were females. 53(11.7%) had multiple infections, of which 31(13.1%) were males and 22(10.2%) were females. 68(15.0%) were infected with single parasites while 41(9.1%) and 12(2.7%) of them had double and triple infections respectively. The most common parasite found was Ascaris lumbricoides (6.0%) followed by hookworm (5.8%). Parasitic combination of Hookworm and Ascaris were the most observed double parasitic infection with a prevalence of 4.2%. Males were generally more parasitized than the female, although there was no statistically significant difference between the infection rate in male and in female (df=2, P>0.05). Participants in Obi recorded a higher prevalence 73(16.2%) compared to participants in Oju 58(12.8%), though there was no significant difference between the two study areas (df=23, P>0.05) with respect to parasite combinations. Participants within the age group of 11-15 years were more parasitized with multiple infections with the prevalence of 19(14.2%) but there was no significant difference between the age groups (df=3, P>0.05).

Conclusion: Aggressive health education and mass drug administration is recommended in the study area.

Integrating molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation approaches for investigation of the affinity and interactions of quercetin with Class D beta-lactamase, OXA-10

Fardeen Mohammadi — 2024-07-02

Introduction: The misuse of β-lactam antibiotics has led to the development of β-lactamase-producing organisms, which inhibit β-lactam activity by hydrolyzing the peptide bond. This study aims to investigate the inhibitory effect of quercetin, a natural composite and isoquinoline alkaloid, on β-lactamase enzyme action, potentially increasing antibiotic effectiveness.

Materials and Methods: This study utilized computational techniques like molecular docking and MD simulation to predict the binding mode and possible conformation poses of quercetin with the OXA-10 β-lactamase enzyme. Autodock software was used for docking, while Gromacs 2019.6 package was used for MD simulations to study molecular complex behavior over time.

Results: The outcomes of the molecular docking analysis revealed a favorable interaction between quercetin and the OXA-10 β-lactamase enzyme, as evidenced by a binding energy of -5.95 kcal/mol and a suitable binding mode. MD simulations confirmed the docking results, showing stable hydrogen bonds between Quercetin and OXA-10, as well as comparable RMSD, RMSF, SASA values, and other parameters.

Discussion: This research shows the potential of quercetin, a natural compound with multiple medicinal effects, as a possible inhibitor of the class D type β-lactamase OXA-10. Therefore, this study maintains valuable intuition for designing new inhibitors of antimicrobial resistance to combat β-lactamase activity.

Seroprevalence of Hepatitis c Virus in Blood Donors in Kabul

Ehsan Ahadi — 2024-07-02

Introduction: Understanding the prevalence and distribution of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) is crucial for the development of effective prevention and control strategies, given its significant impact on global public health. The objective of this study was to examine the seroprevalence of HCV among blood donors in Kabul and assess the possible gender-based variations in infection rates.
Materials and Methods: This study analyzed blood donor records from the central blood bank in Kabul, including both male and female donors, from January to December 2023. HCV screening was performed using ELISA testing, and the data were analyzed using SPSS to determine HCV prevalence and investigate gender-based differences in infection rates.
Results: In this study, 59 out of 15,080 individuals (0.39%) tested positive for HCV infection. Among the HCV-positive cases, 81.5% were male and 18.6% were female. The majority of infected males (64.4%) were in the 30-39 age range. A significant proportion of HCV-positive patients had no formal education (69.5%) and were unemployed (61.0%). Additionally, the majority of HCV-positive patients reported a low monthly income (66.1%).
Conclusion: The study found a low prevalence of HCV infection (0.39%) among the participants, with the highest rates observed in the 30-39 age group. Socioeconomic factors, such as lack of education, unemployment, and low income, were associated with HCV infection. Targeted interventions are needed to address gender disparities, age-specific risks, and socioeconomic determinants to improve prevention and control strategies for HCV in Kabul's blood donor population and enhance overall population health.

Tuberculosis: Is it the main cause of pleural effusion in patients of Kabul city, Afghanistan?

Mohammad Jawad Jawad — 2024-07-01

Introduction: Pleural effusion is one of the most common pleural diseases, and its causes are various cardiovascular, lung, kidney, cancer, and infectious diseases.

Materials and methods: The present study was carried out in the year 2018 at Sadri Ibn Sina Hospital, involving a total of 4564 patients. Out of these, a specific focus was given to 100 patients diagnosed with pleural effusion. Demographic details, such as age, gender, marital status, causes of effusion, occupation, place of residence, effusion location, type of fluid, and any existing comorbidities, were gathered and analyzed using the SPSS software.

Results: Based on the findings of this study, tuberculosis accounts for 49% of the cases, pneumonia for 13%, congestive heart failure for 12%, corpulmonary disease for 11%, cancer for 10%, and chronic kidney failure for 4%. Additionally, 1% of the cases experienced pleural embolism as a result of pulmonary embolism. In regards to the liquid type, 77% of it was transudative, while 23% was exudative.

Disscusion: Pleural effusion refers to the abnormal buildup of fluid in the pleural cavity, typically caused by either an overproduction of fluid or a compromised lymphatic system's ability to absorb it. This research has firmly established infection, with tuberculosis being the most significant factor, as the leading cause of this condition.

Evaluation of serum zinc levels in hospitalized children with bacterial pneumonia in Shahid Motahari Hospital

Mohadeseh Balandeh — 2024-07-01

Abstract:

Introduction: Pneumonia in children is the cause of approximately 30% of deaths in the world. The role of zinc as an important micronutrient in the treatment of pneumonia is still unclear. This substance has the properties of improving the function of the immune system, and its deficiency is associated with an increase in the risk of infectious diseases, as well as impaired growth and development. Therefore, the present study was designed and implemented with the aim of determining the serum level of zinc in children hospitalized with pneumonia in Shahid Motahari Hospital and comparing it with children without pneumonia.

Materials and Methods: A case-control study was conducted on 100 patients between the ages of 1 and 59 months between January 2022 and July 2022, 50 children admitted to Urmia Motahari Hospital in Iran with a diagnosis of pneumonia based on WHO criteria as a group The case and 50 other children were studied as a control group among the patients referred to the children's infectious superspecialty clinic. Zinc level was measured in two groups. The data was entered into SPSS software and subjected to statistical analysis.

Results: The average level of zinc in the case group was 67.35 ± 42.03 and in the control group it was 93.26 ± 41.80. According to the results of the independent t-test, the level of zinc in the control group was significantly higher (p=0.003). The results of the study showed that the level of zinc in hospitalization for more than 10 days was significantly lower than in hospitalization for less than 10 days (1-5 and 6-10 days). Also, the average serum zinc level was lower in patients with complications and this difference was statistically significant in empyema (P=0.02), pleural effusion (P=0.02) and ventilation (P=0.01). The average serum zinc level in patients with wheezing (P=0.02), stridor (P=0.04), cyanosis (P=0.001), sleep disorder (P=0.001) and lethargy (0.04) =P) was significantly less.

Conclusion: The average level of zinc in children with pneumonia was significantly lower than the control group.

Evaluation the Prevalence of Giardiasis and associated factors in Wardak province, center of Afghanistan

Misbahullah Asad — 2024-07-02

Background: G. intestinalis is causative of gastrointestinal infections worldwide. Contaminated food, feces, drinking water (orofecal route) and factors like economic condition, culture and behavioral factors have been involved in their transmission. Wardak province located in the central region of Afghanistan. It is divided into eight districts and has a population of

Methods: A total of 274 patients with diarrhea referred to Wardak hospital and out of them 17 individual (10(58.8%) male and 7(41.2%) female) detected positive for Giardia spp. by microscopy during 2023. In this cross-sectional study, socioeconomic, cultural and symptomatology information were collected. The association between the risk factors and intestinal parasitic infections was analyzed by Chi-Square and fishes exact tests using the SPSS 26 software and Graph pad prism 8 at a significance level of P ≤ 0.05.

Results: More than half of the patients were under 30 years old. Most cases of the disease were seen in hot seasons (spring and summer). Significant correlation was observed between the prevalence of giardiasis with close contact with animals, use of unfiltered water, soil contact, Warmer seasons and no significant correlation on economic status, and travel history. 85% of patients had watery diarrhea and 15% of patients had bloody diarrhea.

Conclusion: This was the first epidemiological study conducted in Wardak province, center of Afghanistan. The findings revealed a pressure of giardiasis, and its interactions with multiple risk factors were investigated. This study suggested that giardiasis is important causative factor of gastrointestinal diseases in the study region.

Analyzing the Dynamic Characteristics of a Tuberculosis Epidemic Model Using Numerical Methods

Zabihullah Movaheedi — 2024-07-01

Background: This study investigates the dynamic features of a viral model in tuberculosis using various numerical methods. The primary aim is to assess the performance of an analytical model for tuberculosis transmission using different numerical approaches and to compare the effectiveness of these methods in simulating the disease behavior under various conditions.

Methods: In this paper, the dynamics of tuberculosis are analyzed using the VSEIT epidemiological model and the numerical method NSFD. This model describes the community with five primary indicators: Vaccinated (V), Susceptible (S), Exposed (E), Infected (I), and Treatment (T) populations. The results indicate that the Non-Standard Finite Difference (NSFD) method is not only effective in accurately measuring the dynamic characteristics of the proposed model but also confirms the local and global stability of disease equilibrium.

Results: Simulation results demonstrate that the NSFD method is a unique and effective approach for controlling and predicting the spread of tuberculosis. This comparison underscores the effectiveness of this method compared to traditional Euler and fourth-order Runge-Kutta (RK4) methods.

Conclusion: This research contributes to a better understanding of tuberculosis epidemiology and offers potential control strategies for public health risks. The importance and effectiveness of the NSFD method in modeling the dynamic nature of tuberculosis are clearly highlighted. This study serves as a valuable recommendation in the field of controlling and predicting the spread of tuberculosis.

Mapping the Landscape of Recent Studies on Pyrimidine Derivatives as Antimicrobial Agents: A Bibliometric Analysis

Abduljalil Nesar — 2024-07-01

Background: Recently, microbes have become resistant to various drugs and this resistance is considered a big challenge in the treatment of infectious diseases. Therefore, there is a fundamental need to develop new drugs to treat resistant microbes. Having different biological effects, pyrimidine is an effective ring in the structure of drugs with antimicrobial effects. There hasn't been a bibliometric analysis in this area despite the field's incredible progress in the last 10 years in the study of pyrimidine as an antimicrobial agent.

Methods: A comprehensive examination of the available literature published between 2015 and 2023 on pyrimidine derivatives as antimicrobial agents was done across the Scopus database. Microsoft Excel 365 was employed to analyze the quantitative variables, such as publications and citation counts, for the authors, institutions, countries, and journals, the powerful tool. Furthermore, the network visualization and analysis of co-authorship, co-occurrence, and co-citation among countries, institutions, authors, and keywords were facilitated by VOSviewer.

Results: A total of 934 articles were selected for the study. The years 2019 and 2022 exhibited the highest volume of published papers on pyrimidine derivatives as antimicrobial agents between 2015 and 2023, with 125 publications each. A total of 53 countries contributed to the topic, with India leading in publications, followed by Egypt, China, Saudi Arabia, and the United States. Among journals, the Journal of Heterocyclic Chemistry had the highest number of publications (n=50), followed by the European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry with 37 publications.

Conclusion: The findings provide valuable insights for researchers in selecting specific compounds for their upcoming studies, emphasizing the significance of bibliometric analysis in shaping the trajectory of research in the field of pyrimidine antimicrobial research.

Polio Eradication in Afghanistan: Challenges and Solutions

Enayatullah Hayat — 2024-07-01

Polio eradication in Afghanistan presents a formidable challenge due to various factors such as prolonged conflicts, political instability, and cultural beliefs. Despite significant progress, the country still faces obstacles hindering the complete elimination of the disease. This article discusses the challenges and proposes solutions to overcome them. Strategies include community engagement, training of managers, combating corruption, strengthening surveillance systems, enhancing immunization coverage, fostering cross-border collaboration with Pakistan, employing female healthcare workers, and ensuring security for healthcare workers in conflict-affected regions. By addressing these challenges through concerted efforts, Afghanistan can move closer to achieving polio eradication.

Diversity of symbiotic bacteria in reproductive tracts and mid-gut of Culex pipiens

Leila Nourani — 2024-07-01

Abstract

Background Culex pipiens is considered a vector for the transmission of infectious viral and parasitic diseases. To control this mosquito vector, investigating symbiotic bacteria colonized inside the mosquitoes’ organs to impede the transmission procedure of pathogens is of recent interest to researchers.

Methods This revision was intended to provide a comprehensive overview of the diversity of endosymbiont bacteria residing in different tissues of Cx. pipiens globally by using reports in Google Scholar, PubMed, and Science Direct until May 2024.

Results The results showed that more than 50 bacterial genera have been reported in Culex tissues in which the bacterial diversity was higher in mid-gut than eggs or whole body in Cx. pipiens. More than 65% of samples were insectary-reared mosquitoes than wild types. Various methods based on culture-dependent and culture-independent approaches followed by molecular techniques such as 16SrRNA Illumina sequencing, Next Generation Sequencing (NGS), RNA shotgun metagenomic sequencing (RNA-seq), RT-PCR, and MALDI-TOF MS have been used for the recognition of bacterial at genera or species levels. The most favorable gene for molecular analysis via PCR is 16SrRNA, however, the wsp gene was another candidate used for identification of bacterial community.

Conclusion These results provide a library of defined bacteria associated with Cx. pipiens. Characterization of tissue-specific and host-specific bacterial communities shed light on further studies pursuing the functional role of endosymbiont organisms in control strategies and vector biology.

Respiratory multiple infections by bacteria, virus, fungus and parasite in a COPD patient, A case report

Eissa Soleymani — 2024-07-01

SARS-CoV-2 is the causative agent of COVID-19, an infection that can manifest with mild to severe respiratory symptoms. A 70-year-old man with COVID-19 and COPD presented to a hospital complaining of breathing difficulties. A sample was taken leading to the finding of the Acanthamoeba parasite. Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, a bacterium known for its resistance to most antibiotics and its significance as a nosocomial pathogen, was identified. Furthermore, for the first time, Gloeotinia fungus was discovered as an endosymbiont of Acanthamoeba. The patient underwent a successful treatment and was discharged from hospital. Immunocompromised persons should be concerned about the increasing incidence of nosocomial infections. The presence of Acanthamoeba should not be overlooked in respiratory disorders, as it has the potential to carry numerous pathogenic microorganisms as endosymbionts.