Trichinella spiralis larvae have very special characters that make them able to completely transform the function of the affected muscle cells towards a self-serving environment, offering them nourishment and protection via what is known as “nurse cells”. This setting may be affected by drugs that are used for the treatment of co-morbidities and co-infections as calcium channel blockers, which are widely used in clinical practice. In the present study, the effects of verapamil, ivermectin (IVM), and their combined administration on the parasitic burden, immuno-pathology and angiogenesis were investigated during experimental trichinellosis. Estimation of intestinal adult parasitic stages and muscle larvae was done. VEGF gene expression and CD31 immunohistochemical local expression were measured to investigate angiogenesis, in addition to histopathological examination to explore the extent of inflammation. Although verapamil did not have an effect on the adult worm count during the intestinal phase, it induced an anti-inflammatory effect on intestinal pathology. During the muscle phase, it was very effective in reducing the larval count by 93.78%. IVM effectively reduced the worm count by 85.34%, and the muscle larval count by 97.84%, while combined verapamil and IVM administration resulted in a significant reduction in both adult parasites by 69.5% and larval stages by 99%. Both verapamil and IVM and their combination induced a potent decrease in local CD31 protein expression and VEGF gene expression. The important role of calcium and calcium channels during the pathology of trichinellosis, in addition to the pivotal role of calcium on biological processes such as immunity and angiogenesis, make calcium-channel blockers promising candidates for drug repurposing in the management of helminthic infection.

Summary Background Curcumin exerts anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that have proven to be of value in the management of several parasitic infections. Objective Investigation of the value of curcumin in the management of trichinosis either alone or as an adjuvant to albendazole. Methods Animals received either curcumin 150 mg/kg, curcumin 300 mg/kg, albendazole 50 mg/ kg or combined curcumin 150mg/kg and albendazole 50 mg/kg and were compared with control infected and non-infected mice. Estimation of intestinal and muscular parasitic load and blood malondialdehyde level, in addition to the histopathological examination of small intestine, skeletal muscle tissue and heart was performed. Also, assessment of the local expression of cyclooxygenase-2 enzyme (COX-2) and CD34 in these samples was done by immunohistochemistry. Results Curcumin was found efficient in reducing parasitic load. It also lowered serum MDA level, local COX-2 and CD34 expression. An evident anti-inflammatory effect of curcumin was observed in intestinal, skeletal muscle and cardiac muscle histopathological sections. Conclusion The anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-angiogenic effects of curcumin can help to improve trichinellosis-induced pathology. Curcumin can therefore be of value as an adjuvant therapy to conventional antiparasitic agents and can also produce promising results when used alone at higher doses.

Lymphatic filariasis is a vector-borne health problem that has been focally endemic in Egypt for centuries. The chief vectors of transmission are Culicinae species. Control measures in the form of mass drug administration of DEC citrate treatment have been implemented in Nile delta for almost a decade. This study aimed to identify the prevalent mosquito species in endemic areas in Giza and Qualioubiya governorates and to monitor Wuchereria bancrofti infection by detecting the parasite DNA in collected mosquitoes. Adult mosquitoes were collected using light traps hung indoors. Microscopic examination was performed to identify and examine the morphologic characters of mosquitoes. Female Culex mosquitoes were subjected to semi-nested PCR to detect filarial DNA targeting repetitive DNA sequences (pWb12 repetitive region) specific for W.bancrofti. The results revealed 3 species of mosquitoes Culex pipiens, Culex pusillus and Culex quinquefasciatus with the predominance of Culex pipiens (85.7%). Wuchereria bancrofti DNA was not detected in any of the collected mosquito pools. With the progress of elimination programme in Nile Delta, follow up studies with larger sample size are recommended as the predominance of Culex pipiens the main lymphatic filariasis vector remains a risk of transmission in such areas.

Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is a serious vector-borne health problem, and Wuchereria bancrofti (W.b) is the major cause of LF worldwide and is focally endemic in Egypt. Identification of filarial infection using traditional morphologic and immunological criteria can be difficult and lead to misdiagnosis. The aim of the present study was molecular detection of W.b in residents in endemic areas in Egypt, sequence variance analysis, and phylogenetic analysis of W.b DNA. Collected blood samples from residents in filariasis endemic areas in five governorates were subjected to semi-nested PCR targeting repeated DNA sequence, for detection of W.b DNA. PCR products were sequenced; subsequently, a phylogenetic analysis of the obtained sequences was performed. Out of 300 blood samples, W.b DNA was identified in 48 (16%). Sequencing analysis confirmed PCR results identifying only W.b species. Sequence alignment and phylogenetic analysis indicated genetically distinct clusters of W.b among the study population. Study results demonstrated that the semi-nested PCR proved to be an effective diagnostic tool for accurate and rapid detection of W.b infections in nano-epidemics and is applicable for samples collected in the daytime as well as the night time. PCR products sequencing and phylogenitic analysis revealed three different nucleotide sequences variants. Further genetic studies of W.b in Egypt and other endemic areas are needed to distinguish related strains and the various ecological as well as drug effects exerted on them to support W.b elimination.

Background: Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a zoonotic infection that occurs worldwide, particularly in endemic areas in the Middle East, including Egypt. Echinococcus granulosus (E. granulosus) eggs can be accidentally ingested by human in contaminated food or drinks and reach primarily the liver forming hydatid cysts with reported predilection for the right lobe. However, the segmental orientation of hepatic echinococcosis in the light of the clinical presentation and serological findings needs further investigation as such correlation may carry additional clues to guide the therapeutic management and prognostic outcomes. Objectives: The present study was designed to determine the relation of anatomical location of intrahepatic hydatid cyst to its development, activity, and host immune response; as well as its potential extrahepatic spread. Patients and Methods: A total of 46 patients having liver hydatid cysts were evaluated. Intrahepatic cysts were categorized according to Couinaud's segments by ultrasound examination; and analysis was done regarding cyst size, cyst staging and activity, and extrahepatic spread, in addition to clinical features and patterns of IgG level using two serodiagnostic tests IHA and ELISA. Results: Hydatid cysts were found in all segments with the exception of segment I. Active cysts were mostly found in segment VII (no. = 11; 47.8%), recording a large diameter size with a mean of 6.55 cm. Inactive cysts recorded statistically significant smaller diameters with a mean of 5.55 cm denoting cyst evolution and degeneration. Serum antibody level correlated significantly with radiological profile of cysts activity in the studied population. Finally, extrahepatic spread was observed in hydatid cysts involving all liver segments with the exception of segment V. Conclusion: Hydatid cysts were found in liver segments II through to VIII. While cysts in segment VII demonstrated large sized active cysts with extrahepatic spread, cysts confined to segment V pose minimal risk for extrahepatic spread.