2^nd World Congress on Infectious Diseases August 24-25, 2016 Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA

Biography:

Zharov Vladimir P is the Director of the Arkansas Nanomedicine Center at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, USA. He has received his PhD and DSc degrees from the Bauman Moscow State Technical University (BMSTU) and completed his Postdoctoral Fellowship at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory at the University of California. He has served as the Chairman of Biomedical Engineering Department at the BMSTU and his record of innovative achievements include more than 200 publications (5 in Nature journals), 54 patents and 5 books. He pioneered photoacoustic and photothermal medical technologies, laser pulse nanotherapy of infections and cancer, laser-ultrasonic microsurgery and in vivo flow cytometry. He is the State Prize Winner, the most prestigious national award in Russia and the first recipient of the US Maiman Award, named after the inventor of the first laser.

Abstract:

Infections remain one of the main causes of death in the worldwide. The diagnosis of infections and other diseases begins with a common medical procedure: The examination of blood samples. The sensitivity of current blood tests is limited by the small volume of blood collected, in which no less than one disease-specific biomarker (e.g., pathogen) can be detected. This can miss many thousands of abnormal cells and biomarkers in the whole blood volume (~5 liter in adults), which can be sufficient for disease progression to difficult-to-treat if not already incurable complications (e.g., sepsis). This report summarizes our novel concept of early disease diagnosis with ~1000-fold improved sensitivity using in vivo non-invasive photoacoustic (PA) flow cytometry (PAFC) platform for identification and enumeration of rare circulating disease-associated biomarkers with intrinsic PA contrasts (e.g., hemozoinin malaria) or molecularly targeted with the functionalized gold nanoparticles. The principle of PAFC is based on the irradiation of the superficial blood vessels with near-infrared laser pulses followed by detection of laser-induced acoustic waves from single biomarkers with small ultrasound transducer attached to skin. In addition, the integration in real-time diagnosis and therapy (called theranostics) can eradicate circulating bacteria and viruses and thus can potentially prevent or at least inhibit deadly complications. Recent advances of this label-free theranostics platform is presented with focus on its pre-clinical and clinical trials associated with malaria, S. aureus and bacteremia.

Biography:

Shantanu Bhatt is affiliated to the Saint Joseph’s University, USA.

Abstract:

Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) is responsible for considerable disease and death amongst infants in developing countries. EPEC belongs to the attaching and effacing (A/E) family of bacterial pathogens, which are aptly named because they adhere intimately to intestinal cells and destroy cellular microvilli to form characteristic pathomorphological A/E lesions, which lead to diarrhea and dehydration. The ability to form A/E lesions resides within the virulence module locus of enterocyte effacement (LEE), which encodes a type III secretion system (T3SS). To date, over fifty non-LEE encoded regulators have been identified in EPEC. The vast majority of these regulators affect the expression of the LEE-encoded transcription factors, Ler, GrlR and GrlA. Intriguingly, every regulator of the LEE that has been identified to date in EPEC is a proteinaceous factor. Thus far, not a single regulatory small RNA (sRNA) has been implicated in its virulence. We set out to identify and characterize sRNA regulators of the LEE in EPEC. Our preliminary data suggest that Hfq globally represses gene expression from all the LEE-encoded genes including the grlRA operon. Because Hfq and Hfq-dependent sRNAs typically target the 5’ region of the first gene in an operon, we constructed a reporter E. coli strain in which only the 5’ UTR and 45 nucleotides of the grlR ORF were fused to a chromosomal N-terminally truncated lacZ gene driven by the heterologous P_araBAD promoter (P_araBAD-grlR-lacZ). Inactivation of hfq resulted in elevated β-galactosidase activity from the grlR’-‘lacZ fusion suggesting that the cloned 5’ region of grlR was sufficient to elicit Hfq-dependent repression. These results also suggest that one or more Hfq-dependent sRNAs, conserved between EPEC and E. coli, regulate grlRA. To identify these sRNAs, each of the 27 conserved Hfq-dependent sRNAs was individually overproduced in the grlR-lacZ reporter strain. Three sRNAs-MgrR, RyhB and McaS reproducibly repressed the grlR-lacZ fusion. Using IntaRNA we aligned each of the 3 sRNAs to the cloned 5’ region of grlR. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that MgrR exhibited the most extensive and contiguous region of complementarity (~10 bp) with the grlR leader region. The predicted base-pairing region in MgrR was substituted with a scrambled oligonucleotide sequence that lacks complementarity to grlR. Predictably, mutation of the base-pairing region abolished the ability of MgrR to pair to and repress the grlR-lacZ fusion, thereby providing genetic evidence for direct base-pairing between grlR and MgrR. Subsequent experiments revealed that MgrR binds to the same region on the grlRA transcript as CsrA and counteracts its stimulatory effect. Meanwhile, RyhB appeared to form a relatively shorter (~6 bp) duplex with the ribosome-binding site of grlR. An oligonucleotide substitution in the base-pairing region of RyhB also prevented the sRNA from repressing the grlR-lacZ fusion, suggesting that RyhB, like MgrR, base pairs to the 5’ region of grlR. In contrast to MgrR and RyhB, McaS did not possess any regions of complementarity to grlR and presumably exerts its effect by sequestering CsrA. In summary, our results provide the first piece of evidence to implicate multiple Hfq-dependent sRNAs in controlling the LEE-encoded virulence of EPEC. Future studies are aimed at elucidating the molecular mechanism by which MgrR, RyhB and McaS regulate the LEE and the ensuing A/E lesion formation.

Biography:

Kartikeya Makker is an Assistant Professor in Nenatology at University of Florida College of Medicine and is the Quality Initiative Director of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at UF Health. He is also a candidate for Master of Public Health at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. He has several publications, national presentations and has been awarded for Medical Education on numerous occasions.

Abstract:

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a serious complication related to mechanical ventilation in the neonatal period. However, lack of a specific definition and difficulties obtaining noncontaminated samples of the lower respiratory airway render microbiological diagnosis and etiological treatment extremely difficult. Thus far, only few studies have approached VAP using accepted Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria and reliable sampling techniques. In recent years, however, the blind-protected bronchoalveolar lavage technique with protected specimen brush and the development of validated biomarkers have attempted to overcome the diagnostic difficulties and assess the response to therapy. This presentation on neonatal VAP aims to stimulate neonatologists’ interest in this subtle but serious complication of mechanical ventilation.

Biography:

Ashok Kapse is a consulting Pediatrician practicing in the city of Surat in the Gujarat state of India, besides owning a private pediatric hospital he is also the Head of the Pediatric Department at a prestigious Mahavir Super Specialty Hospital. After completing graduation (MBBS) he did MD in Pediatrics. Initially he has worked as a Professor of Pediatrics at Medical College Surat, later he opted out for private practice however pursued academic interest. He has developed special interest and skills in infectious diseases. He is a recipient of many oration awards and delivered hundreds of lectures on dengue, malaria, typhoid and antibiotic uses across India. He has decorated many posts in medical fields: President of Surat City Branch of Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP), President of Gujarat State Branch of IAP and National President of Infectious Diseases Branch of IAP are few of them. He is an avid Clinical Photographer; his photos figure into various books and atlases including the prestigious atlas of infectious diseases published by American Academy of Pediatrics. He has published umpteen articles in peer reviewed journals.

Abstract:

Child presenting with rash is common occurrence in pediatrics. Rash presenting with fever provides you material for microbiological evaluation, offers you unique opportunity to make clinical diagnosis and gives clinician vital leads towards severity markers. A case could be approached in different ways however rash based approach is the easiest way for clinical evaluation. Classification and evaluation of rash as erythematous, maculopapular, papulovesicular, petechial, blisterous and so on leads clinician to correct diagnosis and proper management. Correct typing of rash directs clinician towards a careful wait and watch approach in certain clinical situation while dictates him to act emergently in others. I intend to provide an easy clinico-pictorial approach for a case presenting with rash in day to day practice.

Biography:

Maria Del Rosario Davalos Gamboa has acquired her Pharmaceutical Biochemistry degree from the University of San Simon. She has started working at the University of San Simon in the Faculty of Medicine at the Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine and later from August 1992 continued working as a Teaching Research Assistant till 1998. From 2009 to 2010, she was the Director of the Research Institute of the Faculty of Dentistry UMSS and in 1997 won a competency exam at the Faculty of Dentistry UMSS in Biochemistry and appointed as a Professor. She is currently a Legal Representative and owner partner (in a greater proportion than 51% of shares) of the International Associated Factory oils and coals SRL ACECAB, in the city of Santa Cruz, Bolivia, whose principal activity is to generate cosmetic oils and charcoal.

Abstract:

Introduction: In Bolivia there is no research to identify the effect of socioeconomic status, diet and physical activity in cancer in children and adolescents.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to identify the predominant types of cancer in children and adolescents attending the Children's Hospital Manuel Ascencio Villarroel in Cochabamba (Bolivia) and the effect it had on these socioeconomic status, diet and physical activity.

Methods: Cross sectional study conducted in January 2016 in children and adolescents with cancer (n=36) between zero and 16 years old who attend the Hospital Manuel Ascencio Villarroel child of Cochabamba (Bolivia), involving 21 male and 15 female. Parents or guardians of the participants were surveyed. It has been made a descriptive and explanatory analysis.

Results: The prevalent cancer in this population was leukemia. In a proportion of 72.22%, cancerous tumors in various parts of the body were 11.11% and other cancers were 16.7%. In the socioeconomic status of the parents, lived in urban areas 66.66%, 50% lived in a rented house, 66.6% had a house built of brick and 52.77% lived in two rooms of 47.22 parents had secondary school and 36.11% of primary school. In the type of feeding natural products before the diagnosis of cancer, 41.66% used to eat natural carbohydrates, 61.11% natural protein, natural fats 61.11%, 63.88% natural fruit, 55.55% natural fiber, drank plenty of water 27.77%. The type of food not suitable before diagnosis of cancer, ate deli meats 33.33%, 75% drank carbonated soft drinks, 83.3% ate junk food sugar and refined flour and 77.77% ate junk food. No statistical significant differences in physical activity were detected.

Conclusions: This study identified that leukemia is the prevalent type of cancer in children and adolescents who regularly attend child Hospital Manuel Ascencio Villarroel in Cochabamba. That most children and adolescents with cancer live in urban areas and are economically disadvantaged. The feeding they received before the cancer diagnosis was a varied diet based on natural products and not suitable that facilitate the development of cancer and almost all the children and teens commonly consumed soft drinks, refined sugar, refined flour and junk food products; Foods that are related to the origin of cancer.

Biography:

Muhamad Ali K Shakhatreh has completed his PhD. from University of Dayton- USA.  Currently, he is an Assistant Professor in Jordan University of Science and Technology (Jordan) in the field of Microbiology.  His research experience and interests are in bacteriology with focusing on medical microbiology.  He has 6 publications.

Abstract:

Waterpipe tobacco smoking (WTS) has significantly increased worldwide. It has become a global public health problem (threat) and a serious global concern. This type of smoking is not a safe alternative to cigarette smoking which is a potential risk factor. The effects of waterpipe tobacco smoking on health outcomes remain unknown. However, few studies investigated and reported the relationship between waterpipe tobacco smoking and adverse health effects (deleterious health effects associated with waterpipe tobacco smoking). Little is known about effects of waterpipe tobacco smoking on oral health (if it can cause oral health problems). The objective of the current investigation is to determine the effect of waterpipe tobacco smoking on the changes in oral microbial flora which is still under investigation. Samples were taken aseptically from the oral cavity and subgingival regions of healthy participants (waterpipe smokers and waterpipe non-smokers). To identify types, frequency and mean number of microorganisms in cultures from the oral cavity and subgingival regions, standard bacterial culture methods were used. The present study provides a preliminary proof (evidence) indicating that oral microbial flora is significantly changed (altered) by waterpipe tobacco smoking (linking between waterpipe tobacco smoking and alteration in oral microflora).

Biography:

Thambarasi Sundaram has completed her MBBS and Post graduation studies from Sri Ramchandra University, India.

Abstract:

Objectives: To determine the usefulness of Typhidot M in rapid diagnosis of typhoid fever in children and to determine the sensitivity and specificity of Typhidot M with blood culture as gold standard.

Methods: Blood samples were collected from 130 children who were clinically diagnosed as typhoid fever. Typhidot-M is a dot enzyme immunoassay for detection of specific IgM to Salmonella Typhi. Samples were serologically tested with Typhidot assay as per the kit instruction (Typhipoint M/s AB diagnopath Mfg. Pvt. Ltd). For analysis purpose study group was divided into four; Confirmed Typhoid fever: Diagnosis of typhoid fever as confirmed by positive culture of S. Typhi; Probable typhoid fever: Children with fever and with a positive serodiagnosis (WIDAL) or antigen detection test but without S. Typhi isolation; Clinical enteric fever: Patient’s whose clinical course is compatible with typhoid fever but without S. Typhi isolation; and Non-typhoid fever: Children with definitive alternative diagnosis and in whom blood culture is negative for Salmonella Typhi.

Results: Of the 130 blood samples, 31 (23.8%) were positive of Salmonella Typhi infection and remaining 99 were negative for Salmonella Typhi. 54 (41.5%) were typhidot IgM positive. There were no cases in which culture was positive and typhidot negative. But there was false positive in 23 patients (17.6%). Of these 5 were probable typhoid fever, 2 were clinical typhoid fever, 3 had infection with S. Paratyphi A and 13 patients in non-typhoid group. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value of Typhidot test in comparison with blood culture were 100%, 76.7%, 57.4%, 100%, respectively.

Conclusions: After analyzing the present study, it was concluded that blood culture remains the gold standard for the diagnosis of typhoid fever. Typhidot M may be an alternative in early and rapid diagnosis of typhoid fever where facility of blood culture is not available.

Biography:

Otache A E is affiliated to the University of Nigeria, Nigeria.

Abstract:

Introduction: Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease that is associated with serious morbidity and is a disease of public health concern because of the social stigma. Knowledge, attitudes and practices of medical practitioners is vital in the control.

Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices of medical officers and interns regarding leprosy disease.

Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted among medical officers and interns in University of Nigeria teaching Hospital and Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, both in Enugu. Data was collected using a self reported questionnaire on the knowledge, attitude and practices towards Leprosy. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 21 and statistical significance of association between variables was assessed using Chi-square test at p<0.05. Ethical clearance was obtained from the Research Ethics Committees of both health facilities.

Results: All the 26 medical officers and 262 interns returned the completed questionnaires. In the study, interns showed higher knowledge 78.2% than medical officers 60.4%. Knowledge of the respondents on diagnosis, management and prevention of leprosy was adequate. However, their overall attitudes and practices towards leprosy were poor. 50% of them would not eat, 79.9% would not marry and 34.7% of them would not agree to perform cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to persons affected by leprosy. Only 33.3% would like to work in any leprosy referral hospital, while 5.1% would not agree to be admitted in the same hospital with persons affected by leprosy and 31.3% would like to isolate people affected with leprosy from the general community. Agree to perform CPR and category of profession relationship was not statistically significant (X²=8.296, df=4, p=0.081), but the relationship with the age of the participants was significant (X²=17.111, df=8, p=0.029).

Conclusion: The study revealed there is adequate knowledge among medical officers and interns with regards to leprosy in the two hospitals. However, their attitudes and practices are poor. There is need to organize training programs at regular intervals for interns and medical officers in out-patients departments.

Biography:

Marisa Egan is affiliated to the Saint Joseph’s University, USA.

Abstract:

Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli, commonly known as EPEC is a diarrheal pathogen that infects infants in developing countries. The bacterium belongs to the attaching and effacing (A/E) morphotype of pathogenic E. coli, since it infects infants by directly binding to intestinal epithelial cells and destroying the microvilli. The virulence of EPEC is attributed to its major pathogenicity island: The locus of enterocyte effacement (LEE). Treatment of EPEC infections is particularly challenging, because currently there are no vaccines against this bacterium. The problem is only exacerbated by the emergence of multi-drug resistant strains of EPEC. Thus, understanding the regulatory pathways that govern the LEE is critical towards the development of effective measures to combat EPEC infections. The LEE is responsive to a myriad of environmental cues with the majority of them targeting three LEE-encoded transcription factors: Ler, GrlR, and GrlA. Whereas transcriptional regulation of the LEE has been widely characterized, post transcriptional regulation including regulation by trans-encoded regulatory small RNAs (sRNAs), remains understudied. Most sRNAs exert their effects by directly base-pairing to their target mRNAs to influence the translation and/or stability of the target mRNA. A subset of these sRNAs requires Hfq, a chaperone protein that assists in the finding and base-pairing of sRNAs to their target mRNAs. One such sRNA is RyhB. Preliminary results suggest that Hfq and RyhB core press the grlRA mRNA that encodes GrlR and GrlA. To better understand the mechanism of action of RyhB on the grlRA mRNA, we preformed in silico alignment analysis. By using IntaRNA, we identified regions of complementarity between RyhB and the ribosomal binding site, in the 5’ untranslated region (UTR), of the upstream gene grlR in the grlRA mRNA. In order to confirm this prediction of direct base-pairing between RyhB and grlRA, we constructed a polynucleotide mutation in the seed region of RyhB; this mutation completely abolished the ability of the mutant RyhB to base pair to and represses the grlR-lacZ fusion. Thus, collectively, our results suggest that RyhB represses the LEE by directing base-pairing to the leader segment of the grlRA mRNA and preventing the expression of both GrlR and GrlA. Future studies are aimed at further understanding the RyhB-mediated regulation of the LEE by genetic, biochemical and phenotypic assays to with the goal of developing efficacious and potent pharmacological targets against EPEC.

Biography:

Moamen AL Zoubi is affiliated to Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, USA.

Abstract:

Cardiac tamponade is a life threatening condition often requiring urgent or emergent pericardiocentesis and close monitoring in the ICU. We report a 51 year-old spanish speaking female with a history of hypothyroidism who presented with facial swelling, SOB and orthopnea for 3 weeks. She denies joint pain, rash, fever, chills, weight loss. She had travelled to Mexico 6 years ago but did not remember exposure to TB patients. She had not received BCG vaccine as a child. In the ER her vitals were stable. Labs were remarkable for Alk phos 230, AST 63 and ALT 102. Otherwise, unremarkable including normal thyroid function test. ANA comprehensive panel and HIV test were negative. The ECG showed sinus rhythm and low QRS amplitude. Chest X-ray demonstrated bilateral pleural effusion. Echocardiogram showed large pericardial effusion with features consistent with tamponade physiology. Urgent pericardiocentesis was done with 450 ml fluid withdrawn. Thoracentesis was done as well and samples were sent for analysis. The fluids was an exudate.AFB smears and fungal culture came back negative. Repeated Echo showed complete resolution of pericardial effusion. Patient was discharged on colchicine 0.6 mg by mouth twice a day x2 weeks. Two weeks later the patient presented again with dyspnea and found to have cardiac tamponade after performing Echocardiography. Patient was taken to the operating room and a pericardial window was performed. TB quantiferon test found to be positive from the previous admission and she was started empirically on anti-TB medication as recommended by infectious diseases service. The results of pericardial biopsy showed no evidence of TB or sarcoidosis. No granulomas or malignant cells were seen. AFB smear was negative in three consecutive samples and Anti-TB medication were discontinued. Viral serology sent and came back elevated as high as 320:1 for coxsackie B type 4. Repeated Echocardiogram showed no pericardial effusion and patient reported improvement of her symptoms. The patient was discharged on indomethacin 50 mg BID with a cardiology follow up in 2 weeks. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of cardiac tamponade secondary to group B coxsackieviruses. We encourage considering viral causes as a probable etiology for cardiac tamponade of unknown etiology.

Biography:

Anamika Gupta has completed her PhD from Banaras Hindu University, India and Postdoctoral studies from National AIDS Research Institute, India. Currently, she is working with Boston University School of Medicine as a Visiting Researcher. She has published 13 papers in peer reviewed journals and 5 manuscripts are in process. She has also published 3 chapters in the books of international repute.

Abstract:

Beijing genotype of Mycobacterium tuberculosis has attracted special attention due to its association with multi drug resistance and rapid transmission. The present study was undertaken to investigate the prevalence of Beijing genotype of M. tuberculosis and their association with drug resistance and clinical characteristics of TB patients. A total of 381 clinical isolates were cultured from more than 4000 TB patients’ sputum samples from 2008 to 2014, of which the genetic profile was determined by using multiplex-PCR and Spoligotyping methods and the drug susceptibility testing to first-line anti-TB drugs was performed by using proportion method and MGIT960. Detection of mutations at rpoB codons (516, 526 and 531), katG codon 315 and embB codon 306 in Beijing and non-Beijing-strains were determined by MAS-PCR and DNA-sequencing. We also characterized a collection of M. tuberculosis isolates to see if Beijing strains had a higher rate of mutations in katG315, rpoB-RRDR region and embB306 gene. Multidrug-resistance was observed to be significantly associated with Beijing strains (p=0.03) and a strong correlation between Beijing strains and specific resistance mutations in katG315, rpoB531 and embB306 gene segments was also found (p=<0.0001, <0.0001 & 0.0014 respectively). These findings will help to understand the transmission and drug resistance related genetic characteristics of the Beijing/W genotype of M. tuberculosis and may provide a scientific basis for the development of new TB diagnostic tool for effective management and control of TB in countries with higher prevalence of Beijing strains.

Biography:

Mojdeh Habibi Zoham has completed General Medicine from Tehran University of Medical Sciences in 2009. She continued her work with graduation in Pediatrics from Tehran University of Medical Sciences in 2012. After her graduation, she has started working as an Associate Professor of Tehran University of Medical Sciences. She has been working in Pediatric ICU ward of Bahrami Children Hospital for at least 3 years and has 6 published articles in reputed journals.

Abstract:

Basidiobolomycosis is a rare fungal disease caused by Basidiobolus ranarum which is an environmental saprophyte. It is a chronic inflammatory disease that is generally restricted to the subcutaneous tissue and rarely involves gastrointestinal tract. With the intent to spread the awareness of this potentially life threatening and rare infection, we report a 4 years old boy presenting with abdominal pain and fever with eventual diagnosis of gastrointestinal basidiobolomycosis. We discuss the non-specific and confusing of symptoms of this rare infection and treatment options in detail.

Biography:

Hammad A is affiliated to National Ribat University, Sudan.

Abstract:

Background: Humans infected with schistosoma parasite demonstrate substantial immune responses against both adult worms and eggs. This response can be studied in different age group in both males and females in exposed and infected population. The study aimed to determine the humoral immune responses of Sudanese residents in an endemic area of Schistosoma haematobium.

Methods: Syringe filtration techniques were used to detect Schistosoma haematobium eggs. To rule out Schistosoma mansoni and other helminths infection, Kato Katz technique for the examination of stool was used. One hundred twenty eight individuals were included in the study. Twenty one subjects who were Schistosoma haematobium negative participated in the study as a control group. Different ELISA techniques were used to detect different anti-Schistosoma haematobium antibodies.

Results: The mean infection intensity was 61.92 eggs per 10 ml urine. Peak infections were found among the age group of 3-13 year. 53.1% had light infection and 46.9% had heavy infection. High levels of anti-soluble egg antigen (SEA) IgE was detected in infected individuals in the age group range (13-23 years) while low levels were observed in individual of ˃23 year of age. The highest anti- (SEA) IgA level was detected in old patients. The highest anti-SEA IgM levels were found in children aged 3-13 year. Females produced high levels of anti-SEA IgE, IgM and IgG, while males produced high levels of IgA.

Conclusion: These results showed high production of IgE which may protect the host until development of other immune responses and may also protect the host from re-infection.

Biography:

Musa H A is affiliated to National Ribat University, Sudan.

Abstract:

Background: Schistosome-specific acquired immunity capable of reducing levels of infection or re-infection develops slowly. The nature of these protective immune responses suggesting that anti-helminths immune responses fall into a Th1 (pro-inflammatory) and Th2 (anti-inflammatory).

Objective: The aim of this study was the detection and quantification of pro-inflammatory cytokines in both sera and urine of patients with urinary schistosomiasis.

Methodology: One hundred and thirty sera and urine were collected from patients with urinary schistosomiasis in two villages south Elduiem (Sudan). The disease was confirmed by finding Schistosoma haematobium eggs in urine using syringe filtration techniques. To rule out Schistosoma mansoni and other helminths infection Kato Katz technique for stool examination was used. Sera and urine of seventy subjects who were Schistosoma haematobium negative included in the study as controls. Samples were examined for IFNγ and IL-2, cytokines level using ELISA techniques.

Results: The prevalence of Schistosoma haematobium infection in the study population showed that the peak of infection was in childhood (3-13 years) followed by a sharp decline in infection intensity. Males infected more than females 62% and 38% respectively. Measurements of parasite specific cytokine responses showed high levels of both cytokine productions before treatment then after treatment. There are significant differences in cytokine production in infected groups and control one. Females produce high levels of IFNγ and IL-2 than males. Aged people produce high levels of both cytokine than young people. There are a positive association between the production of cytokine and intensity of the infection.

Conclusion: The conclusion drawn from the study is that pro-inflammatory cytokines were produced in large amount before treatment with significant difference between males and females.

Biography:

Nurul Azmawati Mohamed has completed her Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery in 2002 from University of Sheffield, United Kingdom and Masters of Pathology (Medical Microbiology) in 2012 from National University of Malaysia. She is a Clinical Microbiologist and Senior Medical Lecturer at Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia. Her interest is in bacteriology, particularly on antibiotic resistant organisms. She has published 10 articles in journals and presented in conferences locally and internationally.

Abstract:

Background: Taking honey with citrus juice (lemon/lime/calamansi) to soothe sore throat has been practiced in many parts of the world for decades. Various combinations of honey with different types of citrus juice (lime, lemon and calamansi to name a few) have been traditionally used by the Egyptians, Assyrians, Greeks, Romans, Chinese, Indians and Malays for the treatment of sore throat. The amount of honey and citrus juice used also varies from different cultures and places.

Objective: To systematically review the antibacterial effect of honey and citrus juice on Streptococcus pyogenes.

Methodology: Using the keywords honey, manuka, tualang, citrus, lime and Streptococcus pyogenes, we systematically searched EBSCOhost, Ovid, Scopus and WEB OF SCIENCE databases for reports of studies investigating the antibacterial effect of honey and citrus juice on Streptococcus pyogenes.

Results: A total of 415 abstracts were initially identified. 26 abstracts were finally chosen and reviewed by looking at the title, abstracts and full paper using pre-determined inclusion and exclusion criteria in relation to honey (n=22) and citrus (n=4). None of the articles studied the effect of both honey and citrus juice on the organism. Majority of the studies showed that both honey and citrus have significant antimicrobial effect on Streptococcus pyogenes.

Conclusions: There is no available data on the combined effect of honey and citrus on Streptococcus pyogenes. This knowledge gap offers an opportunity to investigate those effects with the purpose to support traditional practice with scientific evidences.

Biography:

Nurul Azira Binti Mohd Shah has completed her degree in Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) from University of Malaya, Malaysia. She was also awarded Master of Pathology (MPath) in Clinical Microbiology from Universiti Sains Malaysia. She is a Clinical Microbiologist and Medical Lecturer in Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.

Abstract:

Background: Amoebiasis is a parasitic disease caused by Entamoeba histolytica that causes death in developing country. The gold standard treatment for amoebiasis is metronidazole. However, the emergence of resistant against metronidazole has been increasingly reported. Thus, it is important to search for other alternative control measure which is safe and effective. Medium chain triglyceride (MCT), an active compound in natural products is widely available as a nutrient supplement and has been shown to have anti-protozoal properties.

Objective: Therefore the objective of this study is to investigate the potential effect of medium chain triglycerides (MCT) against amoebic infections.

Methods: The trophozoites of Entamoeba histolytica HM1: IMSS strain were axenically cultivated in TYI-S-33 medium in culture flasks and incubated anaerobically by using Anaerocult A (Merck). The anti-amoebic effect was determined by measuring the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of E. histolytica against MCT active compounds which include lauric acid, capric acid, caprylic acid and caproic acid were based on scoring of trophozoites growth using the standard method.

Results: Lauric acid and capric acid exhibited anti-amoebic effect with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 400 μg per ml and 800 μg per ml respectively.

Conclusion: In conclusion, MCTs was active against E. histolytica in vitro and should be considered as a probable anti-amoebic compound in amoebiasis.

Biography:

Veeraraghavan Meyyur Aravamudan is senior resident in advanced internal medicine at National University Hospital, Singapore.

Abstract:

A 46 year old Malay male with past surgical history of mastoidectomy in 2007 for cholesteatoma was admitted with sudden onset of headache, altered level of consciousness and lethargy for 1 day. Associated symptoms included multiple episodes of non-projectile vomiting and photophobia. He denied blurring of vision, otalgia and otorrhea. Physical examination revealed a lethargic looking male patient with a GCS of 3. His temperature was 38.5 ^oC. Neck rigidity was present on movement in all directions. Cranial nerve and fundoscopic examination was unremarkable. He had skew deviation of eyes to right. Rest of the neurological examination did not reveal any motor deficits. He was started on empirical intravenous ceftriaxone, vancomycin, acyclovir and ampicillin for clinically suspected meningitis while awaiting lumbar puncture results. Computerized tomography (CT) of brain was normal. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) obtained from lumbar puncture showed cell count of 900 units per mm³ with 80% lymphocytes and 20% neutrophils, protein of 0.92 gram per liter and glucose was 1.7 mmol per liter. Gram stain did not reveal any organism and cultures were negative. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for neurotropic viruses i.e., HSV, measles, mumps and enterovirus were negative. Cerebrospinal fluid acid fast bacillus (AFB) smear was negative. Computerized tomography (CT) temporal bone with contrast showed right middle ear and mastoid cholesteatoma with surrounding infected granulation tissue which extended into the inner ear and intracranially. He was subsequently referred to ENT and underwent right modified radical mastoidectomy. He made a good clinical recovery. Cholesteatoma is a destructive and expanding growth consisting of keratinizing squamous epithelium in the middle ear and/or mastoid process. Because of their erosive and expansile properties they can destroy the ossicles and can potentially spread into the base of the skull into the brain causing meningitis. Even though the incidence of cholesteatoma causing meningitis is rare, these are still potential life threatening complications. Cholesteatoma is still considered a surgical disease requiring either the complete removal of its squamous lined matrix or its exteriorization for continued aural toilet and ventilation. In the pre-antibiotic era, the mortality rate from intracranial complications following the otologic diseases was approximately 75%. In the post-antibiotic era, mortality was around 34%. Meningitis is the most common intracranial complication. There are three dissemination passages for the occurrence of otogenic meningitis which are hematogenous, congenital dehiscence (such as Hyrtl’s fissures) or preformed (osseous erosion). Every patient with suspicion of complication needs to be followed up by several medical specialties and must be submitted to full physical exam and computerized tomography with contrast. The treatment must be aggressive with early initiation of intravenous antibiotic and early drainage of the infectious focus in order to reduce the morbidity and mortality rate. Early recognition and computerized tomography of temporal bone were important in diagnosis of meningitis secondary to cholesteatoma and prompt referral to ENT surgeon for early surgery should be considered to avoid long-term complications.

Biography:

Onyinye Jane Onyemaechi is a 5th year medical student at First Moscow State Medical University I.M Sechenov, Russia. She is a member of Build Africa Capacity and also she is the president of Association of Nigerian Scholarship students in Russia. In 2011, she was awarded scholarship for her astounding academic excellence to study medicine in Russia. Her interest in tropical medicine grew with her increasing desire to help eradicate malaria. She has been a part of research programs, one of which resulted in the abstract “Evaluating the prevalence of drug resistance in intermittent preventive treatment for malaria during pregnancy”. She understands how to successfully fight for malaria eradication and collective efforts are vital and hopes made people to get inspired to make contributions towards achieving malaria eradication.

Abstract:

Background & Objective: Due to the poor patient compliance with prophylaxis and increasing resistance of parasite strains to chloroquine, administration of intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy (IPTp) with sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine is now recommended for all pregnant women living in areas with stable malaria transmission. However, resistance to sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine is on the increase which risks the drug being compromised. Thus, an urgent need exists to assess alternative drug regimens for IPTp.

Design & Method: Numerous molecular epidemiologic studies showed that resistance to pyrimethamine is associated with the acquisition of mutations in Plasmodium spp. dihydrofolatereductase (dhfr) genes while resistance to sulfadoxine is associated with 3 mutations in dihydropteroate synthase (dhps gene). Each mutation leads to a decrease in sensitivity to pyrimethamine (dhfr gene) and sulfadoxine (dhps gene).

Results: On a systematic review, results indicated that 2 doses of IPTp with sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine retained activity to reduce placental malaria and low birth weight amongst pregnant that visited the clinic. About >60% of the pregnant women that visited the clinic benefited with 2 doses of IPTp in the proportional reduction of peripheral parasitaemia at delivery compared with that at enrolment while the rate of resistance was at <39% and the proportion of placental infection was reduced by 75% compared with the efficacy of chloroquine prophylaxis administered the previous year.

Conclusion: An alternative approach involves systematic detection of placental infection at delivery by using blood smear, rapid diagnostic test or PCR with placental blood. Conversely, placental infection prevalence may change with time because of changes in sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine efficacy (likely to decrease) and quality of IPTp implementation (likely to increase). Such an approach would also provide baseline data to assess efficacy of all preventive measures against pregnancy-associated malaria, including IPTp and use of insecticide-impregnated bed nets and will enable assessment of these effects in a specific population.

Biography:

Leticia Gely has completed her MD from University of Puerto Rico, School of Medicine. She has completed Pediatric Residency at the University of Puerto Rico in the year 2013 and is a Board Certified Pediatrician. She is currently a 2^nd year Fellow in the Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Program at the University of Puerto Rico. She is a Member of National Academic Associations.

Abstract:

Zika virus (ZV) is a mosquito-borne Flavivirus primarily transmitted by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes found in tropical regions. ZV infection may occur by vertical transmission to the fetus or by intrapartum transmission from a viremic mother to the newborn, and may have severe implications to the newborn health including microcephaly. The World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) activated their respective emergency operations centers to better coordinate response to the ZV outbreak. The Neonatology Section, University of Puerto Rico provides services in a Level 3 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. A protocol was design based on the CDC and the Puerto Rico Health Department guidelines. The specific aim is to identify, evaluate and treat appropriately all fetus/newborns with possible intrauterine ZV exposure. The protocol included a quality improvement strategy with process mapping for all deliveries with documented prenatal ZV exposure. All interventions will follow the standard evaluations and procedures based on the infant’s needs as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the CDC recommendations. Review of the process map with local managers and frontline health professionals revealed multiple areas which require improvement, such as including new questions of events occurring during prenatal period and accessibility to prenatal laboratory and fetal ultrasounds for appropriate identification of cases and avoid adding steps that do not add value to the process, will dramatically increase the cost of interventions in a time of decreased funding and may interfere with the standard newborn care and the promotion of breastfeeding practices.

Biography:

Mansour Amin has completed his PhD from Pune University, India in Microbiology. He is an academic member of 1Health Research Institute, Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran. He has published more than 40 papers in different academic journals.

Abstract:

Introduction: Bacterial Meningitis (BM) is a medical emergency and is a life threatening condition in the populations of infants and children. The most common etiologic agents of acute BM are Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), Streptococcus pneumoniae and Neisseria meningitides.

Material & Methods: In this study, 196 cerebrospinal fluid samples (CSF) were taken from the infants and children under 5 years of age suspected to BM. Three milliliter of CSF was collected in three sterile tubes. The first tube was used for blood cell count, protein and glucose detection, the second tube was used for bacterial culture and direct smear and the tertiary was used for DNA extraction and PCR.

Results: Out of 196 cases, BM was confirmed by PCR in 9 samples and bacterial culture in 3 samples. The frequency of Hib was 8 cases. Furthermore, Hib was detected in 3 cases by both of the bacterial culture and PCR but in the five other cases, this bacterium was recognized only by PCR. S .pneumoniae was detected in one case only by PCR. In this study, any N. meningitides was not found in the based on the culture or PCR.

Conclusion: The frequency of Hib in Iran is more than other bacterial meningitis agents in Iran. The introducing of Hib vaccine has been started from December 2014 in Iran and the samples of this study were taken before this time. We wish the immunization protect the children and decries the rate of Hib in next studies.