Fasciola hepatica

Fasciolosis is the burning problem of the livestock rearing community having huge morbidity, mortality, and economic losses to livestock industries in our country Pakistan. The faecal and liver biopsy samplings were examined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and microscopy technique during the entire study. A total of 307 samples including 149 samples from Karak and 158 samples from Kohat abattoirs were examined by PCR method and overall prevalence of fasciolosis was 5.86% (18/307), amongst theses 8.05% (12/149) in liver biopsy and 3.79% (6/158) in feacal samples of cattle and Buffaloes were recorded. Similarly the microscopy based detection was 3.58% (11/307) including 4.61% (7/149) in liver biopsy and 2.5% (4/158) in faecal samples accordingly. Furthermore the areawise prevalence of fasciolosis in abattoirs by PCR method was found to be 7.59% (12/158) in Kohat and 4.02% (6/149) in Karak. A 618 pb DNA was amplified in 2% agarose gel electrophoreses. It is concluded from the study that prevalence of fasciolosis was higher in abattoir of district Kohat and PCR was a more sensitive method of diagnosis than microscopy

Prevalence of hamstrings tightness and its impact on lower extremity function in asymptomatic individuals with prolonged standing hours

Background: Hamstrings undergo adaptive shortening. It is common in healthy individuals to have a sedentary lifestyle affecting males (91.8%) more than females (78.7%). Hamstring tightness can interrupt ADL’s predisposing the person to further health problems i.e. plantar fasciitis, sacroiliac joint pain, decreased lumbar lordosis, knee pain, quadriceps malfunction, postural disturbances, overstretched lumbar ligaments, reduced muscle strength. Aims and Objectives: To analyze the prevalence of hamstring tightness and its effects on lower extremity function in individuals with prolonged standing. Materials and Methods: 65 participants were chosen for this cross-sectional study by convenient sampling; all were female nurses. The hamstring tightness was measured by the data collection tools i.e. lower limb task questionnaire, straight leg raise test, and active knee extension test after having the consent forms signed by the participants. The data was collected from three big hospitals in the city. Results: The results of the study conducted to see the prevalence of hamstrings tightness and its impact on lower extremity function in asymptomatic individuals with prolonged standing hours showed that only 15.38% of the sample (n=65) with a mean age of 31-35 years were found with bilateral hamstrings tightness while 84.62% were found with no hamstrings tightness. Conclusion: The prevalence of hamstring tightness in asymptomatic individuals with prolonged standing hours is low

Molecular characterization of Paramphistomum cervi in buffaloes

Background: Paramphistomiasis (Rumen fluke disease) in ruminants is a major health problem, characterized by coarse hair, weakness, loss of appetite, weight retardations, intestine ulcers, inter-mandibular inflammation, causing substantial economic losses, and high mortality. In tropical and subtropical regions, the disease was neglected but has recently emerged as an important cause of production losses. While documented reports on Paramphistomum cervi, Paramphistomum ichikawai and Paramphistomum are limited in Asian countries and paramphistomosis has been considered the major health and economic problem in several countries. The present study aimed to identify paramphistomoid flukes that infects buffaloes with the goal of characterization of prevalence in Pakistan and its comparison with neighbor countries. Materials, Methods & Results: In 2018, a total of 178 slaughtered buffaloes aged four to six years were examined. After an immediate postmortem examination of each buffalo, flukes were collected from their infected rumen and reticulum using sterilized forceps and placed in a saline solution. DNA was extracted from adult Paramphistome species using the standard phenol chloroform method and used for amplification of partial fragment of 18S rRNA sequences using specific pair of primer. After amplification and sequencing of 18S rRNA partial fragment, the generated sequences were assembled and trimmed to remove any primer contaminations. Twenty-three randomly selected and morphologically identified adult Paramphistomum were used in species-level identification using specific primers for partial fragment of 18S rRNA sequences. The cleaned sequences (810 bp) were used to identify similar sequences using BLAST on the NCBI website. The GenBank retrieved sequences and new Paramphistomum species isolated sequences were aligned using CLUSTAL in the BioEdit Sequence Alignment Editor. In addition, a phylogenetic tree was constructed using maximum likelihood method in MEGA X. The 18S rRNA sequence was found 100% similar with Paramphistomum cervi of China and 98% with Paramphistomum epiclitum and other Paramphistomum species of India. The parasitic Pharamphistomum species was identified molecularly as Paramphistomum cervi. Discussion: Molecular studies provide insight into the biology and phylogenetic relationship among various parasites. These studies are reliable in the genetic-based identification and description of several disease causing agents. The 18S rRNA sequence of Paramphistomum cervi generated in this study was found closely identical to the P. cervi of the neighbor countries (China and India) which may be due to the similar geographical, environmental conditions and transboundary movement of infected hosts. This is the first nature of study which provides the molecular-based evidence of P. cervi existence in Pakistan and revealed the 18S rRNA as novel molecular marker for the identification and further characterization of Paramphistomum species across Pakistan. The submitted sequence of this study will provide a baseline for further molecular characterization and to compare with other Paramphistoma species from different regions of Pakistan

Prevalence of HBV and HBV vaccination coverage in health care workers of tertiary hospitals of Peshawar, Pakistan

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) may progress to serious consequences and increase dramatically beyond endemic dimensions that transmits to or from health care workers (HCWs) during routine investigation in their work places. Basic aim of this study was to canvass the safety of HCWs and determine the prevalence of HBV and its possible association with occupational and non-occupational risk factors. Hepatitis B vaccination coverage level and main barriers to vaccination were also taken in account.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>A total of 824 health care workers were randomly selected from three major hospitals of Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Blood samples were analyzed in Department of Zoology, Kohat University of Science and Technology Kohat, and relevant information was obtained by means of preset questionnaire. HCWs in the studied hospitals showed 2.18% prevalence of positive HBV. Nurses and technicians were more prone to occupational exposure and to HBV infection. There was significant difference between vaccinated and non-vaccinated HCWs as well as between the doctors and all other categories. Barriers to complete vaccination, in spite of good knowledge of subjects in this regard were work pressure (39.8%), negligence (38.8%) un-affordability (20.9%), and unavailability (0.5%).</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Special preventive measures (universal precaution and vaccination), which are fundamental way to protect HCW against HBV infection should be adopted.</p

Personal and sociocultural factors as barriers to exercise among female university students. A cross-sectional study

It is a well-known fact that the illness rate is increasing day by day in the world and physical inactivity is a major factor of it. According to studies physical inactivity is the 4th most leading cause of mortality worldwide, accounting for 6% of all casualties. Objective: This cross-sectional study aims to explore the personal and sociocultural factors that act as barriers to exercise among female university students. By examining these factors, the study seeks to provide valuable insights for researchers, policymakers, and health professionals to develop targeted strategies that address the identified barriers and promote physical activity among this demographic. Material and Method: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in different universities of Faisalabad. The sample size of 800 female university students of age 17-27 was included in the study through a simple random sampling method. Females with recent injury, pregnant, mentally retarded female were excluded. Data was collected by self-generated questionnaire and the collected data was analyzed through SPSS version 16 Results: The finding of the study showed that females had many personal and sociocultural factors which acted as an obstacle in their exercise and made them inactive. Most prominent obstacle for females related to sociocultural factors was the lack of sidewalks in parks which provide enjoyable and safe strolling and a smaller number of gyms specifically for females. And another prominent personal barrier in exercise was time shortage and the parent’s preference of academic activities over exercise. Conclusion: This study sheds light on the personal and sociocultural factors that hinder exercise participation among female university students. The findings underscore the importance of developing targeted interventions to address these barriers. Strategies focused on enhancing self-efficacy, promoting positive body image, and time management skills can help alleviate personal barriers

Epidemiological analysis of Paramphistomum species in Ruminants in selected Districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), Pakistan

This epidemiological study was conducted to compare the climatic conditions of four different districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, in terms of the prevalence of parasitic infection Paramphistomum in cows and buffaloes. A total of 2400/cows and buffaloes (200/per month and 50/per district) fecal samples were collected. The samples were examined for Paramphistomum egg contamination by direct microscopic examination and sedimentation methods. The infectivity ratio was 17.5% in cows and 17% in buffaloes; the higher rate of infection was recorded in autumn with 41% in cows and 36% in buffaloes. Whereas the lowest ratio was 6.5% in cows and 7% in buffaloes recorded during spring. It was also noted that a high rate of prevalence was recorded in older animals (higher than 2 years of age) than younger (less than 2 years of age), while gender-wise, it was observed that male animals were more affected than females. Prevalence was higher in cows in Mardan district (19.30%) followed by Nowshera (19.10%) and Swabi (17.80%) districts while lowest in Charsadda district (13.80%) where in buffaloes the higher prevalence was recorded in Swabi (18.80%) followed by Mardan (18.60%) then Charsadda (16.80%) while lowest in Nowshera (13.80%)

Therapeutic potential of Pegnum harmela against Schistosoma bovis in buffaloes

Background: Peganum harmala have many biological and pharmacological activities such as antifungal, antibacterial, analgesic and antiinflammatory. The present study was carried out to evaluate the  antischistosomal activities of Peganum harmala with special reference to bovine schistosomiasis in naturally infected buffaloes.Methods and Materials: A total of 54 naturally infected buffaloes with “Schistosomiasis” of ages around five years were used for anthelmintic studies. All of the buffaloes were properly marked so as to make a distinction from one other. A doctor of veterinary was available for daily checkup. Samples prepared according to the available methods in literature.Results: In the present study, naturally infected buffaloes with Schistosoma bovis were treated with  Peganum harmala (Harmal, seed), with dose 75 mg/kg, 150 mg/kg and 225 mg/kg body weight  respectively, and their impact on various parameters like eggs reduction, milk production, weight gain and feed intake was noted. Furthermore, their efficiency (%) was evaluated with “Praziquantel”  (allopathic drug) at “10mg/Kg body weight” dose level. After first dose of “Praziquantel” hundred percent effectiveness was noted, while the same result obtained for herbal drug after giving second dose of  “225mg/kg body weight”. To evaluate the effect of herbal medicines on protein portions, sera of treated and control buffaloes were also investigated.Conclusion: From present findings, it is concluded that the herb Peganum harmala can easily replace  Praziquantal (PZQ) with almost same efficiency (%). Furthermore, the herb is easily available at cheap price at local market and it will be good for the economy of Pakistan Key words: Pegnum harmela, Schistosoma, infectio

Prevalence of Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia lamblia in District Hangu of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Giardia lamblia and Entamoeba histolytica are two important parasites of the gastrointestinal tract causing gastroenteritis in human population. The present study is carried out to check the prevalence of these two parasites in the stream and open well water of district Hangu of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.200/two hundred sample were examined through PCR which showed 26.5% (53/200) and 22.5%(45\200) positive results for Giardia lamblia and E.histolytica respectively. The PCR product for Giardia lamblia was 163bp HSP (heat shock protein) and for Entamoeba histolytica was135bp small fragment of DNA

THERAPEUTIC POTENTIAL OF PEGNUM HARMELA AGAINST SCHISTOSOMA BOVIS IN BUFFALOES

Background: Peganum harmala have many biological and pharmacological activities such as antifungal, antibacterial, analgesic and antiinflammatory. The present study was carried out to evaluate the antischistosomal activities of Peganum harmala with special reference to bovine schistosomiasis in naturally infected buffaloes. Methods and Materials: A total of 54 naturally infected buffaloes with “Schistosomiasis” of ages around five years were used for anthelmintic studies. All of the buffaloes were properly marked so as to make a distinction from one other. A doctor of veterinary was available for daily checkup. Samples prepared according to the available methods in literature. Results: In the present study, naturally infected buffaloes with Schistosoma bovis were treated with Peganum harmala (Harmal, seed), with dose 75 mg/kg, 150 mg/kg and 225 mg/kg body weight respectively, and their impact on various parameters like eggs reduction, milk production, weight gain and feed intake was noted. Furthermore, their efficiency (%) was evaluated with “Praziquantel” (allopathic drug) at “10mg/Kg body weight” dose level. After first dose of “Praziquantel” hundred percent effectiveness was noted, while the same result obtained for herbal drug after giving second dose of “225mg/kg body weight”. To evaluate the effect of herbal medicines on protein portions, sera of treated and control buffaloes were also investigated. Conclusion: From present findings, it is concluded that the herb Peganum harmala can easily replace Praziquantal (PZQ) with almost same efficiency (%). Furthermore, the herb is easily available at cheap price at local market and it will be good for the economy of Pakista

SERUM PROTEIN PROFILE OF MALARIA PATIENTS THROUGH SDS PAGE METHOD

Background: Malaria is a crucial disease that causes huge mortality and morbidity, along with economic losses in term of purchasing medicines in underdeveloped countries such as Pakistan. Materials and Methods: A total of 150 human blood samples were collected from the Districts of Karak and Kohat Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, in Pakistan, and were examined through microscopy and then all positive samples were analyzed by SDS-PAGE method for the detection of antibodies against plasmodium. Result: The overall prevalence of malaria was found to be 18% (27/150). The prevalence of plasmodium species was “21.3% (16/75) and 14.6% (11/75) in the Districts of Karak and Kohat respectively. The prevalence of plasmodium species i.e. P. vivax and P. falciparum, in the Districts of Karak and Kohat, was found to be 14.6% (22/150) and 3.33% (5/150) respectively. Among these, P. vivax 10.6% (8/75) and P.falciparum 4% (3/75) were noted in the District of Kohat; while P. vivax 18.6% (14/75) and P. falciparum 2.6% (2/75) were found in the District of Karak Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan respectively”. The serum protein of malaria patients were 57KDA and 78KDA bands, which were determined by Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate Poly-Acrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) technique. Conclusion: The SDS page method is the most accurate diagnostic assay and was recognized as a most reliable method in the diagnosis of antibodies produced against Plasmodium spps. The proteins bands of Serum protein of malaria patients may be undertaken for study to develop possible future vaccine