Hydro-Alcoholic Leaf Extract and Fractions of Codiaeum variegatum (var. Mollucanum) Exhibited an Improved Anti-Amoebic and Moderate Anti-Oxidant Potential

Amoebiasis, classified as the third intestinal parasitic infection, represents a public health problem in low-income countries where hygiene and sanitation conditions are poor. With the resurgence of resistant pathogenic strains as well as ancestral considerations in developing countries such as Cameroon, many people rely on medicinal plants to treat a plethora of diseases. This work aimed to highlight the anti-amoebic and anti-oxidant potential of Codiaeum variegatum extracts and fractions. The anti-amoebic potential of C. variegatum was assayed on the polyxenic culture of the clinical isolates of E. histolytica. Then, the anti-oxidant potential of the ethanolic/hydroethanolic extracts and fractions was evaluated through DPPH radical scavenging, iron reduction (FRAP), lipid peroxidation inhibitory potential and total antioxidant capacity tests followed by the determination of phenolic compound and flavonoid content. It was found that the fractionation process decreased the amoebicidal activities of C. variegatum leaf extracts. However hydroethanolic extract (CI50: 10.08 ± 0.42, 5.18 ± 0.09, 5.18 ± 0.09 μg/mL respectively after 24, 48 and 72 hours) was more active than ethanolic extract (CI50: 15.59 ± 6.17;9.61 ± 2.37;6.26 ± 3.22 μg/mL respectively after 24, 48 and 72 hours). Interestingly, the activities of hydroethanolic extract were significantly non-different compared to metronidazole CI50: 8.42 ± 0.44, 6.45 ± 0.22 and 3.42 ± 0.33 μg/mL, respectively after 24, 48 and 72 hours). Ethanolic extract and EF5 showed higher Phenolic compound contents and higher antioxidant activity than hydroethanolic extract and other fractions through DPPH radical scavenging power (EC50 = 311.50 ± 4.12 μg/mL) and total antioxidant capacity (44 ± 0.07 mgEAA/gF). However, these activities are significantly lower than those of ascorbic acid (EC50 = 31.20 ± 4.39 μg/mL, and 61.34 ± 4.42 μg/mL respectively). This low antioxidant activity was confirmed by poor phenolic and flavonoid compounds contents found in the extracts and fractions. The present result brings a new approach to the ethnopharmacological uses of C. variegatum against dysentery in cases associated with Amoebiasis in Cameroun.

Identification and Characterization of Heparan Sulphate Binding Proteins of <i>Entamoeba histolytica</i>

A large number of microbial pathogens bind to heparan sulphate on eukaryotic cell surfaces. Heparan Sulphate Binding Proteins (HSBPs) from Entamoeba histolytica culture lysates were obtained by sequential ammonium sulphate precipitation and Protein purify. SDS-PAGE and immunoblotting experiments indicated the presence of two major extracellular proteins in E. histolytica (51.2 kDa and 61.0 kDa). Characterization of HSBPs by 2D Gel electrophoresis of 40% (NH4)2SO4 precipitated lysate of E. histolytica revealed that the isoelectric point of 51.2 kDa HSBP was at pH3.0. The protein of 61.0 kDa HSBP showed three spots in 40% (NH4)2SO4 lysate which had isoelectric point between pH 4.0 - 7.0. While in 80% (NH4)2SO4 precipitated lysate, 51.2 kDa HSBP showed only one spot which had isoelectric point at pH 3. However, 61.0 kDa HSBP revealed 2 spots which had isoelectric point between pH 4 and 5. The result showed that this parasite has proteins which interact with heparan sulphate whose molecular formula is C14H23NO21S-23. These proteins may have a role in binding of parasite to heparan sulphate on host cells. Further characterization by MALDI-TOF analysis of HSBPs from E. histolytica demonstrated HSBPs to be novel protein in this parasite which has been isolated, purified and characterized first time by our group in the present study.

Trend Analysis of Three Major Mosquito Borne Diseases in Punjab, India

Background & Objectives: Understanding the distribution and prevalence of three major mosquito borne diseases in an area is critical for the development of effective vector control strategies and public health interventions. The present study is therefore aimed to explore the epidemiological trend of malaria, dengue and chikungunya from 2012 to 2018 in Punjab. Methods: Quantitatively retrospective data was collected from Department of Health and Family Welfare, the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP), Punjab from 2012 to March 2018. The collected data was statistically analysed. Results: In case of malaria highest prevalent districts in Punjab are Mansa and Bathinda, for dengue Patiala, Ludhiana and S.A.S. Nagar and Patiala for chikungunya. Malaria was reported mainly from rural areas while dengue and chikungunya were found more in urban areas. For all three mosquito borne diseases, males were infected more as compared to females. Malaria cases were reported in months of August and September while dengue cases increased from July to November whereas chikungunya cases were highest in months of August to October. Conclusions: These findings help in concluding the trend analysis which in turn helps us to increase our focus on disease endemic districts along with boosting the vector control strategies in respective districts. Further the control of these mosquito borne diseases can be solved by employing adequate human resources, by increasing awareness in the community by conducting health camps and strengthening the entomological surveillance for timely reduction in the breeding of the vectors, especially before the repeated rise in cases during the period from July to November each year.

High prevalence of soil-transmitted helminth infections among primary school children,Uttar Pradesh,India,2015

Background:Soil-transmitted helminth(STH)infections often affect the poorest and most deprived communities.In order to generate reliable data for planning a school based deworming program,we conducted a survey among primary school children studying in government schools in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.The objectives of our survey were to estimate the prevalence and intensity of STH infections.Methods:We conducted a cross-sectional survey among children studying in 130 primary schools from 9 agroclimatic zones,during May-August 2015.Information about socio-demographic details,defecation and handhygiene practices,and stool samples were collected from the school children.Stool samples were examined using the Kato-Katz method.Results:Stool samples from 6421 school children were examined.The overall weighted prevalence of any STH in the State was 75.6%(95%CI:71.2-79.5).The prevalence was more than 50%in six of the nine agro-climatic zones.A.lumbricoides was the most prevalent STH(prevalence:69.6%),followed by hookworm(prevalence:22.6%)and T.trichura(4.6%).The majority of the STH infections were of low intensity.The practice of open defecation and not washing hands with soap after defecation and residence in kutcha house were significant risk factors of STH infection.Conclusions:STH prevalence among primary school children in Uttar Pradesh was high.Given the WHO guidelines on deworming frequency according to STH prevalence,Govt of Uttar Pradesh needs to implement a school-based deworming program with bi-annual frequency.The findings of our survey would also help monitor the performance of school based deworming programme.