Cytomorphological Variations of Leishman-Donovan Bodies Found in Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Patients in Sri Lanka

Leishmania parasites undergo a dimorphic life cycle.Diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis(CL)is primarily made by the microscopic identification of the amastigote form of the parasite in a smear.Therefore,correct identification of Leishman-Donovan(LD)bodies in smears is crucial for CL confirmation.The aim of this study was to provide a broad overview of different cytomorphologies of LD bodies to improve the sensitivity of microscopic detection of Leishmania donovani,which causes CL in Sri Lanka.A total of 125 smears,prepared from patients who met the positive diagnostic criteria of CL,were Giemsa stained and examined microscopically.The density,cellular location and all possible cytomorphological forms of the parasite were documented.A total of 10 different cytomorphological forms of LD bodies were identified.Among them,the round form was observed only intracellularly.The other morphological forms,namely the pear shape,cigarette shape,candle flame form,embryo shape,flagellate form,binary form and rosette form,were found only extracellularly.The spindle form and lens shape were observed in both intracellular and extracellular locations.L.donovani amastigotes have a wide range of morphologies besides their classical forms.Although Leishmania are considered as obligatory intracellular parasites,theymanage to survive successfully within the extracellular hostile conditions as well.Therefore,having a broader view of different morphological forms for Leishmania parasites may help to improve diagnosis of CL.

BIOLOGICAL FEATURES OF HUMAN T-ACTIVATED KILLER CELLS

Objective: To investigate the immunobiological essence of T-activated killer (T-AK) cells induced by anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody (CD3McAb) and recombinant interleukin-2 (rIL-2) co-stimulation. Methods: The cytomorphology, phenotype and cytotoxicity of T-AK cells generated from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were determined. Results: T-AK cells were similar to activated lymphoblasts in morphology, more than 90% of T-AK cells expressed the phenotypes of T-lymphocytes (CD3 +, CD8 +, and 20%～50% of the cells were NK-like phenotype (CD16 +, CD56 +, some of them expressed IL-2 receptor (CD25 +), CD38 antigen (CD38 +) and MHC-II antigen (HLA-DR+) characteristic marks for the activated T lymphocytes. T-AK cells attacking targets were morphologically large volumes with granules and mainly contained CD8 + and CD56 + cells. T-AK cells possessed high tumoricidal activities against NK-sensitive K562 cells and NK-resistant Raji cells, the cytotoxicity was composed of mainly CD3McAb-activated CD3AK activity (～50%), IL-2 induced LAK activity (～30%), NK activity (～10%) and the activities of inhibitory factors in T-AK supernatant (～10%). Conclusion: T-AK cells are a heterogeneous cell population consisting of mainly activated T lymphocytes and NK-like cells, the main part of T-AK cytotoxicity is the common activities of CD3AK cells and LAK cells.

Cytomorphology and Cytochemical Localization of K-type and T-type Cytoplasmic Male Sterile Pollens in Wheat

By using the technology of microscopy, electron microscopy and enzyme cytochemical localization , comparison was made of the cytomorphology, ATPase and cytochrome oxidase activity in pollens during microspore formation and pollen development, for K-type cytoplasmic male sterile(CMS)lines,T-type CMS lines and their maintainer lines on wheat. The results indicated that pollen abortion of the T-type CMS lines mainly occurred at the later mononucleate pollen stage, and cytomorphological changes of the abortive pollen began with a vacuolar membrane, and pollen aborting was related to a lack of ATPase activity in the nucleus and nucleolus during the mononucleate pollen stage. Pollen abortion of the K-type CMS lines took place mainly during the later binucleate and trinucleate stages, and cytomorphological changes of the abortion first began with mitochondria. The abortion was related to intine disruption.

Fine needle aspiration cytology in the diagnosis of cysticercosis cases

Objective:To document the value of Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology(FNAC) in the diagnosis of cysticercosis. Methods:Aspirates smears of 102 cases of cysticercosis from different sites like extremities,head,neck, forearm,arm,chest wall and abdominal wall were studied in the Department of Pathology,BPKIHS,Dharan, Nepal.Results:In 7 cases(9.73%) lingual cysticercosis was diagnosed.Involvement of breast was seen in 4 cases(5.56%) which is a rare presentation.On cytomorphological examination,parts of cysticercus cellulose were seen in(97.22%) cases.Conclusion:The characteristic cytomorphological features of parasitic tegument,parenchymatous portion,presence of giant cells and inflammatory cells in cytological smears help diagnose the cases of cysticercosis.FNAC provides safe and rapid tool for diagnosis of cysticercosis.In endemic areas,cysticercosis should be considered one of the differential diagnosis of the swellings.