Biochemical Liver Functions and Molecular Identification of Fasciola hepatica from Experimentally Infected Rat Model

The current study was performed to evaluate the liver function status as well as molecular characterization of the recovered worms in rats experimentally infected with F. hepatica. Sixteen male Wister rats aged 30 days were randomly allocated into two groups (n = 8). The first group was infected orally with 15 viable encysted metacercaria of F. hepatica per animal. The other group was kept non-infected (control group). At zero time (before infection), the 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th, 10th, 12th and 14th weeks post-infection (WPI), blood and serum samples were collected via puncture of retro-orbital plexus of veins from each rat. Serum enzyme level (AST and ALT) and total protein were measured, and the serum protein profile was carried out using agarose gel electrophoresis. During the period of the experiment, serum ALT and AST activities and serum total globulins significantly increased while serum total proteins and albumin markedly decreased in the infected group. On the 14th WPI, the data of the electropherogram showed that globulin fractions (α1-, β- and γ-globulin) levels were significantly increased while α2-globulin was markedly decreased in the infected group. The molecular analysis confirmed the amplification of the ITS1, ITS2 and NDI genes of F. hepatica recovered from the infected liver of rats with amplicon sizes of 630, 510 and 560 bp, respectively. Sequencing of the amplified ITS gene resulted in the determination of 3 strains (PP108836, PP108837, and PP108838). Also, analysis of the ITS2 gene resulted in obtaining 3 isolates under the accession numbers (PP109065, PP109066, and PP109067). In conclusion, fasciolosis in the rat model is suitable for routine experimental infections and caused a pronounced liver dysfunction with discharging of the Fasciola eggs in the faeces and the development of adult stages in the bile ducts. Furthermore, molecular techniques are a sensitive tool for the identification and characterisation of the Fasciola parasite.

Immunoglobulin D-λ/λbiclonal multiple myeloma:A case report

BACKGROUND Immunoglobulin D(IgD)multiple myeloma(MM)is a rare subtype of MM and commonly occurs in younger subjects but at a later stage of the International Staging System(ISS)when admitted.As a special type of IgD myeloma,IgD-λ/λbiclonal MM is rarer.Its serum protein electrophoresis and serum immunofixation electrophoresis(IFE)might find no anomalies even if the bone marrow(BM)examination is performed.Thus,it is easy to miss the diagnosis.CASE SUMMARY A 62-year-old man diagnosed as IgD-λ/λmyeloma(ISS stage III)was admitted with fatigue and weight loss.The physical examination suggested an anemic face,a few moist rales at the left lung base,and mild concave edema in both lower extremities.Laboratory examinations showed the elevated creatinine levels,β2-microglobulin,lactic dehydrogenase,and erythrocyte sedimentation rate,while the decreased neutrophils,granulocytes,and hemoglobin.In the serum protein electrophoresis,there appeared two inconspicuous M-spikes.Serum IFE indicated an over-representation of lambda light chain and yielded two monoclonal bands inλregion,but only one corresponding heavy chain band in the antisera to IgD region.The BM histology and BM cytology both supported the diagnosis of IgD-λ/λmyeloma.CONCLUSION This case highlights the differential clinical manifestations and laboratory findings of IgD-λ/λmyeloma to help minimize the chance of misdiagnosis.