Detection of canine echinococcosis by coproantigen ELISA

ObjectiveTo study the canine echinococcosis by coproantigen ELISA method.MethodsDuring the present investigation experimental infection was established using evaginated worms of Echinococcus granulosus (E. granulosus). To check cross reactivity two pups were infected with Taenia hydatigena (T. hydatigena). In order to detect the presence of antigen, hyperimmune sera were raised against excretory-secretory products of adult worms E. chinococcus granulosus. Faecal sample collected either from experimentally infected pups or from other sources were heated at 70 °C to detect heat stable soluble antigen.ResultsPups harbouring less than 104 worms showed negative results. Samples collected from 14 days onwards from experimentally infected animals harbouring more than 104 worms showed positive value. The maximum positive samples were detected in samples collected from in and around slaughter house and the least number of samples were detected positive maintained by dog squad.ConclusionsThe affinity purified IgG exhibited promising results for detection of canine echinococcosis by indirect ELISA.     

Management guidelines for uninvestigated and functional dyspepsia in the Asia-Pacific region: First Asian Pacific working party on functional dyspepsia

Dyspepsia is most optimally defined as pain or discomfort centred in the upper abdomen. The symptom complex may be caused by peptic ulcer disease, gastro-oesophageal reflux, or gastric cancer but is most often due to functional (or non-ulcer) dyspepsia. While upper endoscopy is the method of choice to determine the underlying cause of dyspepsia, it is expensive. A more pragmatic approach is needed in the Asia-Pacific region where health services are limited. A detailed treatment algorithm is given for managing patients presenting with new-onset dyspepsia and documented functional dyspepsia after endoscopy, and evidence to support this approach is reviewed. Prompt endoscopy is recommended for patients with alarm features. In patients without alarm features, treatment for 2–4 weeks with an empirical anti-secretory or prokinetic agent, followed by investigation using non-invasive Helicobacter pylori testing and treatment for patients who do not respond or relapse, is recommended. Trials of management strategies are now needed to establish the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of the approaches recommended.     

Peak expiratory flow in healthy Turkish children

This study was conducted on 1359 healthy, non-smoking Turkish children (727M, 632F) with a mean age of 11.7 ± 3.4 (6–17) years, in order to determine the normal values of peak expiratory flow (PEF) in Turkish children and to compare various peak-flow meters (PEFMs). PEF values increased with age and height in boys and girls. The relative increase in boys was significantly higher at puberty (p < 0.01). The values of Turkish children were found to be similar to those of Europeans. The results obtained from the three PEFMs were closely correlated.