Frequency of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia in HIV-infected patients in Tunisia

In Tunisia, as in most african countries, Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) is considered to be rare in HIV-infected patients. Frequencies of 8.6% and 21% have been reported. We examined 27 broncho-alveolar lavage specimens collected from HIV-infected tunisian individuals with respiratory symptoms over 4 years (1994-1997), by cyto centrifugation, Giemsa and Gomori-Grocott stain. Pneumocystis carinii (P carinii) was present in 9 cases, accounting for 33.3% of all specimens. Investigation of the reasons for the differences between african reports is necessary to establish appropriate therapeutic management. Technical difficulties of direct recognition of P carinii and selection bias may account for differences between african reports. However, differences still remain between the frequencies recorded in Africa and in other parts of the world, and recent advances seems to correlate this with geographical biodiversity of human-derived strains of P carinii and with differences in host ethnic background.     

Detection by PCR of adhesins genes and slime production in clinical Staphylococcus aureus

The presence of the ica loci and adhesins genes in clinical Staphylococcus aureus strains were considered important factors of virulence. In this study, 46 strains of Staphylococcus aureus were isolated from auricular infection, and were investigated for slime production using Congo Red Agar method (CRA). In order to detect the adhesins genes (ica A, ica D, fnb A, cna, Clf A) Polymerase Chain Reaction was used. Qualitative biofilm production of S. aureus using CRA plates revealed that 56.5% of strains were slime producers. In addition 78.26% of strains were ica A and ica D positive. While the fnbA gene was present in 76.1% of isolated strains. Furthermore, 56.5% of strains have the cna gene and 30.4% were clfA positives. Overall this study confirms the presence of fnb A and ica A/ica D genes in the majority of studies S. aureus strains isolated from Staphylococcal sepsis. ((c) 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim).     

Effects of N-acetyl-l-cysteine,in vivo,against pathological changes induced by malathion

Malathion toxicity has been related to the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase, induction of oxidative stress, liver damage and impairment of kidney function as well as hematotoxicity. N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC) has been shown to possess curative effects in experimental and clinical investigations. The present study was designed to evaluate the protective effect of NAC against toxic consequences of malathion exposure in Wistar rats. Malathion was given daily to rats via oral gavage and NAC in drinking water during seven days. When malathion-treated rats were compared with control, a leukocytosis and reduced hemoglobin (HGB) content were detected. Furthermore, malathion produced a significant increase in liver enzymes such as alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase and creatinine kinase. In addition, a decrease in acid phosphatase activity, protein and globulin levels were observed in malathion-treated rats compared with control. Moreover, analyses of the mineral status showed a disturbance in calcium, magnesium, phosphore and iron contents of the malathion-treated rats. Interestingly, NAC showed therapeutic effects against malathion toxicity. Indeed, HGB content and all liver enzymes were restored to normal values. Finally, the use of NAC as therapeutic agent for only seven days during malathion exposure showed interesting results on tissues damages.     

Lung cancer in central Tunisia: epidemiology and clinicopathological features

Lung cancer is the most common cancer worldwide but data from Tunisia are limited. The aim of this research was to describe the epidemiology, pathology and clinical features of lung cancer in Central Tunisia. All lung cancer cases diagnosed during a 15-year period were analyzed based on the data of the Cancer Registry of the Center of Tunisia. Five-year age-specific rates, world age-standardized rates (ASR), and annual percent change were calculated using annual data on population size and the estimated age structure. A total of 1,882 incident cases of lung cancer were registered (1,782 males, 100 females). The median age at diagnosis was 64 years for males and 61 years for females, with ASRs of 35.2 per 100,000 among males and 1.5 among females. Over time, there were significant decreasing trends by -6.5% (95% CI: -12.9%; -0.2%) for females and a stable incidence for males at an annual rate of +0.2% (95% CI: -1.6%; +1.8%). The predominant histological type was squamous cell carcinoma in males (36.9%) and adenocarcinoma in females (52%). During 2003-2007, adenocarcinoma became the most frequent (33.7%) followed by squamous cell carcinoma (30.3%) in males. The majority of tumor cases were diagnosed at advanced stages (79.9%). In conclusion, lung cancer has remained the most common cancer diagnosed at advanced stages among Tunisian men. Our findings justify the need to plan and develop effective programs aiming at the control and prevention of the spread of lung cancer in Tunisia.     

Changing patterns in the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)and Hodgkin lymphoma association in Tunisia

Annals of Hematology - We compared the features of the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) association in Tunisia in two periods of time, 1991–2001 (111 cases) and...     

Case report of Osteopoikilosis in patient with psoriatic arthritis

Osteopoikilosis (OPK) is one of the rare genetic musculoskeletal, non‐inflammatory disorders that we should increase awareness toward. We report a case of a patient diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis with incidental imaging findings of lesions suggestive of osteopoikilosis.     

Radiculopathies caused by spontaneous pneumorrachis: Two case reports and review of literature

Pneumorarchis is a rare condition of low back pain. It is usually asymptomatic and secondary to trauma. Spontaneous pneumorrachis is scarce.