[Tests for evaluating the effectiveness of pediculicides: importance and limitations].

The obligation to prove pediculicides efficacy is relatively recent. Two tests are required by the authorities to obtain registration. In vitro test (with Pediculus humanus humanus) is the first step to evaluate the efficacy of new molecules.

[Scalp pediculosis and its treatment: bioclinical trials of different pediculicides and repellents in Antananarivo].

After a recall of different existing kinds of louse, pediculicides and their mode of action, the authors report the bio-clinical trials they carried out in Antananarivo using different associations and galenic forms of medicines. The objectives of these studies on the treatment of scalp pediculosis is either the development of efficient insecticides or the application for the official permit of sale.

[Current epidemiology of pediculosis capitis].

In schools of Touraine-France--usually more than 15% of the children are infected with capitis (investigation performed in 1987 and 1988). This number (rate) is rather close to the one that obtained in previous two investigations (1974 and 1981). Hence Pediculosis is not progressing.

[Anti-nuclear factor and anti-toxoplasma antibodies detected using the Toxo-M Abbott kit].

The antibody capture IgM Toxo Abbott is a specific method. But serum specimens had false positive results. These serum specimens have been studied.

[Treatment of bilharziasis due to Schistosoma mekongi with praziquantel].

After a review of the mechanisms of anti-schistosomal activity of praziquantel and the treatment of Schistosoma mekongi with this drug, the authors report two cases of Schistosoma mekongi treated with praziquantel with failure. Rectal mucosa biopsies are performed and eggs are present. Light microscopic, electron microscopic and on ultra-thin sections examination of these samples don't reveal morphological alterations of Schistosoma mekongi eggs after treatment.

[Schistosoma mekongi bilharziasis along the Mekong River and its affluents, the Mun and Tonle Sap Rivers. General review].

First cases of Schistosomiasis in the South East Asian were described 30 years ago but the existence of a particular species in this area: Schistosoma mekongi has been discussed for a long time. During the last few years, emigration of Laotian and Cambodian people allowed a better knowledge of this affection. Through recent literature the authors make a restatement of the epidemiology, biology and treatment of this disease.

[Serological study of toxoplasmosis and echinococcosis in cattle breeders and abattoir personnel in Benin].

In Benin, a serological study of toxoplasmosis and hydatid disease has been effected among bovine stock-breeders and the staff of the slaughter-houses in comparison with a sample of blood donors. Our results reveal the highest rate of toxoplasmosis infection (87%) among the staff of the slaughter-houses, whereas the bovine stock-breeders are the most exposed population to hydatid disease with a 9% prevalence. There is no mention of similar works in Benin in medical literature.

[A new molecule in antiparasitic therapy: alpha-difluoromethylornithine].

Alpha-difluoromethylornithine (DFMO) is a specific irreversible inhibitor of ornithine-decarboxylase (ODC), key enzyme in the biosynthesis of polyamines, physiological compounds involved in cell multiplication. Pharmacokinetic studies of the drug revealed good oral absorption, low metabolisation and mainly urinary excretion. Short half-life (3 hrs to 3 hrs 30) implicates daily repeated administrations.

[17 beta-estradiol receptors in Schistosoma mansoni. Contribution to the explanation of the protective power of this hormone in Schistosoma mansoni bilharziasis in the mouse. Preliminary study].

According to some of our experiments, in adult Schistosoma mansoni, the existence of receptors able to bind the molecules of 17 beta-estradiol might explain the protective power of this hormone in the experimental Schistosoma mansoni parasitosis in the mice and in the hamster.

[Bilharziasis caused by Schistosoma mekongi along the Mekong and its affluents Mun and Tonle Sap. Apropos of 2 cases observed at the University Hospital Center of Tours].

The authors report two cases of Schistosomiasis mekongi observed in Laotian people living in Touraine. Discussions about epidemiology, clinical, biology and treatment are taken up.

[Effect of 17 beta-estradiol, progesterone and testosterone on Dipetalonema vitae parasitosis in the castrated female golden hamster Cricetus auratus].

In Dipetalonema viteae filariasis of Cricetus auratus, it seems that the natural estrogenic hormon, the 17 beta-estradiol as well as the progesterone have a part in the protection observed in the females.

[Effect of the administration of estrogen-antiestrogen combinations on the experimental infection of the hamster with Schistosoma mansoni].

In the purpose of establishing if the antiestrogens may inhib the protective effects of the estrogens during an experimental infection with Schistosoma mansoni in golden female hamster, we have studied the following estrogen-anti-estrogen associations: 17 beta-estradiol + trans-tamoxifène, 17 beta-estradiol + trans-clomifène, hexestrol + trans-tamoxifène. The decrease of the number of worms in the animals under experiment shows that these associations still give a protective effect. This protection is however weaker than the one which is induced by estrogens administration only.

[Irregular anti-P1 allo-antibodies and sinensis clonorchiasis].

A parasitological and immuno-hematological study was undertaken simultaneously in fifty South-East asian refugees at the time of their arrival in France. --in this series the frequency of individuals having a P2 erythrocyte phenotype is 80%. --54 % of these immigrants were found to be carriers of Clonorchis sinensis, a parasite rarely found in Europe.

[Influence of synthetic estrogens on experimental Schistosoma mansoni parasitosis in hamsters: cis and trans clomiphene isomers].

Within the framework of previous investigations concerning the protective effect of estrogens during an experimental infection with Schistosoma mansoni in female hamster, the respective actions of the cis and trans forms of clomiphene have been studied. These two forms appear to be unable to assure a protective effect, the mean numbers of parasitic worms and the seric specific antibodies levels which have been observed in the treated animals do not significantly differ from those of the control group.

[Experimental Schistosoma mansoni parasitosis in golden hamsters. Effects on the intensity of parasitism, and on the rate of antibodies' circulation, after administration of estrogen, testosterone, or progesterone (author's transl)].

A reduction in the intensity of parasitism under the effect of an implantation of 20 mg of estradiol is observed again but such result is also obtained with testostérone administered in the same way and at the same dose. On the other hand, no significant variation in the number of parasites was observed in animals having received an implantation of 20 mg of progesterone. However, serological examinations showed that the animals treated with one of these hormones all have a specific antibody level higher than the untreated control group.

[Influence of the injection of polyethyleneglycol 400 on the evolution of experimental candidosis of the mouse (author's transl)].

The authors mention their work showing the influence of polyethyleneglycol 400 on the evolution of experimental candidosis in mice. The animals are infested by one single intra peritoneal injection of a determined number of cells of Candida albicans and then receive daily an injection of polyethyleneglycol 400 1/2 0,2 ml (Harmless dose for non infested animals). These animals die more quickly from Candida albicans septicaemia than others infested in same conditions but not treated by daily injections of polyethyleneglycol 400 1/2.

[A parasitologic survey conducted in Touraine (France) in a group of South East Asia refugees (author's transl)].

Forty refugees (23 from 5 lao families and 17 from 3 cambodian families) previously and routinely treated against intestinal parasites, underwent stools and serum controls: 77 p. 100 had still intestinal parasites but 61 p. 100 had a normal blood cells count without hypereosinophilia.

[Influence of the sex of the final host on experimental Dipetalonema vitae filariosis in golden hamsters Cricetus auratus (author's transl)].

The authors have studied the influence of the sex of the host on experimental Dipetalonema viteae parasitosis in golden hamsters Cricetus auratus. The parasited hamsters are sacrificed fifteen days after testing for microfilarial count, and then the extent of the infestation is measured by counting the number of male worms and female worms. The average level of microfilarial count is significantly higher in male hamsters than in female hamsters.