Detection and quantification of Cryptosporidium in HCT-8 cells and human fecal specimens using real-time polymerase chain reaction.

Cryptosporidium is a significant cause of diarrheal illness worldwide, especially among children and immunocompromised patients. Currently used diagnostic techniques are time-consuming, require skilled technicians, and are not useful for quantification of oocysts in fecal and environmental samples. In this study, we examined the use of a real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for detecting and quantifying Cryptosporidium parvum in three distinct and progressively more complex matrices: phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), HCT-8 cells (human ileocecal carcinoma), and human fecal specimens.

Angiotensin II potentiates inflammatory edema in rats: Role of mast cell degranulation.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of angiotensin II on models of acute inflammation. This study shows that angiotensin II potentiates the carrageenan- and dextran-induced paw edema. The administration of angiotensin II does not change the myeloperoxidase activity, neither the tissue content of interleukin-1 beta and tumor necrosis alpha nor the neutrophil migration to the peritoneal cavity, but induces significant enhancement of mast cell degranulation.

Caspase and bid involvement in Clostridium difficile toxin A-induced apoptosis and modulation of toxin A effects by glutamine and alanyl-glutamine in vivo and in vitro.

Clostridium difficile is the leading cause of nosocomial bacterial diarrhea. Glutamine and its stable and highly soluble derivative alanyl-glutamine, have been beneficial in models of intestinal injury. In this study, we extend our work on the mechanisms of Clostridium difficile toxin A (TxA)-induced apoptosis in human intestinal epithelial T84 cells and evaluate the effects of glutamine and alanyl-glutamine on TxA-induced apoptosis in vitro and disruption of ileal mucosa in vivo.

Angiotensin II subtype 1 receptor blockade inhibits Clostridium difficile toxin A-induced intestinal secretion in a rabbit model.

Angiotensin II (ANG II) has been described in the regulation of intestinal secretion and absorption via angiotensin subtype 1 (AT(1)) and AT(2) receptors, respectively, in rats. We investigated the role that ANG II plays in the rabbit ileal-loop model of Clostridium difficile infection. Expression of AT(1), the more abundant ANG II receptor, was demonstrated in ileal loops, and an AT(1) receptor blocker, losartan, inhibited hypersecretion induced by C.

Pathophysiology and impact of enteric bacterial and protozoal infections: new approaches to therapy.

Despite numerous scientific advances in the past few years regarding the pathogenesis, diagnostic tools and treatment of infectious enteritis, enteric infections remain a serious threat to health worldwide. With globalization of the food supply, the increase in travel, mass food processing and antibiotic resistance, infectious diarrhea has become a critical concern for both developing and developed countries. Oral rehydration therapy has been cited as the most important medical discovery of the century due to the millions of lives that have been saved.

Laboratory diagnosis and susceptibility profile of Helicobacter pylori infection in the Philippines.

Background: Helicobacter pylori diagnosis and susceptibility profile directs the applicability of recommended treatment regimens in our setting. To our knowledge, there is no published data on the culture and local susceptibility pattern of Helicobacter pylori in the Philippines.

Methods: 52 dyspeptic adult patients undergoing endoscopy from the Outpatient Gastroenterology clinic of the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital underwent multiple gastric biopsy and specimens were submitted for gram stain, culture, antimicrobial sensitivity testing, rapid urease test and histology.

Interleukin-8, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and lactoferrin in immunocompetent hosts with experimental and Brazilian children with acquired cryptosporidiosis.

To examine the importance of intestinal inflammation in the diagnosis and pathogenesis of human cryptosporidiosis, stools of healthy adult volunteers before and after experimental infection were tested for fecal lactoferrin, interleukin-8 (IL-8), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). Stool samples of Brazilian children with well-defined Cryptosporidium infection, with or without diarrhea, were also tested for IL-8 and TNF-alpha. Only one of the 14 volunteers challenged with Cryptosporidium had increased fecal lactoferrin.