PCR assay in malaria diagnosis using filter paper samples from Jazan region, Saudi Arabia.

PCR assay using designed primers was evaluated in detecting human malaria infection from whole blood and/or on Whatman filter-paper compared to conventional microscopy. Two DNA extraction methods were used for dried blood-spots; QIAamp mini kit and methanol-fixation/heat-extraction. A total of 118 cases were collected from 4 hospitals at Jazan district.

Contribution of electron microscopic studies to the biology and classification of parasitic cestodes (review article).

Members of phylum Platyhelminthes are leaf-like or tape-like worms. Class Cestoidea are exclusively parasitic organisms; covered with a nonciliated integument; ciliated epithelium, when present, confined to embryos (onchospheres) hatched from eggs; scolex provided with suckers and frequently hooks for attachment to host tissue; body in most species divided into separate, sexually complete proglottids. Class: Cestoidea: comprises two subclasses: Cestodaria body undivided; only one set of reproductive organs; oncosphere hatching from egg has 10 hooklets.

Preliminary study of the prevalence of intestinal parasites among diarrheic inhabitants in Makkah Al-Mukarramah.

Darrheic disease is one of the greatest causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Intestinal parasites contribute to the disease and the well being of humans. This study was undertaken in the Holly City of Makkah Al-Mukarramah.

Review on electron microscopy in taxonomy and biology of parasitic Nemathelminthes.

Electron microscopy (EM) proved a very helpful means that solved a lot of information in different scientific aspects. EM is a very good tool in the hospitals and research centers. It was aimed to pile up available information on the biology in the descriptive morphology of nematodes and their immature stages by scanning (SEM) and transmission (TEM) electron microscopy.

Enteroparasitic occurrence in stools from residents in Southwestern region of Saudi Arabia before and during Umrah season.

Objective: Study of the prevalence of human gastro-intestinal parasitic infections among patients living in Makkah Al-Mukkarmah city before and during Umrah season.

Methods: One hundred eighty three stool samples were collected from patients living in Makkah, between the months of March and November 2005. Eighty were collected before the Umrah season began and 103 were collected during the Umrah season.

Detection of malaria in Saudi Arabia by real-time PCR.

Malaria transmission occurs in Saudi Arabia and mainly endemic in the lowlands of Asir region, the Southwester Province. Imported cases have been reported. Sensitive routine laboratory techniques for rapid and accurate malaria diagnosis are therefore desirable to facilitate the identification of individuals infected with the malarial parasites and to follow up the progress of treatment of such cases with appropriate drugs.