Dorsaf Aloui

Tinea Capitis at Charles Nicolle Hospital of Tunis (Tunisia)

Introduction: Tinea capitis is an infection caused by dermatophytes which have a particular affinity for keratin. Its prevalence decreased significantly in developed countries due to the improvement of sanitary conditions and socioeconomic level. However, they are still common in developing countries including Tunisia. The aim of our study was to evaluate the epidemiological, clinical and mycological profile of tinea capitis diagnosed at Charles Nicolle Hospital of Tunis. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study of 167 mycological samples scalp performed during four years (2009-2012). Results: Tinea capitis was diagnosed in 88 patients (52.69%). Their mean age was 7.62 years. The sex ratio was 2.82. The main dermatophytes isolated were Microsporum canis and Trichophyton violaceum. The annual distribution of the dermatophytes isolated showed a decrease of the frequency of tinea capitis caused by Microsporum canis (36.36% in 2009 vs. 60.71% in 2012). Conclusion: The study of etiological profile of tinea capitis encountered in Tunis showed an increase in the frequency of microsporic tinea that exceeds in recent years trichophytic tinea and emergence of zoophilic species such as Trichophyton verrucosum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes.

Comparison between three concentration techniques for diagnosing intestinal parasites

Background Intestinal parasitoses still are a noticeable threat to public health. The direct diagnosis of such parasites requires the use of concentration techniques, whose sensitivities for protozoan cysts and helminth eggs are far from equal. Aim To compare the Willis, Ritchie and Bailenger concentration techniques in terms of parasite recovery, cost, time, and biosafety. Methods This prospective study analysed 236 stool specimens for intestinal parasites using the direct wet smear and the above-mentioned concentration techniques applied separately. Results Biphasic techniques identified significantly more positive specimens for intestinal parasites than the Willis technique, the latter leading to less concentrated and more altered parasitic elements on microscopy. No statistically significant difference emerged from comparing Ritchie’s and Bailenger’s methods. The Willis technique was the safest, yet the costliest and the most time-consuming of the studied methods. Conclusions Even though the hazardous reagents employed may raise legitimate concerns over their health implications, biphasic techniques prove to be uncostly, quick to perform, and highly sensitive for detecting faecal parasites, therefore ensuring a safe diagnosis for routine stool examinations.

Diagnosis of Human Echinococcosis via Exhaled Breath Analysis: A Promise for Rapid Diagnosis of Infectious Diseases Caused by Helminths

Background Human echinococcosis is a neglected infectious disease affecting more than 1 million people globally. Its diagnosis is expensive and difficult because of lack of adequate resources in low-resource locations, where most cases occur. Methods A group of volunteers diagnosed with the 2 main types of echinococcosis and corresponding control groups were recruited from hospitals in Tunisia (32 patients with cystic echinococcosis and 43 controls) and Poland (16 patients with alveolar echinococcosis and 8 controls). Breath samples were collected from all patients and analyzed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry, and a specifically developed electronic nose system. Results The chemical analysis revealed statistically different concentrations of 2 compounds in the breath of patients with cystic echinococcosis compared to controls, and statistically different concentrations of 7 compounds in the breath of patients with alveolar echinococcosis compared to controls. The discrimination accuracy achieved by the electronic nose system was 100% for cystic echinococcosis and 92.9% for alveolar echinococcosis, while the discrimination accuracy between these 2 patient groups was 92.1%. Conclusion Here we advocate a noninvasive, fast, easy-to-operate and nonexpensive diagnostic tool for the diagnosis of human echinococcosis disease through exhaled breath analysis, suitable for early diagnosis and population screening.