Glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored proteins are abundantly expressed in the infective and intracellular stages of Trypanosoma cruzi and are recognized as antigenic targets by both the humoral and cellular arms of the immune system. Previously, we demonstrated the efficacy of genes encoding GPI-anchored proteins in eliciting partially protective immunity to T. cruzi infection and disease, suggesting their utility as vaccine candidates. For the identification of additional vaccine targets, in this study we screened the T. cruzi expressed sequence tag (EST) and genomic sequence survey (GSS) databases. By applying a variety of web-based genomemining tools to the analysis of ϳ2,500 sequences, we identified 348 (37.6%) EST and 260 (17.4%) GSS sequences encoding novel parasite-specific proteins. Of these, 19 sequences exhibited the characteristics of secreted and/or membrane-associated GPI proteins. Eight of the selected sequences were amplified to obtain genes TcG1, TcG2, TcG3, TcG4, TcG5, TcG6, TcG7, and TcG8 (TcG1-TcG8) which are expressed in different developmental stages of the parasite and conserved in the genome of a variety of T. cruzi strains. Flow cytometry confirmed the expression of the antigens encoded by the cloned genes as surface proteins in trypomastigote and/or amastigote stages of T. cruzi. When delivered as a DNA vaccine, genes TcG1-TcG6 elicited a parasitespecific antibody response in mice. Except for TcG5, antisera to genes TcG1-TcG6 exhibited trypanolytic activity against the trypomastigote forms of T. cruzi, a property known to correlate with the immune control of T. cruzi. Taken together, our results validate the applicability of bioinformatics in genome mining, resulting in the identification of T. cruzi membrane-associated proteins that are potential vaccine candidates.

Introduction:Intestinal parasites predominantly coccidian parasites are a common cause for diarrhea in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients.Materials and Methods:The study was conducted during January 2009-December 2010. A total of 1,088 stool samples from 544 seropositive HIV positive cases were examined microscopically for ova and cyst using wet mount preparations and stained smears. Out of 544 patients, 343 had prolonged diarrhea for more than 4 weeks, 57 had acute diarrhea of lesser than 7 days and 144 were asymptomatic cases who attended out-patient department; included in this study after taking consent from patients. Enteric pathogens were detected in 274 (50.36%) of the 544 patients.Results and Conclusions:The parasites identified were Cryptosporidium (135), Isospora belli (42), Cyclospora (12), Microsporidia (02), Entamoeba histolytica (49), Hookworm (34). Intestinal parasites in chronic diarrhea were significantly higher than the acute diarrhea (63.05% vs. 7.35%; P < 0.05). Parasitic pathogens were frequently associated with HIV-positive patients with diarrhea in Western India. Stools of all HIV-positive patients with diarrhea should thoroughly be investigated to identify etiologic agents for proper management.Materials and Methods:The study was conducted during January 2009-December 2010. A total of 1,088 stool samples from 544 seropositive HIV positive cases were examined microscopically for ova and cyst using wet mount preparations and stained smears. Out of 544 patients, 343 had prolonged diarrhea for more than 4 weeks, 57 had acute diarrhea of lesser than 7 days and 144 were asymptomatic cases who attended out-patient department; included in this study after taking consent from patients. Enteric pathogens were detected in 274 (50.36%) of the 544 patients.Results and Conclusions:The parasites identified were Cryptosporidium (135), Isospora belli (42), Cyclospora (12), Microsporidia (02), Entamoeba histolytica (49), Hookworm (34). Intestinal parasites in chronic diarrhea were significantly higher than the acute diarrhea (63.05% vs. 7.35%; P > 0.05). Parasitic pathogens were frequently associated with HIV-positive patients with diarrhea in Western India. Stools of all HIV-positive patients with diarrhea should thoroughly be investigated to identify etiologic agents for proper management.

Background and Methods India is one of the countries in the World Health Organization South-East Asia Region that regularly reports outbreaks of dengue fever (DF)/dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF). As effective control and preventive programmes depend upon improved surveillance data, this study was carried out to report the seroprevalence of dengue virus infection in an area around Jamnagar city, Western India. [1] Methods The laboratory records of clinically suspected dengue patients from July 2008 to June 2011 were analysed retrospectively for the results of immunoglobulin M (IgM) anti-dengue antibodies, tested by dengue monoclonal antibody (IgM) capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (MAC ELISA). Variations in disease incidence by sex, age group and season were assessed. Results A total of 903 serum samples were tested, of which 253 were positive. The majority were males (72%) and in the age group of 16-30 years. The incidence of dengue peaked in October and slowly tapered by December. Conclusion Dengue cases were higher during September to December, in the post-monsoon season. This observation is useful for planning special preventive strategies. The study draws attention to the susceptibility of the male, young adult age group.

The case definition of AIDS encompasses a spectrum of infections and malignancies, labelled as opportunistic infections. In recent years, numerous studies have outlined the emergence of opportunistic gastrointestinal protozoa that have caused diarrhoeal illness among HIV - AIDS patients. Purpose of present study was to determine the prevalence of opportunistic intestinal protozoal parasites in HIV positive patients with or without diarrhoea. A total of 100 stool samples of HIV positive patients were examined for protozoal parasites by microscopy. Protozoal parasites were detected in 25 HIV positive patients; in 41.37 % of patients with diarrhoea and in 2.38% of patients without diarrhoea. Isospora belli appeared to be a predominant parasite associated with diarrhoea among HIV patients. Cryptosporidium revealed of its asymptomatic carriage along with its association with acute and chronic diarrhoea. Prevalence of Microsporidia and Cyclospora cayetenensis was found to be very low. Key words: HIV; diarrhoea; opportunistic protozoa. DOI: 10.3126/saarctb.v5i1.3079 SAARC J. Tuber. Lung Dis. HIV/AIDS 2008 Vol.5(1) 21-24