ABSTRACT
Subcutaneous Human Dirofi lariasis is an uncommon zoonotic infection caused by Dirofi lariarepens. The reports of this infection in humans in India are limited, although increasingly being reported worldwide. We report a case of Dirofi lariasis with subcutaneous presentation from the state of Meghalaya and to emphasize the importance of considering this entity in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with subcutaneous nodules.
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To compare a commercially available Latex agglutination test and an in house co-agglutination test for the detection of cryptococcal antigen in cases of chronic meningitis. METHODS: One hundred and fifty cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from 150 cases of chronic meningitis were tested for the presence of Cryptococcus neoformans by modified India ink, culture and antigen detection by latex agglutination test (LAT) and co-agglutination (Co-A) test. RESULTS: Thirty-nine cases were positive by one or more tests employed. Antigen detection in CSF by LAT and Co-A was found to be most sensitive (94.9%) while culture was the least (25.6%). Of the two antigen detection methods, Co-A was found to be more sensitive than the LAT, the difference being statistically significant. Initial CSF antigen titres did not have any prognostic significance. CONCLUSIONS: Co-A for antigen detection is an inexpensive and useful adjunct to direct microscopy and culture for the diagnosis of cryptococcal meningitis, though its usefulness in prognosis needs to be evaluated further.
ABSTRACT
Subcutaneous zygomycosis caused by Basidiobolus ranarum is endemic in South India .The present report is of an agricultural labourer who presented with a painless swelling of the left thigh. Culture of the affected tissue yielded B. ranarum. The swelling completely subsided with oral potassium iodide.