Cystic echinococcosis in central Anatolia, Turkey

Human cystic echinococcosis [CE] caused by infection with a larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus is a serious public health problem in Turkey. Echinococcosis is a zoonotic disease; dogs and livestock are important hosts in transmission. The aim of this study is to evaluate the rate of CE in Kayseri Rural Area, Central Anatolia, Turkey. At the present study, we planned to evaluate the rate of CE in Kayseri rural area in Central Anatolia between 2000 and 2002. We investigated 2,242 subjects using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA] and indirect fluorescence antibody [IFA], and we examined the seropositivity by using Western blotting [WB]. The seropositivity rate was 2.7% by ELISA and IFA. We retested seropositive serum samples and 200 seronegative sera by WB. Seropositive serum samples were studied using abdominal ultrasound and chest x-ray to confirmed the presence of hydatid cyst and we found 10 [0.5%] different localized cysts. The results of our study indicate that Kayseri rural area has a high endemicity of human CE

Nosocomial Oral Myiasis by Sarcophaga sp. in Turkey

We present a case of oral myiasis in a 15-year-old boy with tuberculosis meningitis. The diagnosis was based on the visual presence of wriggling larvae about 1 cm in size and on the microscopic features of the maggots, especially those relating to stigmatic structures. The larvae were identified as third stage larvae of Sarcophaga sp.

Anti-Toxoplasma gondii Antibodies in Haemodialysis Patients with Chronic Renal Failure

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of anti- Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in haemodialysis patients with chronic renal failure (CRF). Methods: One hundred and seventy three haemodialysis patients, and 40 healthy controls, were studied for the prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies by a micro enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies were detected in 97 (56.06%) haemodialysis patients and 8 (20%) controls with a statistical significance. In addition, anti-T. gondii IgM antibodies were detected in 1.73% of patients, but none of the controls. In conclusion, a high percentage of positivity for Toxoplasma antibodies in patients with CRF undergoing haemodialysis was noticed, thus parasitological surveys of CRF patients should be periodically performed to prevent the possible dissemination of toxoplasmosis through the dialysis procedure.

A Case of Pulmonary Microsporidiasis in an Acute Myeloblastic Leukemia (AML) -M3 Patient

Reported here is a case of microsporidiasis that occurred in an acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML) -M3 patient who underwent chemotherapy. Fever, cough, expectorate and dyspnea were observed during the therapy. Since this case was considered as adult respiratory distress syndrome due to the chest X-ray and arterial blood gas findings, the male patient was bounded to a mechanical ventilator. As coagulation tests showed compatible findings with disseminate intravascular coagulation (DIC), it was thought to be a case of sepsis originating from the lungs and DIC. Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus were found in the sputum of the patient. Although he was given combined antibiotic therapy, there was no reduction in the fever. A bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) sample was taken and Microsporidia sp. was found upon staining with Giemsa. The patient died due to sepsis and DIC just before receiving therapy for microsporidiasis. Pulmonary infection with Microsporidia, although classically occurring in patients with HIV infection, may occur rarely in leukemia patients, especially if previously treated with systemic immune suppression. This case reinforces the need to consider Microsporidia as a possible pathogen in immunocompromised patients with pulmonary infections.

Vulvar Myiasis

BACKGROUND: To report a rare case of vulvar myiasis caused by Wohlfartia magnifica, including clinical and microscopic observations. CASE: A vulvar lesion was found in a 31-year old married female villager with the history of dropping fly larvae from vulva, vulvar pain and itching sensation. The larvae were identified as the species of Wohlfartia magnifica. The lesion was washed with batticon over a period of five days and the patient was discharged. CONCLUSION: Vulvar myiasis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of genital lesions. The diagnosis can be easily established based on microscopic features of the maggots, especially those relating to stigma structures.