A rare case of human trypanosomiasis caused by Trypanosoma evansi.

Human trypanosoma infections like the ones seen in Africa and South America are unknown in India. The only exception in literature is of two documented cases of a self-limiting febrile illness, being attributed to Trypanosoma lewisi like parasites. We are reporting an unusual case of trypanosomiasis from the rural parts of Chandrapur district in Maharashtra. An adult male farmhand who used to practice veterinary medicine also, presented with history of febrile episodes on and off since five months and drowsiness before admission to this Institute. Though routine blood and other investigations were within normal limits, the peripheral smear showed a large number of trypanosomes which morphologically resembled the species Trypanosoma evansi, the aetiological agent of surra - a form of animal trypanosomiasis. A battery of assays covering the spectrum of parasitology, serology, and molecular biology confirmed the infecting parasite to be T. evansi. Failure to demonstrate the central nervous system (CNS) involvement, as evidenced by the absence of parasite in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) advocated the use of suramin - the drug of choice in early stage African trypanosomiasis without any CNS involvement. Suramin achieved cure in our patient. The case is being reported because of its unique nature as the patient was not immunocompromised and showed infestation with a parasite which normally does not affect human beings.

Concurrent infection with S.typhi and V. cholerae--a case report".

An eight year old male child presented with symptoms of diarrhoea, vomiting & fever with signs of moderate dehydration. He was treated with tetracyline and fluid replacement therapy. Inspite of treatment and control of diarrhoea and vomiting patient developed gastrointestinal bleeding and tenesmus with continued fever. Deterioration in patient's condition to suspicion of another infection. High level of suspicion and appropriate microbial investigations revealed dual infection with S. typhi and V. cholerae.

Vertical transmission of hepatitis A.

Two hospital delivered full term newborn babies were detected to have cholestatic jaundice in the first week of life. They had raised liver enzyme levels, which gradually declined over a period of one month. Both babies were anti HAV IgM positive on 6th day of life in Case 1 and on 7th day of life in Case 2 respectively. Both the mothers had jaundice 20 and 26 days before delivery and had anti HAV IgM positivity two and three weeks prior to delivery in Case 1 and 2 respectively. Hepatitis A virus is not transmitted vertically from mother to baby. However, there are 3 such case reports in literature stating vertical transmission of HAV infection. We are reporting it in two neonates for the first time in India.