Human malaria in C57BL/6J mice: An in vivo model for chemotherapy studies.

The present work deals with the development of Plasmodium falciparum stages in mouse model and its potential for the study of efficacy of antimalarial drugs. C57BL/6J mice were infected with multidrug resistant P. falciparum strain then treated with arteether and artesunate. A response was observed to antimalarial drugs in terms of decrease in parasitemia. Mice infected with P. falciparum strain were successfully cured after treatment with either arteether or artesunate. The speed of parasite clearance time and burden of parasitemia differed for each drug and matched the previously reported observations, hence stressing the relevance of the model. These findings thus suggest that P. falciparum. infected human RBC (iRBC) – C57BL/6J mice can provide a valuable in vivo system and should be included in the short list of animals that can be used for the evaluation of P. falciparum responses to drugs.

Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis Presenting with Hypopigmented Macules.

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a complex disease characterized by proliferation of the Langerhans cells. The clinical course is variable and ranges from a solitary lytic bone lesion or skin lesion with complete remission to a multisystem disorder with possible lethal outcome. The diagnosis is suspected by clinical signs and symptoms and radiological features commonly in craniofacial bones and skin lesions. Diagnosis is confirmed by biopsy and immunohistochemical studies. We present case of a 8 year old child presenting with proptosis, diabetes insipidus and hypopigmented macules on chest and back showing bilateral distribution which is a rare presentation. Skin biopsy revealed the diagnosis of Langerhans cell histiocytosis.