Light and scanning electron microscopy studies of Oeslrus ovis first instar maggot causing ophthalmomyiasis

External ophthalmomyiasis refers to superficial infestation that involves the lids and conjunctiva in man by fly larvae [maggots of the order Diptera]. Ophthalmomyiasis is often a benign self-limiting disease. Oestrus ovis is the most common cause affecting mainly persons in rural areas such as shepherds and farmers. Numerous cases of external ophthalmomyiasis due to this fly were reported from Africa. Middle East, Australia, North America, Southern Europe and Egypt. The aim of this study is to describe the morphological characteristics of O. ovis 1[st] stage larvae using light microscopy [LM] and scanning electron microscopy [SEM] and to correlate between these larval structures and their pathogenesis. A 24 years-old-man presented with severe symptoms of conjunctivitis. On examination, 5 small sized larvae were observed in the bulbar conjunctiva. They were picked up, described and documented photographically by LM and SEM. The larvae were identified as O. ovis 1[st] stage larvae. They showed characteristic mouth parts, surrounded by crown shaped spines. More distinctive features revealed by SEM were mirror image papillae on the ventral side and rows of currycomb-shaped spines on the body segments. This study highlighted particular diagnostic structures of the anterior and posterior ends of O. ovis 1[st] stage larvae that may aid in larval identification and explain their mechanism of pathogenesis. Most important is the early diagnosis and treatment

Identification of forensically important ant beetles on exposed human left over parts in Assiut, Egypt during spring/summer season

Beetles [Coleoptera] have been recognized as significant entomological evidence in the medico4e gal field in estimating the postmortem interval [PMI], particularly with reference to dry human skeletal remains in the later stages of decomposition. Beetles are found as adults, larvae, pupae and also as cast skins and all are of equal importance. Histeridae [histerid beetles] occur wherever there is decay and putrefaction. They feed primarily on the blowfly maggots and pupae. Dermestidae [dermestid beetles] are well known to feed on dried skin and bones. They are considered true carrion feeders, playing an important role in carcass degradation. There are few published works about the beetle fauna of forensic importance in Egypt; therefore their identification in given area should be established. The study herein aimed to describe adults Coleoptera species involved in carrion succession and document their fauna in relation to decomposition stages of exposed human tissues in Assiut [Upper Egypt], which is known for its arid weather. Human left over parts from orthopaedic theatre were used. Collected beetles were identified according to their taxonomic parts and characters: Two Families were recognized; Family Histeridae including Saprinus blanchei and Saprinus gilvicornis and family Dermestidae represented by Dermestes frischii. The presented findings should provide data for use in legal investigations and medical purposes in our region

Oxyurid nematodes detected by cotonoscopy in patients with unexplalnea abdominal pain

Pinworms are one of the common helminthic infection that generally live in the gastrointestinal tract causing appendicitis and leading to unexplained abdominal pain. Species of the genus Syphacia [rodent pinworm] are cosmopolitan and they also infect humans. To diagnose the cause of unexplained abdominal pain in patients with mild eosinophilia by colonoscopy. to detect the relevance of Oxiyurid nematodes as a cause of this unexplained abdominal pain, and to identify and describe the extracted piliworms using light and scanning electron microscopy [SEM]. The study was performed on 200 inpatients of different age groups ranging from 3-60 years over a period of one year in the Tropical Medicine and Gastroenterology Department, Assiut University Hospital. Laboratory investigations were done for each case, including complete blood picture, liver function tests, stool examination for helminthes and protozoa. and perianal swab for patients suffering from perianal itch. Colonoscopy was performed for all cases not responding to antispasmodics. Detected worms were picked up by biopsy forceps and sent to the Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine. Assuit University and examined using light and SEM. Out of 200 patients, 25[12.5%] were diagnosed as pinworm infection of the genus Syphacia except in 5 children who had mixed infection with E. vermicularis. Laboratory findings were mild cosinophilia [6-8%] and neutrophulia with moderate shift to the left in one patient with recto-sigmoid nodule and negative stool examination. perianal swab of patients presenting with perianal itch was positive for E. vermicularis eggs. Light microscopic examination illustrated the presence of three different species of Oxyurida E. vermicularis. Syphacia muris and .Syphacia specific. SF.M studies showed that Svphacia spp. were classified into two groups according to morphological differences, and allowed for the reporting of additional morphological and taxouomical features. Syphhacia is considered as a cause of unexplained chronic abdominal pain and E. vermicularis is not the only human pinworm in Egypt. Further studies using SEM are needed to detect new characters that may help in differentiating Syphacia spp. from different hosts