Antileishmanial activity of the essential oil from Tetradenia riparia obtained in different seasons

The herbaceous shrub Tetradenia riparia has been traditionally used to treat inflammatory and infectious diseases. Recently, a study showed that T. riparia essential oil (TrEO) obtained in summer has antileishmanial effects, although these results could be influenced by seasonal variation. This study evaluated the activity of the TrEO obtained in different seasons against Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis, in vitro and in vivo. The compounds in the TrEO were analysed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry; terpenoids were present and oxygenated sesquiterpenes were the majority compounds (55.28%). The cytotoxicity and nitric oxide (NO) production were also tested after TrEO treatment. The TrEO from all seasons showed a 50% growth inhibitory concentration for promastigotes of about 15 ng/mL; at 30 ng/mL and 3 ng/mL, the TrEO reduced intracellular amastigote infection, independently of season. The TrEO from plants harvested in summer had the highest 50% cytotoxic concentration, 1,476 ng/mL for J774.A1 macrophages, and in spring (90.94 ng/mL) for murine macrophages. NO production did not change in samples of the TrEO from different seasons. The antileishmanial effect in vivo consisted of a reduction of the parasite load in the spleen. These results suggest that the TrEO has potential effects on L. (L.) amazonensis, consonant with its traditional use to treat parasitic diseases.

Detecção de formas amastigotas em exame parasitológico de esfregaço obtido a partir de suabe conjuntival de cães com leishmaniose visceral / Detection of amastigote forms in a parasitological exam of smears made from conjuntival swab in dogs with visceral leishmaniasis

Leishmaniose é uma enfermidade multissistêmica cujas manifestações clínicas são extremamente variáveis. Em cães sinais clínicos oftálmicos são relativamente frequentes, ainda que outros sinais sistêmicos não sejam identificados. Atualmente, o diagnóstico da doença baseia-se em métodos parasitológicos, sorológicos e moleculares, mas, até o momento, a identificação de formas amastigotas desse parasito em esfregaços feitos a partir de suabes conjuntivais não é empregada rotineiramente. Valendo-se de cães sorologicamente positivos para leishmaniose, portadores (G1) ou não (G2) de alterações oftálmicas, este estudo avaliou a viabilidade do esfregaço a partir de suabe conjuntival como método de diagnóstico para a enfermidade. O exame suprarreferido foi positivo em 60% dos animais do G1 e 38,1% do G2, no entanto não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa em relação à positividade nos dois grupos (P=0,2167). Os dados apontam para uma tendência de os cães com leishmaniose e com sinais oftálmicos serem positivos ao exame parasitológico de esfregaço a partir de suabe conjuntival, podendo esse método ser útil no diagnóstico parasitológico da leishmaniose canina.

Leishmaniasisis is a multisystemic disease with varying clinical presentations. In dogs, alterations in the eyes are commonly observed even in animals with no systemic signs. The diagnosis of leishmaniasis is currently based on parasitological, serological and molecular methods, although the identification of amastigote forms of this parasite in conjunctival swabs is not a routine technique in clinical practice. Serologically positive dogs for leishmaniasis presenting (G1) or not (G2) ocular alterations were enrolled in this study to evaluate the conjunctival swab as a method for the diagnosis of this disease. The parasitological evaluation of the swabs disclosed 60% positivity for dogs in group 1, whereas only 38.1% of dogs in group 2 were positive. However, no significant difference was documented between the two groups (P=0.2167). Our data suggest a tendency for dogs with ocular signs to be tested positive in the conjunctival swab exam, thus, this method is useful in the diagnosis of canine leishmaniasis.

Molecular and parasitological detection of Leishmania spp. in dogs caught in Palmas, TO, Brazil / Detecção molecular e parasitológica de Leishmania spp. em cães capturados em Palmas, TO, Brasil

This study evaluated occurrences of Leishmania infantum in dogs in the municipality of Palmas, Tocantins, comparing diagnostic data obtained using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and parasitological diagnosis. Blood samples and lymph node aspirates were collected from 63 dogs of males and females and various ages and races, with or without owners, between August 2009 and June 2010. Slides containing smears of lymph node aspirates were stained with Giemsa stained. In PCR, the 145 bp target sequence of the LT1 fragment, located in the Leishmania donovani kDNA minicircle was detected using the RV1 and RV2 oligonucleotide primers. The chi-square test revealed that there was a significant relationship between the symptoms and dogs that were positive for visceral leishmaniasis (VL). The parasitological investigation showed concordance of 66.7% with PCR on blood and 84.1% with PCR on lymph node aspirate. In addition to these tests, evaluations of the diagnoses in parallel and in series were conducted, which showed concordances with the parasitological test of 76.2% and 74.6%, respectively. The results make it possible to suggest that PCR on lymph nodes should be used in evaluating large populations (surveys) and that the parasitological test should be used for initial clinical evaluations in veterinary consultation offices.

Avaliou-se a ocorrência de Leishmania infantum em cães do município de Palmas-TO, comparando dados diagnósticos obtidos pela Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase (PCR) e pelo diagnóstico parasitológico. Foram coletadas amostras de sangue e de aspirado de linfonodo de 63 cães machos e fêmeas, várias idades e raças, domiciliares ou não de agosto de 2009 a junho de 2010. As lâminas contendo esfregaço dos aspirados de linfonodos foram coradas pelo corante Giemsa. Na PCR, a sequência alvo de 145 pb do fragmento LT1, situado no minicírculo do kDNA do grupo Leishmania donovani, foi detectada através dos oligonucleotídeos iniciadores RV1 e RV2. O teste χ² (Qui-quadrado), demonstrou haver relação significativa entre a sintomatologia e a positividade dos cães para Leishmaniose Visceral (LV). O exame parasitológico mostrou uma concordância de 66,7% com a PCR em sangue e 84,1% com a PCR de aspirado de linfonodo. Além destas análises, houve a avaliação dos diagnósticos em paralelo e em série, onde as concordâncias com o exame parasitológico foram de 76,2% e 74,6%, respectivamente. Os resultados permitem sugerir a utilização da PCR de linfonodos na avaliação de grandes populações (inquéritos), e o exame parasitológico para a avaliação clínica inicial em consultórios veterinários.

Canine visceral leishmaniasis due to Leishmania (L.) infantum chagasi in Amazonian Brazil: comparison of the parasite density from the skin, lymph node and visceral tissues between symptomatic and asymptomatic, seropositive dogs / Leishmaniose visceral canina causada por Leishmania (L.) infantum chagasi na Amazônia brasileira: comparação da densidade parasitária da pele, linfonodo e vísceras entre cães soropositivos, sintomáticos e assintomáticos

Canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) is recognizable by characteristic signs of disease and is highly lethal. The infection, however, may be quite inapparent in some seropositive dogs, and this has raised the polemic question as to whether or not such animals can be a source of infection for Lutzomyia longipalpis, the vector of American visceral leishmaniasis (AVL). In this study we have examined 51 dogs with acute CVL from an AVL area in Pará State, northern Brazil, and compared the parasite density, amastigotes of Leishmania (L.) infantum chagasi, in the skin, lymph node and viscera of symptomatic with that of nine asymptomatic but seropositive dogs (IFAT-IgG). Post-mortem biopsy fragments of these tissues were processed by immunohistochemistry, using a polyclonal antibody against Leishmania sp. The X² and Mann Whitney tests were used to evaluate the means of infected macrophage density (p < 0.05). There was no difference (p > 0.05) in the skin (10.7/mm² x 15.5/mm²) and lymph node (6.3/mm² x 8.3/mm²), between asymptomatic and symptomatic dogs, respectively. It was higher (p < 0.05), however, in the viscera of symptomatic (5.3/mm²) than it was in asymptomatic (1.4/mm²) dogs. These results strongly suggest that asymptomatic or symptomatic L. (L.) i. chagasi-infected dogs can serve as a source of infection, principally considering the highest (p < 0.05) parasite density from skin (10.7/mm² x 15.5/mm²), the place where the vetor L. longipalpis takes its blood meal, compared with those from lymph node (6.3/mm² x 8.3/mm²) and viscera (1.4/mm²x 5.3/mm²).

A leishmaniose visceral canina (LVC) é reconhecida pelas características clínicas da doença e é altamente letal. A infecção, entretanto, pode ser totalmente assintomática em alguns cães soropositivos, o que tem levantado questão polêmica sobre a possibilidade desses animais, serem ou não uma fonte importante da infecção para o flebotomíneo, Lutzomyia longipalpis, o principal vetor da leishmaniose visceral americana (LVA). Neste estudo foram examinados 51 cães com LVC aguda, provenientes de área endêmica de LVA no Estado do Pará, Brasil, e a carga parasitária, formas amastigotas de Leishmania (L.) infantum chagasi, na pele, linfonodo poplíteo e vísceras (fígado e baço) foi comparada com a de nove cães assintomáticos soropositivos (IFAT-IgG). Fragmentos de biópsia desses tecidos obtidos post-mortem foram processados para análise através de imunohistoquímica, usando um anticorpo policlonal contra Leishmania sp. Os testes do Qui-quadrado (X²) e Mann Whitney foram usados para avaliar as médias da densidade de macrófagos infectados (p < 0,05). Os resultados mostraram que não houve diferença (p > 0,05) na densidade de macrófagos infectados da pele (10,7/mm² x 15,5/mm²) e do linfonodo (6,3/mm² x 8,3/mm²) entre cães assintomáticos e sintomáticos. Entretanto, a densidade de macrófagos infectados da víscera de cães sintomáticos (5,3/mm²) foi maior (p < 0,05) que a de cães assintomáticos (1,4/mm²). Estes resultados sugerem, fortemente, que cães naturalmente infectados por L. (L.) i. chagasi, assintomáticos ou sintomáticos, podem servir como fonte de infecção, principalmente, considerando-se que a densidade de macrófagos infectados da pele (10,7/mm² x 15,5/mm²), local onde o flebotomíneo vetor Lu. longipalpis realiza a hematofagia, foi maior (p < 0,05) que as do linfonodo (6,3/mm² x 8.3/mm²) e vísceras (1,4/mm²x 5,3/mm²).

Genus-specific kinetoplast-DNA PCR and parasite culture for the diagnosis of localised cutaneous leishmaniasis: applications for clinical trials under field conditions in Brazil

The positivities of two methods for the diagnosis of localised cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) were estimated in 280 patients enrolled in a clinical trial. The trial was conducted in an endemic area of Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis and trial participants were patients with skin ulcers and positive leishmanin skin tests. Patients underwent aspirative skin punctures of the ulcerated lesions and lymph nodes for in vitro cultures, which were processed under field conditions at the local health centre. Skin lesion biopsies were tested at a reference laboratory using kinetoplastid DNA (kDNA)-PCR to detect DNA. The median time required to obtain a positive culture from the skin samples was seven days and the contamination rate of the samples was 1.8 percent. The positivities of the cultures from skin lesions, kDNA-PCR and the combination of the two methods were 78.2 percent (95 percent CI: 73-82.6 percent), 89.3 percent (95 percent CI: 85.1-92.4 percent) and 97.1 percent (95 percent CI: 94.5-98.5 percent). We conclude that parasite culture is a feasible method for the detection of Leishmania in field conditions and that the combination of culture and PCR has a potential role for the diagnosis of CL in candidates for clinical trials.

Lymphoscintigraphic evidence of lymph vessel dilation in the limbs of children with Brugia malayi infection.

Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is targeted for global elimination by the year 2020. It was earlier believed that LF is mostly a disease of adults. Recent studies indicate that in endemic countries filarial infection starts mostly in childhood even though the disease manifestations occur much later in life. The initial damage to the lymph vessels where the adult worms are lodged is dilation, thought to be irreversible even with treatment. Most of these studies relate to bancroftian filariasis. Studies that address this early pathology in brugian filariasis in humans are scarce. We report here for the first time, the lymphatic abnormalities seen on lymphoscintigraphy (LSG) in children with Brugia malayi filariasis. LSG was performed in 100 children aged between 3-15 years, who were enrolled in the study either because they were microfilaremic; had present or past filarial disease or were positive for antifilarial IgG4 antibodies. Inguinal and axillary lymph nodes were imaged in most children. Dilated lymph vessels were visualized in 80 children and this pathology was evenly distributed in all the three study groups. Lymph vessels dilation was seen even in three year old children. The implications of these findings for management of LF and control programmes are discussed.

Inhibition of caspase-8 activity reduces IFN-gamma expression by T cells from Leishmania major infection

Following infection with Leishmania major, T cell activation and apoptosis can be detected in draining lymph nodes of C57BL/6-infected mice. We investigated the mechanisms involved in apoptosis and cytokine expression following Tcellactivation. After two weeks of infection, apoptotic T cells were not detected in draining lymph nodes but activation with anti-CD3 induced apoptosis in both CD4 and CD8 T cells. Treatment with anti-FasLigand, caspase-8 or caspase- 9 inhibitors did not block activation-induced T-cell death. We also investigated whether the blockade of caspase-8 activity would affect the expression of type-1 or type-2 cytokines. At early stages of infection, both CD4 and CD8 T cells expressed IFN-gamma upon activation. Treatment with the caspase-8 inhibitor zIETD-fmk (benzyl-oxycarbonyl-Ile- Glu(OMe)-Thr-Asp(OMe)-fluoromethyl ketone) reduced the proportion of CD8 T cells and IFN-gamma expression in both CD4 and CD8T cells. We conclude that a non apoptotic role of caspase-8 activity may be required for T cell-mediated type-1 responses during L. major infection.

A ativação e a morte por apoptose de linfócitos T foram observadas em linfonodos drenantes de camundongos C57BL/6 infectados com Leishmania major. Investigamos os mecanismos envolvidos na apoptose e na expressão de citocinas após a ativação de linfócitos T. Após duas semanas de infecção, embora as células apoptóticas ainda não sejam detectadas em linfonodos drenantes, células T CD4 e CD8 sofrem apoptose após ativação com anti-CD3. O tratamento com anticorpo antagonista anti-Ligante de Fas, ou com inibidores das caspases-8 e 9, não bloqueou a morte induzida por ativação das células T. Investigamos também se a inibição da atividade da caspase-8 poderia afetar a expressão de citocinas tipo-1 ou tipo-2. Nos estágios iniciais da infecção, células T CD4 e CD8 de animais infectados com L. major expressaram IFN-gama após ativação. O tratamento com o inibidor de caspase-8 zIETD (benzoil-oxicarbonil-Ile-Glu(OMe)-Thr-Asp(OMe)-fluorometilcetona) durante a estimulação de células T reduziu a proporção de células T CD8 e a expressão de IFN-gama por células T CD4 e CD8. Concluimos que a atividade não apoptótica de caspase-8 pode ser necessária para o estabelecimento da imunidade mediada por células T durante a infecção por L. major.

Treatment of natural tropical theileriosis with the extract of the plant Peganum harmala

Theileria annulata, a protozoan parasite of cattle and domestic buffaloes, is transmitted by ticks of the genus Hyalomma, and causes a disease named Mediterranean or tropical theileriosis. In this research 50 cattle naturally infected with Theileria annulata were treated with the extract of the plant Peganum harmala. The treatment was continued for 5 days, the dose of the extract being 5 mg/kg per day. After the treatment, 39 cattle responded to the treatment and recovered, but 11 did not respond to the treatment and died. The recovery rate of animals treated with the extract of the plant Peganum harmala was 78%.

Viscerotropic growth pattern of Leishmania tropica in BALB/c mice is suggestive of a murine model for human viscerotropic leishmaniasis

Leishmania (L.) tropica is a causative agent of cutaneous leishmaniasis, and occasionally of visceral or viscerotropic leishmaniasis in humans. Murine models of Leishmania infection have been proven to be useful for elucidation of mechanisms for pathogenesis and immunity in leishmaniasis. The aim of this study was to establish a murine model for human viscerotropic leishmaniasis, and the growth pattern of L. tropica was studied in different tissues of BALB/c mice in order to find out whether the parasite visceralizes in this murine model. L. major was used as a control as this species is known to cause a progressive infection in BALB/c mice. L. tropica or L. major was injected into the footpad of mice, and thickness of footpad, parasite loads in different tissues, and the weight of the spleen and lymph node were determined at different intervals. Results showed that L. tropica visceralizes to the spleen and grows there while its growth is controlled in footpad tissues. Dissemination of L. tropica to visceral organs in BALB/c mice was similar to the growth patterns of this parasite in human viscerotropic leishmaniasis. The BALB/c model of L. tropica infection may be considered as a good experimental model for human diseases.

Microfilariae in fine needle aspirates: a report of 22 cases.

The objective of the study is to document the value of fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) in the diagnosis of filariasis at all possible sites in both exfoliative cytologic material and fine needle aspirates. Both unguided and guided FNACs of all foci were studied over a period of two years between 1999 to 2000. Total 22 cases of filariasis were detected which included subcutaneous swellings(7), breast(3), thyroid(3), lymphnodes(3), effusions(3), cervical scrape(1), eyeball(1), sputum(1) and bronchial washing(1). In none of these cases was filariasis considered a diagnostic possibility. Cytologic smears showed eosinophils in 9 cases, oval ova and embryonated eggs in 2 cases. Microfilariae were associated with other diseases in 13 cases, including 6 cases of malignancy. Significant adherence of inflammatory cells and macrophages to microfilariae was present in 6 of the 22 cases. In endemic areas,filariasis should be considered one of the differential diagnosis of a swelling. Thus demonstration and identification of the parasite in cytologic smears played a significant role in the prompt recognition of the disease and institution of specific treatment, thus obviating the more severe manifestations of lymphatic frilariasis.

Balantidiasis in the gastric lymph nodes of Barbary sheep (Ammotragus lervia): an incidental finding

A 4-year-old female Barbary sheep (Ammotragus lervia) was found dead in the Gwangju Uchi Park Zoo. The animal had previously exhibited weakness and lethargy, but no signs of diarrhea. The carcass was emaciated upon presentation. The main gross lesion was characterized by severe serous atrophy of the fat tissues of the coronary and left ventricular grooves, resulting in the transformation of the fat to a gelatinous material. The rumen was fully distended with food, while the abomasum evidenced mucosal corrugation with slight congestion. Microscopic examination revealed the presence of Balantidium coli trophozoites within the lymphatic ducts of the gastric lymph node and the abdominal submucosa. On rare occasions, these organisms may invade extra-intestinal organs, in this case the gastric lymph nodes and abomasum.

An unusual case of ectopic tungiasis with pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia

Tungiasis is caused by the penetration of the female sand flea Tunga penetrans into the epidermis, and subsequent hypertrophy of the parasite. In most cases lesions are confined to the feet. During a cross-sectional study, an unusual case of ectopic tungiasis in the inguinal area was detected. Histological examination of tissue samples showed a remarkable pseudoepitheliomatous aspect of the epidermis. Clinical features and differential diagnoses are discussed.

The preferential site of adult Wuchereria bancrofti: an ultrasound study of male asymptomatic microfilaria carriers in Pondicherry, India.

BACKGROUND: The traditional method of detection of microfilaria in night blood specimens for the diagnosis of Wuchereria bancrofti infection is being replaced with circulating filarial antigen in day blood specimens, which has a high sensitivity. However, both methods are indirect tests to detect the presence of adult worms in vivo. Localization of adult worms in vivo in their natural habitat may help in understanding better the end-point of drug treatment, the adulticidal action of antifilarial drugs, and in locating the site of lymphatic pathology. We used ultrasound examination to assess the preferential location of adult worms in an area endemic for lymphatic filariasis. METHODS: Ultrasound examination was done in 36 asymptomatic male carriers of Wuchereria bancrofti microfilaria to detect the location of adult worms. Both sides of the scrotum (root of the scrotum, epididymis, spermatic cord, testis and the adjoining area), lymphatic vessels and inguinal, popliteal, axillary and epitrochlear lymph nodes were examined using a 7.5 MHz probe in real-time B mode. RESULTS: The 'filaria dance sign (FDS)' suggesting the presence of adult worms was observed in 22 carriers (61%). The preferential site of location of the adult worms was the intrascrotal juxtatesticular lymphatic vessels in 'nests' along the lymphatic vessels of the epididymis, spermatic cord and paratesticular region. The number of nests varied between 1 and 4 with a mean size of 0.3 cm2. In 95% of cases, localization of the worms was unilateral. The mean microfilaria (SD) count-positive cases for those with the filarial dance sign (264 [199]) was significantly higher (p<0.05) than for the negative cases (171 [196]). CONCLUSION: Ultrasound visualization of adult worms of Wuchereria bancrofti in vivo is possible and confirms the concept that the worms have their own territory and reside in 'nests'. The preferential site of localization of the adult worms in men is the intrascrotal juxtatesticular lymphatic vessels.

Antimony-resistant Leishmania donovani in eastern Sudan: incidence and in vitro correlation

A longitudinal study was done in a leishmaniasis -endemic region in eastern Sudan during the period November 2001-February 2003 to determine the incidence of failure of sodium stibogluconate treatment. We studied 820 confirmed visceral leishmaniasis patients. All were treated with sodium stibogluconate, 20 mg/kg body weight for at least 28 days. Parasites were isolated from lymph node aspirates from 22 participants identified as relapsed patients. All isolates were typed as Leishmania donovani based on polymerase chain reaction [PCR] amplification of parasite kDNA. Six parasites showed in vitro resistance to sodium stibogluconate using murine J774 macrophage amastigote testing method. The resistant isolates showed different restriction profiles when the amplified kDNA PCR products were digested with ALU1 restriction enzyme, indicating that resistance was mediated by different parasite clones

Glandular toxoplasmosis

As lymphadenopathy is probably the most common finding in the acquired toxoplasmosis. To analyze the site and character of enlarged lymph nodes in seropositive cases of toxoplasmosis. SETTING: Department of microbiology, BMSI, JPMC, Karachi. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 100 individuals of different age and sex groups having lymphadenopathy were included in the study for antitoxoplasma IgG and IgM antibody levels. Relevant information was recorded on a proforma. lymph nodes of the neck region were maximally involved i.e. 88.34%. Majority of the involved nodes were discrete, mobile, smooth in texture and firm in consistency. Half of the patients had tender lymph nodes. Among the other clinical features, fever was the most common presenting symptom [61.11%]. t 20[55.56%] of 36 positive cases were having contact with animals, contact with cats was maximum i.e. 75%

Linfadenopatias na leishmaniose tegumentar americana: consideraçöes sobre dois casos / Lynphadenopathies in American cutaneous leishmaniosis: comment on 2 cases

Em dois pacientes, com suspeita clínica de linfoma ou escrofuloderma - por apresentarem linfadenopatias cervicais importantes -, o estudo dos linfonodos removidos para exame histológico revelou um processo necrótico-granulomatoso e a presença de leishmanias (amastigotas) no interior de macrófagos. Lesöes cutâneas mucosas, características da leishamniose tegumentar americana, näo foram percebidas, embora um dos pacientes viesse posteriormente a desenvolvê-las, como provável efeito de tratamento para toxoplasmose. O achado fundamenta a suspeita de que os agentes da doença, após penetrarem no organismo do hospedeiro, podem alojar-se em órgäos do sistema monocítico-fagocitário, aí permanecendo durante muito tempo, talvez mesmo por toda a vida do indivíduo infectado. Eventualmente, sob a açäo de fatores diversos, capazes de afetar a resistência do hospedeiro, migrariam os parasitos para a pele ou as mucosas, determinando lesöes secundárias ou de reativaçäo

Wuchereria bancrofti induced pancreatitis.

A case of pancreatitis of filarial origin is reported for the first time. The patient presented with chronic pancreatic pain. Laparotomy revealed an inflammed pancreas and fine needle aspiration cytology confirmed pancreatitis. Imprint of a peripancreatic lymphnode revealed a microfilaria. He was successfully treated with Diethyl Carbamazine.

Ocorrência de cisticercose no linfonódio sub-ilíaco de bovino: relato de caso / Occurrence of cysticercus bovis in sub-ilíaco limphy-node of calf: report of case

O objetivo do presente relato é o de informar o encontro do Cysticercus bovis em linfonódio sub-ilíaco de bovino. A vesícula tinha o aspecto ovalado, coloraçäo branco-leitosa contendo líquido translúcido e o escólex no seu interior. A dimensäo do cisticerco foi de 2,5 mm por 0,5 mm de largura.

Trypanosomes of the subgenus Megatrypanum from armadillos (Xenarthra: Dasypodidae)

A new species of trypanosome, Trypanosoma (Megatrypanum) peba, is described from the peripheral blood of the armadillo Euphractus sexcinctus setosus from Bahia State, Brazil. Ten out of 29 specimens of the armadillo Dasypus novemcinctus from Pará State were found to have trypanosomes, including epimastigote forms, in impression smears of subcutaneous lymph nodes. The trypanosomes from D. novemcinctus are illustrated and were identified a idenrified as belonging to the subgenus Megatrypanum on the basis of their general appearance, although they failed to multiply is blood-agar culture medium and no bloodstream forms were seen. This is the first published record of trypanosomes of this subgenus from armdillos and the first demonstration of epimastigote trypanosomes in the mammalian host other than in the bloodstream, or in the anal glands of opssums

Studies with Brugia pahangi. 11. Measurement of lymph flow in infected cats.

Rates of lymph flow in cats were measured by calculating the disappearance of radioactive colloidal gold (198Au) from the feet of (1) uninfected cats, (2) cats infected for various periods after primary infection with Brugia pahangi, and (3) cats repeatedly challenged with B. pahangi infective larvae over long periods. The results of the study showed that (1) there is great variation in gold disappearance rates in different cats in all 3 groups above, (2) the cat lymphatic system is functionally highly efficient, and (3) in a cat with lymphoedema and early elephantiasis, there was a significant impairment of gold removal from the affected foot. The study proved useful in finding lymph drainage rates in the various animals but did not, as hoped, show any pattern of lymph flow decrease which might have enabled the use of the technique as a diagnostic tool for lymphatic pathology prior to the occurrence of external clinical manifestations of filariasis.