Comparison of the effect of the chosen species of saprotrophic fungi on the development of Toxocara canis and Ascaris suum eggs.

The study aim was to compare the antagonistic interaction between saprotrophic soil fungi and embryonic development of geohelminths Toxocara canis and Ascaris suum. The experimental cultures were fertilized eggs of T.canis and A. suum incubated together with mycelium of strains: Fusarium culmorum, Metarhizium anisopliae,Paecilomyces fumosoroseus, Trichoderma viride and Trichothecium roseum. In the control cultures the eggs of both nematode species were incubated without fungi. The experiment was conducted at temp. 26°C for 60 days. Compared with the control, all of the tested species of fungi significantly extended the embryonic development of both T. canis and A. suum. Most inhibitory effect on the rate of embryonic development of T. canis and A. suum had three fungal species: P. fumosoreus, M. anisopliae and T. viride. Compared with the control, on the 60th day of incubation in the presence of each of the tested fungal species, a larger percentage (p<0.05) of morphological abnormalities was stated in developing embryos of T. canis (49­69%) than in A. suum (15.1­67.7%). Among the examined fungal species, only incubation with P. fumosoroseus resulted in significantly greater (p<0.05) incidence of embryonic malformations(embryopathies) in T. canis, as compared with A. suum. Also the percentage of dead larvae of T. canis in the control and in cultures with fungi (12% and 100%, respectively) was significantly higher in comparison with A. suum (0.5% and 10.3­36%, respectively). The highest percentage of non-viable larvae of A. suum was found in the presence of P.fumosoroseus, and the lowest in the presence of M. anisopliae. Findings may indicate that T. canis eggs are more sensitive to antagonistic interaction of the examined fungal strains than A. suum eggs.

Extremely low frequency magnetic field and the hatching rate of Fasciola hepatica eggs, the fecundity and survival of liver fluke-infected snail, Lymnaea truncatula.

Eggs of Fasciola hepatica were exposed for 10 days to extremely low frequency magnetic field (ELFMF) at the frequency of 50 Hz and density of 2 mT (rms). The results show an accelerated hatching of F. hepatica eggs in relation to control (non-exposed) group. The host snails, Lymnaea truncatula, were divided into three groups; those of groups I and II were infected with the miracidia of F. hepatica hatched from control egg culture, whereas those of group III were infected with miracidia hatched from eggs affected by ELFMF. Thereafter, snails of groups II and III were exposed to ELFMF for 53 days, whereas those of group I were not exposed. At day 14 post infection, a significant decrease was observed in the number of cocoons laid by snails of group III, compared with control. Also, significant mortality in group III snails was observed 42 days post infection. The increased mortality and a lower number of cocoons laid by group III snails have probably resulted from enhanced stimulation of metacercarial parthenogenetic reproduction in consequence of infecting the molluscs with miracidia reared under ELFMF.

[Acarological faunistic and statistical analysis of dust from various compartments of human dwellings in north-western Poland]. / Akarologiczna analiza faunistyczna i statystyczna kurzu pochodzacego z róznych pomieszczen mieszkan pólnocno- zachodniej Polski.

The aim of this paper was to compare the species composition of mites in dust samples collected at different compartments of human dwellings of north-western (NW) Poland. In 30 urban apartments (Szczecin, Police, Pyrzyce and Lobez) and rural quarters (Przelewice, Brzesko Szczecinskie, Bylice, Krasne, Kakolewice, Wierzchowo, Przeradz, Klodzino) from NW Poland, 150 samples of dust were collected at 5 locations: bed area, bedroom carpet, sitting area in the living room, hall carpet, and kitchen floor. Mites were isolated using Berlese-Tüllgren extractors. The isolated dust mites belonged to the order Astigmata, families Pyroglyphidae: Dermatophagoides farinae Hughes, 1961, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Trouessart, 1987), Euroglyphus maynei (Cooreman, 1950) and Hirstia Hull, 1931; Chortoglyphidae: Chortoglyphus arcuatus (Troupeau, 1879) and Glycyphagidae: Gohieria fusca (Oudemans, 1902), Lepidoglyphus destructor (Schrank, 1781), and the order Prostigmata, family Cheyletidae: Cheyletus (Latreille, 1796). The most frequently observed were the species D. farinae (58.9%) and the representatives of the genus Cheyletus (30.6%). Statistically significant differences were found between: the number and concentration of D. farinae in the dust collected from beds in the bedroom and dust from the carpet in the bedroom, living room, hall and kitchen; the number of D. farinae in samples from the carpet in the bedroom and from the kitchen floor; the number and concentration of D. farinae in the dust from the living room and the dust in the hall and kitchen; the number of Cheyletus sp. in samples of dust from bed areas in the bedroom and the samples from the carpet in the bedroom, hall and kitchen; the number and concentration of Cheyletus sp. in dust samples collected from the carpet in the bedroom and samples from the kitchen; the concentration of Cheyletus sp. in dust collected from bed areas and samples from the floor in the hall and kitchen; the number of D. pteronyssinus in dust samples collected from bed areas in the bedroom and samples from the carpet in the bedroom. In conclusion, the number of mites D. farinae, D. pteronyssinus and Cheyletus sp. depended on the place where the mites were sampled. The greatest numbers of these species were observed in the bed areas in bedrooms. The tests confirmed the high occurrence of house dust mites in the apartments in north-western Poland, especially in the bed areas in the bedroom.

Effects of extremely low-frequency magnetic fields on the oviposition of Drosophila melanogaster over three generations.

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of an extremely low-frequency 50 Hz magnetic field (ELFMF) on the oviposition and development of Drosophila melanogaster. The results show that exposure of D. melanogaster females of generation P and all the development stages of generation F1 to an ELFMF weakened the oviposition of these insects in their subsequent generations.

Prematurity and protracted mechanical ventilation as risk factors for Pneumocystis jiroveci infection in HIV-negative neonates in an intensive care unit.

This work was undertaken to elucidate some aspects of the epidemiology of Pneumocystis pneumonia (PP). We studied 42 mechanically ventilated, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-negative, severely ill neonates treated at an intensive care unit. The study group included 40 premature neonates and two mature neonates with lethal congenital defects. Progressive respiratory dysfunction in PP necessitated mechanical ventilation. Infection was usually noticeable on the 22nd day of life or after 12 days of ventilation. The usual manifestations included apnea, pallor, copious frothy sputum, seizures, and feeding difficulties. The diagnosis was established by detecting Pneumocystis jiroveci cysts in bronchial lavage fluid specimens (88.1% sensitivity). PP was managed with cotrimoxazole and pentamidine combination therapy administered over 14 days. No clinical improvement was noted in four neonates and three of them died during therapy. Prematurity and protracted mechanical ventilation are two risk factors for P. jiroveci infection in severely ill neonates in an intensive care unit.

Ticks and mosquitoes as vectors of Borrelia burgdorferi s. l. in the forested areas of Szczecin.

The aim of the study was to determine the infection level of adult forms and larvae of ticks and mosquitoes with Borrelia burgdorferi in the forested areas of Szczecin. A total of 1699 ticks Ixodes ricinus, including 1422 nymphs, 277 adult forms and 2862 mosquito females representing the genera Aedes (89.6%) and Culex (10.4%) were collected between the years 2004 and 2005. A further 3746 larvae and 1596 pupae of Culex pipiens pipiens were colleted from water bodies. Borrelia burgdorferi s. l. was detected in the arthropods by the method of indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA). A positive immunological reaction was detected in 16.6% of the adult forms and in 16.5% of the nymphs of Ixodes ricinus. Spirochetes were also detected in 1.7% of mosquito females, 3.2% of larvae and in 1.6% of pupae of Culex pipiens pipiens. The results of the present study confirm that contact with ticks constitutes the main risk of contracting Lyme disease, although mosquitoes play a role as vectors as well.

Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis as a cause of chronic marginal blepharitis.

INTRODUCTION: Intensive long-term studies of Demodex spp. (D.) and its role in chronic blepharits have been carried out in recent years by scientists from the Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin. It has resulted in numerous publications, spurring a lot of interest worldwide. A few of the papers have been cited in leading American medical journals. In recent years many papers dealing with demodicosis of the eyelids have been published worldwide. Based on the growing interest in the role of Demodex spp. in chronic blepharitis we decided to present and discuss the results of the latest experimental and clinical studies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A review of the literature concerning the role of D. folliculorum and D. brevis in the pathogenesis of chronic blepharitis was done. RESULTS: Demodex spp. are intradermal parasites, which thrive in follicles and sebaceous glands of humans and animals. D. is spread by direct contact and probably by dust containing eggs (figs. 1, 2, 3). Currently, it is thought that pathological changes in the course of demodicosis of the eyelids are consequences of: (1) blockage of follicles and leading out tubules of sebaceous glands by the mites and by reactive hyperkeratinization and epithelial hyperplasia; (2) a mechanical vector role of bacteria; (3) host's inflammatory reaction to the presence of parasite's chitine as a foreign body; and (4) stimulation of the host's humoral responses and cell-mediated immunological reactions under the influence of the mites and their waste products. It has been established that: (1) D. folliculorum and D. brevis are cosmopolitan in terms of their distribution; (2) Infection of Demodex spp. often occurs in the course of chronic blepharitis; (3) With the increase in age, the prevalence rate of eyelid demodicosis rises; (4) Demodicosis of the eyelids may be the effect of the decrease of immunity of some patients. Treatment of demodicosis of the eyelids as a general rule lasts a few months. The use of yellow mercurial ointment, sulphur ointment, camphorated oil, crotamiton, choline esterase inhibitors, sulfacetamide, steroids, antibiotics, as well as antimycotic drugs offers some improvement. A good response has been observed after oral application of ivermectin along with topical application of cream permethrin. However, the best results were obtained after 2% metronidazole gel or ointment treatment. Medical University in Szczecin. It has resulted in numerous publications, spurring a lot of interest worldwide. A few of the papers have been cited in leading American medical journals. In recent years many papers dealing with demodicosis of the eyelids have been published worldwide. Based on the growing interest in the role ofDemodex spp. in chronic blepharitis we decided to present and discuss the results of the latest experimental and clinical studies. Material and methods: A review of the literature concerning the role of D. folliculorum and D. brevis in the pathogenesis of chronic blepharitis was done. Results: Demodex spp. are intradermal parasites, which thrive in follicles and sebaceous glands of humans and animals. D. is spread by direct contact and probably by dust containing eggs (figs. 1, 2, 3). Currently, it is thought that pathological changes in the course of demodicosis of the eyelids are consequences of: (1) blockage of follicles and leading out tubules of sebaceous glands by the mites and by reactive hyperkeratinization and epithelial hyperplasia; (2) a mechanical vector role of bacteria; (3) host's inflammatory reaction to the presence of parasite's chitine as a foreign body; and (4) stimulation of the host's humoral responses and cell-mediated immunological reactions under the influence of the mites and their waste products. It has been established that: (1) D. folliculorum and D. brevis are cosmopolitan in terms of their distribution; (2) Infection ofDemodex spp. often occurs in the course of chronic blepharitis; (3) With the increase in age, the prevalence rate of eyelid demodicosis rises; (4) Demodicosis of the eyelids may be the effect of the decrease of immunity of some patients. Treatment of demodicosis of the eyelids as a general rule lasts a few months. The use of yellow mercurial ointment, sulphur ointment, camphorated oil, crotamiton, choline esterase inhibitors, sulfacetamide, steroids, antibiotics, as well as antimycotic drugs offers some improvement. A good response has been observed after oral application of ivermectin along with topical application of cream permethrin. However, the best results were obtained after 2% metronidazole gel or ointment treatment.

[The influence of the Metarhizium fungi on the embryonic development of Ascaris suum]. / Wplyw grzybów z rodzaju Metarhizium na rozwój embrionalny Ascaris suum.

PURPOSE: The present study focused on the effect of two fungal species Metarhizium flavoviride and Metarhizium anisopliae on the embryonic development and viability of Ascaris suum larvae. RESULTS: Microscope examination revealed that the presence of the mycelium inhibited the egg development, compared to control. The fungus-exposed eggs featured zygote vacuolisation, irregular blastomere cleavage, and morphological disturbances in the stages of blastula, gastrula, and larva. The embryopathies were significantly more frequent in the eggs incubated with M. flavoviride. Also the mortality of the developed larvae was significantly higher after 60-day culture with M. flavoviride.

Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato infection in mosquitoes from Szczecin area.

The aim of the study was to determine the level of infection in mosquitoes with spirochetes Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in the woody areas of Szczecin. The mosquitoes were collected from May to September 2003. The spirochetes, Borrelia burgdorferi s. l., present in mosquitoes were detected in mosquitoes with indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) using rabbit anti-Borrelia burgdorferi antibodies and goat anti-rabbit IgG marked with fluorescein isocyanate (FITC). A total of 1557 females and 58 males were collected. They represented the genera Aedes (63%) and Culex (37%). The infection level of the mosquitoes from the area studied amounted to 1.7%. The results of the present study confirm the potential of these arthropods to spread Lyme borreliosis.

[Environmental awareness of the residents of Szczecin]. / Swiadomosc ekologiczna mieszkanców szczecina.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to examine environmental awareness of the residents of Szczecin. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was carried out in 2004-2005 among 132 residents of Szczecin between the age of 18 and 55 years. The main research tool was a questionnaire which included fifteen questions about the sensitivity to environmental issues, attitudes, ecological knowledge, and pro-ecological behavior of the respondents. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Most of the respondents declared that they are able to foster improvements in the natural environment and are aware of the problems connected with environment pollution in their vicinity. The pro-ecological behavior is manifested by reducing water (68%) and electric energy consumption (75%), by pro-ecological consumer attitudes (66%) and waste sorting (55%). Very few of Szczecin's residents are members of ecological organizations (5%). The main sources of knowledge about environmental protection are the radio and television (38%), press (31%) and the internet (16%). Among the respondents there was a group of people (15%) showing interest in and sensitivity to environmental issues and was therefore called a pro-ecological group. Nevertheless, environmental awareness of the residents of Szczecin is rather low and still needs to be improved through professional educational activities.

[House dust mites in the etiology of allergic diseases]. / Roztocze kurzu domowego w etiologii reakcji alergicznych.

One of the more important etiological factors of allergies are mites occuring in the closest vicinity of humans, i.e. in the house dust and in the stored foodstuffs. The most important are the species representing the families: Pyroglyphidae (mainly Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, D. farinae, and Euroglyphus maynei), Glycyphagidae (e.g. Lepidoglyphus destructor, Blomia sp.), and Acaridae (e.g. Tyrophagus putrescentiae, Acarus siro). Mites shed an abundance of allergenic proteins. Particularly abundant in allergens are the extracts of mite faeces as well as the extracts of their purified bodies or culture substrate. In humans the may inflict atopic allergies (respiratory and dermal), such as bronchial asthma, rhinitis, or atopic eczema. It has been estimated that some 5% of the human population is sensitive to dust mites allergens.

[Pneumocystis pneumonia in newborns: a challenge in contemporary intensive care]. / Pneumocystoza noworodków - aktualne wyzwanie w intensywnej terapii.

Pneumocystis jiroveci (P. jiroveci) is the etiological agent of pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) in immunodeficient patients. The increased interest of clinicians in this particular pathogen during the past decade was prompted by rising numbers of patients with immunosuppression caused by AIDS, chemotherapy, or organ transplantation. Premature, seriously ill infants at intensive care units constitute a potential risk group for infection with P. jiroveci. Recent advances in medical sciences, owing mainly to developments in molecular biology, permitted the verification of the taxonomic position of pathogens and contributed to a better understanding of new aspects of pathophysiology and pathogenesis of PCP. It has been demonstrated that the genus Pneumocystis represents a heterogeneous group of opportunistic fungi exhibiting narrow host specificity. Pneumocystis jiroveci is the species which is specific for humans. The present paper outlines the clinical symptoms of PCP in infants, currently used diagnostic methods, and treatment procedures in PCP.

Effect of electric power network frequency magnetic field on embryonic development of Ascaris suum (Nematoda).

Fertilised Ascaris suum eggs were subjected to an alternating electromagnetic field of frequency 50 Hz and density 2 mT for 60 days. The developing embryos in both control and experimental cultures were examined daily under a microscope. The experiment resulted in an accelerated rate of embryogenesis in the eggs incubated in the electromagnetic field, higher rates of malformed embryos as well as much higher mortality rate of L2 larvae.

Histological studies of selected organs of mice experimentally infected with Acanthamoeba spp.

Histological studies of the brain, lungs, liver, kidneys, heart, and the spleen were carried out in mice previously infected with 6 pathogenic strains of free-living amoebae of the genus Acanthamoeba. The potential virulence of the strains studied was determined on the basis of re-isolation of the amoebae from the organs of the inoculated animals and by the extent of the histopathological changes inflicted. The most virulent was strain AD16, affecting all organs of the inoculated mice, while the least virulent was strain AD148 re-isolated from the brain of a single mouse. The extent of the changes in the brain depended upon the amoebae strain, while in the remaining organs it also depended upon the duration of the infection.

[Investigations on the occurrence as well as the role of Demodex follicuforum and Demodex brevis in the pathogensis of blepharitis]. / Badania nad wystepowaniem oraz rola Demodex folliculorum i Demodex brevis w patogenezie przewleklego zapalenia brzegów powiek.

PURPOSE: The aim of the paper was to describe the prevalence and the role of Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis in the pathogenesis of chronic blepharitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Examinations were carried out on a group of 435 people aged from 3 to 96 years. A sample of four eyelashes were taken aseptically from each individual and later studied under a light microscope. Infection of Demodex was classified on the basis of presence of mature and larval forms or after observing chitinous exuviae affixed to the studied eyelashes. RESULTS: It has been concluded that Demodex occurs among: 13% of the people aged from 3 to 15 years; 34% of the people aged from 19 to 25 years; 69% of the people aged from 31 to 50 years; 87% of the people aged from 51 to 70 years and 95% of the people aged from 71 to 96 years. It has been observed that 58% of the people infected with Demodex suffer from chronic blepharitis. It was also found that Demodex frequently occurs among people taking care of the elderly and among students of the Medical School. CONCLUSIONS: (1) Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis are an etiological factor in chronic blepharitis. (2) With age the prevalence of infection of Demodex rises. (3) People taking care of the elderly and students of Medical Schools are at higher risk of being infected with Demodex.

[Demodex as an etiological factor in chronic blepharitis]. / Nuzeniec jako czynnik etiologiczny przewleklego zapalenia brzegów powiek.

PURPOSE: To present and account the results of newest experimental and clinical investigations on the role of Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis in the etiology of chronic blepharitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A review of literature concerning the role of Demodex in the etiology of chronic blepharitis was done. RESULTS: It has been established that: (1) Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis occur among humans worldwide. (2) With age the prevalence of eyelids demodicidosis rises. (3) In the course of chronic blepharitis infection of Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis is often observed. CONCLUSIONS: Demodex is an etiological factor in chronic blepharitis.

The prevalence of spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in ticks Ixodes ricinus and mosquitoes Aedes spp. within a selected recreational area in the city of Szczecin.

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. in ticks Ixodes ricinus and mosquitoes Aedes spp. within the Bukowa Forest, collected between 2000 and 2001. The study covered 215 ticks (193 nymphs and 22 adults) and 947 mosquitoes female of the genus Aedes. Spirochetes of Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. were detected in the arthropods studied with the method of indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA). Positive readings of the immunological reaction were stated in 17.7 % of the collected nymphs and adult forms of Ixodes ricinus, and in 0.8 % of mosquito females of the genus Aedes. The number of B. burgdorferi observed in a view field (400 x) of microscopic preparations of all infected mosquitoes and about 10 % of the infected ticks, ranged from 1-10. This number in 50 % of the nymphs was from 11-50 spirochetes. View fields of the preparations of the other 50 % of nymphs and adult forms featured more then 50 spirochetes. The observed low values of the prevalence and infection intensity of female mosquitoes Aedes spp. compared to ticks suggest that the former do not pose a serious epidemiological threat in the spreading of Lyme disease.

[Symptomatic and asymptomatic infections of Demodex spp. in eye lashes of patients of different age groups]. / Objawowe i bezobjawowe inwazje Demodex spp. powiek u osób w róznych grupach wiekowych.

Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis were looked for on eyelashes sampled from 481 people, aged 3 through 96. The persons studied were divided into 9 age groups. Magnitude of the infection symptoms was assessed based on macroscopic changes of eye-lid edges and on interviews with patients. An increase of the prevalence of infection and intensification of the symptoms were observed to coincide with the age increase of the persons studied. No significant differences were demonstrated between the infection frequencies of women and men. Symptoms of ocular demodecosis were more frequent only in women of group III (aged 21-30) and group V (41-50) (p < 0.05).

Presence of virulent strains of amphizoic amoebae in swimming pools of the city of Szczecin.

The studies included 10 public indoor swimming pools and 3 public open-air swimming pools located in the city of Szczecin. In 2003, water samples were collected for detection of virulent amphizoic amoebae strains. In all pools, 16 strains of thermophilic Acanthamoeba spp. were isolated, 5 of which proved virulent for mice. No pathogenic strains were detected in the water sampled in the indoor swimming pools, and the virulent strains, AD 16, AD 148, AD 166, AM 17, and AM 148, were found only in the open-air swimming pools. The post-mortem studies of mice that had been inoculated with these strains revealed the amoebae invasions in brain, lungs, liver, kidneys, and spleen.

The occurrence of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in the populations of Ixodes ricinus in forest areas of Szczecin during 2000-2001.

The aim of the present study was to determine the seasonal abundance of ticks, Ixodes ricinus and their infection frequency with spirochetes, Borrelia burgdorferi in wooded areas of the vicinity of the city of Szczecin during 2000-2001. The ticks were collected from April to October. Presence of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato was detected with the method of indirect immunofluorescence (IFA). The results showed differences in seasonal activity of ticks within the years of the study. In the year 2000 a single peak of their increased activity was noted, while in the year 2001 no significant changes in the population of Ixodes ricinus were recorded. Borrelia burgdorferi s. l. was detected in 2000 and 2001 in 11.6 % and 9.6 % of the specimens captured, respectively, which constituted a statistically significant difference. The highest level of infection of Ixodes ricinus in 2000 was observed in April (13.2 %), while in 2001 - in July (12.7 %). The differences in the prevalence value between respective months of both years were not statistically significant. The results of the present study indicate a high risk factor of acquiring Lyme borreliosis by humans and animals in wooded areas of the Szczecin vicinity.