Prevalence, Structure, and Distribution of Novel Parasite Cysts Containing Dracunculus Species in River Otters ( Lontra canadensis) from Arkansas.

Adult female guinea worms ( Dracunculus spp.) usually are reported to occur singly in the extremities of their hosts, from which they deliver their larvae into the water through fistulae in the host's skin. We visually examined for the presence of worms in the fascia of the limbs of skinned carcasses of 184 river otters ( Lontra canadensis) harvested in Arkansas and report observations of cysts on wrists and ankles found on 12 otters. Cysts averaged 15.6 × 24.6 mm in diameter, were round to oval, and contained masses of up to 19 adult female Dracunculus sp. (mean 6.7). We speculate that high levels of infection in consumed paratenic hosts might have caused high infection rates, leading to large cyst formation in otters, as larvigerous Dracunculus sp. females accumulated in extremities. No males were discovered during the study, so identification of a sample of worms was based on molecular techniques.

Disseminated tungiasis in a 78-year-old woman from Tanzania: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Tungiasis is one of the neglected tropical diseases; it affects up to 40% of individuals living in societies with poor housing and sanitation standards. In endemic areas, Tunga infestation, which predominantly affects the periungual areas of the lower limbs in humans, is associated with considerable morbidity and poor quality of life. CASE PRESENTATION: A 78-year-old woman of African descent presented with pain, inflammation, suppuration, ulceration, and deformation of digits of all four limbs. She had a total of 1146 embedded sand fleas: 812 in lower limbs and 334 in her hands. She was febrile; her full blood count revealed pancytopenia and blood cultures were positive for Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes isolates. Furthermore, she had severe hyponatremia. We applied 20% salicylated petroleum jelly followed by the manual removal of embedded sand fleas with a sterile needle. Intravenously administered piperacillin-tazobactam, topical ivermectin, ferrous sulfate, folic acid, tolvaptan, albendazole, multivitamins, and tetanus prophylaxis were instituted. She was discharged home after 16 days of hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS: Tungiasis is a neglected disease of concern in underprivileged societies that is preventable and curable. Early recognition and prompt treatment is crucial to prevent complications in this disease which may potentially mimic other conditions resulting in erroneous management.

On the aggregated nature of chronic Sarcoptes scabiei infection in adult pigs.

The prevalence and body distribution of Sarcoptes scabiei and associated dermatitis was investigated in sows and boars from four herds with long standing mange. Macroscopic hyperkeratotic dermatitis (crusted mange) was present in 1-6% of herd sows. Mite estimated prevalence (95% CI) in ear scrapings was 11% (6-17%) including 100% (13/13) and 2% (3/134) in sows with and without crusted mange, respectively, and the later had very few mites compared to the former. S. scabiei body distribution and dermatitis were further investigated in 59-64 skin scrapings/sow taken post-mortem from four culled sows including two (sows 1 and 2) with and two (sows 3 and 4) without crusted mange. The proportion of skin samples with eggs, instars or adults was 59% in sow 1, 84% in sow 2, 0% in sow 3 and 3% in sow 4. S. scabiei distribution in sows 1 and 2 ranged from being present in all skin ear and head samples to absent in those from the inner side of the limbs and mammary glands. Crusted lesions were observed in the skin of the ears, neck and lower limbs and contained the largest mite populations. Histopathological analysis of skin samples identified mites, inflammatory cellular infiltrate (mainly lymphocytes, neutrophils and eosinophils) and hyperkeratosis, acanthosis and spongiosis in 78%, 54%, 20% and 25% of samples from sows 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively, being lesion severity positively associated to mite presence. The study provides further evidence that in herds with long-standing exposure to S. scabiei, infection becomes highly overdispersed with large mite populations present only in a few pigs and in specific body areas. Although the reasons for mite aggregation have not been identified, it is important controlwise because treating or eliminating a few and easy to identify heavily infected adult pigs, should markedly decrease the herd's parasite load and reduce the use of acaridal drugs.

Presence of Ribeiroia ondatrae in the developing anuran limb disrupts retinoic acid levels.

The widespread reports of malformed frogs have sparked interest worldwide to try and determine the causes of such malformations. Ribeiroia ondatrae is a digenetic trematode, which has been implicated as one such cause, as this parasite encysts within the developing tadpole hind limb bud and inguinal region causing dramatic limb malformations. Currently, the mechanisms involved in parasite-induced limb deformities remain unclear. We sought to investigate whether the level of retinoic acid (RA), a morphogenetic factor known to play a critical role in limb bud formation, is altered by the presence of R. ondatrae within the infected tadpole. Alteration of RA levels within the limb bud caused by the presence of the parasite may be achieved in three ways. First, metacercariae are actively secreting RA; second, cercariae, upon entering the limb/inguinal region, may release a large amount of RA; finally, the metacercariae may induce either an increase in the synthesis or a decrease in the degradation of the host's endogenous retinoic acid levels. Here, we show through high performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry that limb bud tissue of Lithobates sylvaticus, which has been parasitised, contains 70% more RA compared to the unparasitised control. Furthermore, parasites that have encysted within the limb buds appear to contain substantially less RA (56%) than the free swimming cercariae (defined as the infectious stage of the parasite). Taken together, these data illustrate for the first time that encystment of R. ondatrae leads to an increase in RA levels in the tadpole limb bud and may offer insight into the mechanisms involved in parasite-induced limb deformities.

Prevalence of endemic Bancroftian filariasis in the high altitude region of south-eastern Nigeria.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: The study was aimed at determining the prevalence and intensity of Wuchereria bancrofti microfilaraemia in a high altitude region of south-eastern Nigeria, and ascertaining the prevalence of clinical signs and symptoms associated with the filarial infections. METHODS: Thick smear of 50 µl finger-prick blood collected at night between 2200 and 0200 hrs from consenting persons were stained with Giemsa and examined microscopically in a cross-sectional study. Consenting individuals were examined for various gradations of hydrocele, limb and scrotal elephantiasis by qualified medical personnel. RESULTS: The prevalence of W. bancrofti microfilaraemia was 4.3%, highest in the older people but comparable in both sexes. The overall micro filarial (mf) geometric mean intensity (GMI) among mf positive individuals was 123 mf/ml of blood (138 mf/ml for males and 110 mf/ml of blood for females); and rose significantly with increasing age (one-way analysis of variance; p <0.001). Prevalence of clinical manifestations was: hydrocele (7.1%), scrotal elephantiasis (4%), and limb elephantiasis (6%). The mf GMI was significantly higher among those without hydrocele or limb elephantiasis than among those with the clinical manifestations (t-test; p <0.05 for both tests); the opposite was the case for scrotal elephantiasis, (t-test; p <0.01). CONCLUSION: Filariasis is endemic in the high altitude region of south-eastern Nigeria. The chronic clinical manifestations observed there underscore the need for urgent combination therapy interventions.

Primary subcutaneous hydatid cysts: a review of 22 cases.

AIM: We aimed to review cases of primary subcutaneous hydatid cysts whether this is a fearsome disease or a benign progressed pathology. These cysts are rare, have difficulty in diagnosis and management, particularly for inexperienced clinicians. METHODS: We searched key words of "echinococcosis, hydatid, soft tissue, subcutaneous, cutaneous" at MEDLINE/PUBMED. We eliminated unrelated articles, cases with primary visceral hydatid focus or muscular cysts. Twenty publications including 22 patients were suitable for analysis. We contacted with authors of the articles for missing data. Follow-up periods and recurrences were updated. RESULTS: All patients were from endemic areas and most from rural regions (90%). Most frequent locations were thigh (27%) and gluteal region (9%). Mean size was 5.7 + 3.1 cm (2-15 cm). Main symptom (70%) was painless, slow growing mass with normal overlying skin. Serologic tests were usually negative (79%). Only 45% of the patients were diagnosed as hydatid cyst before treatment. Most cases (91%) were treated by surgical excision and spillage occurred at 25% of them. Cyst pouchs were irrigated with protoscolocidal solutions after cyst removal. There was no anaphylaxis during procedures. There was no recurrence with a mean follow-up of 26 + 18 months (6-60 months). CONCLUSION: Primary subcutaneous hydatid cyst should be in mind for differential diagnosis of soft tissue masses particularly for patients who lived in regions where hydatid cyst is endemic. There is no reported anaphylaxis or recurrence during diagnostic or therapeutic interventions. Complete excision is the best treatment option. Primary subcutaneous hydatid cysts generally look like a benign progressed disease.

New species of rhynchobdellid leech (Hirudinea: Glossiphoniidae): a parasite of turtles from Chiapas, Mexico.

A new species of rhynchobdellid leech, Placobdella ringueleti n. sp., is described based on the examination of 25 specimens. Leeches were collected from body appendages of freshwater turtles (Kinosternon leucostomum, Dermatemys mawii, and Staurotypus triporcatus ) from Chiapas, Mexico. The new species resembles other members of the genus in the ocular morphology, bilobated ovaries, and presence of 1 pair of elongated mycetomes, but it is distinguished from them by the dorsal papillar pattern, by having a continuous longitudinal mid-dorsal stripe along the dorsal surface and papillae on the dorsal surface of the posterior sucker. Placobdella ringueleti represents the third species of the genus in Mexico. The type locality of the new species is part of the "El Ocote" Biosphere Reserve, Chiapas, Mexico.

Response of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in skin and fin tissue during infection with a variant of Gyrodactylus salaris (Monogenea: Gyrodactylidae).

Response mechanisms of rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum), experimentally infected with a Danish strain of Gyrodactylus salaris Malmberg, 1957 were investigated using molecular tools (qPCR) and immunohistochemistry. Expression of ten immune-relevant genes and reactivity with five different antibodies in the epidermis of skin and fin tissue were analysed in susceptible but responding rainbow trout. Rainbow trout were susceptible with regard to the parasite strain which initially colonised fins but relocated to the body region as infection progressed. The ten investigated genes encoding the cytokines IL-1beta, TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma, IL-10 and markers for adaptive immune activity, such as CD-4, CD-8, TCR-alpha, IgM, IgT and MHC II, were not found significantly regulated during the course of infection although IFN-gamma showed a slight up-regulation. Immunohistochemical analyses showed positive reactivity with antibodies against CD3, B-lymphocytes, neutrophilic granulocytes and collectin but not with mAb against IgM. No staining differences between infected and non-infected skin and fin tissue were detected.

Effects of Bayofly on specimens of Culicoides species when incubated in hair taken from the feet of previously treated cattle and sheep.

Sheep and cattle were treated with Bayofly pour-on containing 1 g cyfluthrin per 100 ml ready-to-use solution. Seven, 14, 21 and 28 days after treatment, hair was clipped off from the back and feet and mixed for 10-15 s, 30 s, 1 or 2 min with freshly caught Culicoides midges. It was found that the insecticide on hair from the legs--the predominant biting site of midges--had a significant killing effect on Culicoides for 3-4 weeks, even after a short-term contact.

Thysanoptera infestation on skin and periorbital cellulitis in ostriches (Struthio camelus) aged 14 months.

AIM: To report the infestation of Thysanoptera (Limothrips denticornis) on ostriches (Struthio camelus) and to determine their relative density. METHODS: A farm in Poland was studied on which ostriches aged 14 months were severely infested with L. denticornis (thrips). Thrips were collected and their density on the neck, torso and legs (10 cm2) of 85 ostriches determined at 0600, 1200 and 1800 h, respectively, over 7 days. At the same times, apparent densities of thrips/m2 were determined in adjacent grassy areas (120 m2) on a muslin cloth impregnated with permethrin. Thrips were mounted onto slides in Hoyer's medium, for identification. RESULTS: The apparent density of thrips was greatest at 1200 h, and was greater on the neck than the torso and legs (p=0.03). In adjacent surroundings, densities were also highest at 1200 h (mean 199 (SE 9.3) thrips/m2) and were similar to the maximum densities recorded on the necks of ostriches at that time (mean 205 (SE 6.4) thrips/m2). Ostriches engaged in excessive preening and attempted to scratch their head/neck with their feet. Numerous small, pale red papules were observed on the skin. Observations of periorbital cellulitis, conjunctivitis, blepharitis, watery discharge, inflammation, and sclerotic discolouration were noted in 65 ostriches. CONCLUSION: Observations were commensurate with L. denticornis infestation. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Infestation may exacerbate stress levels and subsequently lead to a reduction in feed intake and performance. The infestation and subsequent irritation from thrips impacts negatively on the general health of ostriches by damaging skin and irritating eyes.

Bancroftian filariasis in 12 villages in Kwale district, Coast province, Kenya - variation in clinical and parasitological patterns.

As part of a larger study on the effects of permethrin-impregnated bednets on the transmission of Wuchereria bancrofti, subjects from 12 villages in the Coastal province of Kenya, south of Mombasa, were investigated. The aims were to update the epidemiological data and elucidate the spatial distribution of W. bancrofti infection. Samples of night blood from all the villagers aged i 1 year were checked for the parasite, and all the adult villagers (aged >/= 15 years) were clinically examined for elephantiasis and, if male, for hydrocele. Overall, 16.0% of the 6531 villagers checked for microfilariae (mff) were found microfilaraemic, although the prevalence of microfilaraemia in each village varied from 8.1%-27.4%. The geometric mean intensity of infection among the microfilaraemic was 322 mff/ml blood. At village level, intensity of the microfilaraemia was positively correlated with prevalence, indicating that transmission has a major influence on the prevalence of microfilaraemia. Clinical examination of 2481 adults revealed that 2.9% had elephantiasis of the leg and that 19.9% of the adult men (10.8%-30.1% of the men investigated in each village) had hydrocele. Although the overall prevalence of microfilaraemia in the study villages had not changed much since earlier studies in the 1970s, both prevalence and intensity varied distinctly between the study villages. Such geographical variation over relatively short distances appears to be a common but seldom demonstrated feature in the epidemiology of bancroftian filariasis, and the focal nature of the geographical distribution should be carefully considered by those mapping the disease.

Trypanosoma cruzi induces edematogenic responses in mice and invades cardiomyocytes and endothelial cells in vitro by activating distinct kinin receptor (B1/B2) subtypes.

Trypanosoma cruzi, the protozoan that causes Chagas' heart disease, invades endothelial cells in vitro by activating the B2 kinin receptor (B2R). Here, we demonstrate that mice infected with trypomastigotes develop potent edema after treatment with the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) (or kininase II) inhibitor captopril. Experiments performed with specific kinin receptor (B2R/B1R) antagonists and knockout mice revealed that the early-phase (3-h) edema is mediated by the constitutive B2R, whereas the late-phase (24-h) response depends on stimulation of the up-regulated B1R. Given previous evidence that parasite invasion of cells expressing B2R is potentiated by captopril, we investigated the prerequisites for in vitro infection of Chinese hamster ovary cells overexpressing either B1R or B2R, human umbilical vein endothelial cells activated by lipopolysaccharide, and neonatal rat cardiomyocytes. Our results indicate that captopril potentiates parasite invasion regardless of the kinin (B2/B1) activation pathways, whereas DL-2-mercaptomethyl-3-guanidino-ethylthiopropanoic acid (MGTA), an inhibitor of kininase I (carboxypeptidase M/N), selectively decreases parasite infectivity for B1R-expressing cells. These data suggest that formation of the B1R agonist, i.e., [des-Arg] kinins, critically depends on the processing action of kininase I, here proposed as a potential pathogenesis cofactor. Collectively, our data suggest that fluctuations in the levels of kininases may modulate parasite infectivity and pathological outcome in Chagas' disease.

Preadult stage parasites and multiple timed exposure to infective larvae are involved in development of limb edema in Brugia malayi-infected Indian leaf monkeys (Presbytis entellus).

The pathogenesis of filarial limb edema is not known. The role of parasitological variables and parasite-mediated phenomena in the development of limb edema was investigated in the Presbytis entellus-Brugia malayi model. Infection was initiated with subcutaneous inoculation of infective third-stage larvae (L(3)), and the animals were reexposed to different doses of L(3) at the prepatent, patent, and diminishing microfilaremia (0 to 5% of peak microfilaremia count) stages of infection. A large L(3) inoculum size and repeated inoculation in the ankle region during the prepatent, patent, and diminishing microfilaremia stages of infection were found to be necessary for reproducible induction of limb edema. The preadult stage of the parasite was found to be the most potent inducer of limb edema, followed by L(5) and L(4). The presence of the proinflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-1beta, and interleukin-6 in edema fluid in the leg receiving the parasite challenge indicated that the limb edema development was due to parasite-mediated cytokine responses. The absence of bacterial infection or anti-streptolysin O titer in the edema fluid and blood indicated that bacterial infection is not necessary for the development of limb edema.

[Repeated finding of the North American ciliate Ambiphrya ameiuri (Peritricha: Scyphidae) in the Rybinsk reservoir]. / Povtornaia nakhodka severoamerikanskoi infuzorii Ambiphrya ameiuri (Peritricha: Scyphididae) v Rybinskom vodokhranilishche.

The first case of a mass infection of fish fry with the ciliate Ambiphrya ameiuri (Thompson e. a., 1946) was found during the summer of 1989 in one of spawning zones of the Rybinsk reservoir. In June-July of 2000 after the ten-year interval, the second case of infection with this parasite in the first-year roach Rutilus rutilus has been observed. The prevalence of A. ameiuri was very low. Nine other species of ciliates forming the ectoparasite community were also observed. Parasites were disposed mostly on a surface fish bodies, gills and more densely on fins.

Sensitivity of two-stage sampling to detect sheep biting lice (Bovicola ovis) in infested flocks.

The sampling distribution of Bovicola ovis (Schrank) on sheep was examined in two flocks, one with a light and one with a heavy infestation of lice. The derived distributions were used to calculate the sensitivity of detecting lice on individual sheep and in flocks by fleece parting regimes that varied in number of parts per animal and number of sheep per flock, different scenarios of flock sizes, proportion infested and louse density were examined. Lice were aggregated among fleece partings in the heavily infested flock and described by a negative binomial distribution with k values between 0.3 and 1.92. The distribution was indistinguishable from Poisson in the lightly infested flock. The assumed distribution had little effect on sensitivity, except when only one fleece part per animal was examined. On individual sheep where louse density was 0.5 per 10 cm part or greater, there were only marginal gains from inspecting more than 10 parts per animal. Increasing the number of sheep inspected always increased sensitivity more than increasing number of parts per sheep by an equivalent amount. This advantage was greatest in situations where a low proportion of sheep in the flock were infested with a high density of lice, and less where a low proportion of sheep were infested with a low density of lice, or a high proportion of sheep were infested with a high density of lice.

Site preference of myxosporean spp. on the fins of some Hungarian fish species.

Some species of the known fish myxosporeans select fins as type location for their development. During the plasmodial development of Myxobolus, Henneguya and Thelohanellus species in cyprinid fishes and eels, 3 main locations of plasmodial development were distinguished inside the fins. M. portucalensis, M. alburni, M. caudatus and a Myxobolus sp. formed plasmodia in the dermis of the skin doublets between finrays, while plasmodia of M. diversus and H. cutanea developed inside the lumen of the cartilaginous finrays. The third type of development was represented by T. nikolskii, which started its development on the outer surface of the finrays. Plasmodia both in the lumen and on the surface of the finrays were surrounded by a cartilaginous capsule, but plasmodia of T. nikolskii also had a thick connective tissue capsule containing pieces of cartilage.

Atypical crusted scabies in an Iranian man.

Crusted scabies has been defined as a scabies-induced psoriasiform dermatosis on the hands and feet with dystrophy of the nails and an erythematous scaling eruption that may be generalized. This case report demonstrates a patient who presented with widespread psoriasiform plaques that were teeming with scabies mites and eggs, but who had absence of nail and palmar involvement. While patients with crusted scabies may have nail dystrophy and involvement of the palms, this involvement is not necessary.

Cebus apella (Primata: Cebidae) as a new host for Fonsecalges johnjadini (Acari: Psoroptidae, Cebalginae) with a description of anatomopathological aspects.

Mites collected from the auditory canal of Cebus apella (capuchin monkey), family Cebidae, were identified as Fonsecalges johnjadini (Psoroptidae, Cebalginae). It is the first record of this parasite from this monkey. This paper emphasizes the importance of clinical and anatomopathological examinations for parasitic diagnosis in wild animals.

Cebus apella (Primata: Cebidae) as a new host for Fonsecalges johnjadini (Acari: Psoroptidae, Cebalginae) with a description of anatomopathological aspects

Mites collected from the auditory canal of Cebus apella (capuchin monkey), family Cebidae, were identified as Fonsecalges johnjadini (Psoroptidae, Cebalginae). It is the first record of this parasite from this monkey. This paper emphasizes the importance of clinical and anatomopathological examinations for parasitic diagnosis in wild animals

Field evidence that roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) are a natural host for Ehrlichia phagocytophila.

Samples of blood, spleen and legs from 112 culled roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) were collected from nine sites widespread in the United Kingdom. The prevalence of infection with Ehrlichia phagocytophila was determined by serology and polymerase chain reaction. Means of 58% of 102 plasma or serum samples were seroreactive by IFA, 38% of 84 blood samples and 29% of 82 spleen samples were positive by PCR. Ticks on legs of 71 roe deer were Ixodes ricinus larvae, nymphs and adults and 83% of legs were infested. Numbers of ticks corresponded positively to the percentage of samples positive for E. phagocytophila by serology and PCR for different sampling sites. Ixodes ricinus nymphs collected from the vegetation at one site with infected deer were analysed for infection with E. phagocytophila by examination of Feulgen stained salivary glands. Of 135 nymphs 5% were infected. These results confirm that roe deer are commonly parasitized by both E. phagocytophila and its vector tick in such a way that it is likely to be an important natural mammalian reservoir of E. phagocytophila.