The first human case of babesiosis mimicking Reiter's syndrome.

Babesiosis is a tick-borne disease that may exhibit a broad range of clinical manifestations. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Babesia species belong to the most common transfusion-transmitted pathogens (FDA, May 2019), but the awareness of the disease caused by these parasitic protists is still low. In immunocompromised patients, the clinical course of babesiosis may be of extreme severity and may require hospital admission. We demonstrate a case of a young male who experienced severe polytrauma requiring repetitive blood transfusions. Six months later, the patient developed a classic triad of arthritis, conjunctivitis and non-specific urethritis. These symptoms largely mimicked Reiter's syndrome. The patient was later extensively examined by an immunologist, rheumatologist, urologist, and ophthalmologist with no additional medical findings. In the search for the cause of his symptoms, a wide laboratory testing for multiple human pathogens was performed and revealed a babesiosis infection. This was the first case of human babesiosis mimicking Reiter's syndrome. Following proper antimicrobial therapy, the patient fully recovered in four weeks. We aim to highlight that a search for Babesia species should be considered in patients with non-specific symptomatology and a history of blood transfusion or a possible tick exposure in pertinent endemic areas.

Massive Bilateral Hydroureteronephrosis and End-Stage Renal Disease Ensuing From Chronic Schistosomiasis: A Case Report.

Globally, schistosomal infections affect over 200 million people resulting in the loss of 70 million disability-adjusted life years. In the sub-Saharan Africa region, where over 85% of the global schistosomal infections are found, it is estimated that about 120 million people become symptomatic, over 20 million have severe disease, and nearly 200 000 die every year. Renal impairment is a severe consequence of schistosomiasis occurring in about 6% of all infected individuals and in 15% of those with the hepatosplenic form. We present a case of massive bilateral hydroureteronephrosis and end-stage renal disease resulting from chronic schistosomiasis in a 38-year-old male of African origin. A 38-year-old male rice farmer of African origin presented with a history of elevated blood pressure, abdominal swelling, and reduced urinary output for about 10 months. Abdominal examination revealed an intraabdominal mass measuring 30 cm × 17 cm extending from the right hypochrondrium region downward to right inguinal outward to umbilicus crossing the midline. He had an estimated glomerular filtration rate of 3.9 mL/min, hemoglobin of 6.78 g/dL, and had multiple electrolyte abnormalities. A computed tomography intravenous urogram scan of the abdomen revealed hepatomegaly (18 cm), bilateral renal enlargement with hydroureteronephrosis, and multiple calcifications on the urinary bladder. A rectal biopsy isolated haematobium eggs and confirmed the diagnosis. Urinary schistosomiasis can have distressing effects on the urinary system in particular and survival prospects in general. In view of this, extensive evaluation of the genitourinary system is pivotal for timely diagnosis and prompt management particularly in residents of schistosoma-endemic communities presenting with obstructive uropathy.

An ultrasound-based referential of body height-adjusted normal liver organometry in school children from Bokito in rural Cameroon.

The grading system for ultrasonographic assessment of Schistosoma mansoni morbidity is crucial for evaluation of control programs. This requires prior definition of normal liver organometric ranges in the population from the endemic area. A cross-sectional study was conducted in a S. mansoni endemic area in rural Cameroon. 1002 Participants were screened and 234 of them, free from all common liver-affecting diseases in the area (schistosomiasis, malaria, hepatitis B and C) and with no ultrasonographic signs of liver disease were selected and their liver parameters measured by ultrasonography. All statistics were considered significant for p-values < 0.05. Normal dimensions of livers lobe sizes, portal vein wall thickness and portal vein diameters are reported. The liver organometric data are presented for the entire study population as a whole and separately for males and females as prediction plots, with observed values and fitted regression line with 95% confidence. Reference ranges for liver parameters (size, portal vein thickness and diameter) adjusted for body height established in the current study are novel for Cameroon. The prediction plots generated should improve the accuracy of the assessment of liver morbidity by ultrasonography in the region.

Comparison Between Immuno-Clinicopathological Features of Experimental and Human Visceral Leishmaniasis by Leishmania donovani.

BACKGROUND: Current understanding of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) depends upon the experimental model. Different species of mouse and hamster have been used as model for VL. It is already evident that the mouse model of VL is not a true reflection of the pathology of human visceral leishmaniasis (HuVL). On the other hand, hamster is reported to be a better model of VL to study the progressive as well as chronic pathology of the disease. OBJECTIVE: To compare immuno-clinicopathological features of experimental VL (ExVL) and HuVL by Leishmania donovani. METHODS: Hamsters were infected (15 and 60 days) and their immunological, clinical and biochemical parameters were compared with the cases of HuVL. RESULTS: Splenomegaly and hepatomegaly were observed in infected hamster post-infection, which are hallmarks of symptomatic HuVL cases. Clinical, biochemical and pathological manifestations of infected hamsters were consistent with that of HuVL cases, except parameters such as body weight, uric acid, alkaline phosphatase and random glucose. The absence of clear dichotomy between pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines was also observed after infection at different sites of infection. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that the golden hamster (Mesocricetus auratus), infected via the intracardiac route, constitutes a very good model for the study of experimental Leishmania donovani infections. However, certain differences in clinical presentations of infected hamsters (via intracardiac route) with HuVL suggest further optimization of this animal model like route of infection such as intradermal, which is more close to natural infection.

Limited parasite acquisition by non-native Lepomis gibbosus (Actinopterygii: Centrarchidae) at two ponds in the Upper Rhine basin, Germany.

Metazoan parasite communities of Lepomis gibbosus (Centrarchidae), one of the most successfully introduced fish species in Europe, were studied at two isolated ponds (Knielingen, Tropfen) along the Upper Rhine in Germany. Nine parasite taxa were observed, including North American species co-introduced to Europe (ancyrocephalid monogeneans, diplostomid trematodes), circumpolar species infecting L. gibbosus in both their native and non-native ranges (bothriocephalid cestodes) and locally acquired parasitic nematodes. Both parasite communities consisted predominantly of North American species. Acquisition of local parasites was not observed at Tropfen, where the fish community comprised just two species, with L. gibbosus dominant. Low prevalence and abundance of acquired parasites was found at Knielingen, which supported a diverse fish community. At Tropfen, a high abundance of the North American parasite Posthodiplostomum centrarchi probably contributed to the lower condition index, hepatomegaly and splenomegaly observed. Due to low local parasite competency, L. gibbosus appears to have no significant impact on parasite dynamics in affected habitats.

Case Report: Percutaneous Treatment of Multiple Echinococcal Cysts Presenting as Abdominal Palpable Mass.

We report the case of an adolescent Moroccan girl with abdominal pain and palpable mass in the upper right side of the abdomen. In the emergency department, an abdominal ultrasound showed hepatomegaly and eight active liver cysts, compatible with cystic echinococcosis. Serology for Echinococcus granulosus confirmed the diagnosis. Other sites of localization were excluded. Treatment involved albendazole combined with puncture, aspiration, injection, re-aspiration, performed only for the most medial cysts. Periodical follow-up with abdominal ultrasound and with abdominal magnetic resonance imaging showed a progressive involution of all cysts. The treatment with albendazole was stopped after, overall, 6 months, and monthly ultrasound scan were planned as follow-up. In case of hepatic cysts, E. granulosus should be excluded, especially in children from endemic countries. A multidisciplinary approach with pediatric infectious disease specialists, radiologists, and surgeons is fundamental for disease management.

Síndrome de larva migrans visceral y absceso hepático: Reporte de un caso / Visceral larva migrans syndrome and hepatic abscess: A case report

La infección por T oxocara canis o catis es una zoonosis diseminada en el ser humano. La toxocariasis puede coexistir con otras parasitosis endémicas. El hombre actúa como huésped no natural y adquiere la infección a través de la ingesta de huevos del geohelminto. Estos pueden localizarse en la tierra, los patios y los juegos de los niños, y son eliminados, principalmente, por perros o gatos. Existen distintos espectros en la presentación clínica; algunos de ellos son toxocariasis ocular, larva migrans visceral, toxocariasis encubierta y neurotoxocariasis. Se presenta el caso de un paciente de 2 años y 3 meses de edad, con antecedente de síntomas respiratorios, fiebre prolongada y hepatomegalia, con resultados de laboratorio que informa hipereosinofilia, hipergammaglobulinemia y serología positiva para toxocariasis (ensayo por inmunoabsorción ligado a enzimas). Se plantea el diagnóstico de síndrome de larva migrans visceral.

Toxocariasis canis or catis is a zoonotic infection disseminated in humans. Human beings can act as non-natural hosts in which the parasite can survive for long periods of time and they become infected by the ingestion of geohelminth eggs. These can be located on the ground, playgrounds and children's games, and are mostly eliminated by dogs or cats. There are different spectra in the clinical presentation of this infection, which can vary from an asymptomatic host to the production of serious organic lesions; some of them are ocular toxocariasis, visceral larva migrans, covert toxocariasis and neurotoxocariasis. In this case report a patient who presents with a history of respiratory problems, prolonged fever, and hepatomegaly. Laboratory analyses show hypereosinophilia, hypergammaglobulinemia and serodiagnosis is positive for toxocariasis. Preliminary diagnosis: Visceral Larva Migrans Syndrome.

[Visceral larva migrans syndrome and hepatic abscess: A case report]. / Síndrome de larva migrans visceral y absceso hepático: Reporte de un caso.

Toxocariasis canis or catis is a zoonotic infection disseminated in humans. Human beings can act as non-natural hosts in which the parasite can survive for long periods of time and they become infected by the ingestion of geohelminth eggs. These can be located on the ground, playgrounds and children's games, and are mostly eliminated by dogs or cats. There are different spectra in the clinical presentation of this infection, which can vary from an asymptomatic host to the production of serious organic lesions; some of them are ocular toxocariasis, visceral larva migrans, covert toxocariasis and neurotoxocariasis. In this case report a patient who presents with a history of respiratory problems, prolonged fever, and hepatomegaly. Laboratory analyses show hypereosinophilia, hypergammaglobulinemia and serodiagnosis is positive for toxocariasis. Preliminary diagnosis: Visceral Larva Migrans Syndrome.

La infección por T oxocara canis o catis es una zoonosis diseminada en el ser humano. La toxocariasis puede coexistir con otras parasitosis endémicas. El hombre actúa como huésped no natural y adquiere la infección a través de la ingesta de huevos del geohelminto. Estos pueden localizarse en la tierra, los patios y los juegos de los niños, y son eliminados, principalmente, por perros o gatos. Existen distintos espectros en la presentación clínica; algunos de ellos son toxocariasis ocular, larva migrans visceral, toxocariasis encubierta y neurotoxocariasis. Se presenta el caso de un paciente de 2 años y 3 meses de edad, con antecedente de síntomas respiratorios, fiebre prolongada y hepatomegalia, con resultados de laboratorio que informa hipereosinofilia, hipergammaglobulinemia y serología positiva para toxocariasis (ensayo por inmunoabsorción ligado a enzimas). Se plantea el diagnóstico de síndrome de larva migrans visceral.

Prevalence of Trypanosoma cruzi and organ alterations in Virginia opossums (Didelphis virginiana) from western Mexico - short communication.

Small populations of Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana) in western Mexico are endangered by hunting and natural predators as well as by different kinds of diseases. After two serological analyses using Serodia® latex particle agglutination and indirect haemagglutination (IHA) tests, 35 (53.03%) of 66 collected opossums in two small towns in western Mexico were positive for the presence of Trypanosoma cruzi. Twenty-eight of the 35 seropositive opossums had pathological lesions: 11 had changes in only one organ, 13 in two organs, and four had pathological changes in three organs. Splenomegaly was the most common finding in the examined opossums, followed by hepatomegaly. These potentially fatal pathological changes could contribute to the scarcity of the opossum population, even leading to the extinction of this species in western Mexico.

Co-infection of Schistosoma mansoni/hepatitis C virus and their associated factors among adult individuals living in fishing villages, north-western Tanzania.

BACKGROUND: Schistosoma mansoni and Hepatitis C virus (HCV) are co-existence in sub-Saharan Africa and co-infection is common among humans population. The immunological responses characterized with Th2-immune responses for S. mansoni and Th1-immune responses for HCV are responsible for development hepatic morbidities in infected individuals. However, the co-occurrences of S. mansoni and HCV infection, their related ultrasound detectable morbidities and associated risk factors at community levels have not been examined in fishing communities, north-western Tanzania. In this context, the present study covers that gap. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1924 asymptomatic individuals aged 15-55 years in four fishing villages (Igombe, Igalagala, Sangabuye and Kayenze) of Northwestern Tanzania. A single stool sample was collected from each study participants and examined for S. mansoni eggs using Kato Katz technique. Hepatitis C surface antigen (HCVsAg) was determined from a finger prick blood sample using a rapid test. RESULTS: Overall, 51.8% (997/1924; 95%CI: 49.6-54.1) of the study participants were infected with S. mansoni and had a mean intensity of 223.7epg (95%; 202.4-247.1). Of the study participants, 90 (4.7%) were infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV). Overall, 2. 4% (47/1924) of the study participants were co-infected with S. mansoni and hepatitis C virus. Among the co-infected individuals, 42.6%, 70.2% and 19.1% had splenomegaly, hepatomegaly and periportal fibrosis (PPF). Factors associated with S. mansoni/HCV co-infection were being aged 26-35 years (aRR = 2.67, 95%CI: 1.03-6.93, P < 0.04), 46-55 years (aRR = 2.89, 95%CI: 1.10-7.57, P < 0.03) and having marked hepatomegaly (aRR = 2.32, 95%CI: 1.09-4.9, P < 0.03). CONCLUSION: In this setting, S. mansoni and Hepatitis C are co-endemic and a proportion of individuals were co-infected. Hepatosplenic morbidities characterized with hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, hepatosplenomegaly and PPF were observed in co-infected individuals. These results highlight the need for integrated interventions measures against parasitic and viral diseases.

Disease severity in patients with visceral leishmaniasis is not altered by co-infection with intestinal parasites.

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a neglected tropical disease that affects the poorest communities and can cause substantial morbidity and mortality. Visceral leishmaniasis is characterized by the presence of Leishmania parasites in the spleen, liver and bone marrow, hepatosplenomegaly, pancytopenia, prolonged fever, systemic inflammation and low body mass index (BMI). The factors impacting on the severity of VL are poorly characterized. Here we performed a cross-sectional study to assess whether co-infection of VL patients with intestinal parasites influences disease severity, assessed with clinical and haematological data, inflammation, cytokine profiles and BMI. Data from VL patients was similar to VL patients co-infected with intestinal parasites, suggesting that co-infection of VL patients with intestinal parasites does not alter disease severity.

Assessment of the effect of treatment and assistance program on advanced patients with schistosomiasis japonica in China from 2009 to 2014.

Schistosomiasis is one of the most important zoonoses, threatening approximately 800 million people in 78 countries with a loss of 70 million disability-adjusted life years. Over the past six decades, China has made remarkable achievements in morbidity control, but disability and mortality control remains much to desire; thus, advanced schistosomiasis is a growing problem when on the road to schistosomiasis elimination. Since 2005, China has initiated a national treatment and assistance program to advanced patients, aiming to improve patients' symptoms and quality of life. Here, we conducted a two-phase study to evaluate the program's implementation and effect on advanced patients from 2009 to 2014 in Jiangxi Province, China. A total of 6425 advanced schistosomiasis cases were included in this study. For those having been treated and assisted (90.7 %), the cure or improvement rate was over 99.9 %, with 668 (11.5 %) cases having reached clinical cure and 5152 (88.4 %) cases' condition having improved, which can be partially reflected in the significant decline of the proportion of hepatomegaly (splenomegaly), the degree of liver fibrosis, ascites-related indicators (abdominal girth and frequency of shifting dullness), and portal hypertension-related indices (inner diameter of portal vein and frequency of subcutaneous varicose vein of abdominal wall). Besides, it was estimated to have saved 2004 years of life lost at total. Therefore, the government should continue support and increase input of treatment and assistance program so that this project can reach more patients, leading to consolidation of achievements of schistosomiasis control and contribution to schistosomiasis elimination.

A RARE PARASITIC DISEASE OF THE LIVER - ALVEOLAR ECHINOCOCCOSIS.

Alveolar echinococcosis is a rare parasitic disease, especially of the liver, caused by the larval stage of the tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis. At the end of the last century France, Germany, Austria and Switzerland were the regions where this disease most often manifested itself, these days this infection is diagnosed also in our territory. We describe the case of the disease of a twenty-five-year-old male with nonspecific signs and hepatomegaly, who was diagnosed on the basis of imaging and laboratory sampling. Due to inoperability the patient is now in infectologist follow-up on long-term treatment with Albendazole. He is clinically stable, included on the waiting list for liver transplantation.

Cholestasis caused by Fasciola gigantica.

Fascioliasis is an infectious disease caused by the hepatic trematodes Fasciola hepatica and Fasciola gigantica. Here, we report the case of Fasciola gigantica presenting with biliary obstruction and abdominal pain that was diagnosed and treated by endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERCP). A 46-year-old woman presented with right upper quadrant abdominal pain and jaundice. Physical examination revealed icterus and hepatomegaly. Laboratory findings revealed an increase in liver transaminases and bilirubin. Abdominal ultrasonography showed extrahepatic and intrahepatic bile duct dilatation. The patient underwent ERCP. One live Fasciola gigantica was removed from the common bile duct by ERCP. In conclusion, fascioliasis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of obstructive jaundice, especially in endemic regions, and it should be kept in mind that ERCP plays an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of these patients. To our knowledge, this is the second case report of Fasciola gigantica treated by ERCP in Turkey.

Hepatosplenic morbidity due to Schistosoma mansoni in schoolchildren on Ukerewe Island, Tanzania.

The study was conducted to assess infection intensity and morbidity due to Schistosoma mansoni in schoolchildren on Ukerewe Island in Lake Victoria, Tanzania, East Africa. Three hundred and sixty pupils who have never been treated previously were enrolled (180 males/180 females, age 6-17 years [median 10 years]) in three different schools of the island. Double stool samples were collected from each pupil and egg excretion was classified according to WHO recommendations. Ultrasound investigations were performed in accordance with the WHO Niamey-Belo-Horizonte protocol. Male (112/180, 62.2%) and female (104/180; 57.7%) pupils were infected (difference, not significant [n.s.]). In the positive 216 cases, egg excretion varied from 1 to 2,440 eggs per gramme stool (epg) [median 165 epg]. There were 69/216 (31.9%) who had a low grade, 105/216 (53.2%) had a moderate and 42/216 (14.8%) had a heavy infection. There was no significant difference between male and female sex nor with regard to age groups. There were 354/360 children who underwent sonography: 321 (90.7%) had splenomegaly, 316 (89.3%) showed a left lobe and 109 (30.9%) had a right lobe hepatomegaly. Overt signs of portal fibrosis (PF) were present in 19 children (5.4%) out of whom 11 presented with echogenic thickening of peripheral portal and 8 with thickening of central portal branches. Non-specific portal wall changes were seen in 6 children (1.7%). Association of PF to quantitative egg excretion was not seen (median in PF, 172 epg vs. median in non PF, 168 epg; difference, n.s.). Portal vein dilatation was seen in 101/354 (28.5%) cases. In Ukerewe, the prevalence of S. mansoni infection and infection intensity in children is high, yet overt hepatic morbidity is low as compared to other endemic foci. Non-specific ultrasonographic abnormalities including hepatosplenomegaly and portal vein dilatation were seen frequently but the fraction attributable to schistosomiasis is difficult to assess.

Capillaria hepatica in man--an overview of hepatic capillariosis and spurious infections.

Capillaria hepatica (syn. for Calodium hepaticum) is a zoonotic nematode parasitizing in the livers of rodents as main hosts and in numerous other mammals including humans. It is the causative agent of the rare conditions of hepatic capillariosis and spurious C. hepatica infections in humans. In this review, 163 reported cases of infestations with this parasite (72 reports of hepatic capillariosis, 13 serologically confirmed infestations and 78 observations of spurious infections) are summarized with an overview on the distribution, symptoms, pathology, diagnosis, serology and therapy of this rare human pathogen.

[The clinical and functional state of the liver in patients with psoriasis in the presence of chronic opisthorchiasis].

OBJECTIVE: to study the clinical and functional state of the liver in patients with psoriasis concurrent with chronic opisthorchiasis (CO). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Twenty-eight patients with psoriasis concurrent with CO, 15 patients with CO, 15 patients with the enlarged liver, and 15 healthy individuals were examined. Serum biochemical study and ultrasonography of the liver and gallbladder were used. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The patients with comorbidity were found to have hepatomegaly with syndromes of cytolysis, cholestasis, and mesenchymal inflammation of more degrees than those from Groups 2 and 3. CONCLUSION: The found clinical and functional liver changes in patients with psoriasis concurrent with CO make it necessary to perform anthelmintic therapy in this category of patients.