Absence Of Parasite Infection Research Articles

Gastrointestinal Eosinophilic Disorder in a Patient with Acute Pancreatitis. Case Report

Eosinophilic colitis is a rare disease. It is part of the eosinophilic gastroenteritis, characterized by eosinophilic infiltration of the tissues that affects any segment of the digestive tract, but more frequently the stomach and small intestine and rarely the colon in isolation. The clinical case of a 29- year-old patient is described, who initially presented data of acute pancreatitis and later acute diarrhea with sluggishness and scant mucus. The analysis showed a complete blood count with eosinophilia 9.9% Immunoglobulin E with a positive result + 2500 IU/mL (<100IU/mL). Endoscopy and colonoscopies show diffuse inflammatory changes, confirming with the histopathological study infiltration of eosinophils throughout the gastrointestinal tract, conservative treatment was started with a good response. Eosinophilic gastroenteritis has a benign course, with significant infiltration of eosinophils in the wall of the digestive tract, which rarely involves only the colon. Its cause and pathogenic mechanisms are unknown; It classically presents in patients between the third and fifth decades of life, although it can affect any age group. The diagnostic criteria are: 1) gastrointestinal symptoms; 2) eosinophilic infiltration of one or more areas of the digestive tract demonstrated by biopsy; 3) absence of eosinophilic infiltration in organs outside the digestive tract; and 4) absence of parasitic infection. Eosinophilic gastroenteritis are pathologies that require a high index of suspicion for their diagnosis.

Culex quinquefasciatus (Diptera: Culicidae) survivorship following the ingestion of bird blood infected with Haemoproteus sp. parasites

Arthropod vectors are frequently exposed to a diverse assemblage of parasites, but the consequence of these infections on their biology and behavior are poorly understood. We experimentally evaluated whether the ingestion of a common protozoan parasite of avian hosts (Haemoproteus spp.; Haemosporida: Haemoproteidae) impacted the survivorship of Culex quinquefasciatus (Say) (Diptera: Culicidae). Blood was collected from wild northern cardinals (Cardinalis cardinalis) in College Station, Texas, and screened for the presence of Haemoproteus spp. parasites using microscopic and molecular methods. Experimental groups of Cx. quinquefasciatus mosquitoes were offered Haemoproteus-positive cardinal blood through an artificial feeding apparatus, while control groups received Haemoproteus-negative cardinal blood or domestic canary (Serinus canaria domestica) blood. Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes exposed to Haemoproteus infected cardinal blood survived significantly fewer days than mosquitoes that ingested Haemoproteus-negative cardinal blood. The survival of mosquitoes fed on positive cardinal blood had a median survival time of 18 days post-exposure and the survival of mosquitoes fed on negative cardinal blood exceeded 50% across the 30 day observation period. Additionally, mosquitoes that fed on canary controls survived significantly fewer days than cardinal negative controls, with canary control mosquitoes having a median survival time of 17 days. This study further supports prior observations that Haemoproteus parasites can be pathogenic to bird-biting mosquitoes, and suggests that Haemoproteus parasites may indirectly suppress the transmission of co-circulating vector-borne pathogens by modulating vector survivorship. Our results also suggest that even in the absence of parasite infection, bloodmeals from different bird species can influence mosquito survivorship.

Resistance of Black Bengal goat to Haemonchus contortus

Artificial challenge trial and field trial were carried out in two populations of Black Bengal goat in Bangladesh to evaluate the resistance to Haemonchus Contortus-a major gastrointestinal nematode in goat. Artificial challenge trial revealed that there was no difference in susceptibility of H. contortus in Black Bengal goat of hilly region (BBH) and Black Bengal goat of western region (BBW). In absence of parasitic infection, growth rate of kids of both populations were almost equal. Field trial was conducted with kids of BBW population to find out the within breed variation. Numerically, there was variation among the individuals for parasitic load however the results were statistically insignificant (p > 0.05). At individual level, the parasite load ranged from 100 to 400 eggs per gram (epg). The location of villages, age and sex of kids did not influence on the parasitic load of kids. There was no interaction for location, age and sex for body weight at day 8. The Packed Cell Volume and Hemoglobin values differed significantly (p < 0.01) due to age of kids at day 8 and 28 after deworming. The results indicate that Black Bengal goat can be considered as resilience to H. contortus.
 Progressive Agriculture 30 (1): 55-64, 2019

Social-medication in bees: the line between individual and social regulation.

We use the term social-medication to describe the deliberate consumption or use of plant compounds by social insects that are detrimental to a pathogen or parasite at the colony level, result in increased inclusive fitness to the colony, and have potential costs either at the individual or colony level in the absence of parasite infection. These criteria for social-medication differ from those for self-medication in that inclusive fitness costs and benefits are distinguished from individual costs and benefits. The consumption of pollen and nectar may be considered a form of social immunity if they help fight infection, resulting in a demonstrated increase in colony health and survival. However, the dietary use of pollen and nectar per se is likely not a form of social-medication unless there is a detriment or cost to their consumption in the absence of parasite infection, such as when they contain phytochemicals that are toxic at certain doses. We provide examples among social bees (bumblebees, stingless bees and honey bees) in which the consumption or use of plant compounds have a demonstrated role in parasite defense and health of the colony. We indicate where more work is needed to distinguish between prophylactic and therapeutic effects of these compounds, and whether the effects are observed at the individual or colony level.

Malaria-induced IL-10 contributes to the systemic burden of non-typhoidal Salmonella (164.10)

Abstract Non-typhoidal Salmonella serotypes (NTS) in pediatric patients with severe malaria can develop a life threatening bacteremia, a major source of child mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa. Here, we use a mouse model, mimicking severe anemia seen in humans, to address mechanisms by which an underlying malaria infection contributes to the increased risk of NTS bacteremia. Plasmodium yoelli infected red blood cells were administered i.p. in CBA or B6 mice. At peak parasitemia, Salmonella Typhimurium was administered by g.g. in a streptomycin-induced colitis model. Characterization of inflammation to NTS in the cecum was assessed by histopathology, microarray and qRT-PCR. Bacterial loads in systemic tissues were followed up to 4 days post inoculation. Our results indicate that the malaria parasite infection causes a global suppression of proinflammatory responses in the intestine, blunts intestinal neutrophil influx and increases the bacterial burden at systemic sites. Blunting of intestinal inflammatory responses was independent of antibody-induced anemia, but required induction of the immunoregulatory cytokine IL-10. Blocking IL-10 activity reduced systemic NTS in coinfected mice and administration of exogenous IL-10 was sufficient to increase the systemic burden of NTS in the absence of parasite infection. However, an increase in circulating NTS required both anemia and IL-10. Thus, we have identified two factors that synergize to increase bacteremia using a murine model.

The controversy of parasitic infection in pediatric appendicitis

Background Controversy still exists regarding the relationship between parasitic infections and acute appendicitis. Aim To investigate the role of parasitic infections in the etiology of acute pediatric appendicitis. Patients and methods A two-center retrospective study included 1500 pediatric and adolescent patients who had undergone surgical therapy for a diagnosis of acute appendicitis over a period of 8 years from January 2001 to December 2008 in the Suez Canal University hospitals and Alexandria Health Insurance Sporting Hospital for School Students and children. The patients’ records were reviewed thoroughly to gather the demographic data on age, sex, and residence. Clinical data including the chief complaints on admission, duration of symptoms, history of similar attacks, previous hospitalization, and history of any chronic inflammatory diseases and drug history, if any, were analyzed. Laboratory and imaging studies were also reviewed. A thorough study of operative data was conducted, including a descriptive review of the operative findings during surgery. Postoperative complications, if any, and the histopathology reports of the removed appendices were also studied. Patients were divided into two groups according to the presence or the absence of parasites in the appendix lumen. In group I (n= 98), parasitic infection was observed, whereas in group II (n= 1402), no parasitic infection was present. Results Parasites were reported in 98 patients out of the 1500 patients included in the study (6.5%). Of those 98 parasitic infestations, 40 (40.8%) were Enterobaisis, 23 (23.5%) were Schistosomiasis , 15 (15.3%) were Ascaris lumbricoides , 12 (12.2%) were Trichuris trichiura , and eight (8.2%) were Taenea saginata . All patients showed a single parasitic infection. The percent of patients with suppurative, gangrenous, or perforated appendicitis was similar in both groups, with no statistical significance irrespective of the presence or the absence of parasitic infection. Conclusion Intestinal parasitic infection may not be considered as a risk factor for the development of acute appendicitis among the studied patients, and the low prevalence of parasites among the appendectomy specimens does not support the notion that parasites are a major cause of appendicitis in pediatric patients. However, parasitic infections could mimic the clinical picture of acute appendicitis, which need verification before the diagnosis of acute appendicitis. Keywords: appendicitis, Enterobius vermicularis, parasitic infection

IL-10 elicited during malaria infection blunts effective immune responses to non-typhoidal Salmonella (56.32)

Abstract Co-infection of non-typhoidal Salmonella serotypes (NTS) in pediatric patients with severe Plasmodium falciparum malaria can develop a life threatening bacteremia, a major source of child mortality in Africa. Here, we use a mouse model that mimics severe anemia seen in human malaria to address mechanisms by which an underlying malaria parasite infection contributes to the increased risk of developing NTS bacteremia. Plasmodium yoelli infected red blood cells were administered intraperitoneally in CBA, B6 or B6 il10-/- mice. At peak parasitemia, Salmonella Typhimurium was administered by gavage in a streptomycin-induced colitis model. Characterization of inflammation to NTS in the cecum was assessed by histopathology, microarray and qRT-PCR. Bacterial loads in systemic tissues were followed to 4 days post infection. Our results indicate that the malaria parasite infection causes a global suppression of proinflammatory responses in the intestine, blunts the intestinal neutrophil influx normally elicited during NTS gastroenteritis and increases bacterial colonization at systemic sites. Blunting of intestinal inflammatory responses was independent of hemolytic anemia, but required induction of the immunoregulatory cytokine IL-10 by the parasites. Elimination of IL-10 activity restored intestinal inflammation in co-infected mice, and administration of recombinant IL-10 was sufficient to increase systemic colonization by S. Typhimurium in the absence of parasite infection.

STUDY OF THE MORPHOLOGY AND PARASITIC INFECTION OF THE CUTTLEFISH, SEPIA PHARAONIS EHRENBERG, 1831 (CEPHALOPODA: SEPIIDAE) IN THE MARINE WATER OFF KUWAIT

n the present study, 200 adult specimens of the cuttlefish, Sepia pharaonis (119 male and 81 female) were obtained from a Fish Market (Souq Sharaq, Capital –Governorate) in the State of Kuwait, during the period from January to June 2006. They were examined for external and internal parasites as well as their morphology and anatomy of the male and female specimens. No adult or larval stages of parasites were detected externally nor internally in the studied samples. The absence of parasitic infection in the studied cuttlefish was discussed. This is the first study so far dealing with the cuttlefish Sepia pharaonis morphology, anatomy and posible infection with parasites in the marine waters off Kuwait.

Protein-Losing Enteropathy from Eosinophilic Enteritis Solely Diagnosed by Wireless Capsule Endoscopy (WCE) and Double-Balloon Enteroscopy (DBE)

A 47-year-old woman presented with bilateral lower extremities edema for 1 mo. Past history was significant for pernicious anemia and contact dermatitis. Labs were notable for iron-deficiency anemia (hemoglobin 11.3 g/dL and ferritin 5 mcg/L), eosinophilia (20.7%), and hypoalbuminemia (2.8 g/dL). Ultrasound and CT scan of the abdomen were normal. Urinalysis was negative for proteinuria. Stool exams were negative for parasites. 48-hr stool collection confirmed fat malabsorption (16 g/24 hrs) and markedly increased α-1 antitrypsin clearance (424 mL/24 hrs), indicating protein-losing enteropathy. Extended EGD and colonoscopy with extensive biopsies were normal, as similar to small intestinal series. WCE revealed multiple rounded patches of raised erythema with centrally flattened villi throughout the small intestine (A). DBE confirmed the similar finding (B). Pathology of the targeted biopsies of the lesions was diagnostic for eosinophilic enteritis. Following an initial treatment with oral prednisone 30 mg for 2 wks, serum albumin and eosinophils returned to normal with complete resolution of lower extremities edema. Eosinophilic gastroenteritis is a rare disease characterized by tissue eosinophilic infiltration that can involve any layers of the gut wall. Diagnostic criteria include the presence of GI symptoms, demonstration of eosinophilic infiltration on biopsy, absence of eosinophilic involvement of organs outside the GI tract, and absence of parasitic infection. Clinical presentation varies depending on the layer of involvement. Histologic evaluation from endoscopic biopsies represents the best way to confirm the diagnosis. Because the disease tends to be patchy, it is recommended that multiple biopsies should be obtained from different areas throughout the GI tract. In this report, we present a patient with mucosal eosinophilic enteritis. Despite extensive biopsies from conventional endoscopic procedures, the diagnosis cannot be established because the disease localizes in the small intestine. It emphasized the role of WCE followed with DBE as the method of choice in evaluation for mucosal diseases of the small intestine. [figure 1]Figure 1

Allergic Reaction to Gemfibrozil Manifesting as Eosinophilic Gastroenteritis

Eosinophilic gastroenteritis (EGE) is a rare condition of unknown etiology characterized by eosinophilic infiltration of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Previous associations with a drug or food allergy, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, and elevated IgE levels suggest an atopic predisposition in the pathogenesis of this disorder. Diagnostic criteria are GI symptoms, eosinophilic infiltration proven by biopsy of the GI tract, and absence of parasitic infection. We describe a case of EGE manifested as an allergy to gemfibrozil.

Localized eosinophilic myositis of the masseter muscle associated with actinomycosis

A case of eosinophilic myositis of the masseter associated with pseudotumor and trismus is presented. Extensive eosinophilic infiltrates of the masseter are rarely observed in the absence of parasitic infection or the hypereosinophilic syndrome. This case is reported because of the rarity of the phenomenon and its importance to the surgeon from the standpoint of differential diagnosis and treatment. The pathogenesis of the condition and its relation to other lesions of muscle associated with eosinophilic infiltration are discussed.