Larval Forms Research Articles

Axonal swellings and spheroids: a new insight into the pathology of neurocysticercosis.

Neurocysticercosis is a parasitic brain disease caused by the larval form (Cysticercus cellulosae) of Taenia solium and is the leading cause of preventable epilepsy worldwide. However, the pathophysiology and relation to the wide range of clinical features remains poorly understood. Axonal swelling is emerging as an important early pathological finding in multiple neurodegenerative diseases and as a cause of brain injury, but has not been well described in neurocysticercosis. Histological analysis was performed on human, rat and porcine NCC brain specimens to identify axonal pathology. Rat infection was successfully carried out via two routes of inoculation: direct intracranial injection and oral feeding. Extensive axonal swellings, in the form of spheroids, were observed in both humans and rats and to a lesser extent in pigs with NCC. Spheroids demonstrated increased immunoreactivity to amyloid precursor protein and neurofilament indicating probable impairment of axonal transport. These novel findings demonstrate that spheroids are present in NCC which is conserved across species. Not only is this an important contribution toward understanding the pathogenesis of NCC, but it also provides a model to analyze the association of spheroids with specific clinical features and to investigate the reversibility of spheroid formation with antihelminthic treatment.

Cytological diagnosis of cysticercosis: Role of FNAC with On-Site evaluation.

Cysticercosis is a zoonotic disease, caused by the larval form of pork tapeworm Taenia solium. This disease is a public health problem in a country such as India, but its incidence is likely underestimated. With the advent of fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) with rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE), early detection of this disease is possible, especially when the lesion is in anatomically approachable superficial locations. We report a case of cysticercosis confirmed by FNAC in the Department of Pathology where ROSE using toluidine blue was done as a part of routine cytology procedure. FNAC diagnosis of cysticercosis can be easily made provided the reporting cytologist is aware of the morphological criteria.

Preliminary studies on the prevalence and genotyping of Echinococcus granulosus infection in stray dogs in Van Province, Turkey

IntroductionEchinococcus granulosus is a zoonotic helminth of the Taeniidae family living in the small intestines of dogs. The hydatid cyst, which is the larval form of this parasite, is observed in sheep, goat, cattle, and many other organisms including humans. It causes a disease called cystic echinococcosis. Identification of strains of E. granulosus in dogs is critical in parasite control and eradication where possible. This study aims to determine the genotype of E. granulosus eggs and prevalence of this parasite in the faeces of dogs in the Van Province using the copro-PCR method.Material and MethodsThis study was conducted between 2015 and 2016 on the faeces obtained from 100 stray dogs from different parts of the Van Province. The coprological examination was conducted using the formalin-ether concentration method.ResultsTaeniidae eggs were found in 10 (10%) out of 100 faecal samples. E. granulosus was detected in 4 out of 10 of these (40%) infected samples. Sequence analysis of positive amplicons obtained from PCR showed that there were sheep strains (G1).ConclusionDogs in Van area are primarily infected with the livestock genotype of E. granulosus, which is thought to be a potential zoonotic threat to humans.

Concurrent Hydatidosis of the Liver, Spleen and Breast: A Case Report

Introduction: Hydatid disease is an infection caused by the larval form of Echinococous granulosus and is endemic in animal husbandry communities. Hydatid disease of the breast is rare and occurs in less than 1% of the cases. In this paper, we presented a known case of hepatic hydatidosis readmitted due to hydatid cyst of the breast. Case Presentation: A 38-year-old woman, a known case of neglected hepatic hydatidosis since eight years ago, presented to our hospital with new onset of abdominal pain. Computed tomography (CT) scan revealed signs of hydatid cysts in the liver, spleen, and both breasts. Laparotomy with complete resection of the hydatid cysts in the right lobe of the liver was performed along with cholecystectomy due to the closeness of the cysts to the gallbladder and severe adhesions. The patient also underwent splenectomy and cystectomy of the breasts. Histopathologic report of the resected cysts from the breasts, liver, and spleen confirmed the diagnosis of hydatidosis. The patient was discharged with albendazole (10 mg/kg daily for three weeks) and was advised to come back to the clinic for follow-up evaluations. Conclusions: Although breast hydatidosis is rare, it should be considered as a differential diagnosis of breast lumps presenting in endemic areas and among immigrants from endemic areas.

434. Neurocysticercosis in Houston

BackgroundNeurocysticercosis (NCC) is a central nervous system infection that occurs by ingesting the larval form of the parasite, Taenia solium. It is the most common parasitic disease of the central nervous system in developing countries, and the most common cause of acquired epilepsy. Even though seizures are the most common presenting symptom, NCC can present with many manifestations.MethodsThis is a retrospective chart-review cohort study. Patients referred to the Neurology Clinic at Smith Clinic in Houston from January 2013 to December 2015 for a diagnosis of headache and/or seizure were evaluated. The prevalence of NCC was determined, as well as epidemiological characteristics for those referred to the clinic and those with NCC. For patients with a diagnosis of NCC, further clinical data and zip codes were abstracted.ResultsA total of 16,050 visits were documented at the neurology clinic from January 2013 to December 2015. Of those, 9,317 of those visits were attributed to headache and/or seizure and included a total of 3,158 patients. A total of 33 patients had a diagnosis of NCC by ICD code alone, and of those, 29 also had a diagnosis of headache and/or seizure. All NCC patients were Hispanic/Latino, and the overall prevalence of NCC among those with a headache and/or seizure diagnosis was 0.92%. The prevalence among those with headaches was 0.25% and those with seizures was 1.37%. Based on ArcMap software and the zip codes of those diagnosed with NCC, most cases appear in the south-central area of the city.ConclusionNCC has now spread to the developed world mainly due to increased migration, although sporadic cases of local transmission have also been documented. Our data could help develop a preliminary but current epidemiological profile of NCC in Houston and determine if there are areas of high prevalence within certain communities.Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

Laparoscopic management of hydatid cysts with biliary communication: Clips may rescue when suture fails-report of 3 cases.

Hydatid disease is a parasitic zoonosis caused by the larval form of the Echinococcus worm. Hepatic hydatidosis is the most common form of disease in humans. Centrally located, large hydatid cysts have the tendency to rupture into the adjoining bile duct and form a fistulous communication. Suture closure of the cystobiliary communication detected during surgery is recommended to avoid postoperative complications related to bile leak. In the era of minimally invasive surgery, laparoscopic management of the cystobiliary communication can be challenging, and laparoscopic suturing may not always be feasible. Postoperative endoscopic biliary decompression is necessary in such situations, but it has its own set of potential risk and complications. In this case report, we present a simple and easy technique for laparoscopic closure of the cystobiliary communication when suture ligation is technically not possible.

Management of severe pain after dermal contact with caterpillars (erucism): a prospective case series

Context: Erucism, envenomation caused by dermal contact with larval forms of moths, may result in intense local pain, mainly after contact with puss caterpillars (family Megalopygidae).Objective: To evaluate the response to different treatments for controlling severe pain in a case series of erucism in Campinas, southeastern Brazil.Patients and methods: Prospective cohort study. A Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS 0–10) was used to assess pain intensity in the Emergency Department (ED). Pain was considered as severe upon ED admission (T0) when the NPRS was ≥8. Inclusion criteria: age ≥8 years old, severe pain at T0, with continuous assessment of pain intensity in all patients using the NPRS during the ED stay (T5, T15, T30, T60 min and at discharge).Results: Fifty-five patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were divided into three groups according to the initial treatment at T0: local anesthesia alone with 2% lidocaine (group 1, n = 15), local anesthesia and analgesics (group 2, n = 26) and analgesics without local anesthesia (group 3, n = 14). Most patients were admitted within 2 h after dermal contact with the stinging bristles of caterpillars (median =90 min, IQR: 40–125 min). In 22 cases (40%), the caterpillar was brought for identification (Podalia spp., n = 18; Megalopyge spp., n = 4). There was a significant decrease in pain from T5 onwards with all of the treatments. When the short-term response (T5 and T15) was considered, analgesia was more effective in groups 1 and 2 compared to group 3 (p < .01). Additional analgesia (from T5 until discharge) was frequently required (n = 25/55), mainly in group 1 (n = 11/15). The median length of stay in the ED was 120 min (IQR: 80–173 min).Conclusions: The association of local anesthesia with analgesics was apparently a good combination for the rapid management of severe pain in the ED.

Physiology of growth in typical and transversus echinopluteus larvae

AbstractMarine invertebrate larvae are diverse in size and shape. Understanding the functional differences among these larvae and their ecological consequences is critical for understanding the evolution of larval forms and predicting responses to varying environmental conditions. This study compared the growth physiology of two morphologically distinct feeding larvae of echinoid echinoderms: the typical echinopluteus of Strongylocentrotus purpuratus, and the less well‐known echinopluteus transversus larva of Centrostephanus coronatus. Larvae of both types were reared at 16°C with 20,000 algal cells/ml of food. Despite striking differences in morphology (with late larvae of the two species bearing eight or two arms, respectively), ciliary band length grew at similar rates in both types of larvae. Significant differences between larval types were observed in growth in midline body length and stomach size. Physiologically, the typical echinopluteus larvae of S. purpuratus exhibited higher rates of protein growth, daily ingestion of algae, and aerobic respiration than did the echinopluteus transversus larvae of C. coronatus. The relationships between ingestion rate and ciliary band length or stomach size differed as well, with ingestion rate in larvae of S. purpuratus increasing much more rapidly than that of larvae in C. coronatus in relation to both morphological features. The higher physiological rates in S. purpuratus were not at the expense of increased physiological efficiency: larvae of S. purpuratus had digestive and growth efficiencies that were up to threefold higher than those in larvae of C. coronatus. Taken together, these results demonstrate fundamental differences in performance that go beyond the readily observable differences in morphology of these two larval forms. The reduced physiological capacity and growth efficiency of transversus larvae of C. coronatus provide a physiological basis for their long planktonic duration and possible teleplanktonic dispersal capabilities. The high physiological capacity and efficiency of the typical larvae of S. purpuratus may be adaptive for growing in areas of high seasonal algal abundance.

Phylogenetic, ecological and biomechanical constraints on larval form: A comparative morphological analysis of barnacle nauplii.

Barnacle naupliar larvae are differentiated from other zooplankton by their unique pair of frontal lateral horns, frontal filaments, and a pear-shaped cephalic shield. Their morphology impose constraints on their ecological functions and reflect their evolutionary history. To explore the potential functional basis underlying the similarities and differences in barnacle larval form, we conducted a meta-analysis on the shape of the barnacle nauplii’s cephalic shield and examined its relation to larval size, trophic mode, pelagic larval duration and habitat. Nauplii cephalic shield morphology of 102 species were quantified with normalized elliptic Fourier analysis. Most of the species were distributed around the center of the morphospace but a few extreme groups occupied the periphery: nauplii that were large and lecithotrophic. Subsequent principal component regression analyses showed that larval size was a good predictor of the first shape variations axis (aspect ratio). After allometry adjustment, nauplii from different trophic modes differentiated along the second axis of the major shape variations (relative frontal horn length). Habitat was a poor predictor of variations in naupliar body form, but it could be used to differentiate extreme morphology groups from other nauplii. Our result suggests that size-related biomechanical or developmental constraints and feeding requirements are important in shaping the evolution of the naupliar body form. Within the limitations of these functional constraints, habitat drives the divergence of extreme morphology groups from the majority of species. Our comparative morphometrics analysis demonstrated how variations in larval body form can be quantitatively linked to the functional needs that constrain or drive their diversity, and inform further empirical experiments on larval functional morphology.

Comparison of the Utility of Recombinant B8/2 Subunit of the Antigen B, Native Antigen, and a Commercial ELISA Kit in the Diagnosis of Human Cystic Echinococcosis

Background:Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a helminthic disease caused by the larval form of Echinococcus granulosus. In the present study, the B8/2 subunit of antigen B (AgB) of E. granulosus was expressed in E. coli host and then applied in a diagnostic ELISA set up.Methods:The DNA sequence of AgB8/2 subunit from E. granulosus was extracted from the GenBank and codon-optimized according to E. coli codon usage. The target sequence was cloned in an expression vector (pGEX-4T-1). The produced antigen was used in an ELISA system, and its performance for the diagnosis of human hydatid cyst was evaluated, using sera from CE and non-CE patients, along with the sera from healthy subjects. Moreover, the diagnostic value of the recombinant protein was compared with native AgB, as well as with a commercial kit.Results:Antibodies to hydatid cyst were detected in 27 out of 30 patients corresponding to a sensitivity of 90% (95% CI: 73-98%). Cross-reaction with sera of non-CE subjects was seen in two cases resulted in a specificity of 93.5% (95% CI: 82-98%) for the test. A sensitivity of 87% and specificity of 90% were found for the native form of the antigen, while the ELISA commercial kit had a sensitivity of 97% and specificity of 95%.Conclusion:Our data show that rEgAgB8/2 is an appropriate source of antigen for the serological diagnosis of human hydatid cyst. Co-expression of the rEgAgB/2 along with other subunits of AgB may enhance the performances of these antigens for the serodiagnosis of human CE.

Features of plankton community in the Chukchi Sea in August-September, 2017

Zooplankton in the eastern Chukchi Sea is described on the data of summer observa­tions in 2017. The northern part of the surveyed area was occupied by the cold water masses from the Arctic Ocean and Beaufort Sea. Large-sized zooplankton dominated here, including copepods Calanus glacialis , C. hyperboreus (this species is an indicator of Atlantic waters) and cold-water hyperiids Themisto libellula. In the southern part of the surveyed area, small-sized zooplankton dominated by biomass and abundance and species belonged to the Bering Sea community, as copepods Calanus glacialis + Calanus marshallae , Eucalanus bungii , and Metridia pacifica , were presented in the large-sized fraction. In the western part of the sur­veyed area and in the coastal waters, small-sized copepods Pseudocalanus spp. and Oithona similis prevailed, and biomass and abundance of neritic species as Centropages abdominalis and Acartia longiremis were high, too. Besides, some species typical for desalinated water were observed here ( Eurytemora herdmani , Podon sp., and Epilabidocera amphitrites ), as well as larval forms of benthic invertebrates (larvae of polychaetes, bivalves, gastropods, and echinoderms). Arrowworms Sagitta elegans were abundant everywhere that was caused by this species reproduction. The observed structure of plankton community corresponded to feeding demands of arctic cod juveniles, but the zooplankton biomass was rather low. These features of community could be interpreted as early summer state, when its biomass does not reach the maximum yet, as it was observed, for example, in September 2007.

Occurrence of hydatidosis and cysticercosis in cattle in southern Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, from 2013 to 2016

ABSTRACT: Hydatidosis and cysticercosis are parasitoses caused by the larval forms of the cestodes Equinococcus spp. and Taenia spp., which belong to the Taeniidae family. Their definitive hosts are canids and humans, respectively, with ruminants as the intermediate hosts and humans as an accidental host of both diseases. These parasites are responsible for large economic losses in slaughterhouses due to condemnation of carcasses and by-products. The present study reports the mean incidence rates of hydatidosis and cysticercosis in cattle slaughtered in the southern region of Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil. The incidence rates observed between 2013 and 2016 were 19.96% and 0.9%, respectively, with decreased tendency of occurrence of both diseases in those years. Despite the downward tendency of the diseases, hydatidosis presented high incidence. Hydatidosis performance over the years was characterized by significant increase in the number of cases, followed by marked decrease. Cysticercosis presented a decrease in number of cases at the beginning and the end of each year. These diseases have a significant socioeconomic impact as they are responsible for large losses in the livestock industry, due to reduced productivity and carcass condemnation, and represent a risk to public health.

Onset of feeding in juvenile sea urchins and its relation to nutrient signalling

ABSTRACTThe purple sea urchin, Strongylocentrotus purpuratus, has been the focus of extensive ecological and developmental research over the years. Strongylocentrotus purpuratus larvae transition into the juvenile stage after an extensive planktonic period. The metamorphic transition is characterized by dramatic changes in morphology and physiology of the juvenile compared to the larval form and mechanisms underlying this process, especially the early days post-settlement, remain poorly understood. We used SEM and phalloidin stain analysis as well as whole mount in situ hybridization to gain a detailed understanding of juvenile development in relation to nutrient signalling [insulin-like growth factor (IIS), FoxO (forkhead box, sub-group ‘O’) and TOR (target of rampamycin), also known as IIS/TOR/FoxO signalling]. Our results show that the majority of juvenile feeding features are fully developed only after 8-days of juvenile development, leaving an extensive period of nutritional stress. We found that FoxO gene expression increases during that time period and is localized in juvenile tube feet, potentially associated with sensory structures involved in nutrient signalling. Our data complement existing work on sea urchin juvenile development and shed new light on the perimetamorphic period of Strongylocentrotus purpuratus, with respect to nutrient signalling and the potential stressful pre-feeding period of juvenile sea urchins.

A gel-free proteomic analysis of Taenia solium and Taenia crassiceps cysticerci vesicular extracts.

The taeniasis/cysticercosis complex is a zoonosis caused by the presence of the parasite Taenia solium in humans. It is considered a neglected disease that causes serious public health and economic problems in developing countries. In humans, the most common locations for the larval form are the skeletal muscles, ocular system, and the central nervous system, which is the most clinically important. Several glycoproteins of T. solium and Taenia crassiceps cysticerci have been characterized and studied for their use in the immunodiagnosis of neurocysticercosis and/or the development of synthetic or recombinant vaccines against cysticercosis. The aim of this study was to perform a gel-free shotgun proteomic analysis to identify saline vesicular extract (SVE) proteins of T. solium and T. crassiceps cysticerci. After solubilization of the SVE with and without surfactant reagent and in-solution digestion, the proteins were analyzed by LC-MS/MS. Use of a surfactant resulted in a significantly higher number of proteins that were able to be identified by LC-MS/MS. Novel proteins were identified in T. solium and T. crassiceps SVE. The qualitative analysis revealed a total of 79 proteins in the Taenia species: 29 in T. solium alone, 11 in T. crassiceps alone, and 39 in both. These results are an important contribution to support future investigations and for establishing a Taenia proteomic profile to study candidate biomarkers involved in the diagnosis or pathogenesis of neurocysticercosis.

Repellency, Fumigant Toxicity and Chemical Constituents of Ethanol-Extracted Essential Oils from Mentha haplocalyx and Allium ascalonicum on Sitophilus zeamais (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

Our study examined the repellent and toxic effects of ethanolic extracts from Mentha haplocalyx and Allium ascalonicum against adult and larval forms of maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais, at 25 ± 2 °C with 50±5% relative humidity (RH) and 14L:10D h light-dark cycles in the laboratory. Filter paper discs, 9 cm diameter, were used for area preference testing to determine repellency. One-half of the filter paper was treated with 0.1 ml of essential oil, while the other half was treated with a control solution. Twenty weevil adults were released into each Petri dish on the filter paper and covered with a lid. The experiment was repeated with weevil larvae. Repellency was recorded at 6, 12, 24, and 48 h of exposure. Mentha haplocalyx repellency to adults (67.50 %) and larvae (67.50 %) was higher than A. ascalonicum repellency to adults (66.25 %) and larvae (63.75 %). For toxicity testing, 0.1 ml of essential oil was applied on filter paper discs, 6-cm diameter, and papers were placed inside the lids of 100-ml jars. The lids were placed on jars after weevil adults were added. The test was repeated with weevil larvae. Fumigant toxicity was recorded at 4, 8, 12, and 16 h of exposure. Mentha haplocalyx toxicity to adults (37.34 %) was higher than A. ascalonicum toxicity to adults (26.35 %), whereas A. ascalonicum toxicity to larvae (50.29 %) was higher than M. haplocalyx toxicity to larvae (46.36 %). The chemical components of the essential oils were identified using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Bioactivity was higher for M. haplocalyx than A. ascalonicum. Further study is recommended on the bioactivity of individual chemical components of essential oils on S. zeamais and other insect and non-insect pests of stored grains.

Insecticidal Action of Glycerol Monolaurate against the Lesser Mealworm (Alphitobius diaperinus) and its Ecotoxicological Effect on Enchytraeus crypticus

Background: Alphitobius diaperinus, known as the lesser mealworm, is recognized as a problem for the poultry production sector. Several chemical methods have been employed in an attempt to control it, without successful results. Thus, alternative methods should be considered as an interesting approach to control this type of infestation. A recent study showed that glycerol monolaurate (GML) possesses insecticidal effect against bees. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate, for the first time, the effect of GLM against the larval and adult forms of the lesser mealworm in vitro, and to verify whether GLM treated poultry litter used as soil fertilizer exerts any negative effect on its fauna.Materials, Methods &amp; Results: In vitro tests were performed using three concentrations of GLM: 0.2, 0.4 and 1 mg mL-1, and the number of dead larvae and adults of A. diaperinus was counted on days 0, 2, 5 and 8 post-treatment. Poultry litter was pulverized with 1 mg mL-1 of GML, maintained under controlled conditions for 20 days and revolved every two days. Two ecotoxicological tests were performed using Enchytraeus crypticus. In the first test, GML was applied directly into the soil at doses of 0.5, 1 and 2 mg kg-1 of soil, while the second test used poultry litter as soil fertilizer at concentrations of 0, 2, 4 and 8 tons per hectare. Insecticidal action of GML against larvae and adults of A. diaperinus where only the 1 mg mL-1 concentration showed positive effect. GML caused 100% mortality of larvae two days after the beginning of treatment. Similarly, GML showed high efficacy to control adult forms of A. diaperinus, causing 83 and 90% of mortality on days 5 and 8 post-treatment, respectively. No difference was observed while applying GML directly at doses of 0.5, 1 and 2 mg kg-1 in the TAS when compared to the control group, similarly to what was observed using poultry litter containing 1 mg/m2 of GML at concentrations of 0, 2, 4 and 8 tons per hectare compared to the control group.Discussion: GML treatment exerted larvicidal and insecticidal action in vitro against A. diaperinus, similarly to what was observed by researchers against bees, where this product was able to eliminate 55% of the bees after 120 h of treatment. GML insecticidal mechanism of action is poorly investigated and remains unknown. However, there are evidences regarding its antimicrobial property using Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus spp., Enterococcus faecalis, as well as its capacity to inhibit some virulence factors linked to antimicrobial resistance. Some tests have been performed in order to reduce the use of chemical products, as Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree oil), Ocotea odorifera (popularly known as sassafras) and Eucalyptus viminalis (popularly known as eucalypt) essential oils exerts insecticidal action against the larvae and adults of mealworms. The main chemical used to control A. diaperinus is cypermethrin, a chemical product that can damage the soil fauna due to its intensive utilization. The use of GML did not cause negative effects in the soil fauna, in disagreement other study with GML at concentrations of 50 and 100 µg mL-1 and found negative effects on the soil fauna using adults and juvenile forms of springtails (Folsomia candida) as biomarkers, showing a LD50 of 41 µg mL-1. Based on these evidences, we can suggest that the toxicity of GML to soil fauna is related to the biomarker used to determine the toxicity. Therefore, it is possible to conclude that GML possesses insecticidal action without toxic effects for the soil fauna, demonstrating potential as an alternative method to control the lesser mealworm.

Cysticercosis breast: a cytological diagnosis

&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;Parasitic lesions of breast are rare, usually seen in endemic areas. Clinically such cases are frequently misdiagnosed as benign or sometimes malignant tumors of breast. Cysticercosis is caused by larval form of Taenia solium, acquired via fecal oral route. Radiology may be suggestive of cysticerocosis. In our case, diagnosis was confirmed with fine needle aspiration cytology.&lt;/p&gt;

Habit of cooking pork on hot stones as main risk of cysticercosis

BackgroundCysticercosis is an infectious disease caused by the larval form of Taenia solium (cysticercus cellulosae) and has been ranked as the most important food-borne parasite of humans in terms of public health, socioeconomic and trade impact. Cysticercosis is still a health problem in Papua and is inseparable from socio-cultural factors, hygiene and environmental sanitation. The aim of this study was to investigate the seroprevalence of cysticercosis and the risk factors that contribute to cysticercosis.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in March-November 2016 involving 800 subjects. Demographic data and risk factors were collected using questionnaires. Cysticercosis serological examination was performed by means of the magnetic microsphere bead immunoassay technique coupled with rT24H recombinant protein to detect serum rT24H cysticercosis specific antibodies. The data obtained were analyzed by bivariate test (chi-square) and logistic regression.ResultsCysticercosis seroprevalence in Papua was 3.6% (284/7 874). The logistic regression analysis found that the risk factors playing the role of predictor were cooking pork with hot stones [OR=3.06; 95%CI: 2.19-4.28; p=0.000], nail hygiene [OR=2.05; 95%CI: 1.57-2.67; p=0.000], consumption of raw vegetables or salads [OR=0.52; 95%CI: 0.30-0.91; p=0.022], use of river water for washing foods [OR= 1.92; 95%CI: 1.39-2.64; p=0.000].ConclusionsCooking pork with hot stones was the main risk factor of cysticercosis. Suspected cases of T. solium in pigs should be confirmed by molecular methods. Both taeniasis and human cysticercosis should be notifiable and surveillance in animals should be improved.

World genera of Mastigitae: review of morphological structures and new ecological data (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Scydmaeninae)

Mastigitae comprise most unusual ant-like stone beetles, showing intriguing morphological characters and ecological adaptations. The largest adults among Scydmaeninae can be found in this group; some reaching nearly 9 mm in length, but there are also adults as small as 1.10 mm. Members of Leptomastacini are microphthalmous and depigmented; Mastigini are often black or contrastingly bicolored and have diurnal life style, adults of some species climbing bushes and trees. Papusini inhabit the driest North American deserts and are active during the warmest time of the year; other taxa live in subtropical forests; some are known to enter caves. Adults of some genera have enigmatic modifications of maxillary palps, postgenae or antennae, whose functions still remain unknown. In one genus the male genitalia are enormously elongate, so that these beetles have evolved a method of copulation not known in any other Coleoptera. The evolutionary history of Mastigitae is documented by fossils since the Upper Cretaceous, and extinct forms are even more 'extreme' in their spiny antennae and unusually elongate appendages than their extant relatives. Although phylogenetic hypotheses have been proposed to clarify the relationships and classification of Mastigitae, morphological structures of most genera remain undescribed. They are reviewed in the present synopsis, with detailed descriptions and illustrations of adult structures of all extant genera (Ablepton, Leptomastax, Taurablepton, Mastigus, Palaeostigus, Stenomastigus, Leptochromus, Clidicus and Papusus), with a brief review of known larval forms and fossils. Novel ecological data are given, with emphasis on habitat preferences and feeding behavior. The 'springtail trap' hypothesis for the spiny antennae of Mastigini is rejected, based on field observations and laboratory experiments. For the first time, details of feeding for Palaeostigus and Leptomastax are described. A checklist of species is given, and the main problems related to the classification, phylogeny and ecology of Mastigitae are discussed.

Neurocysticercosis an emerging entity in the city of Buenos Aires

Background: Cysticercosis is the infection of the larval form of the tapeworm. It is the most frequent helminthiasis of the central nervous system, endemic in America, Asia and Africa, as well as in developed cities with massive influx of immigrants from endemic areas. Methods & Materials: Observational, descriptive, retrospective study of assisted cases of Neurocysticercosis from March 2001 to March 2016 in two institutions in the city of Buenos Aires. We included 52 patients evaluating clinical, epidemiological and diagnostic criteria for CT and/or MRI, and serology by ELISA. Results: Of the total patients, 29 (55.77%) were men with an average age of 36 years. The nationality was of Bolivian origin in 46 (88.46%) 4 Argentines (7.69%) 1 Peruvian and 1 Paraguayan (1.92%). 80.77% (42/52) of the patients were born in rural areas, with a history of contact with pigs in 88.46%. Deficient wastewater services were recorded in 42 patients (80.77%), as well as lack of network water supply in 82.69%. The most frequent manifestations were convulsive episodes in 39 (75%), headaches 36 (69.23%) and visual alterations in 8 patients (15.38%). In 38 patients it was the first manifestation of the disease. 92% (35/38) of them also have a history of having emigrated many years before outside the endemic area. The images by CT and/or brain MRI were multiple in 36 patients (69.23%) and unique in 16 patients (30.77%). The most frequent presentation was vesicular cystic images (17), colloidal (14) granular (9) calcifications in (15) and hydrocephalus in (6). The serology was performed in 39 patients (73%) of which 75% were positive. 97.6% of the patients received medical treatment. The indicated treatment was albendazole in 88% (37/42) and praziquantel in 11.9% (5/42). Conclusion: Buenos Aires is not an endemic area for this emerging entity. The presence of patients with convulsive episodes associated with headaches, coming from rural areas of neighbouring countries, with deficit of running water and wastewater services and contact with pigs should guide us to this entity even after having emigrated many years ago.