Live Adult Worms Research Articles

Preventive efficacy of six monthly doses of NexGard® PLUS or Simparica Trio® against a macrocyclic lactone-resistant isolate (JYD-34) of Dirofilaria immitis and of a single dose of NexGard PLUS against a susceptible isolate

BackgroundTwo studies were conducted assessing the efficacy of NexGard® PLUS (NP) in preventing heartworm disease. Study 1 evaluated the efficacy of six monthly doses of NP or Simparica Trio® (ST) against a macrocyclic lactone-resistant isolate of heartworm, Dirofilaria immitis, and study 2 evaluated the efficacy of a single dose of NP against a susceptible isolate.MethodsIn two studies, dogs that were negative for heartworms by antigen test and modified Knott’s test were used. In study 1, dogs were randomly allocated into three treatment groups (n = 6/group): negative control, NP per label instructions, and ST per label instructions. Dogs were inoculated with 50 third-stage D. immitis larvae (JYD-34 isolate) on day −30. NP and ST were administered orally on days 0, 30, 60, 90, 120, and 150. A necropsy was performed on day 180 for adult heartworm recovery. In study 2, dogs were randomly allocated into two treatment groups (n = 10/group): negative control and NP. Dogs were inoculated with 50 third-stage larvae (SC-20 isolate) on day −30. NP was administered orally once on day 0 to target the minimum moxidectin label dose. A necropsy was performed on day 120 for adult heartworm recovery.ResultsFor study 1, all control dogs had adult heartworms at necropsy (geometric mean, 39.7; range, 28–48). Two of the NP-treated dogs had one live worm, and one of the ST-treated dogs had one live worm. Both treated groups were significantly different from the control group with an efficacy of 99.5% for NP and 99.8% for ST (P < 0.0001). There was no significant difference (P = 0.8797) between the groups treated with NP and ST. For study 2, all control dogs had adult heartworms (geometric mean, 34.5; range 26–43). None of the dogs treated with NP had live adult worms (efficacy of 100%, P < 0.0001).ConclusionsThe results of study 1 demonstrated that NexGard® PLUS and Simparica Trio® administered at the label dose provided comparable efficacy against a macrocyclic lactone-resistant isolate of D. immitis. The results of study 2 demonstrated that NexGard® PLUS administered once near the minimum label dose was 100% effective against a susceptible isolate.Graphical

Long-term evaluation of viability of microfilariae and intravenously transplanted adult Dirofilaria immitis in microfilaremic dogs treated with low-dose, short- and long-treatment regimens of doxycycline and ivermectin

BackgroundMicrofilarial (mf) counts were monitored over 21.3 months for any rebound that might occur in counts, and adulticidal efficacy was assessed following administration of low dosage with short- and long-treatment regimens of doxycycline and ivermectin to heartworm-microfilaremic dogs.MethodsTwelve heartworm-naïve beagles infected with 10 pairs of adult Dirofilaria immitis by intravenous transplantation were randomly allocated to three groups of four dogs. All treatments started on day 0. On day 0, Group 1 (short-treatment regimen) received doxycycline orally at 10 mg/kg once daily for 30 days plus ivermectin orally (minimum, 6 mcg/kg) on days 0 and 30. Group 2 (long-treatment regimen) received doxycycline orally at 10 mg/kg once daily until individual dogs became mf-negative (72–98 days) and ivermectin every other week until individual dogs became mf-negative (6–7 doses). Group 3 was the untreated control. Mf counts and antigen (Ag) tests were conducted. Dogs were necropsied for recovery and enumeration of heartworms on day 647.ResultsDay −1 mean mf counts were 15,613, 23,950, and 15,513 mf/ml for groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Mean counts for Groups 1 and 2 declined until days 239 and 97, respectively, when all were negative. Group 3 had high mf counts throughout the study. There was not a rebound in mf counts in any of the treated dogs after they became amicrofilaremic. All dogs in group 1 and group 3 were Ag-positive throughout the study and had at least one live female worm at necropsy. All dogs in treated Group 2 were positive for Ag through day 154, but were antigen-negative on days 644 and 647, as all had only male worms. Mean live adult worm recoveries for Groups 1, 2, and 3 were 6.8 (range, 5–8), 3.3 (range, 1–6), and 16.0 (range, 14–17), respectively, with a percent reduction in adult worm counts of 57.5% for Group 1 and 79.3% for Group 2.ConclusionsThese data lend support to the use of the American Heartworm Society Canine Guidelines for adulticide therapy recommending the initiation of doxycycline plus a macrocyclic lactone (ML) at the time of the heartworm-positive diagnosis.Graphical

Enterobious vermicularis induced infectious keratitis following penetrating keratoplasty

A 28-year-old man with a prior history of penetrating keratoplasty in the left eye for total corneal melt presented with a 3-day history of a red, painful left eye. On examination, he was found to have graft infiltrates. Microscopic examination of wet mount preparation of corneal scrapings revealed the presence of embryonated eggs of E. vermicularis. Cellophane (scotch) tape preparation from perianal region also revealed embryonated eggs of E. vermicularis as well as live adult worms. Ocular and adnexal involvement by E. vermicularis is extremely rare. Here, we report the first case of infection of a corneal graft with E. vermicularis.

Evaluation of heat-treating heartworm-positive canine serum samples during treatment with Advantage Multi\xae for Dogs and doxycycline

BackgroundThe use of heat-treatment in canine and feline serum has been hypothesized to break the formation of antigen-antibody complexes, thereby freeing the heartworm antigen allowing for detection by commercially available heartworm antigen kits. While studies have analyzed the effect of heat-treating serum and plasma samples in the detection of heartworm antigen, these studies have not utilized necropsy verified results for validation. This study evaluated the use of heat-treating serum samples in experimentally infected dogs during adulticidal treatment in comparison with necropsy adult heartworm recovery.MethodsAs part of a primary study, a total of 16 dogs were experimentally infected with 16 sexually mature adult heartworms using surgical transplantation, allocating 8 dogs in both the control and treated group. Treated dogs received 10 months of topical administration of Advantage Multi® for Dogs (10% Imidacloprid + 2.5% Moxidectin) every 4 weeks and 30 days of 10 mg/kg doxycycline BID. Blood samples were collected from all study animals prior to surgical transplantation of adult heartworms, on study days 0, 1, 3, 7, 14, 21, 28, and every 4 weeks thereafter for the duration of this study. Concentration of heartworm antigen was tested using the DiroCHEK® heartworm antigen test kit using serum samples both pre- and post-heat-treatment. Serum samples were heat-treated at 103 °C in a dry heat block for 10 min and centrifuging at 1818× g for 20 min.ResultsThere were a total of 4 instances (days 56, 140, 224 and 252) in 3 treated dogs in which a serum sample converted from negative for the detection of heartworm antigen prior to heat-treatment to positive for the detection of heartworm antigen post-heat-treatment. At necropsy, these dogs had no adult heartworms recovered and were all negative on antigen testing prior to and after heat treatment. There was 100% accuracy in the detection of either no infection, or 1–2 adult heartworm infections using the DiroCHEK in serum samples with and without heat-treatment at the time of necropsy.ConclusionsThe DiroCHEK accurately diagnosed all dogs with live adults recovered at necropsy as heartworm antigen positive and all those dogs with no live adults recovered at necropsy as heartworm antigen negative without the use of heat-treatment for samples taken on the day of necropsy. Therefore, these results indicate that the use of heat-treating serum samples did not provide data of any additional value in the diagnosis of heartworm-positive dogs receiving treatment in this study. Additionally, these results may indicate that the conversion of serum samples from negative to positive for the presence of heartworm antigen with heat-treatment may not always accurately diagnose live adult heartworm infections since no adult heartworms were recovered at necropsy for those dogs in which a conversion event occurred. These conversion events may be detecting residual antigen leftover after all adult worms have died or may even be detecting off- target antigens, which have been denatured during heat-treatment. While a necropsy was not performed at the time of the conversion events, no live adult worms were recovered from any of the dogs in which a conversion event occurred earlier in treatment.

Real-time observation of pathophysiological processes during murine experimental Schistosoma japonicum infection using high-resolution ultrasound imaging

BackgroundHepatosplenic lesion formation is one of the typical clinical symptoms of schistosomiasis japonica. Although it is established that circum-oval granuloma formation mediated by T lymphocytes is the key event triggering the formation of hepatic lesions, the time-course kinetics of disease progression remains to be fully elucidated.MethodsThe real-time process of the pathophysiology of schistosomiasis japonica from the early to late clinical phase was non-invasively observed in a murine experimental infection model using high-resolution ultrasonography. Together with clinical parameters, including body weight and the levels of serum markers of hepatic damage or fibrosis, ultrasonography was used to assess changes in the liver parenchyma and diameter of the portal vein and portal blood flow velocity. In parallel, parasitological parameters were observed, including egg number in the feces and maturation of parasites.ResultsAbnormal high-echo spot patterns in the liver parenchyma, reflecting hepatic fibrosis in ultrasonography, appeared in the liver at 4 weeks post-infection and the pattern became more enlarged and severe over time. This finding was concordant with parasite maturation and initial egg excretion. The serum M2BPGi level markedly increased from 8 weeks post-infection, suggesting sharp deterioration of hepatic fibrosis. At the same time, the diameter of the portal vein, reflecting portal hypertension, became enlarged and reached the peak level at 8 weeks post-infection. Ascites were apparent around the spleen at 9 weeks post-infection, and dilatation of the splenic vein was noted at 10 weeks post-infection. Live adult worms seemed to be detected in the portal vein at 4 weeks post-infection by ultrasonography.ConclusionsWe obtained real-time imaging of the development of hepatosplenic lesions of schistosomiasis japonica in mice. The time-course kinetics of the onset, development, and modulation of each symptom was uncovered. These results are expected to provide new clues for understanding the pathophysiology of human schistosomiasis japonica.

Breast filariasis.

Filariasis is a global health problem and is a major social and economical burden in tropical countries in Asia, Africa and few of the South American countries [1,2]. In india, filariasis endemic in number of states including Bihar, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu is found chiefly along the banks of rivers and sea coastal areas.We present a case of 28 year female patient who presented with lump in her left breast for three months and was not associated with pain or discharge from nipple. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) showed live adult filarial worm along with various stages of filariasis such as microfilaria, adult filaria and embryonated eggs of adult gravid female worm.In the world the largest number of filarial cases occur in India and about 600 million people live in endemic areas. Despite the huge number of people affected worldwide, it is quite rare to find microfilaria in routine cytological smears and body fluids. Filariasis of the breast is an uncommon condition and can cause a diagnostic dilemma. Hence, a high index of suspicion, particularly in patient from endemic areas, should be kept in mind so as to avoid surgical measures.

High prevalence of Angiostrongylus cantonensis (rat lungworm) on eastern Hawai'i Island: A closer look at life cycle traits and patterns of infection in wild rats (Rattus spp.).

The nematode Angiostrongylus cantonensis is a zoonotic pathogen and the etiological agent of human angiostrongyliasis or rat lungworm disease. Hawai‘i, particularly east Hawai‘i Island, is the epicenter for angiostrongyliasis in the USA. Rats (Rattus spp.) are the definitive hosts while gastropods are intermediate hosts. The main objective of this study was to collect adult A. cantonensis from wild rats to isolate protein for the development of a blood-based diagnostic, in the process we evaluated the prevalence of infection in wild rats. A total of 545 wild rats were sampled from multiple sites in the South Hilo District of east Hawai‘i Island. Adult male and female A. cantonensis (3,148) were collected from the hearts and lungs of humanely euthanized Rattus rattus, and R. exulans. Photomicrography and documentation of multiple stages of this parasitic nematode in situ were recorded. A total of 45.5% (197/433) of rats inspected had lung lobe(s) (mostly upper right) which appeared granular indicating this lobe may serve as a filter for worm passage to the rest of the lung. Across Rattus spp., 72.7% (396/545) were infected with adult worms, but 93.9% (512/545) of the rats were positive for A. cantonensis infection based on presence of live adult worms, encysted adult worms, L3 larvae and/or by PCR analysis of brain tissue. In R. rattus we observed an inverse correlation with increased body mass and infection level of adult worms, and a direct correlation between body mass and encysted adult worms in the lung tissue, indicating that larger (older) rats may have developed a means of clearing infections or regulating the worm burden upon reinfection. The exceptionally high prevalence of A. cantonensis infection in Rattus spp. in east Hawai‘i Island is cause for concern and indicates the potential for human infection with this emerging zoonosis is greater than previously thought.

Ascaris lumbricoides causing jejunal perforation after trivial trauma

Ascariasis is one of the most common parasitic illnesses in human beings living in underdeveloped and developing countries. Infestation with this can result in wide range of manifestations. Most are asymptomatic, very few patients may develop complications like obstruction, perforation, cholangiohepatitis, pancreatitis, etc. We came across a patient, 20-year-old male who presented to the emergency department with acute abdomen followed by trivial trauma, investigations lead to peritonitis as diagnosis. On emergency laparotomy, unexpectedly Ascaris worms wriggling through jejunal perforation and live adult worms freely floating in peritoneal cavity were seen. It is suggested that trivial trauma might have exacerbated impending Ascaris perforation. A jejunal perforation of Ascaris after trivial trauma is a rare entity. This unique case has highlighted the fact that Ascaris can lead to intestinal perforation in heavily infested individuals particularly in tropical countries following trivial trauma.

Syngamiasis in peafowl chicks: A case study

The occurrence of parasites is probably, the most damaging infection of birds and a source of serious economic loss. Gapes are considered to be serious menace in the artificial rearing of pheasants. Syngamus trachea, called as gapeworm can be acutely harmful especially in young birds. The present paper reports the S. trachea infestation in peafowl chicks in conservative breeding at Bannerghatta Biological Park, Bangalore, Karnataka. The four peafowl chicks were reported of having severe weight loss with poor development of breast muscle mass. The tracheal mucous membrane was extensively inflamed and congested and contained blood tinged exudates along with many live engorged medium-sized adult red worms. The clinical symptoms, gross lesions along with recovery of worms in tracheal lumen and detailed observation of microscopical features of worms and their eggs clearly confirmed the case to be syngamiasis.

In vitro canine platelet aggregation caused by Dirofilaria immitis extract.

Platelet function hyper-activity has been reported in Dirofilaria immitis (heartworm, HW)-infected dogs. Although the mechanism of increased platelet hyper-activity has not yet been elucidated, it is suggested to be mediated by unknown factors, which may be related to adult HW components. This study aims to determine whether adult male HW whole body extract induces canine platelet aggregation in vitro. The results indicate that HW extract caused an aggregation of canine platelets in a concentration-dependent manner. This aggregation ability of the HW extract was not mediated by the adenosine diphosphate receptor. In addition, the mechanisms of aggregation did not require cyclooxygenase-dependent pathways, and the aggregating activity of substances contained in the HW extract was heat stable; therefore, the active substances may be different from collagen. Furthermore, the platelet aggregating activity remained within the molecular weight (MW)≥100,000 fraction obtained by ultrafiltrating the HW extract. In contrast, the MW <100,000 fraction also had a platelet aggregation ability, but the aggregation pattern was reversible and the maximum extent decreased, compared with the MW≥100,000 fraction response. Our experiments have been conducted using a whole body extract from adult HWs to determine with certainty the aggregating activity of HW elements on canine platelets. More studies are necessary to evaluate the effects of the metabolic products released from live adult worms in pulmonary arteries and the symbiont bacterium Wolbachia-derived antigens on canine platelet aggregation.

Efficacy of moxidectin 2.5% and imidacloprid 10% in the treatment of ocular thelaziosis by Thelazia callipaeda in naturally infected dogs

Thelazia callipaeda (Spirurida, Thelaziidae) has been documented as agent of ocular infection in domestic animals (dogs and cats), wildlife (e.g., foxes, hares, rabbits), and humans. In the last two decades, this parasitosis has been increasingly reported in several European countries. Both adult and larval stages of the eyeworm are responsible for symptoms ranging from mild (e.g., lacrimation, ocular discharge, epiphora) to severe (e.g., conjunctivitis, keratitis, and corneal opacity or ulcers). The present study evaluated the clinical efficacy and safety of imidacloprid 10% and moxidectin 2.5% spot on (Advocate®, Bayer Animal Health) in comparison to milbemycin oxime/praziquantel tablets (Milbemax®, Novartis-Animal Health), as positive control, in the treatment of canine thelaziosis in naturally infected dogs and, a third group was used as an untreated control. Forty-seven dogs (27 females and 20 males) harbouring at least one live adult worm of T. callipaeda in one eye were enrolled from an endemic area of southern Italy. Each dog was then weighed and assigned in accordance with a random treatment allocation plan to one of the treatment groups (G1: imidacloprid 10% and moxidectin 2.5% spot on, G2: Untreated control and G3: milbemycin oxime/praziquantel tablets). On Day (D) 7, 14, 28 and 35 dogs were physically examined and the infection level was assessed by examination of both eyes, including conjunctival pouch and third eyelid for live adult T. callipaeda count and clinical scores. Dogs in G1 were treated on D0 and D28, whereas those in G3 on D0 and D7. Efficacy in G1 was 100% at each day post treatment (p<0.01). For the G3 group efficacy was 57.39% on D7 (p<0.05), 92.79% on D14 and 100% on D28 and D35 (p<0.01). The application of the spot on formulation moxidectin 2.5% and imidacloprid 10% was highly effective in the treatment of canine thelaziosis caused by T. callipaeda. Advocate® spot on can be recommended for the control of T. callipaeda infection, considering that this formulation is currently licensed in Europe for the treatment of a wide range of parasites affecting dogs.

An Adult Worm in the Eye

We report a case of ocular loiasis in a 9 yrs old girl. Very few case reports of ocular loiasis have published from India to date. Loa loa is a subcutaneous filarial parasite of man and known to be transmitted to humans by Chrysops flies. Patient presented with visual disturbances due to worm in her eye. A live adult worm was extracted and identity was confirmed by gross and microscopic examination to be Loa loa. Patient was treated with albendazole, gentamicin and steroids.

EVALUATION OF THE THERAPEUTIC EFFICACY OF LEVAMISOLE HYDROCHLORIDE ON THIRD-STAGE LARVAE OF Lagochilascaris minor IN EXPERIMENTALLY INFECTED MICE.

Lagochilascariosis, a disease caused by Lagochilascaris minor, affects the neck, sinuses, tonsils, lungs, the sacral region, dental alveoli, eyeballs and the central nervous system of humans. A cycle of autoinfection may occur in human host tissues characterized by the presence of eggs, larvae and adult worms. This peculiarity of the cycle hinders therapy, since there are no drugs that exhibit ovicidal, larvicidal and vermicidal activity. Given these facts, we studied the action of levamisole hydrochloride on third-stage larvae in the migration phase (G1) and on encysted larvae (G3) of L. minor. To this end, 87 inbred mice of the C57BL/6 strain were divided into test groups comprising 67 animals (G1-37; G3-30) and a control group (G2-10; G4-10) with 20 animals. Each animal was inoculated orally with 2,000 infective eggs of the parasite. The animals of the test groups were treated individually with a single oral dose of levamisole hydrochloride at a concentration of 0.075 mg. The drug was administered either 30 minutes prior to the parasite inoculation (G1 animals) or 120 days after the inoculation (G3 animals). The mice in the control groups were not treated with the drug. After the time required for the migration and the encysting of L. minor larvae, all the animals were euthanized and their tissues examined. The data were analyzed using the Student's unpaired t-test and the Levene test. The groups showed no statistically significant difference. Levamisole hydrochloride was ineffective on third-stage larvae of L. minor. These findings explain the massive expulsion of live adult worms, as well as the use of long treatment schemes, owing to the persistence of larvae and eggs in human parasitic lesions.

Fasciolopsis buski Vomited Out by a Child; The First Case Reported from Nepal

Live adult worms of Fasciolopsis buski are rarely seen in humans except in autopsy. Only a few such cases have been reported in the world literature. We reported a case of fasciolopsiasis in a child of age 14 months who coughed out the live adult Fasciolopsis buski after administration of antihelminthic drug. The patient was a resident of Terai (Far Western) region of Nepal and had history of travelling to India. This is the first case of fasciolopsis reported from Nepal.Nepal Journal of Biotechnology. Dec. 2015 Vol. 3, No. 1: 66-67

Isolation of a Single Live Adult Male Round Worm from Ectopic Site during Autopsy

Ascaris lumbricoides-commonly known as round worm- is cosmopolitan, having worldwide distribution, especially prevalent in the tropics like India. The incidence of round worm infection can go as high as 80-100% in rural areas with poor sanitation. The adult worm commonly lives in the small intestine, 85% in jejunum and 15% in ileum, retaining its position by the virtue of its own muscle tone. But it is also a restless wanderer, showing great inquisitiveness as it tends to probe itself into any aperture it may find on the way. So, although rare, it is possible to come across this commonest and largest intestinal nematode at some odd sites. We, hereby, are reporting a rare case of recovering a live adult round worm from bronchial tree during autopsy. A 60 years old female patient died in this hospital while under treatment for acute gastro-enteritis with fractured femur. As this case was registered as a medico-legal case, a medico-legal-autopsy was done as per rule. During the routine examination of lungs, a live worm was observed in the right bronchus just below the tracheal bifurcation. Careful examination of the worm revealed it to be an adult, male round worm, Ascaris lumbricoides. Other findings in trachea, bronchus and lung were normal, especially no signs of chocking were seen. The diseased was a beggar. Nutritional status and personal hygienic status was very poor. It is quite possible to acquire round worm infection in such scenario.

In-vitro Anthelmintic Efficacy of Some Kashmiri Medicinal Plants against Haemonchus contortus

A study was conducted to test the in-vitro anthelmintic efficacy of crude aqueous extracts (CAE) and crude ethanolic extracts (CEE) of the aerial parts of A. absinthium, Artemisia maritima Linn (Moorin), Acorus calamus Linn (Vai), Nepeta cataria Linn and root of Picrorhiza kurroa Royle ex Benth against Haemonchus contortus. The worm motility inhibition assay was utilized in order to investigate the direct effects of plant extracts on the survival of the adult Haemonchus contortus of Sheep under in -vitro conditions. Significant anthelmintic effects of CAE and CEE on live adult Haemonchus contortus worms (P < 0.05) were observed in terms of the paralysis and/or death of the worms at different hours post-treatment (PT), however, CEE were more efficacious than CAE. In conclusion, Artemisia absinthium Linn (Tethwan) showed highest in-vitro anthelmintic efficacy and can be utilized for further in-vivo study.

ANTIHELMINTIC ACTIVITY OF LEAVES OF PRUNUS PERSICA

Present study was undertaken to investigate the antihelmintic potential of methanolic and aqueous extract of leaves of Prunus persica on adult Indian earthworm Pheritima posthuma. Prunus persica is an orchard tree native to China that bears a juicy edible peach. It belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is highly useful in treating inflammatory disorders. The leaves or powdered bark are excellent for inflammatory bowel disease and gastritis. Various concentrations (15, 30, 45, 60, 75 and 100 mg/ml) of methanolic and aqueous extracts were evaluated for antihelmintic activity by recording the time required for paralysis and death of worms. Albendazole (45 mg/ml) was used as reference standard and 1 % acacia in normal saline water as a control group. A significant anthelmintic affects were observed on live adult Pheretima posthuma worms in terms of the paralysis and death of the worms at different concentrations. The present study clearly demonstrated the antihelmenthic activity of Prunus persica supporting the traditional claim.

Lymphatic Filariasis Disseminating to the Upper Extremity

Lymphatic filariasis is the most common cause of acquired lymphedema worldwide (Szuba and Rockson, 1998). It is endemic to tropical and subtropical regions, and its effects are devastating. With over 100 million infected persons, it ranks second only to leprosy as the leading cause of permanent and long-term disability. Wuchereria bancrofti is the etiologic agent in 90% of cases. There is a dearth of published MRI findings with pathologically proven active infections, making this entity even more of a diagnostic dilemma. Imaging may provide the first clue that one is dealing with a parasite and may facilitate proper treatment and containment of this disease. This is the first report of pathologic correlation with MRI findings in the extremity in active filariasis. The magnetic resonance images demonstrate an enhancing, infiltrative, mass-like appearance with partial encasement of vasculature that has not been previously described in filariasis. Low signal strands in T2-hyperintense dilated lymphatic channels are seen and may depict live adult worms. We hypothesize that the low signal strands correspond to the collagen rich acellular cuticle. This, in combination with the surrounding hyperintense T2 signal, corresponding to a dilated lymphatic channel, may provide more specific MRI findings for active nematodal infection, which can prompt early biopsy, pathological correlation, and diagnosis.

Periorbital dirofilariasis-Clinical and imaging findings: Live worm on ultrasound

Ocular dirofilariasis is a zoonotic filariasis caused by nematode worm,Dirofilaria. We present a case of dirofilariasis affecting the upper eyelid in a 2-year-old child presenting as an acutely inflammed cyst, from southern Indian state of Kerala. Live adult worm was surgically removed and confirmed to be Dirofilaria repens. Live worm showing continuous movement was seen on the pre-operative high-resolution ultrasound. Ultrasound can be helpful in pre-operative identification of live worm. Imaging findings reported in literature are very few. We describe the clinical, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings.

Evaluation of serum antibody responses of Madras Red sheep to excretory/secretory antigen of Haemonchus contortus

Excretory/secretory (E/S) antigen from Haemonchus contortus was isolated by culturing live adult worms in RPMI 1640 medium at 37° C for 24 h and the culture supernatant was used as antigen. Immuno blot analysis revealed that the E/S antigen showed 5 reactive bands at 24, 29, 46, 66 and 93 kDa. On immunization trial, sheep were immunized with 500 mg of E/S antigen along with montanide as adjuvant on day 0, 30 and 60 intramuscularly. Further, the assessment of serum antibody levels in immunized sheep was made by enzyme linked immuno sorbent assay (ELISA). Based on absorbance values, it was observed that the serum antibody levels were significantly higher up to 20 weeks post immunization in immunized sheep compared to control sheep.