Parasitic Organisms Research Articles

An unusual soft tissue mass masquerading as sarcoma: a case report of soft tissue cysticercosis

Cysticercosis is a parasitic infection caused by Taenia solium, and occurs worldwide but is endemic to countries in Central and South America, Africa and various parts of Asia. Outside of endemic areas, common presentations included central nervous system infections and rarely muscle infections. We present a case report of a 32-year-old man presenting with a soft tissue lesion of his left trapezius muscle. The lesion was imaged with MRI and was suspected to be a sarcoma. The biopsy was performed, revealing the unusual finding of a parasitic organism, in keeping with Taenia solium.

Deciphering the complex trophic relationship of the black-spotted croaker (Teleostei: Sciaenidae) and its parasites using stable isotope analysis

The stable isotope values of nitrogen (δ15N) and carbon (δ13C) have been widely used in ecological studies to decipher the trophic relationships and interactions that occur between living organisms. The aim of this study was to determine the trophic relationship between a commercially important tropical Australian marine fish ( Protonibea diacanthus (Lacepède, 1802)) (Sciaenidae) and its associated parasites, through stable isotope analysis of nitrogen and carbon (δ15N and δ13C). We examined the stable isotope ecology of four parasitic organisms: adult ectoparasitic copepods, and endoparasitic adult digeneans and nematodes and plerocercoids. Nitrogen in endoparasites was consistently depleted when compared with the host; however, digeneans expressed nitrogen signatures almost equivalent to those of the host. Ectoparasitic copepods were the only parasite that was substantially enriched in nitrogen compared with the host. All adult parasitic organisms were carbon depleted when compared with the host tissue associated with the site of infection; however, plerocercoids were enriched. Our findings emphasize the complexity of parasite–host interactions and the varying values of isotopic discrimination between parasite type, life-cycle stage, and location in host.

Unveiling the Hidden Dangers: Investigating Intestinal Parasites and Enteric Bacteria in Ogbomoso’s Most Consumed Fruits and Vegetables

This study assessed the microbiological evaluation of environmental contamination of mostly consumed fruits and vegetables by intestinal parasites and enteric bacteria in three major markets (Waaso, Aarada and Akande) Ogbomoso, Oyo State Nigeria. A total of 5 fruits and 5 vegetables commonly consumed by dwellers of these communities were randomly purchased from the three markets. They were washed, and examined for microbial and parasitic organisms. Of the 150 samples of fruits and vegetables that were collected, processed and examined, 83 (55.3%) of them were contaminated with intestinal parasites, results was generated by determining the frequency distribution in which values was obtained by the Mean±SD and the significance of differences was also obtained using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and p-value of <0.05 was considered significant. The intestinal parasites observed included: Ascaris lumbricoides, Balantidium coli, Entamoeba coli, Entamoeba histolytica, Strongyloides stercoralis, Taenia saginata, Trichuris trichuira and Ancyclostoma duodenale. The predominant bacteria isolated from both fruits and vegetables included: Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus species, Klebsiella oxytoca, Staphylococcus saprophyticus and Klebsiella species. The parasites recovered from fruits and vegetables sold in Waaso market were more than those recovered from Aarada and Akande market which are 34(41.0%), 27(32.5%) and 22(26.5%) parasites respectively. Results show that 83(55.3%) out of the 150 fruits and vegetable samples in total examined had intestinal parasites. The prevalence of intestinal parasites in these fruits and vegetables was found to be 4.0% in Banana, 8.7% in Cabbage, 2.7% in Carrot, 3.3% in Cucumber, 6.7% in Jute mallow, 4.0% in Orange, 6.0% in Pineapple, 5.3% in Spinach, 8.6% in Tomato and 6.0% in Water melon. Findings from this study revealed that raw fruits and vegetables could be potential sources of microbial and parasitic infections, it is therefore essential to educate the populace on the need to inculcate the habit of thorough washing of these products with clean water before consumption to avoid potential health risk.

Antivirusna svojstva lignikolnih gljiva Srbije

Fungi have multiple roles in nature. However, from his point of view, man most often views them as useful or harmful (depending on his primary activity). Thus, wood decaying fungi are most often seen as parasitic and saprophytic organisms, economically harmful, overlooking their useful functions. One of their useful functions is a possibility of their use in the treatment of various diseases. The results of the research of antiviral properties of lignicolous fungi are presented in this paper. Samples for isolation and identification of fungi are collected on several sites in Serbia. It has been determined that the fungi that cause wood decay have various antiviral properties, most often against viruses such as influenza, hepatitis, herpes, SARS-CoV-2 and HIV.

МАТЕРИАЛЫ К ФАУНЕ МНОГОКЛЕТОЧНЫХ ПАРАЗИТОВ PERCA FLUVIATILIS L. (ACTINOPTERYGII: PERCIFORMES) (САРАТОВСКОЕ ВОДОХРАНИЛИЩЕ)

The fauna of multicellular parasites of Perca fl uviatilis (Peciformes) (2019, 2022) was studied at the site of the Saratov reservoir, located in the zone of infl uence of a large hydroelectric complex – the Zhigulevskaya HPP (a branch of PJSC RusHydro). 8 species of parasitic organisms were found. Infection of fi sh with alien parasites Apophallus muechlingi and Nicolla skrjabini was revealed. The trematode A. muechlingi, a specifi c parasite of Cyprinidae, occupied a dominant position in the perch macroparasite fauna. This process took no more than 19 years since the introduction of the alien mollusk Lithoglyphus naticoides, the fi rst intermediate host of the parasite. The possibility of participation of invasive fi sh in the process of P. fl uviatilis invasion by 5 parasite species is discussed. Species posing a potential danger to fi sh, carnivores and humans have been found. In particular, for the fi rst time for P. fl uviatilis in the Saratov reservoir, the acanthocephalan Pomphorhynchus laevis, the causative agent of fi sh pomphorhynchosis, was recorded.

Intestinal Parasites among Asymptomatic Food Handlers in a Tertiary Institution in Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria

ABSTRACT Incidence of intestinal parasites has been described as one of the most common problems of developing countries like Nigeria. This study was carried out to determine the possible presence of parasites amongst asymptomatic food handlers in tertiary institution in Owo. One hundred and twenty three (123) stool samples were randomly collected from food vendors in Achievers University, Owo. Also, questionnaires were administered and collated. The samples were transported to the University Parasitology Laboratory within 1 hour of production and examined microscopically using physiological saline and iodine direct mount and formal ether concentration techniques. Out of the 123 stool samples analyzed, 20 were infected with gastrointestinal parasitic organisms, giving a prevalence of 16.26%. Three different parasites were identified: Ascaris lumbricoides (12.20%), Giardia lambia (5.67%), and Entamoeba histolytica (3.25%). The prevalence with respect to gender showed that parasitic infestation was higher in females (9.76%) than in males (6.50%). The parasitic infestation was higher in age groups 36–45 years (7.32%), followed by age groups 18–25 years (5.69) and least in age group 26–35 years (3.25%). The parasitic infestation was higher among subjects who sell cooked food and snacks (6.50%), followed by those who sell cooked food only (4.88%), and lastly 2.44% among those that sell snacks and roasted meat respectively. In conclusion, this study confirmed the presence of intestinal parasitic infection among food handlers in Achievers University Owo, Ondo State. Good hygiene and safe food-handling should be exercised by food handlers.

Checklist of parasites associated with 'reptiles' in Northeast Brazil.

Reptiles, as well as other vertebrate groups, harbour a significant diversity of parasitic organisms, from nematodes and other helminths to viruses and bacteria. The Northeast is one of the richest regions in Brazil in terms of the reptile diversity, number of species and endemism. Parasites are diverse organisms and knowledge about the parasitic fauna of vertebrates is an important factor in understanding the ecological relationships between hosts and the environment. Studies on the parasitic fauna of reptiles in South America have increased in the past few years. The present review is a compilation of 122 studies published from 1924 to 2021. We present information on 101 species of reptiles from five groups (amphisbaenians, crocodile, testudines, snakes and lizards) and 183 parasitic taxa belonging to four phyla: Nematoda; Arthropoda; Platyhelminthes; and Acanthocephala. Nematodes were the most frequently recorded species. Lizards and snakes had more records of parasitism and higher levels of parasite richness and diversity. Ceará was the state with most studies and recorded cases of parasite-host association. The Caatinga and Atlantic Forest were the most investigated environments. The objective of this review was to contribute knowledge on the parasitic biodiversity in reptiles from Northeast Brazil, which may help identify gaps in our knowledge and guide future studies.

Bacteria associated with ovine gut parasites Trichuris ovis and Haemonchus contortus.

An associated microbiome of any host helps it in different metabolic processes ranging from the decomposition of food to the maturation of gametes. Organisms with a parasitic mode of life, though present at nutritious sites inside their host, maintain their own microbiome. Nevertheless, the comprehensive characterization and functionality of microbiome in parasitic organisms remain understudied. We selected two nematode parasites of Kashmir Merino sheep viz;Haemonchus contortus and Trichuris ovis based on their higher prevalence, difference in mode of nutrition, habitation site and effect on host. The objective of the study was to explore the bacteria associated with these parasitic nematodes of sheep. We adopted a 16S rRNA metagenomic sequencing approach to estimate and compare the bacterial communities present in these two nematode species. Nematode parasites from Kashmir Merino sheep were identified morphologically and confirmed with DNA characterization. H. contortus was dominated by phylum Proteobacteria (57%), Firmicutes (25%), Bacteroidota (15%) and Actinobacteriota (3%). Conversely, T. ovis showed Proteobacteria (78%) followed by Firmicutes (8%), Bacteroidota (8%), Actinobacteriota (1%), Fusobacteriota (1%) and other phyla (4%). This study provides a comprehensive account of the microbiome composition of H. contortus and T. ovis, both of which are highly prevalent among Kashmir Merino sheep. Additionally, T. ovis exhibited a greater bacterial diversity compared to H. contortus. Notably, these nematodes were found to harbor certain pathogenic bacteria. This study can further be carried forward in gaining insights into the complex relationship between the microbiota of a parasite and its pathogenicity, reproductive potential and host microbiome modification.

Substances of Milky Juice of Genus Lactarius Fungi: Chemical and Toxicological Characteristics

Background: Fungi of the genus Lactarius Pers. before the maturation of spores are not damaged by microorganisms, insects, mollusks, and animals. Such resistance correlates with the period when the basidiomes of these fungi are filled with milky juice, which contains substances of various chemical nature that provide their protection. Objective: The aim of our work is to present the results of our recent and previously published studies on the identification and toxicological characteristics of substances available in the milky juice of fungi of the genus Lactarius Pers and used for protection against predator and parasite organisms. The possibility of using these substances to suppress tumor cells is also discussed. Methods: The biological effect of the juice of L. pergamenus, L. quietus, and L. volemus, as well as methylene chloride, extracts obtained from fresh, frozen and dried basidiomes of L. pergamenus was studied. Purification of individual fractions of hexane extract from the basidiomes was performed by chromatography on a silica gel column and their analysis by done by thin layer chromatography and gas chromatography mass spectrometry. Results: The sesquiterpene aldehydes were shown to be the main component of the chemical protection system of Lactarius. These agents are present in the milky juice of the Lactarius fungi, and they are easily oxidized by oxygen in the air. The milky juice of these mushrooms is also rich in higher fatty acids and phthalates. Phthalates possess an insecticidal effect, while higher fatty acids are capable of forming adducts with sesquiterpenes that provide emulsion stability. Water-soluble substances, in particular, the polyphenol oxidase enzyme, whose activity correlates with the content of milky juice in basidiomes, also play a protective role. Conclusion: Milky juice of mushrooms of Lactarius Pers. genus is a stable balanced emulsion containing a large number of substances. One part is responsible for the toxic effects on other organisms, while the other part determines the chemical stability of the emulsion. Altogether, they create an effective system of protection of fungi of the Lactarius genus against microorganisms, insects, mollusks, and animals.

Screening of leaf rust resistance genes (Lr) in the breeding lines of winter bread wheat

In the Rostov region, among cereal crops, winter wheat occupies a leading position in terms of the sown area. Breeders have developed wheat varieties, a productivity potential of which is 1.5–2 times higher than their actual yield in production. One of the most important factors that can destabilize gross grain harvests and reduce productivity are parasitic organisms, the most dangerous of which are rust pathogens (Puccinia triticina, P.striiformis, P.graminis). Brown rust (pathogen Puccinia triticina Erikss.) is one of the dangerous wheat diseases. The genetic diversity of cultivated varieties according to resistance types and genes that control it, provides reliable wheat protection against this pathogen. The purpose of the current study was to identify leaf rust resistance genes (Lr-genes) using marker selection for the winter bread wheat lines. The study was carried out in 2020–2021. The objects of research were 311 winter bread wheat lines of the FSBSI Agricultural Research Center «Donskoy». In the study of winter bread wheat lines, there were used such methods as DNA isolation using CTAB, PCR, and electrophoresis on agarose gels. Using molecular markers, there have been identified 24 samples with a functional allele of the Lr10 gene (1672, 518/21 (1), 595/21 (1) 595 (4), 625/21, 626/21, etc.), 49 samples with the dominant allele Lr26 (1105, 502/21, 526/21 (1), 526/21 (2), 529/21 (12), 557/21, etc.), 13 lines with the resistance allele of the Lr37 gene (1105, 1609, 1610, 1611, 1612, 1613, 1615, etc.). There was also found that the Lr17a gene was not detected in the studied lines.

Comparison of Bioluminescent Substrates in Natural Infection Models of Neglected Parasitic Diseases.

The application of in vivo bioluminescent imaging in infectious disease research has significantly increased over the past years. The detection of transgenic parasites expressing wildtype firefly luciferase is however hampered by a relatively low and heterogeneous tissue penetrating capacity of emitted light. Solutions are sought by using codon-optimized red-shifted luciferases that yield higher expression levels and produce relatively more red or near-infrared light, or by using modified bioluminescent substrates with enhanced cell permeability and improved luminogenic or pharmacokinetic properties. In this study, the in vitro and in vivo efficacy of two modified bioluminescent substrates, CycLuc1 and AkaLumine-HCl, were compared with that of D-luciferin as a gold standard. Comparisons were made in experimental and insect-transmitted animal models of leishmaniasis (caused by intracellular Leishmania species) and African trypanosomiasis (caused by extracellular Trypanosoma species), using parasite strains expressing the red-shifted firefly luciferase PpyRE9. Although the luminogenic properties of AkaLumine-HCl and D-luciferin for in vitro parasite detection were comparable at equal substrate concentrations, AkaLumine-HCl proved to be unsuitable for in vivo infection follow-up due to high background signals in the liver. CycLuc1 presented a higher in vitro luminescence compared to the other substrates and proved to be highly efficacious in vivo, even at a 20-fold lower dose than D-luciferin. This efficacy was consistent across infections with the herein included intracellular and extracellular parasitic organisms. It can be concluded that CycLuc1 is an excellent and broadly applicable alternative for D-luciferin, requiring significantly lower doses for in vivo bioluminescent imaging in rodent models of leishmaniasis and African trypanosomiasis.

Molecular Cloning and Characterization of a Fasciola gigantica Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 1 (FgNR1).

Fasciola gigantica, a giant liver fluke, causes tremendous loss to the livestock economy in several regions throughout the world. The situation of drug resistance has been emerging increasingly; therefore, novel drugs and drug targets need to be discovered. The adult F. gigantica inhabits the major bile ducts where bile salts accumulate-these are steroid-like molecules that mediate several physiological processes in organisms through interacting with their specific nuclear receptors. However, the molecular mechanism of the interaction in the parasitic organisms have not been clearly understood. In this study, putative nuclear receptor subfamily 1 of F. gigantica (FgNR1) was identified. Nucleotide and amino acid sequences of the FgNR1 homolog were obtained from the transcriptome of F. gigantica and predicted for properties and functions using bioinformatics. The full-length cDNA was cloned and expressed in the bacterial expression system and then used for immunization. Western analysis and immunolocalization suggested that FgNR1 could be detected in the crude worm antigens and was highly expressed in the caeca and testes of the adult parasite. Moreover, the bile could significantly activate the expression of FgNR1 in cultured parasites. Our results indicated that FgNR1 has high potential for the development of a novel anthelminthic drug in the future.

A probabilistic model predicting host specificity and host range expansion in mites parasitic on mammals

The emergence of new mammalian diseases through the switching of parasitic organisms to novel hosts has significant wildlife, livestock, and human health impacts, however, new host switches are notoriously difficult to predict. The factors influencing the host switches are not fully understood because complete unbiased large-scale datasets of host-parasite relationships are lacking. Building a large-scale model to identify these factors and predict potential host switching (host range expansion) could hold substantial benefits from theoretical and applied perspectives (e.g., disease emergence prediction). Here we analyzed a large, curated database of host-parasite relationships of 1906 species of acariform mites forming permanent associations with 1235 species of mammals, including humans, and built a probabilistic predictive model of host-specificity for these mites. There was a total of 3,125 unique host-parasite records.

Clinical and laboratory profile and outcomes of hospitalized COVID-19 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Ghana - Asingle-center study.

In sub-Saharan Africa and particularly in Ghana, there is scarcity of published literature specifically on the impact of DM on outcomes in COVID-19 patients. Based on the difference in genetic makeup and demographic patterns in Africans compared to the Western world and with the rising burden of DM and other non-communicable diseases in Ghana there is a need to define the impact DM has on persons with COVID-19. This would ensure adequate risk stratification and surveillance for such patients as well as appropriate scale up of therapeutic management if needed. This single-center study describes the clinical and laboratory profile and outcomes of COVID-19 in-patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) in Ghana. Retrospective analysis was undertaken of the medical records of adults with COVID-19 hospitalized at a facility in Ghana from March to October 2020. Clinical, laboratory and radiological data and outcomes were analysed. Comparisons between COVID-19 patients with DM and non-diabetics were done with an independent t-test or a Mann-Whitney test when normality was not attained. Odds ratios (95% CI) were calculated using univariate logistic regression. Out of 175 COVID-19 patients, 64 (36.6%) had DM. Overall mean age was 55.9 ± 18.3 years; DM patients were older compared to non-diabetics (61.1 ± 12.8 vs. 53.0 ± 20.2 years, p=.049). Compared to non-diabetics, diabetics were more likely to have higher blood glucose at presentation, have hypertension, be on angiotensin 2 receptor blockers [OR, 95% CI 3.3 (1.6-6.7)] and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors [OR, 95% CI 3.1 (1.3-7.4)]; and be HIV negative (p < .05). Although the values were normal, diabetics had a higher platelet count but decreased lymphocytes, aspartate transaminase and alkaline phosphatase compared to non-diabetics (p < .05). There was no difference in clinical symptoms, severity or mortality between the two groups. The clinical profile of patients studied are similar to prior studies. However the outcome of this study showed that DM was not associated with worse clinical severity and in-hospital mortality. This could have been due to majority of DM patients in this study having relatively good blood glucose control on admission. Secondly, DM alone may not be a risk factor for mortality. Rather its concurrent existence with multiple co-morbidities (especially cardiovascular co-morbidities which may predispose to pro-inflammatory and pro-thrombotic states) may be driving the rise in severity and mortality risks reported in other studies. Furthermore, this study was conducted among an African population and Africa has been shown to be generally less severely hit by the COVID-19 pandemic compared to other regions outside the continent. This has been postulated to be due, among other factors, to inherent protective mechanisms in Africans due to early and repeated exposure to parasitic and other organisms resulting in a robust innate immunity. This study suggested that DM was not associated with more severe clinical symptoms or worse outcomes among hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Despite this, it is important that DM patients adhere to their therapy, observe the COVID-19 containment protocols and are prioritized in the administration of the COVID-19 vaccines. In this retrospective, single-centre study on the clinical and laboratory profile and outcome of hospitalized DM patients with COVID-19, patients with DM did not have a more severe clinical profile or worse outcomes. They were, however, significantly older, more likely to have higher admission blood glucose, have hypertension, be on angiotensin 2 receptor blockers and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors; and be HIV negative compared to the cohort without DM. DM patients should be a priority group for the COVID-19 vaccines.

Resetting our expectations for parasites and their effects on species interactions: a meta-analysis.

Despite the ubiquitous nature of parasitism, how parasitism alters the outcome of host-species interactions such as competition, mutualism and predation remains unknown. Using a phylogenetically informed meta-analysis of 154 studies, we examined how the mean and variance in the outcomes of species interactions differed between parasitized and non-parasitized hosts. Overall, parasitism did not significantly affect the mean or variance of host-species interaction outcomes, nor did the shared evolutionary histories of hosts and parasites have an effect. Instead, there was considerable variation in outcomes, ranging from strongly detrimental to strongly beneficial for infected hosts. Trophically-transmitted parasites increased the negative effects of predation, parasites increased and decreased the negative effects of interspecific competition for parasitized and non-parasitized heterospecifics, respectively, and parasites had particularly strong negative effects on host species interactions in freshwater and marine habitats, yet were beneficial in terrestrial environments. Our results illuminate the diverse ways in which parasites modify critical linkages in ecological networks, implying that whether the cumulative effects of parasitism are considered detrimental depends not only on the interactions between hosts and their parasites but also on the many other interactions that hosts experience.

Uncovering Pseudogenes and Intergenic Protein-coding Sequences in TriTryps' Genomes.

Trypanosomatids belong to a remarkable group of unicellular, parasitic organisms of the order Kinetoplastida, an early diverging branch of the phylogenetic tree of eukaryotes, exhibiting intriguing biological characteristics affecting gene expression (intronless polycistronic transcription, trans-splicing, and RNA editing), metabolism, surface molecules, and organelles (compartmentalization of glycolysis, variation of the surface molecules, and unique mitochondrial DNA), cell biology and life cycle (phagocytic vacuoles evasion and intricate patterns of cell morphogenesis). With numerous genomic-scale data of several trypanosomatids becoming available since 2005 (genomes, transcriptomes, and proteomes), the scientific community can further investigate the mechanisms underlying these unusual features and address other unexplored phenomena possibly revealing biological aspects of the early evolution of eukaryotes. One fundamental aspect comprises the processes and mechanisms involved in the acquisition and loss of genes throughout the evolutionary history of these primitive microorganisms. Here, we present a comprehensive in silico analysis of pseudogenes in three major representatives of this group: Leishmania major, Trypanosoma brucei, and Trypanosoma cruzi. Pseudogenes, DNA segments originating from altered genes that lost their original function, are genomic relics that can offer an essential record of the evolutionary history of functional genes, as well as clues about the dynamics and evolution of hosting genomes. Scanning these genomes with functional proteins as proxies to reveal intergenic regions with protein-coding features, relying on a customized threshold to distinguish statistically and biologically significant sequence similarities, and reassembling remnant sequences from their debris, we found thousands of pseudogenes and hundreds of open reading frames, with particular characteristics in each trypanosomatid: mutation profile, number, content, density, codon bias, average size, single- or multi-copy gene origin, number and type of mutations, putative primitive function, and transcriptional activity. These features suggest a common process of pseudogene formation, different patterns of pseudogene evolution and extant biological functions, and/or distinct genome organization undertaken by those parasites during evolution, as well as different evolutionary and/or selective pressures acting on distinct lineages.

S3450 Atypical Endoscopic and Clinical Presentation of Strongyloidiasis

Introduction: Strongyloidiasis is a helminthic parasitic infection caused by the nematode Strongyloides stercoralis. Due to its replication cycle within the human host, acute infection classically presents sequentially with skin irritation, dry cough, and then non-specific gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. Mild GI and dermatologic symptoms appear to be more prevalent in chronic infections. Here we present a case of strongyloidiasis manifesting in atypical symptoms with normal endoscopic findings. Case Description/Methods: An 81-year-old female with a medical history of diverticulosis, hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia, and chronic kidney disease was admitted to the hospital for anorexia, abdominal pain, and unintentional 26-pound weight loss over 6 months. Computed tomography of chest, abdomen, and pelvis revealed a moderate left-sided pleural effusion and uncomplicated sigmoid diverticulitis. Pleural fluid studies showed exudative features, with negative cultures and cytology. She was started on ciprofloxacin and metronidazole for diverticulitis. The patient also had a chronic iron deficiency anemia with an average hemoglobin of 7.4 g/dL. Absolute eosinophil count, total IgE, sedimentation rate, and c-reactive protein were elevated. Enteroscopy up to the mid jejunum appeared normal except for a 4 cm hiatal hernia. Random duodenal biopsies showed chronic active duodenitis with several eosinophils and parasitic organisms (Figure). Colonoscopy was deferred due to acute diverticulitis. Strongyloides serum antibodies were positive. Stool studies were not analyzed due to lab errors. The patient was treated with oral ivermectin 200 mcg/kg/day for 14 days due to concern for disseminated infection and scheduled for an outpatient endoscopy and colonoscopy. Discussion: This case highlights the need to keep parasitic infections on the differential when patients present with symptoms concerning for malignancy, such as weight loss, anemia, abnormal laboratory markers, and new pleural effusions. While S. stercoralis has been found to mimic inflammatory bowel disease, it has not been associated with diverticulitis thus far. In addition, typical endoscopic findings include edematous and erythematous mucosa with white villi, however, this patient had normal endoscopic findings despite the extent of her infection. The duodenal biopsies aided in making the diagnosis for this case and should be considered in patients with similar presentations.Figure 1.: Duodenal biopsies showing chronic active duodenitis with several eosinophils and parasitic organisms.

On the Problem of Developing a Theory of Russian Bureaucracy

ABSTRACT This article raises the issue of using Russia’s transformations over the last three hundred years as material for creating a theory of bureaucracy that differs from Max Weber’s understanding of it. This issue is addressed using the understandings developed at the Rostov School of Political Sciences of the Southern Federal University (Russia), which is working out a conceptual apparatus for studying the Russian, Soviet, and post-Soviet bureaucracy in relation to the process of forming an opposition free from stereotypes of bureaucratic action, behavior, and thought. This kind of opposition could not have arisen in monarchical, Soviet, or post-Soviet Russia. The reasons for this are explained by a theory of bureaucracy that contains a reconstruction of Marx’s definition of bureaucracy as a social parasitic organism, a reflection of numerous social contradictions and the embodiment of political alienation. The article discusses the cognitive situation in contemporary Russia, ways for researchers to avoid the choice imposed by post-Soviet authorities, and the specific features of the genesis and structure of the assertion of police society in Russia.

The stochastic world of emerging viruses.

The acquisition of new hosts is a fundamental mechanism by which parasitic organisms expand their host range and perpetuate themselves on an evolutionary scale. Among pathogens, viruses, due to their speed of evolution, are particularly efficient in producing new emergence events. However, even though these phenomena are particularly important to the human species and therefore specifically studied, the processes of virus emergence in a new host species are very complex and difficult to comprehend in their entirety. In order to provide a structured framework for understanding emergence in a species (including humans), a comprehensive qualitative model is an indispensable cornerstone. This model explicitly describes all the stages necessary for a virus circulating in the wild to come to the crossing of the epidemic threshold. We have therefore developed a complete descriptive model explaining all the steps necessary for a virus circulating in host populations to emerge in a new species. This description of the parameters presiding over the emergence of a new virus allows us to understand their nature and importance in the emergence process.

Vertical characterisation of phylogenetic divergence of microbial community structures, interaction, and sustainability in estuary and marine ecosystems

The changes in the aquatic environmental conditions often influence the microbial community assemblages and genome repertoire. Studies investigating the aquatic diversity and ecosystem services were primarily conducted in horizontal environments while neglecting the microbial phylogenetic divergences, biotrophic interactions, and eco-sustainability at water vertical layers. We investigated the mechanisms of microbial transitions, and the ecological significance of water depth layers in the estuary and marine ecosystems. The results demonstrated that the salinity and turbidity increased with increasing water depth (0–50 m), while temperature and pH decreased significantly. The bacterial and eukaryotic diversity and composition significantly increased with an elevating water depth. Bacterial phyla such as Desulfobacterota, Acidobacteriota, Myxococcota, Gemmatimonadota, Campilobacterota, and Latescibacterota were increased significantly. However, niche preference occurred, and some microbes showed differential nestedness at water vertical layers. In the eukaryotic community, Eustigmatales group were the only clades predominantly phylogenetically nested at the surface water depth. c_Conoidasida, o_Gregarinasina, f_Eugregarinorida, and g_Lankesteria were the most predominant at the middle depth. While Mediophyceae clades, p_SAR, and the Animalia clades were the most predominant groups nested at the bottom depths. The microbial interaction, structure, and stability were increased with increasing depth. The vertical phylogenetic turnover of the microbial community was related to the feeding mechanisms. Phototrophic organisms were particularly adapted at the surface, and middle depth by parasitic and pathogenic organisms, while the bottom was inhabited by diatoms, decomposers, and detritus protists. This study demonstrated that the bottom depth was the most ecologically stable area with more profound ecosystem services.