Trombiculid Mites Research Articles

Scrub Typhus in Chile

Scrub typhus, caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi, is an endemic zoonotic infection transmitted by the larvae (“chiggers”) of trombiculid mites in what

Endemic Scrub Typhus in South America

Scrub typhus is a life-threatening zoonosis caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi organisms that are transmitted by the larvae of trombiculid mites. Endemic scrub typhus was originally thought to be confined to the so called “tsutsugamushi triangle” within the Asia–Pacific region. In 2006, however, two individual cases were detected in the Middle East and South America, which suggested that the pathogen was present farther afield. Here, we report three autochthonous cases of scrub typhus caused by O. tsutsugamushi acquired on Chiloé Island in southern Chile, which suggests the existence of an endemic focus in South America. (Funded by the Chilean Comisión Nacional de Investigación Científica y Tecnológica and the Wellcome Trust.)

BIOINDICATION OF THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE CITY OF BARNAUL USING PRONOTUM MELANIZED PATTERN OF RED SOLDIER BUG

Bioindicative assessment of the environment using the character of pronotum melanized pattern of red soldier bug ( Pyrrhocoris apterus (Linnaeus, 1758)) has been conducted in the city of Barnaul for the first time. A catalogue of phenotypic variations of pronotum melanized pattern has been compiled. According to the results of the study the urban environment in the city Barnaul can be assigned to the third quality class, indicating a strong anthropogenic influence, and there is a direct correlation between the increase of the deviations during the formation of pronotum melanized pattern of firebug, and intensity of environmental pollution by motor transport.

Seroprevalence of Scrub Typhus in a Tertiary Care Hospital of Upper Assam

Introduction: Scrub typhus is an acute febrile infectious illness caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi, transmitted to humans by the bite of the larva of trombiculid mites. The study was undertaken to know the seroprevalence of Scrub typhus among clinically suspected cases and its association with different parameters like age, gender, geographical location, season etc. Methods: This prospective cross-sectional hospital based study was carried out on consecutive non repetitive clinically suspected cases satisfying the case definition as per DHRICMR guideline attending Assam Medical College & Hospital during the study period of March 2014 to February 2016. Serum samples were tested for Scrub typhus IgM antibodies by ELISA method. Results: A total of 802 no of cases were included in the study. Of them 124 (15.46 %) were positive for Scrub typhus. Cases were presented with fever, headache, myalgia, nausea and vomiting, joint pain, seizure, altered mental status, unconsciousness, retro-orbital pain, lymphadenopathy, maculo-papular rash etc. Eschar was seen in two patients. Hepatosplenomegaly was observed in 13.71% patients. The study showed no significant association of the disease with the age and sex of the patient (p>0.05). Most of the cases were found in June- February. 90.32 % cases were reported from rural area and the association was statistically significant. (p<0.001) Conclusion: It is recommended to include Scrub typhus in the differential diagnosis of acute febrile illness in this region which will help in proper diagnosis, timely and adequate treatment and avoidance of the complications and mortality.

An updated distribution and hosts: trombiculid mites (Acari: Trombidiformes) associated with small mammals in Yunnan Province, southwest China.

Trombiculid mites (or chigger mites) are a large group of arthropods, and some of these species are vectors of Orientia tsutsugamushi, the causative agent of tsutsugamushi disease (scrub typhus). Yunnan Province is situated in the southwest of China, and its complicated topography, special altitude gradients, and high biodiversity have aroused the interest of many scientists to study the fauna and species diversity of plants and animals. To replenish our former faunal study, this paper listed all the scientific names of trombiculid mites in Yunnan Province, together with their hosts and collection sites (geographical distribution). A total of 120,138 individuals of trombiculid mites were collected from the body surface of 13,760 small mammal hosts (89.06% of them are rodents) in 29 collection sites (counties) of Yunnan Province from 2001 to 2013. The 120,138 mites were identified as comprising 2 families (Trombiculidae and Leeuwenhoekiidae), 26 genera, and 274 species. The genus Leptotrombidium had the most abundant species (109 species) of 26 genera. Of the six main vectors of scrub typhus in China, five of them were found in Yunnan. Of the 274 chigger mite species, 23 were determined as the newly recorded species (new records), which were found in Yunnan Province for the first time. The identified 274 species of trombiculid mites in the present paper are much more than those from other provinces in China and even largely exceeded the species of trombiculid mites recorded from some other regions and countries in the world. Based on the formula of Chao 1, the total number of chigger mite species in Yunnan was approximately estimated to be 346 species, and about 72 species might have been missed in our sampling process.

Abundance & distribution of trombiculid mites & Orientia tsutsugamushi, the vectors & pathogen of scrub typhus in rodents & shrews collected from Puducherry & Tamil Nadu, India.

Background & objectives:Human cases of scrub typhus are reported every year from Puducherry and adjoining areas in southern India. However, information on the presence of causative agent, Orientia tsutsugamushi, and its vectors is lacking. Hence, the objective of the study was to find out the vector as well as pathogen distribution in rodents and shrews present in the scrub typhus-reported areas in southern India.Methods:Trombiculid mites were collected by combing rats and shrews collected using Sherman traps and identified to species level following standard taxonomical keys. The serum samples of the animals were used for Weil–Felix test and the clots containing blood cells were used for DNA extraction and polymerase chain reaction (PCR).Results:A total of 181 animals comprising four rodent species and one shrew species were collected from 12 villages. High proportion of chiggers was collected from the shrew, Suncus murinus (79.1%) and Rattus rattus (47.6%). A total of 10,491 trombiculid mites belonging to nine species were collected. Leptotrombidium deliense, the known vector of scrub typhus pathogen, was the predominant species (71.0%) and the chigger (L. deliense) index was 41.1 per animal. Of the 50 animals screened for the pathogen, 28 showed agglutination against OX-K in Weil–Felix test indicating the presence of antibodies against O. tsutsugamushi, the causative agent of scrub typhus. PCR carried out with the DNA extracted from blood samples of two of the animals were positive for GroEl gene of O. tsutsugamushi.Interpretation & conclusions:L. deliense index was well above the critical limit of chigger load, indicating that all the villages were receptive for high risk of transmission of scrub typhus to human. Pathogen positivity was higher among animals collected from villages recorded for higher chigger indices due to active transmission between the chigger mites and reservoir host animals. The results are suggestive of routine vector/pathogen surveillance at hot spots to initiate timely preventive measures.

Lucky

Lucky Emily Vizzo (bio) I meant no disrespect to my body.Sleepless, I made my way to the outdoor showerhard rosebuds of insect bites rising. VitaminB, lavender oil, tea tree oil, Benadryl, nothing helped& nothing made me less of a feast to the predawnmosquitoes & fleas. Long ago I held a mesh bagseething w/ ladybugs, my first sense of wealth,all that luck at once, released on the backyard rosebush,tiny black mouths & bright buttery wingspinching aphids. I cannot drown beneath the waverof an outdoor shower, rubber sandals sucking againsta concrete drain, but I can try. Next to me a little girlshowers w/ her mother, tramping a plastic horsethrough the soap scum & fallenhair nests. The tiny cello of her body, like mine,is covered in itched welts, the shape of her lifesinging all around her, sunlight crashinginto the manchineel, itching & scratching,a beautiful sunburn, bee stings. I am strandedfrom her joy, the torn bag revealing its red bugs, theirblack mouths fastened to my body soresw/ hunger, w/ attentive love,call it what you want. [End Page 73] Emily Vizzo Emily Vizzo is a San Diego poet, editor, and educator, whose work has appeared in FIELD, the Journal, North American Review, Blackbird, jubilat, and the Normal School. A San Diego Area Writing Project Fellow, Emily served as assistant managing editor at Drunken Boat and volunteers with vida, Poetry International, and Hunger Mountain. Her essay, "A Personal History of Dirt," was noted in Best American Essays 2013, and she was selected for Best New Poets 2015. She teaches creative writing at the University of California, San Diego Extension and yoga at the University of San Diego. Copyright © 2015 University of Nebraska Press

A report on the present scenario of Scrub typhus in Nagaland, India

Dear Sir, Scrub typhus, caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi, is an acute, febrile, infectious illness. Hakuju Hashimoto in 1810 described it first in people residing on the banks of the Shinano River.[1] When an infected trombiculid mite (“chiggers,” Leptotrombidium deliense) bites, the disease gets transmitted to the humans.[2] Scrub typhus is prevalent in scrub jungle where forest is regrowing after being cleared, hence the name. Optimal conditions for the survival of the infected mites prevail in areas such as forest clearings, riverbanks, and grassy regions; however, it has also been identified in sandy beaches, mountain deserts, and equatorial rain forests. Scrub typhus occurs more frequently during the rainy season, usually from June to November.[3,4] The chigger bite is without pain and can be found as a temporary localized itch, and generally, bites are often found on the groin, axilla, genitalia, or neck. The bite of the mite results in a typical black eschar, which enables the diagnosis. Patients develop sudden fever with chills, severe headache, weakness, myalgia, generalized enlargement of lymph nodes, photophobia, and dry cough and gastrointestinal symptoms.[4] A week later, rash may appear on the trunk, and then on the extremities, and turn pale within a few days. However, maculopapular rash are seldom observed in indigenous patients. Symptoms generally disappear after 2 weeks even without treatment. However, in severe/untreated cases, complications such as pneumonia and myocarditis might occur. In untreated patients, case fatality rate is reported to be as high as 30%.[3] In Nagaland, India, in 2006, scrub typhus was first reported at Longsa village in Mokokchung district. Since then, scrub typhus has been reported from other districts such as Kohima, Peren, Phek, and Mon. However, the disease was brought into the spotlight in 2007, when 24 people died of scrub typhus at Porba village in Phek district, Nagaland. With a population of approximately 2,000 individuals, the high mortality rate created a panic among the villagers of Porba. Although scrub typhus occurs more frequently during the rainy season, it is detected throughout the year in this region. The aim of this study was to assess the current scenario of incidence of scrub typhus in three districts of Nagaland. Survey of scrub typhus was carried out at three districts of Nagaland, namely Dimapur, Kohima, and Phek in 2014. Blood samples were collected from random population. A total of 436 samples were collected (Dimapur, 135; Kohima, 177; and Phek, 124) and analyzed for scrub typhus by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Blood samples (5 mL) were collected and brought to the laboratory under cold condition, and the serum was preserved at −80°C. These samples were tested for specific IgM antibodies against O. tsutsugamushi using commercial ELISA kit (InBios International, Inc., USA). The test was performed as per the standard operating procedure of the manufacturer. The sensitivity of this method has been reported to be 86.5%.[5] Of the total 436 samples tested for scrub typhus, 31 (7.2%) samples were found positive by IgM ELISA. The result showed 3.7% positive from Dimapur, 11.9% from Kohima, and 4.1% from Phek districts. The most common clinical presentations were fever, followed by lymph node enlargement, giddiness, weakness, head ache, and stomach pain. Although eschar is an important diagnosis of the disease, it may not be seen in all the cases, and its absence do not rule out scrub typhus. All the cases detected during these surveys were treated with doxycycline successfully without any mortality or complications. Ever since the first detection of scrub typhus in Nagaland, health-care workers have taken immense measure in curbing the disease. Awareness programs and survey of scrub typhus has been conducted frequently, which brought down the

Surveillance of potential hosts and vectors of scrub typhus in Taiwan.

BackgroundScrub typhus is a lethal infectious disease vectored by larval trombiculid mites (i.e. chiggers) infected with Orientia tsutsugamushi (OT) and recent decades have witnessed an emergence of scrub typhus in several countries. Identification of chigger species and their vertebrate hosts is fundamental for the assessment of human risks to scrub typhus under environmental changes, but intensive and extensive survey of chiggers and their hosts is still lacking in Taiwan.MethodsChiggers were collected from shrews and rodents in nine counties of Taiwan and were assayed for OT infections with nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR). PCR products were further sequenced to reveal probable OT strains. Rodents were assessed for OT exposure by immunofluorescent antibody assay. Lastly, incidence rate of scrub typhus in each county was associated with loads and prevalence of chigger infestations, seropositivity rate in rodents, and OT positivity rate in chiggers.ResultsRattus losea was the most abundant (48.7 % of 1,285 individuals) and widespread (occurred in nine counties) small mammal species and hosted the majority of chiggers (76.4 % of 128,520 chiggers). Leptotrombidium deliense was the most common (64.9 % of all identified chiggers) and widespread (occurred in seven counties) chigger species but was replaced by Leptotrombidium pallidum or Leptotrombidium scutellare during the cold seasons in two counties (Matsu and Kinmen) where winter temperatures were lower than other study sites. Seropositivity rate for OT exposure in 876 assayed rodents was 43.0 % and OT positivity rate in 347 pools of chiggers was 55.9 %, with 15 OT strains identified in the 107 successfully sequenced samples. Incidence rate of scrub typhus was positively correlated with chigger loads, prevalence of chigger infestations, seropositivity rate but not OT positivity rate in chiggers.ConclusionsOur study reveals R. losea as the primary host for chiggers and there exists a geographical and seasonal variation in chigger species in Taiwan. It also emphasizes the importance of recognition of chigger vectors and their vertebrate hosts for a better prediction of human risks to scrub typhus under rapid environmental changes.

A Checklist of Chigger Mites (Acari: Trombiculidae and Leeuwenhökiidae) From Taiwan, With Descriptions of Three New Species.

Scrub typhus is a lethal human disease transmitted by larval trombiculid mites (i.e., chiggers) that have been infected with the rickettsia Orientia tsutsugamushi. In total, 21 chigger species are known from Taiwan. We update the checklist of chiggers of Taiwan based on an intensive survey of shrew and rodent hosts in grasslands and agricultural fields in lowland Taiwan, coupled with surveys of forests in one mountainous site and an opportunistic examination of submitted host specimens. Three new species of chiggers, Gahrliepia (Gateria) lieni sp. n., Gahrliepia (Gateria) minuta sp. n., and Gahrliepia (Gateria) yilanensis sp. n., as well as 23 newly recorded chigger species, were discovered. Accordingly, recorded chigger species of Taiwan more than doubled from 21 to 47 species. Two new species and nine newly recorded chigger species were discovered in forests in one mountainous site in northeastern Taiwan, suggesting that many more chigger species may be uncovered, particularly in mountainous Taiwan. Further studies should also investigate O. tsutsugamushi infection in different chigger species to assess its risks to human health.

Outbreak of scrub typhus in odisha - an emerging threat

Scrub typhus a zoonotic disease, caused by the intracellular parasite Orienta tsutsugamushi, transmitted by the bite of trombiculid mite. It is under reported in Odisha, may be due to lack of suspicion and / lack of specific diagnostic test.

Stylostome and feeding of the trombiculid larva Neotrombicula tianshana Shao et Wen, 1984 (Acariformes: Parasitengona) from the Baikal region

Stylostome, skin reaction and feeding peculiarities of larvae of the trombiculid mite Neotrombicula tianshana Shao et Wen, 1984 were studied using histological, SEM and CLSM methods. Larvae of this species tend to attach and feed in tight groups inside ears, although single larvae may attach separately at sites with an unaffected epidermis. Correspondingly, every mode of stylostome formation may be observed. In any case, larvae produce relatively long stylostomes (up to 200 µm), which never extends beyond the epidermis (the epidermal stylostome type) irrespective of feeding site. In the mature condition, the stylostome shows a whitish homogeneous “hyaline-like” substance of its walls without conspicuous transverse or longitudinal layers. The stylostome character differs from that of other trombiculid larvae and mostly depends on the rate of saliva passage through the axial canal that, in turn, depends on the larval biology and feeding priorities. Feeding of this species leads to formation of a strong hypersensitive reaction caused, probably, by antigens in the larval saliva introduced by the larva through the stylostome into the wound. This cutaneous reaction is mediated by exudation of the neutrophile granulocytes and mononuclear lymphocytes through the walls of the extremely dilated terminal venules and capillaries and their migration to the attachment site. This process involves the sebaceous glands and results in the significant destruction of the epidermis and formation of scab on the skin surface that serve for elimination of the parasite from the host skin. Larvae uptake liquid nutrient substrate and never take up cell elements of the host. Nutrients are accumulated within the expanded midgut cells in the form of violet nutrition globules. If the larvae feed in a place with loosely organized destroyed epidermis, the stylostome may grow faster and relatively long stylosotomes may be associated with larvae in their initial feeding stages. Nevertheless, in all cases fully fed larvae always show totally developed stylostomes.

Host-Seeking Behavior of Trombiculid Mites on Vegetation in Relation to Sika Deer.

We collected larval trombiculid mites on vegetation monthly from October 1997 to February 2000, and from the heads of sika deer culled in March 2003 in Boso Peninsula, central Japan. Two species of trombiculid mites, Neotrombicula nogamii Takahashi, Takano, Misumi, and Kikuchi and Leptotrombidium scutellare Nagayo, Miyagawa, Mitamura, and Tamiya, occurred on vegetation. Peak numbers of N. nogamii were found in January, and L. scutellare numbers peaked in November. Both species were collected predominantly on the top of Sasa bamboo stems, where they formed clusters, though N. nogamii preferred heights of 40-50 cm. Furthermore, N. nogamii and Walchia masoni (Asanuma and Saito) were collected from deer. These findings indicate that vegetation is an important substrate for some trombiculid mites awaiting hosts.

Milbemycin oxime (Interceptor) treatment of amphipod parasites (Hyperiidae) from several host jellyfish species.

Wild-caught crystal jellyfish (Aequorea victoria) arrived at the John G. Shedd Aquarium infested with hyperiid amphipods (Hyperia medusarum), which were inadvertently introduced into a system containing several jellyfish species. Affected systems were treated with milbemycin oxime (Interceptor tablets for dogs 51-100 lbs, Novartis Animal Health US, Inc., Greensboro, North Carolina 27408, USA), a treatment prescribed for red bug (Tegastes acroporanus) infestation in corals. Two treatments using one 25-mg aliquot of Interceptor per 10 gallons of tank water administered 6-7 days apart were completed. Overall, treatment to eradicate the parasite from the affected systems was successful. Further studies evaluating the tolerance of jellyfish to milbemycin oxime, particularly in small juvenile Eutonina indicans and Aurelia aurita, are warranted. Based on clinical observations, there were more negative effects associated with the treatment in the hydrozoans than in the scyphozoans.

In Search of Scrub Typhus: A Prospective Analysis of Clinical and Epidemiological Profile of Patients from a Tertiary Care Hospital in New Delhi

Introduction: Scrub typhus is a febrile illness caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi which is transmitted by the larval stage of trombiculid mites. It has varied manifestations ranging from mild disease to fatal illness. The classical manifestations include fever, rash, lymphadenopathy and eschar. Serology is the preferred diagnostic tool with indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) as the current gold standard. Material & Methods: A total of 229 clinically suspected cases of Scrub typhus from 15th of October 2013 to 15th of October 2015 were enrolled in the study. Clinical, epidemiological and laboratory data of the patients were collected and analysed. The method for diagnosis was IgM immunofluorescence assay. Results: A total of 33 cases (14.4%) of scrub typhus were detected. Most of the cases (87%) presented in the months of September to November. Fever of >39°C was seen in all 33 cases. Rash and eschar were seen in 24.2% and 18.2% cases, respectively. Lymphadenopathy (18.2%), hepatomegaly (48.5%), splenomegaly (21.2%) and icterus (15.2%) were seen in some cases. Pulmonary manifestations were noted in 69.7% of cases. Acute kidney injury (18.2%), encephalitis (21.2%), and myocarditis (15.15%) were the other complications observed. Common haematological abnormalities noted in patients of scrub typhus were anaemia (45.6%), leucocytosis (45.6%), thrombocytopenia (48.5%) and transaminitis (54.5%). 10 cases were treated by azithromycin while doxycycline was used for treatment in 28 cases. Conclusion: The nonspecific symptoms and lack of classical manifestations make the diagnosis of scrub typhus difficult. There is a definite need to increase awareness and heighten the suspicion, especially in the light of increasing number of patients presenting with atypical manifestations.

Bartonella species and trombiculid mites of rats from the Mekong Delta of Vietnam.

A survey of Bartonella spp. from 275 rats purchased in food markets (n=150) and trapped in different ecosystems (rice field, forest, and animal farms) (n=125) was carried out during October, 2012–March, 2013, in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam. The overall Bartonella spp. prevalence detected by culture and PCR in blood was 14.9% (10.7–19.1%), the highest corresponding to Rattus tanezumi (49.2%), followed by Rattus norvegicus (20.7%). Trapped rats were also investigated for the presence and type of chiggers (larvae of trombiculid mites), and Bartonella spp. were investigated on chigger pools collected from each rat by RT-PCR. A total of five Bartonella spp. were identified in rats, three of which (B. elizabethae, B. rattimassiliensis, and B. tribocorum) are known zoonotic pathogens. Among trapped rats, factors independently associated with increased prevalence of Bartonella spp. included: (1) Rat species (R. tanezumi); (2) the number of Trombiculini–Blankaartia and Schoengastiini–Ascoschoengastia mites found on rats; and (3) the habitat of the rat (i.e., forest/fields vs. animal farms). The prevalence of Bartonella infection among chiggers from Bartonella spp.–positive R. tanezumi rats was 5/25 (25%), compared with 1/27 (3.7%) among Bartonella spp.–negative R. tanezumi rats (relative risk [RR]=5.4, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.68–43.09). The finding of Bartonella spp.–positive chiggers on Bartonella spp.–negative rats is strongly suggestive of a transovarial transmission cycle. Rats are ubiquitous in areas of human activity and farms in the Mekong Delta; in addition, trapping and trading of rats for food is common. To correctly assess the human risks due to rat trapping, marketing, and carcass dressing, further studies are needed to establish the routes of transmission and cycle of infection. The widespread presence of these zoonotic pathogens in rats and the abundance of human—rat interactions suggest that surveillance efforts should be enhanced to detect any human cases of Bartonella infection that may arise.

Is scrub typhus a cause of febrile illness among paediatric population of delhi?

Sir, Scrub typhus is a febrile illness caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi and transmitted through the bite of larval forms of trombiculid mites [1]. The signs and symptoms of the disease are relatively nonspecific and in areas like Delhi where outbreaks have not been reported so far, low index of suspicion makes the diagnosis of this infection difficult. Furthermore, there is a paucity of information regarding the role of scrub typhus as a cause of fever in paediatric population. In the present study, l00 paediatric patients, 1-12years of age and presenting with febrile illness to the paediatric outpatient department or ward of a tertiary care health centre from February 2013 to March 2014 were included. Common causes of fever (malaria, dengue, enteric fever) were ruled out by history, clinical examination and appropriate laboratory investigations. In 30 patients who remained febrile and no definitive etiological diagnosis could be made, blood samples (5 ml) were collected and the serum separated and preserved at -70°C till further analysis. These samples were tested for antibodies to O. tsutsugamushi employing the immunochromatographic test (ICT), SD Bioline Tsutsugamushi Assay (Standard Diagnostics, Yongin, Korea) that employs the 56-kDa major surface protein antigens from representative O. tsutsugamushi including Gilliam, Karp, and Kato strains and detects IgG, IgM, and IgA antibodies to O. tsutsugamushi. The test was performed as per manufacturer's instructions and any positive samples further tested by an IgM ELISA (InBiOS International Inc. USA) to diagnose current infection. Among these 30 cases, ICT was positive in three (10%) samples. Further analysis of the reactive samples by IgM ELISA revealed all three samples to be IgM positive. Outbreaks of scrub typhus have been reported from various parts of India in the recent past [2,3]. Thus, there is a strong possibility of presence of this disease in this region also. All three serologically confirmed cases in the present study were residents of Delhi with no history of recent travel to a scrub typhus endemic region, a strong evidence in favour of existence of the disease in the city. The 10% prevalence of scrub typhus reported in our study is in contrast to another report from Delhi where the prevalence of scrub typhus was reported to be quiet low [4]. A study conducted in paediatric population of Sri Lanka, a region endemic for scrub typhus, has reported a prevalence of 33.33% [5]. Scrub typhus is grossly under-diagnosed due to its non-specific clinical presentation, low index of suspicion among clinicians and lack of diagnostic facilities. Since antimicrobials effective for scrub typhus are usually not included in empirical therapy for febrile illnesses, early diagnosis is imperative to reduce the mortality and complications associated with the disease. Our study highlights the existence of scrub typhus in Delhi, a region non-endemic for this infection and the need to consider it as a possible cause of paediatric febrile illnesses. To the best of our knowledge this is the first study undertaken to estimate seroprevalence of scrub typhus in paediatric population of Delhi.

Expansion of small terrestrial mammals and their parasites into the Barun Valley (Makalu Mt. Region, Nepal Himalaya) linked with changes in glaciation and human activities

The article is based on collection of small terrestrial mammals (Soriculus nigrescens, Episoriculus caudatus, Neodon sikimensis, Alticola stoliczkanus, Niviventer eha and Ochotona roylei) collected in the Barun Valley, east Nepal in the pre-monsoon period of 1973. Zoogeographic and ecological characteristics and altitudinal stratification of these species are analysed, depending both on abiotic (geomorphological and climatic) and biotic (vegetation, and human presence and activities) factors. All the captured mammals were examined for ecto- and endoparasities. Infestations of Trombiculid mites and Ixodid ticks were tightly linked to the local habitat where these ectoparasites must survive during their non-parasitic phase. Analysis of their occurrence completes the reconstruction of migration routes during the expansion of small mammals into the Barun Valley and the exacerbating influence of human activities (summer pasturing, mountaineering expeditions and trekking parties). An indicator of anthropogenic influence was the occurrence of synantropic flies. The potential medical importance of these findings is discussed. It is assumed a possible occurrence of arboviruses transmitted by ticks and also rickettsioses (transmitted by ticks and chigger mites). As far bacteriological infections, plague cannot be excluded.

Scrub Typhus with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) and its Management in Intensive Care Unit: A Case Report

Scrub typhus is zoonotic disease caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi (O tsutsugamushi). It is transmitted to humans by the bite of trombiculid mite larvae (chiggers). It is a re-emerging infectious disease in India. Clinical manifestations include fever, headache, anorexia, myalgia, eschar, adenopathy and maculopapular rash. Complications of Scrub typhus develop after first week of illness. Complications include meningoencephalitis, jaundice, myocarditis, ARDS and renal failure. Eschar and rash may be unnoticed or absent. Thorough physical examination, identification of eschar/rash throws light in thinking about scrub typhus, treating and preventing further complications. Here, we report a case of scrub typhus with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) and its management with non invasive ventilation in the intensive care unit.

Biological Control of Insect Pests of Medicinal Plants - Abelmoschus moschatus, Gloriosa superba and Withania somnifera in Forest Nursery and Plantation in Madhya Pradesh, India

The present investigation was carried out to evaluate the parasitoids (Trichogramma raoi, T. chilonis), predator (Chrysoperla cornea) and biopesticides i.e. botanicals (neem based Gronim) / mocrobials (Bacillus thuringensis and Beauveria bassiana ) against five major insect pests viz. Polytela gloriosae, Anomis flava, Earias vitella, Dysdercus cingulatus and Aphis gossypi of important target species of medicinal plants- Abelmoschus moschatus, Gloriosa superba and Withania somnifera in forest nursery, Tropical Forest Research Institute, Jabalpur and Delakhari west Chhindwara forest division, Madhya Pradesh (India). The results revealed that Bacillus thuringensis 1% followed by neem based pesticide (Gronim) 1% was found to be most effective against defoliators Polytela gloriosae on G. superba, Anomis flava and shoot/fruit borer Earias vitella on A. moschatus. Neem based pesticide (Gronim) followed by Bt 1% was found to be most effective against red bug Dysdercus cingulatus on the fruits of A. moschatus and aphid, Aphis gossypi on W. somnifera. Predator, Chrysoperla cornea @ 500 per 100 sq m followed by parasitoid Trichogramma chilonis @1500 per 100 sq m was also found to be most effective for reduction of the larval population of defoliators P. gloriosae and A. flava.