49 research outputs found
A First Human Case of Ocular Dirofilariosis due to Dirofilaria repens in Northeastern France
We report the first case of ocular dirofilariasis to be diagnosed in northeast France (Alsace region), in a man who presented with a suborbital mass after a journey to Senegal. Microscopic examination of the surgical specimen identified Dirofilaria repens
Malaria relevance and diagnosis in febrile Burkina Faso travellers: a prospective study:
BACKGROUND: There is a lack of information regarding the epidemiology of malaria among travellers from non-malaria endemic countries to Sahelian areas. The literature provides general statistics about imported malaria in industrialized countries or extensive recommendations about fever management, but none of these recommendations are applicable to developing countries. METHODS: The aim of the study was to evaluate the aetiologies of fever, malaria prevalence, and best diagnostic methods in a population of 306 non-malaria endemic travellers who, over a one-year period, consulted the French embassy's Centre Medico-Social in Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso) for fever. All patients underwent a clinical examination, a questionnaire, and three different malaria tests: thick blood film, QBC-test and HRP-2-based rapid diagnostic test. RESULTS: Fever was caused by malaria in 69 cases (23%), while 37 (12%) were due to Pneumonia and 35 cases (8%) to ENT infections. Fever remained unexplained in 87 patients (51.3%). Malaria prevalence varied throughout the year: about 90% of malaria cases were diagnosed during and after the rainy season, between July and December, with up to 50% malaria prevalence for fever cases in October. Malaria diagnosis based solely on clinical signs, combined or not, leads to about 80% of unnecessary treatments.Although anti-malarial chemoprophylaxis was used in only 69% of short-stay patients (who travelled for less than three months), this was effective. Under local conditions, and using blood film examination as the reference method, the QBC test appeared to be more reliable than the HRP-2-based rapid diagnostic test, with respective sensitivities of 98.6% versus 84.1%, and specificities of 99.6% versus 98.3%. CONCLUSIONS: Reliable biological diagnosis of malaria among travellers from non-malaria endemic countries in Sahelian areas is necessary because of low malaria prevalence and the poor performance of clinical diagnosis. A fever during the first half of the year requires investigating another aetiology, particularly a respiratory one. Malaria chemoprophylaxis is efficient and must not be overlooked. The QBC test appears to be the most reliable diagnostic test in this context
Cestode infections in non-human primates suggest the existence of zoonotic cycles in the area surrounding the Strasbourg primatology center
Background: Several cases of infections due to Echinococcus multilocularis, Taenia martis and Taenia crassiceps were recently described in various species of captive non-human primates (NHPs) harbored in the Strasbourg Primate Center (SPC). Furthermore, one of the first cases of human cysticercosis due to T. martis was described in the Strasbourg region. These data suggest the existence of zoonotic cycles of tapeworm infections in the direct environment of the SPC. The aim of our study was to assess the prevalence of larval cestode infections among intermediate and definitive hosts in the close neighborhood of the center. We analyzed carnivore mammal fecal samples as well as rodent carcasses, collected inside or near the SPC, using PCR. Furthermore, we performed serology for Echinococcus spp. and Taenia spp. on NHP sera. Results: We found that 14.5% (95% CI [8.6; 20.4]) of 138 carnivore feces were positive for E. multilocularis-DNA, as well as 25% (95% CI [5.5; 57.2]) of 12 rodent carcasses, and 5.1% (95% CI [1.4; 8.7]) for T. martis or T. crassiceps. Of all NHPs tested, 10.1% (95% CI [3.8; 16.4]) were seropositive for Echinococcus spp. and 8.2% (95% CI [1.3; 15.1]) for Taenia spp. Conclusions: Our data support the existence of zoonotic cycles of larval cestode infections in the direct environment of the primatology center affecting NHPs harbored in the SPC, potentially threatening the human population living in this area. Since this zoonotic risk is borne by local wildlife, and given the severity of these infections, it seems necessary to put in place measures to protect captive NHPs, and further studies to better assess the risk to human populations
Cytokine Profiles in Toxoplasmic and Viral Uveitis
BackgroundUveitis is a major cause of visual impairment throughout the world. Analysis of cytokine profiles in aqueous humor specimens may provide insight into the physiopathological processes that underly retinal damage in this context MethodsUsing a multiplex assay, we determined the concentrations of 17 cytokines and chemokines in aqueous humor specimens obtained from patients with ocular toxoplasmosis or viral uveitis and compared these concentrations with those in specimens obtained from patients with noninfectious intermediate uveitis or cataract ResultsFive mediators (interleukin [IL]-8, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-4, and IL-10) were detected in >50% of patients in all groups. In contrast, IL-5 and IL-12 were specific for ocular toxoplasmosis, and granulocyte monocyte colony-stimulating factor and IL-1 were specific for viral uveitis; these mediators could present specific markers for diagnostic purposes. Interferon-Îł, IL-6, and macrophage inflammatory protein-1ÎČ were common markers of ocular toxoplasmosis and viral uveitis. IL-17 was a common marker of ocular toxoplasmosis and intermediate uveitis ConclusionsWe found specific cytokine profiles for each type of uveitis, with large interindividual variations and no etiological or clinical correlations. Ocular cytokine mapping contributes to a better understanding of the physiopathology of specific forms of uveitis and provides guidance for new targeted treatmen
First case of human gongylonemosis in France
Gongylonema spp. are cosmopolitan spirurid nematodes that are common parasites of wild and domesticated mammals and birds. Gongylonema pulchrum Molin, 1857 is most common in ruminants, where it invades mucosa and submucosa of the mouth, tongue, oesophagus and forestomachs. It extremely rarely occurs in man, and fewer than 60 cases have been reported worldwide. We report a case from the Alsace region, which appears to be the first case of human gongylonemosis described in France.
Les nĂ©matodes du genre Gongylonema sont des spiruridĂ©s cosmopolites parasites frĂ©quents dans de nombreux mammifĂšres et oiseaux sauvages ou domestiques. Gongylonema pulchrum Molin, 1857 est lâespĂšce la plus souvent rapportĂ©e chez les ruminants, dans la muqueuse et la sous-muqueuse de leur bouche, langue, Ćsophage et rumen. Il nâest que trĂšs exceptionnellement retrouvĂ© chez lâhomme. Moins de 60 cas ont Ă©tĂ© dĂ©crits Ă travers le monde. Nous rapportons dans cet article le premier cas français, dĂ©couvert en Alsace
Parasite
We report the case of an 82-year-old patient, hospitalized for malaise. Her clothes were infested by numerous insects and the entomological analysis identified them as being Cimex lectularius (bed bugs). The history of the patient highlighted severe cognitive impairment. The biological assessment initially showed a profound microcytic, aregenerative, iron deficiency anemia. A vitamin B12 deficiency due to pernicious anemia (positive intrinsic factor antibodies) was also highlighted, but this was not enough to explain the anemia without macrocytosis. Laboratory tests, endoscopy and a CT scan eliminated a tumor etiology responsible for occult bleeding. The patient had a mild itchy rash which was linked to the massive colonization by the bed bugs. The C. lectularius bite is most often considered benign because it is not a vector of infectious agents. Far from trivial, a massive human colonization by bed bugs may cause such a hematic depletion that severe microcytic anemia may result
Can J Infect Dis Med Microbiol
Primary muscular echinococcosis is an uncommon localization of hydatid cysts. The nonspecific clinical presentation and possible post-therapeutic complications lead to problems for the diagnosis of this infection and the support of the patient. The authors describe an unusual case of double hydatid cyst of the vastus intermedius muscle. After a precise preoperative evaluation based on clinical, radiological and biological examinations, a surgical excision by pericystectomy combined with perioperative chemotherapy enabled the authors to treat the patient and to prevent postoperative complications. The diagnostic tools and the treatment of this particular type of echinococcosis are discussed.
LâĂ©chinococcose musculaire primaire est un foyer inhabituel des kystes hydatiques. La prĂ©sentation clinique non spĂ©cifique et les complications post-thĂ©rapeutiques Ă©ventuelles peuvent sâassocier Ă des difficultĂ©s Ă diagnostiquer cette infection et Ă soutenir le patient. Les auteurs dĂ©crivent un cas inhabituel de double kyste hydatique du muscle vaste intermĂ©diaire. AprĂšs une Ă©valuation prĂ©opĂ©ratoire dĂ©taillĂ©e fondĂ©e sur des examens clinique, radiologique et biologique, les auteurs ont traitĂ© le patient en procĂ©dant Ă une excision chirurgicale par pĂ©rikystectomie conjuguĂ©e Ă une chimiothĂ©rapie pĂ©riopĂ©ratoire, ce qui a permis dâĂ©viter les complications postopĂ©ratoires. Ils prĂ©sentent Ă©galement les outils diagnostiques et le traitement de ce type dâĂ©chinococcose
Parasite
Parasites and infectious diseases are well-known threats to primate populations. The main objective of this study was to provide baseline data on fecal parasites in the cercopithecid monkeys inhabiting CĂŽte d'Ivoire's TaĂŻ National Park. Seven of eight cercopithecid species present in the park were sampled: Cercopithecus diana, Cercopithecus campbelli, Cercopithecus petaurista, Procolobus badius, Procolobus verus, Colobus polykomos, and Cercocebus atys. We collected 3142 monkey stool samples between November 2009 and December 2010. Stool samples were processed by direct wet mount examination, formalin-ethyl acetate concentration, and MIF (merthiolate, iodine, formalin) concentration methods. Slides were examined under microscope and parasite identification was based on the morphology of cysts, eggs, and adult worms. A total of 23 species of parasites was recovered including 9 protozoa (Entamoeba coli, Entamoeba histolytica/dispar, Entamoeba hartmanni, Endolimax nana, Iodamoeba butschlii, Chilomastix mesnili, Giardia sp., Balantidium coli, and Blastocystis sp.), 13 nematodes (Oesophagostomum sp., Ancylostoma sp., Anatrichosoma sp., Capillariidae Gen. sp. 1, Capillariidae Gen. sp. 2, Chitwoodspirura sp., Subulura sp., spirurids [cf Protospirura muricola], Ternidens sp., Strongyloides sp., Trichostrongylus sp., and Trichuris sp.), and 1 trematode (Dicrocoelium sp.). Diversity indices and parasite richness were high for all monkey taxa, but C. diana, C. petaurista, C. atys, and C. campbelli exhibited a greater diversity of parasite species and a more equitable distribution. The parasitological data reported are the first available for these cercopithecid species within TaĂŻ National Park.
Les maladies parasitaires et infectieuses sont des menaces trĂšs connues pour les populations de primates. Lâobjectif principal de cette Ă©tude Ă©tait de fournir des donnĂ©es de base sur les parasites intestinaux des primates non-humains du Parc National de TaĂŻ en CĂŽte dâIvoire. Sept des huit espĂšces de cercopithĂ©cidĂ©s vivant dans le parc ont Ă©tĂ© Ă©chantillonnĂ©es : Cercopithecus diana, Cercopithecus campbelli, Cercopithecus petaurista, Procolobus badius, Procolobus verus, Colobus polykomos and Cercocebus atys. Nous avons collectĂ© 3142 Ă©chantillons de selles de singes de novembre 2009 Ă dĂ©cembre 2010. Les Ă©chantillons de selles ont Ă©tĂ© traitĂ©s par la technique dâexamen direct, les mĂ©thodes de concentration formol-Ă©thyl acĂ©tate et MIF (merthiolate, iode, formol). Les lames ont Ă©tĂ© examinĂ©es au microscope et lâidentification des parasites a Ă©tĂ© basĂ©e sur la morphologie des kystes, des Ćufs et des vers adultes. Au total, 23 espĂšces de parasites ont Ă©tĂ© trouvĂ©es, dont 9 protozoaires (Entamoeba coli, Entamoeba histolytica/dispar, Entamoeba hartmanni, Endolimax nana, Iodamoeba butschlii, Chilomastix mesnili, Giardia sp., Balantidium coli et Blastocystis sp.), 13 nĂ©matodes (Oesophagostomum sp., Ancylostoma sp., Anatrichosoma sp., Capillariidae Gen. sp. 1, Capillariidae Gen. sp. 2, Chitwoodspirura sp., Subulura sp., Spiruridae [cf. Protospirura muricola], Ternidens sp., Strongyloides sp., Trichostrongylus sp. et Trichuris sp.), et un trĂ©matode (Dicrocoelium sp.). Lâindice de diversitĂ© et la richesse parasitaire Ă©taient Ă©levĂ©s pour tous les taxa de singes, mais C. diana, C. petaurista, C. atys and C. campbelli ont enregistrĂ© une plus grande diversitĂ© et une distribution plus Ă©quitable des espĂšces de parasites. Les donnĂ©es parasitologiques que nous rapportons sont les premiĂšres disponibles pour ces espĂšces de singes du Parc National de TaĂŻ
Parasite
A 72-year-old man consulted in November 2012 for abdominal pain in the right upper quadrant. The patient had a history of suspected hepatic amebiasis treated in Senegal in 1985 and has not traveled to endemic areas since 1990. Abdominal CT scan revealed a liver abscess. At first, no parasitological tests were performed and the patient was treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics. Only after failure of this therapy, serology and PCR performed after liver abscess puncture established the diagnosis of hepatic amebiasis. The patient was treated with metronidazole and tiliquinol-tilbroquinol. Amebic liver abscess is the most frequent extra-intestinal manifestation. Hepatic amebiasis 22Â years after the last visit to an endemic area is exceptional and raises questions on the mechanisms of latency and recurrence of these intestinal protozoan parasites.
Un homme de 72 ans consulte en novembre 2012 pour des douleurs abdominales dans le quadrant supĂ©rieur droit. Le patient prĂ©sente un antĂ©cĂ©dent probable dâabcĂšs amibien du foie traitĂ© en 1985 au SĂ©nĂ©gal et nâa pas voyagĂ© en rĂ©gion dâendĂ©mie depuis 1990. Le scanner abdominal rĂ©alisĂ© met en Ă©vidence un abcĂšs hĂ©patique. Dans un premier temps, aucun examen parasitologique nâest effectuĂ© et le patient est traitĂ© par des antibiotiques Ă large spectre. Suite Ă lâĂ©chec de ce traitement, la sĂ©rologie et la PCR rĂ©alisĂ©es aprĂšs ponction de lâabcĂšs hĂ©patique, Ă©tablissent le diagnostic dâamibiase hĂ©patique. Le patient est traitĂ© par mĂ©tronidazole et tiliquinol-tilbroquinol. LâabcĂšs amibien du foie est la manifestation extra-intestinale de lâamibiase la plus frĂ©quente. Lâamibiase hĂ©patique 22 ans aprĂšs le dernier voyage en zone dâendĂ©mie est exceptionnelle et soulĂšve des questions concernant les mĂ©canismes de latence et de rĂ©currence des protozoaires intestinaux
Molecular diagnosis of Pseudoterranova decipiens s.s in human, France
Background: Anisakis and Pseudoterranova are the main genera involved in human infections caused by nematodes
of the Anisakidae family. Species identification is complicated due to the lack of differential morphological
characteristics at the larval stage, thus requiring molecular differentiation. Pseudoterranova larvae ingested through
raw fish are spontaneously eliminated in most cases, but mechanical removal by means of endoscopy might be
required. To date, only very few cases of Pseudoterranova infection have been reported in France.
Case presentation: A 19-year-old woman from Northeastern France detected, while brushing her teeth, a larva
exiting through her mouth. The patient who presented with headache, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps reported
having eaten baked cod. The worm was a fourth-stage larva with a size of 22 Ă 0.9 mm, and molecular
biology identified it as Pseudoterranova decipiens sensu stricto (s. s.). In a second P. decipiens infection case, occurring a
few months later, a worm exited through the patientâs nose after she had eaten raw sea bream.
Conclusion: These two cases demonstrate that Pseudoterranova infection is not uncommon among French patients.
Therefore, molecular techniques should be more widely applied for a better characterization of anisakidosis epidemiology
in France