bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
House sparrows, Passer domesticus (L.), as hosts of arboviruses in Hale County, Texas: II. Laboratory studies with western equine encephalitis virus
Authors: Holden Preston , Francy D. Bruce , Mitchell Carl J. , Hayes Richard O. , Lazuick John S. , Hughes Thomas B.
Published: May 2017

Western equine encephalitis (WEE) virus was artificially inoculated into nestling progeny of two flocks of house sparrows, Passer domesticus, one flock of which contained WEE-hemagglutination inhibition (HI) positive breeders and the other WEE-HI negative breeders. Ten-day-old chickens from WEE-immune and nonimmune flocks were similarly tested. Nestlings 4 to 16 days old from the immune flock were seemingly as susceptible to infection with WEE virus as were birds of the same age from the nonimmune flock. However, as shown earlier by other workers, chickens hatched from WEE-immune parents were uniformly refractory to infection with WEE virus. The results obtained in this study serve as a basis for explaining how the high annual incidence of WEE virus infection can occur among nestling house sparrows that are progeny of birds from a population in which the average WEE antibody prevalence ranged from 36% to 56%.
Laboratory transmission of Chikungunya virus by Aedes (Stegomyia) apicoargenteus Theobald (Diptera, Culicidae)
Authors: Sempala S. D. K. , Kirya B. G.
Published: May 2017

Experiments were conducted to test whether Aedes apicoargenteus can transmit Chikungunya virus. It was found that after infection A. apicoargenteus maintained an infective titer of the virus for at least 14 days. This is of significance since this is the first time that this species has been shown to transmit a virus to susceptible animals.
Fatal cerebral myiasis caused by the tropical warble fly, Dermatobia hominis
Authors: Rossi Marcos A. , Zucoloto Sérgio
Published: May 2017

A fatal case of cerebral myiasis in a 5-month-old child caused by Dermatobia hominis is reported. The larva penetrated through the scalp and the fibrous portion of the bregmatic fontanel, entering the right cerebral hemisphere. This is the second such published case. Knowledge about this species of parasitic fly is briefly reviewed.
Ectopic skin lesions produced by Schistosoma mansoni
Authors: Convit J. , Reyes O.
Published: May 2017

A case of ectopic thoracic localization of Schistosoma mansoni in a person who had a positive (+) bilharzine skin test and a positive (++) cercarienhüllen reaction is described. Rectal biopsy and fecal examination by the Stoll egg-count technique revealed no schistosome eggs, The possible mechanism of the production of this lesion is discussed.
Early records of hydatid disease in California
Authors: Schwabe Calvin W. , Ruppanner Roger
Published: May 2017

A detailed study of the records prior to 1960 for two hospitals in San Francisco and Fresno, California, disclosed 25 previously unreported cases of hydatid disease, at least 7 of which were autochthonous to California. This brings to 14 the total number of cases known to have been acquired in this State. Two of these patients, operated upon in July 1928 and January 1942, pre-date the previous earliest surgical record for a hydatid infection acquired in California. Also, a substantiated record of a sheep infection with hydatid cysts in Kern County, California in July 1956 is considerably prior to previously published information on infections in sheep in California.
Sequential immunization procedure against group B arboviruses using living attenuated 17D yellow fever virus, living attenuated Langat E5 virus, and living attenuated dengue 2 virus (New Guinea C isolate)
Authors: Price Winston H. , Casals Jordi , Thind Inderjit , O'Leary Walter
Published: May 2017

Spider monkeys immunized sequentially with living 17D yellow fever virus, living attenuated Langat E5 virus, and living attenuated dengue 2 virus (New Guinea C isolate) responded with high hemagglutinating-inhibition antibody titers against 21 Group B arbovirus antigens that were tested. Such monkeys also responded with neutralizing antibodies against 20 Group B arboviruses that were tested. These vaccinated monkeys were protected against subcutaneous challenges with dengue serotypes 1, 2, 3 or 4, Russian spring-summer encephalitis virus, Kyasanur Forest Disease virus, Omsk hemorrhagic fever virus, Japanese encephalitis virus, Murray Valley encephalitis virus, West Nile virus, and Kadam virus. The protection against these viruses was based on a much lower viremia, or absence of histologic lesions in the central nervous system, or absence of an antibody booster response. The 3-virus sequential immunized spider monkeys were also protected against Modoc virus as determined by viremia studies, in spite of the fact that no detectable serum neutralizing antibodies were found in these animals at the time of challenge. The development of the sequential immunization procedure is discussed.
Sylvatic focus of trichiniasis in the Caspian region, northern Iran
Authors: Mobedi I. , Arfaa F. , Madadi H. , Movafagh K.
Published: May 2017

Trichinella spiralis larvae were found in 5 of 21,143 wild boars and 1 of 16 brown bears examined in the 5-year period from 1967 to 1971, and in 38 of 63 golden jackals (Canis aureus), 2 of 3 jungle cats (Felis chaus), and none of 3 other carnivores, 30 rodents, and 20 shrews examined in 1972. Infection has not been reported in more than 500,000 domestic pigs examined for Trichinella in the Teheran abattoir, although most of the pigs were raised in the Caspian region. Human infection from eating undercooked infected wild boar or brown bear probably occurs; one suspected case has been reported.
Plasmodium Falciparumin Kinshasa, Zaire: In Vitro Drug Susceptibility Studies
Authors: Nguyen-Dinh Phuc , Greenberg Alan E. , Kabote Ndoko , Davachi Farzin , Goussard Bernard , Embonga Binyingo
Published: May 2017

In June 1986, Plasmodium falciparum parasites were collected from 33 children presenting at the Mama Yemo Hospital in Kinshasa (Zaire) and were successfully tested in vitro by a 48-hr reinvasion test for their susceptibility to various antimalarial drugs. In vitro resistance to chloroquine was found in 82% of the isolates, a marked increase over findings obtained by the same technique 3 years ago in Kinshasa. In vitro chloroquine resistance was not associated with a history of previous drug intake. The inhibitory endpoints for quinine varied from 0.03 to 1 µM, and correlated with the chloroquine endpoints in the corresponding isolates (r = 0.64). Pyrimethamine resistance in vitro was demonstrated in 52% of the isolates tested.
Adaptation of the Panama II Strain of Plasmodium Falciparum to Panamanian Owl Monkeys
Authors: Rossan Richard N. , Baerg David C.
Published: May 2017

The Panama II strain of Plasmodium falciparum, acquired at the second passage level in splenectomized Colombian owl monkeys, was adapted to owl monkeys of Panamanian origin. Patent infections were induced in 22 of 27 unaltered and 20 of 21 splenectomized recipients during 19 serial passages. The infections were significantly more virulent in splenectomized than normal Panamanian owl monkeys, however recrudescences in seven normal monkeys achieved peak parasitemias 48 times greater than in the primary attack. These results describe the first reproducible infections of indigenous falciparum malaria in Panamanian owl monkeys.
Shared Polypeptides from Various Strains of Plasmodium Falciparum Recognized by Cameroon Sera
Authors: Nkuo Theresa K. , Deas Jane E.
Published: May 2017

Sera collected from 176 individuals residing in three malaria-endemic regions of Cameroon, West Africa, were tested against Plasmodium falciparum isolates from different areas of the world by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), growth inhibition studies, and immunoprecipitation assays. A wide range of parasite proteins with apparent molecular weights of 14 to 250 kilodaltons (Kd) were immunoprecipitated by the sera. Of these, two polypeptides of 41 and 96 Kd could be associated with parasite growth inhibition in vitro.
Repeated Immunogenic Amino Acid Sequences of Plasmodium Species Share Sequence Homologies with Proteins from Humans and Human Viruses
Authors: McLaughlin G. L. , Benedik M. J. , Campbell G. H.
Published: May 2017

The use of recombinant peptides based upon the repeated amino acid sequences of Plasmodium has been proposed for malaria vaccines. By reducing homologies of such peptide vaccines to host proteins, the possibility of autoimmune complications may be reduced, and the effective immune response may be enhanced. The Wilbur and Lipman Wordsearch algorithm was used to identify homologous amino acid sequences between tandemly repeated Plasmodium amino acid sequences and the human and human viral sequences compiled in the National Biomedical Research Foundation database. Six published repetitive immunogenic amino acid sequences from the circumsporozoite (CS) antigen, ring-infected erythrocyte surface antigen (RESA), soluble (S) antigen, and falciparum interspersed repetitive antigen (FIRA) of P. falciparum, and the CS protein of P. vivax, were analyzed by computer. Matches of at least 4 amino acids were found for all sequences. In the database, 29 matches were found for human proteins and 26 matches were found for human viruses with the 6 antigen sequences. Most of the matched proteins, and many of the matched human viruses, are found in blood. The biological significance of these matches remains to be clarified.
Human Visceral Leishmaniasis: Analysis of the Specificity of Humoral Immune Response to Polypeptides of Leishmania Donovani Chagasi
Authors: Dos Santos Jairo Ivo , Morgado Mariza G. , Galvão-Castro Bernardo
Published: May 2017

Soluble antigens from Leishmania donovani chagasi were studied in terms of their ability to react with sera from human visceral leishmaniasis. Thirty-six polypeptides, with molecular weights ranging from 14,400 to 123,000 were demonstrated by Western blot analysis. An extensive cross-reactivity with sera from patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis and Chagas' disease also was observed. Two polypeptides (Mr 119,000 and 123,000) reacted with all the sera from visceral leishmaniasis patients. When they were electroeluted from gels and evaluated with respect to specificity to the L. donovani chagasi subspecies, these components were expressed in all strains of Leishmania tested, but not in those of Trypanosoma cruzi. These results indicated that these components are shared by Trypanosomatidae of genus Leishmania. The eluted polypeptides did not react with sera from patients with Chagas' disease, indicating the feasibility of using purified antigens to discriminate between the humoral immune responses in T. cruzi and Leishmania infections.
Rapid Detection of Leishmania Amastigotes in Fluid Aspirates and Biopsies of Human Tissues
Authors: Anthony Ronald L. , Grogl Max , Sacci John B. , Ballou Ripley W.
Published: May 2017

When using a genus-specific monoclonal antibody (83-J3D2) as the primary reagent in an indirect immunofluorescent antibody assay (IFA), intracellular amastigotes of Leishmania were easily identified in 9 of 9 biopsies and in 11 of 12 needle aspirates taken from human lesions. In contrast, only 5 of the biopsies and 4 ofthe aspirates yielded promastigotes upon culture in vitro. Similarly, all but 2 of the aspirates and one-half of the biopsies were reported as negative for parasites when stained with Wright's and hematoxylin-eosin, respectively. Serum antibody titers, ranging from 1:8 to 1:128, corroborated the results of the amastigote detection assays when histopathology and isolation were negative.

These findings support the practicality of using the genus-specific monoclonal IFA in those field situations where it becomes necessary to differentiate leishmaniasis from other skin infections.
Epidemiology of Giardia Lamblia Infection in Children: Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Studies in Urban and Rural Communities in Zimbabwe
Authors: Mason Peter R. , Patterson Barbara A.
Published: May 2017

Stool specimens from 3,038 children in rural and urban areas near Harare were examined for Giardia lamblia cysts. Preliminary studies, using specimens collected on three consecutive days from 157 known cyst passers, showed that over 89% of infections could be diagnosed on single stool specimens by examination of Gomori-stained smears. The overall prevalence of giardial infection was 19.4% with significantly more urban children (21.1%) passing cysts than rural children (16.7%). In urban areas the highest prevalence was in young (5-6 year) children, while in rural areas, the highest prevalence was in older (9-10 year) children. Of 132 children treated with Entamizole® a metronidazole-diloxanide combination, 127 (96.2%) had ceased excreting cysts by the fifth treatment day. Followup examination of these children showed a high rate of reinfection, with 29.6% excreting cysts during the year following treatment. During the same period 13.3% of previously uninfected children had started passing cysts, while over half of infected, but untreated, children had undergone apparent “self-cure.” Younger children were more likely to be reinfected than older children, and continued excreting cysts for a longer period of time.
Epidemiology of Chagas' Disease in Northern Chile: Isozyme Profiles of Trypanosoma Cruzi from Domestic and Sylvatic Transmission Cycles and their Association with Cardiopathy
Authors: Apt Werner , Aguilera Ximena , Arribada Arturo , Gomez Leyla , Miles Michael A. , Widmer Giovanni
Published: May 2017

Trypanosoma cruzi was isolated from 98 patients, 59 Triatoma infestans, 51 Triatoma spinolai, and 1 Octodon degus from northern Chile. With few exceptions, stocks originating from domestic hosts were classified, based on their isozyme profile, as principal zymodeme (Z)2, while sylvatic stocks from T. spinolai and the rodent O. degus showed Z1 profiles. These results indicate the existence of separate domestic and sylvatic transmission cycles.

Clinical data and T. cruzi isozyme profiles from 107 chronic Chagas' disease patients showed no association between infecting T. cruzi zymodeme and the prevalence of chagasic cardiopathy. However, the age distributions of two groups of patients carrying different zymodemes were significantly different.
The Efficacy of an N-Substituted Imidazole, RS-49676, Against a Trypanosoma Cruzi Infection in Mice
Authors: Scott Virginia R. , Matthews Thomas R.
Published: May 2017

In vitro studies against epimastigotes and intracellular amastigotes and in vivo studies in inbred C3H/He mice infected with Trypanosoma cruzi Brazil strain were performed to determine the activities of two N-substituted imidazole compounds, RS- 49676 and ketoconazole. Both compounds are extremely active in vitro against the amastigotes (ED50 <0.0001 μg/ml) yet inactive against the epimastigotes. In vivo, RS-49676 increased the mean survival time over 11 weeks beyond the untreated control when given subcutaneously twice daily at 100 mg/kg/day. Ketoconazole increased the mean survival time 11-18 days beyond the untreated control (mean survival time 22 days) when given subcutaneously twice daily at 100 mg/kg or orally once daily at 100 mg/kg. Approximately 20%-25% of the RS-49676 treated mice were cured as determined by culturing the blood of infected mice with fibroblast lung cells. None of the ketoconazole mice were cured.
Schistosoma Mansoni: Anti-SMw32 Proteinase Response in Vaccinated and Challenged Baboons
Authors: Zerda Katherine S. , Dresden Marc H. , Damian Raymond T. , Chappell Cynthia L.
Published: May 2017

Antibodies to a cysteinyl proteinase of the trematode Schistosoma mansoni have been detected in serum from infected mice and humans. We have evaluated antiproteinase responses in infected baboons and in baboons vaccinated with irradiated, cryopreserved schistosomuJes prior to challenge. Prechallenge sera and normal, uninfected control sera were nonreactive by ELISA and immunoblots. Serum antibodies were first detectable by ELISA at two months post-challenge in both challenged (C) and vaccinated-challenged (V-C) baboons (serum dilution 1:200). By four months post-challenge, ELISA absorbance values for subgroup C baboons were significantly higher than for V-C counterparts.

The immunoblot technique provided a more sensitive means of detecting antibody early in the infection. One month post-challenge, 7 of 12 C and V-C sera (diluted 1:100) contained measurable anti-proteinase antibody. By month two, 12 of 12 were immunoblot-positive. Baboons vaccinated but not challenged (subgroup V) remained negative. The presence of the anti-proteinase antibody appears to be a sensitive and early marker for infection by S. mansoni.
In Vivo Gluconeogenesis Under Different Nutritional Regimens During Murine Schistosomiasis
Authors: Thompson S. N.
Published: May 2017

The effect of schistosome infection on in vivo gluconeogenesis was studied in mice. Mice infected for 6 weeks displayed no nutritional pathology, regardless of nutritional treatment. All mice with patent infections (9 weeks) displayed decreased rates of growth and food consumption as well as significantly reduced gross conversion efficiencies.

The glucogenic capacity, % pyruvate incorporated/g liver, was markedly reduced in infected fasted mice when compared with fasted controls. Total glucogenesis, % pyruvate incorporated/100 g body water, was the same in infected and control groups and the compensatory response in infected individuals was correlated with increased liver mass. The level of hepatic glycogen was significantly greater in infected fasted mice than in their unparasitized counterparts.
Collagen Isotypes, Laminin, and Fibronectin in Granulomas of the Liver and Intestines of Schistosoma Mansoni-Infected Mice
Authors: Grimaud J. A. , Boros D. L. , Takiya C. , Mathew R. C. , Emonard H.
Published: May 2017

Patterns of fibrosis within hepatic and intestinal granulomas of Schistosoma mansoni-infected mice were analyzed by indirect immunofluorescence. Deposition of collagen isotypes, laminin, and fibronectin was evaluated semiquantitatively between 8 and 20 weeks of the infection. Liver granulomas were the largest at 8 weeks and contained low amounts of type I and higher amounts of type III collagen and fibronectin. Collagen deposition became pronounced as infection progressed. The relative amounts of type I collagen deposits rose and equalled that of type III. In the smaller immunomodulated granulomas at 20 weeks both types I and III were high, and type IV collagen deposition was observed. Fibronectin and laminin deposits were also detected. The small ileal granulomas did not change their size during the course of the infection. At 8 weeks, connective tissue matrix deposition was barely detectable within these lesions. Gradually, small deposits of types I and III appeared in equal amounts and attained highest levels by 20 weeks of the infection. Fibronectin deposits at that time were very prominent but laminin and type IV collagen were absent. Colon granulomas at 8 weeks of the infection were only somewhat smaller than those of the liver, yet contained very sparse deposits of types I and III collagen. During the ensuing weeks collagen deposits rose only slightly. By 20 weeks the granulomas diminished in size and within those lesions type III collagen was predominant. Whereas the presence of fibronectin was pronounced, type IV collagen and laminin were detectable only in trace amounts. These observations indicate the existence of important organ-related differences in the intragranulomatous deposition of connective tissue matrix.
Abdominal Angiostrongylosis in an African Man: Case Study
Authors: J. Kevin Baird , Neafie Ronald C. , Lanoie Leo , Connor Daniel H.
Published: May 2017

A nodule removed from the cecum of a 25-year-old Zairian man contained a degenerated adult nematode. The surrounding tissue contained larvae and eggs in various stages of cleavage. Eggs and larvae were indistinguishable from those of Angiostrongylus costaricensis. These morphological features are described. The diameter and cuticle, and the anatomic location of the adult worm is consistent with A. costaricensis. The tissue reaction was chronic with granulomatous inflammation and numerous eosinophils. This is the fust report of abdominal angiostrongylosis of a human in Africa.
Acquired Resistance to Fasciola Hepatica in Cattle Using a Purified Adult Worm Antigen
Authors: Hillyer George V. , Haroun El Tahir M. , Hernandez Anabel , De Galanes Maricelis Soler
Published: May 2017

Calves were immunized twice in 4 weeks with a Fasciola/Schistosoma cross-reactive, cross-protective defined immunity antigen (denoted FhSmIII(M) isolated from F. hepatica adult worm extracts by antibody affinity chromatography and challenged 7 weeks later with F. hepatica metacercariae. F1ukes were recovered at 16 weeks of infection at which time the immunized calves had 55% less F. hepatica than the controls. All of the immunized calves developed high antibody levels of FhSmIII(M), detectable in the ELISA, by 4 weeks after a single immunization. By 9 weeks of infection with F. hepatica the immunized calves had lower sorbitol dehydrogenase levels than the unimmunized, F. hepatica-infected control calves, indicating less liver damage in the vaccinated group. These studies demonstrate that subcellular F. hepatica macromolecules cross-reactive and cross-protective against S. mansoni also have the potential to serve as vaccines in cattle exposed to this parasitic disease.
Characterization of an Onchocerca-Specific DNA Clone from Onchocerca Volvulus
Authors: Shah Jyotsna S. , Karam Marc , Piessens Willy F. , Wirth Dyann F.
Published: May 2017

A genomic library of a savanna isolate of Onchocerca volvulus was screened to detect recombinant plasm ids containing highly repeated DNA sequences of this parasite. Four recombinant plasmids were identified which hybridized specifically to Onchocerca DNA, but not to DNA from humans, black flies, Brugia malayi, B. pahangi, or Wuchereria bancrofti. The recombinant plasm ids had a low level of homology to Dirofilaria immitis. All recombinant plasmids contain related DNA sequences based on Southern hybridization analysis. Sequences related to these recombinant plasmids are present in different geographic isolates of O. volvulus and O. ochengi, an animal parasite. Two of the recombinant plasmids contain sequences also found in O. lienalis. One recombinant plasmid, puOvs3, has been characterized in detail, including DNA sequence determination. Radiolabeled puOvs3 is able to detect 100 pg of genomic DNA isolated from O. volvulus worms from both savanna and forest regions. It can differentiate O. volvulus from O. ochengi by Southern blot analysis.
Experimental Leprosy in African Green Monkeys (Cercopithecus Aethiops): A Model for Polyneuritic Leprosy
Authors: Baskin Gary B. , Gormus Bobby J. , Martin Louis N. , Wolf Robert H. , Blanchard James L. , Malaty Raga , Walsh Gerald P. , Meyers Wayne M. , Binford Chapman H.
Published: May 2017

Three African green monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops) were inoculated intravenously and intracutaneously with Mycobacterium leprae derived from a naturally infected mangabey monkey. All developed cutaneous lesions at inoculation sites. One developed disseminated cutaneous lesions, while the cutaneous lesions in the other two regressed and eventually disappeared. The animals were examined at necropsy five years after inoculation. All three had active leprosy infection in peripheral nerves with extensive inflammation and fibrosis. The disease histologically resembled borderline-lepromatous leprosy. These findings add a new dimension to animal models of leprosy.
Sexual Transmission of Dengue Viruses by Aedes Albopictus
Authors: Leon Rosen
Published: May 2017

Male Aedes albopictus experimentally infected with dengue virus types 1, 2, 3, or 4 transmitted their infection sexually to female Ae. albopictus. Such transmission was enhanced if the females had taken a bloodmeal 2 to 7 days prior to mating. Male Ae. albopictus also transmitted dengue virus vertically to their F, progeny. Infected progeny were found among those derived from eggs laid ≥73 hr after mating but not among those derived from eggs laid prior to that time. This suggests that virus probably was not transmitted directly to ova but, rather, underwent prior replication in the female genital tract. Female Ae. albopictus experimentally infected with dengue type 1 virus did not transmit their infection sexually to males. This finding supports the hypothesis that male mosquitoes naturally infected with dengue virus acquired their infection vertically.
Immunity and morbidity in Schistosoma mansoni infection: quantitative aspects
Authors: Butterworth A. E. , Dunne D. W. , Fulford A. J. C. , Ouma J. H. , Sturrock R. F.
Published: May 2017

Immunity to Schistosoma mansoni infection in humans can be studied most easily by monitoring serially the intensity of reinfection that occurs among individuals who have undergone chemotherapeutic cure, and whose levels of exposure to contaminated water is subsequently observed. Parallel studies can then be made of those immune responses that are correlated with an observed resistance to reinfection. This paper describes some of the difficulties associated with this approach, with particular reference to the authors' own studies in Kenya, and highlights a possible role of immunoglobulin E antibodies against adult worm antigens in mediating immunity.
Dynamics and control of Schistosoma haematobium transmission in Kenya: an overview of the Msambweni project
Authors: Muchiri Eric M. , Ouma John H. , King Charles H.
Published: May 2017

Ecologic modeling of Schistosoma transmission in endemic communities has suggested that antiparasite therapy targeted at the most heavily infected segment of the human population (i.e., school-age children) should have a significant impact on local parasite transmission. Our 1984-1991 experience with age-targeted therapy in the Msambweni area of Kenya has shown an overall decrease in area transmission within 1-2 years following initiation of annual treatment of school-age groups. Snail monitoring confirmed a continuing but variable reduction of vector infection rates. However, subgroup analysis showed significant differences in transmission suppression between more developed coastal villages with piped-water kiosks and villages with only limited access to safe water supplies. Villages without piped water were marked by higher initial prevalences of S. haematobium infection, greater prevalence among adults, longer and more frequent contact with high-risk water sources, and persistently high transmission despite compliance with parasitologic screening or drug therapy. We conclude that targeted therapy had a significant impact on S. haematobium transmission in some areas, but that more extensive or more prolonged coverage is necessary to reduce the rate of new infection in high-risk villages. Defining field-use algorithms, based on decision analysis of economic and ecologic parameters, should provide effective guidelines for selective versus mass treatment in expanded control areas.
Short report: use of the polymerase chain reaction to detect Paracoccidioides brasiliensis in murine paracoccidioidomycosis.
Authors: Goldani L Z , Sugar A M
Published: May 2017

The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect the presence of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis in a murine model of disseminated paracoccidioidomycosis. Using a previously identified P. brasiliensis-specific DNA sequence, P. brasiliensis DNA was detected in serum of five experimentally infected mice. The PCR method was able to detect as little as 10 pg of P. brasiliensis DNA in serum, and it was more sensitive than blood culture isolation (five of five were PCR positive versus two of five blood culture positive). There were no amplified fragments in serum from three noninfected control mice. Lung colony counts were similar in all infected mice and reflected a similar degree of P. brasiliensis infection at the time the samples were drawn. The relatively short processing time for the PCR, when compared with culture, its sensitivity, and the possibility of using serum samples for analysis, are important factors favoring this method for the diagnosis of paracoccidioidomycosis. Future studies should include the detection of P. brasiliensis in patients with different clinical forms of paracoccidioidomycosis.
Short report: outbreak of cutaneous leishmaniasis in a nonimmune population of soldiers in Wadi Araba, Jordan.
Authors: Jumaian N , Kamhawi S A , Halalsheh M , Abdel-Hafez S K
Published: May 2017

An outbreak of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ZCL) occurred in a battalion of 80 soldiers posted at Qurayqira camp in Wadi Araba in southern Jordan. The battalion spent an intermittent period of five and a half months in the area, during which 45.0% (36 of 80) of the soldiers showed clinical disease. Of the 44 clinically negative soldiers, 31 were tested with leishmanin and 11 (35.5%) were leishmanin positive. The number of lesions in infected soldiers ranged from one to 15 and were mostly on the face and extremities. This report shows the level of transmission of ZCL in Wadi Araba, which is presently undergoing economic expansion and development following the peace process of the Arab-Israeli conflict.
Demonstration of anti-disease immunity to Plasmodium vivax malaria in Sri Lanka using a quantitative method to assess clinical disease.
Authors: Karunaweera N D , Carter R , Grau G E , Mendis K N
Published: May 2017

Clinical immunity to malaria was studied by quantifying the intensity of symptoms as well as by measurement of several hematologic indicators of pathology (the erythrocyte sedimentation rate [ESR], serum bilirubin, reticulocyte count, plasma tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-alpha], and blood glucose levels) in 39 Plasmodium vivax malaria patients exposed to endemic malaria in southern Sri Lanka, and for comparison in 43 nonimmune patients who were residents of nonmalarious regions of the country. The intensity of 11 symptoms was scored numerically in all patients using a questionnaire. This clinical score was validated by introducing internal controls to the questionnaire, and by correlating it with the underlying pathology. Both the intensity of clinical disease as well as the degree of underlying pathology were found to be significantly lower in endemic area patients (mean clinical score = 8.8, median ESR = 8 mm) compared with the nonendemic area patients (mean clinical score = 19.0, median ESR 31.5 mm). Endemic area patients also had lower parasite densities (mean = 0.06%) than those from the nonendemic area (0.12%) (P < 0.05). However, at any parasite density, both clinical disease and pathology were significantly less in the endemic area patients (P < 0.001, for both clinical score and ESR), indicating that the clinical immunity seen in the endemic area patients was a true tolerance of parasites. Although plasma TNF-alpha levels were elevated in both groups of patients, they were significantly higher in the nonendemic area patients than in patients from the endemic area (P < 0.01). Furthermore, at comparable levels of plasma TNF-alpha, nonendemic area patients had both a higher intensity of clinical disease and an underlying pathology than those from the endemic area, suggesting that if TNF-alpha is indeed a mediator of clinical disease, the endemic area patients may be tolerant to its effects. Hypoglycemia was not observed in any of these P. vivax patients despite some with high levels of plasma TNF-alpha.
A longitudinal investigation of IgG and IgM antibody responses to the merozoite surface protein-1 19-kiloDalton domain of Plasmodium falciparum in pregnant women and infants: associations with febrile illness, parasitemia, and anemia.
Authors: Branch O H , Udhayakumar V , Hightower A W , Oloo A J , Hawley W A , Nahlen B L , Bloland P B , Kaslow D C , Lal A A
Published: May 2017

This study was aimed at delineating characteristics of naturally acquired immunity against the merozoite surface antigen-1 (MSP-1) of Plasmodium falciparum, a candidate malaria vaccine antigen. A case/control study was performed on 75 case/control pairs of infants with febrile illness at the time of the first detected infection indicating a clinical case. The presence and level of antibodies at one month prior to the first infection and at the time of the first infection in the afebrile group was significantly higher than in the febrile group. Decreased parasite density and decreased infection-related loss of hemoglobin was seen in infants with anti-MSP-1(19kD) IgG antibodies. In addition, mothers who were positive for the presence of these antibodies conferred protection against placental infection and infection in their infants. In this study, development of anti-MSP-1(19kD) antibody responses in 24 infants were studied longitudinally using monthly serum samples collected from birth until approximately one year of age. In addition, umbilical cord blood sera and respective mothers' sera were analyzed. Longitudinal studies of antibody responses revealed several short-lived IgG and IgM peaks throughout an infant's first year that correlated with detection of parasitemia. The protection against parasitemia and febrile illness was observed in infants when anti-MSP-1(19kD) antibodies were present; when infants were negative for IgG, they had a 10-times greater risk of becoming parasitemic. These data from a longitudinal and prospective study of malaria suggest a protective role for anti-MSP-1(19kD) antibodies in infants and pregnant women.
Microvascular hemodynamics and in vivo evidence for the role of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 in the sequestration of infected red blood cells in a mouse model of lethal malaria.
Authors: Kaul D K , Liu X D , Nagel R L , Shear H L
Published: May 2017

The cytoadherence of infected red blood cells (IRBCs) to the vascular endothelium is the major cause of IRBC sequestration and vessel blockage in the cerebral form of human malaria. Among the rodent models of malaria, Plasmodium yoelii 17XL-infected mice show many similarities with the human cerebral malaria caused by P. falciparum. In both, the sequestration of IRBCs in the brain vessels is secondary to the cytoadherence of IRBCs to the vascular endothelium. Similar to P. falciparum infection in the human but in contrast to P. berghei ANKA infection in mice, P. yoelii 17XL results in little, if any, accumulation of monocytes in the brain. In vivo microcirculatory studies reported here were designed to further understand the hemodynamic aspects and mechanisms underlying cytoadherence of IRBCs in the P. yoelii model using the easily accessible cremaster muscle vasculature. The results show significant decreases in arteriovenous red blood cell velocities (Vrbc) and wall shear rates in the microcirculation of P. yoelii-infected mice, with a maximal decrease occurring in small-diameter postcapillary venules, the main sites of cytoadherence. This reflects contributions from IRBC cytoadherence as well as from increased rigidity of parasitized red blood cells. No cytoadherence is observed in arterioles of the infected mice despite decreased wall shear rates, indicating that endothelial receptors for cytoadherence are restricted to venules. Infusion of a monoclonal antibody (MAb) against the intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) resulted in significant increases in both arteriolar and venular Vrbc and wall shear rates, accompanied by detachment of adhered IRBCs at some venular sites. The peripheral blood smears taken after the MAb infusion showed a distinct increase in the percentage of schizonts, again indicating detachment and/or prevention of cytoadherence. An MAb against the vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) as well as an irrelevant control antibody had no effect on these parameters. These results provide the first in vivo microcirculatory evidence indicating involvement of ICAM-1, but not of VCAM-1, in the sequestration of IRBCs in a rodent model of cerebral malaria.
Short report: endomyocardial fibrosis and cardiomyopathy in an area endemic for schistosomiasis.
Authors: Barbosa M M , Lamounier J A , Oliveira E C , Souza M V , Marques D S , Lambertucci J R
Published: May 2017

An association of schistosomiasis and endomyocardial fibrosis or cardiomyopathy has been suggested. Clinical, stool, abdominal ultrasound, electrocardiogram, and Doppler echocardiogram examinations were performed on 226 patients from an area endemic for schistosomiasis. The diagnosis of schistosomiasis was made in 152 patients (69%) but clinical, electrocardiographic, or Doppler echocardiographic evidence of a schistosome cardiomyopathy or endomyocardial fibrosis could not be detected in any patient.
Tuberculosis meningitis, Abbassia Fever Hospital-Naval Medical Research Unit No. 3-Cairo, Egypt, from 1976 to 1996.
Authors: Girgis N I , Sultan Y , Farid Z , Mansour M M , Erian M W , Hanna L S , Mateczun A J
Published: May 2017

A total of 1,430 patients with the presumptive diagnosis of tuberculous meningitis were admitted to the U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit No. 3/Abbassia Fever Hospital in Cairo, Egypt from January 1976 to January 1996. Diagnosis was confirmed by culture of the mycobacteria from the cerebrospinal fluid CSF of 857 patients and these patients are included in the final analysis. There were 497 males and 360 females. The patients ranged in age from five months to 55 years. The number of patients admitted during the months of March, April, and May were more than double those admitted during October, November, and December. The duration of symptoms prior to admission ranged from seven to 90 days (mean = 29.5 days). Upon admission, 4% of the patients were alert, 34% were drowsy, and 62% were in a coma. Of the 857 patients studied, 490 (57%) died, 256 (30%) recovered completely, and 11 (13%) recovered with sequelae. The mortality and neurologic sequelae were directly related to the stage of disease and duration of symptoms prior to admission. Mortality was significantly lower in patients admitted in stage II and or with short duration of disease compared with those in stage III and or with prolonged duration of symptoms prior to admission. The use of dexamethasone in patients with tuberculous meningitis significantly reduced the ocular complications that occur in these patients and also significantly reduced the fatality rate.
Diarrheal disease incidence and morbidity among United States military personnel during short-term missions overseas.
Authors: Sanchez J L , Gelnett J , Petruccelli B P , Defraites R F , Taylor D N
Published: May 2017

Outpatient medical surveillance of U.S. troops was conducted during 11 different overseas missions between 1981 and 1990. In addition, at the end of each of 18 overseas missions during the same period, a sample of troops was queried regarding illnesses and exposures experienced in the preceding time overseas. Diarrhea was among the leading causes of morbidity during all of these short-term missions. Diarrhea incidence rates were found to be highest during summer months, and were higher during missions to Thailand (median = 25%, range = 20-29%), Latin America (median = 26%, range = 1-43%), and northeastern Africa and southwest Asia (median = 19%, range = < 1-52%). Rates were lowest in troops deployed to the Republic of South Korea (median = 16%, range = 8-27%). During April and May 1990, a focused surveillance and questionnaire study was conducted during a five-week, joint U.S.-Thai military training exercise in central Thailand. Among 2,600 U.S. personnel, diarrheal illness was found to be the most common medical problem for troops (estimated cumulative incidence = 29%). Travel outside of the base of operations and consumption of ice were found to be important risk factors. The 10-year database analyzed for this report is the largest, published summary showing the significant impact of diarrheal diseases on U.S. military forces during short-term deployments to less developed areas.
Helicobacter pylori serostatus in backpackers following travel to tropical countries.
Authors: Potasman I , Yitzhak A
Published: May 2017

The mode of transmission of Helicobacter pylori is unknown. The seroprevalence of H. pylori and the rate of transmission of feco-oral pathogens in developing countries are both high. Long-term travelers to these regions, who come from developed countries are thus potentially at increased risk of an infection with this bacterium. We studied the H. pylori serology status before and after travel of 104 backpackers who traveled to tropical countries; 76 medical students who did not leave Israel served as controls. Southeast Asia (70%) and South America (24%) were the major destinations, but the area of travel had no effect on the seroconversion rate. The total time spent abroad was 53 person-years. Thirty six of the travelers and 30 controls were positive at the outset. Seropositivity at entry was significantly associated with being a Sepharadic Jew or having a parent with a peptic ulcer disease. The majority of travelers (86.5%) and controls (92.1%) did not change their serostatus. Four travelers seroconverted, but 10 seroreverted, while three controls seroconverted, and three others seroreverted. No significant association with gastroenteritis was found. Serostatus may have been affected by mefloquine use because none of the four seroconverters, but eight of 10 seroreverters used it as malaria prophylaxis. In vitro studies demonstrated that mefloquine has anti-H. pylori activity. Feco-oral transmission is apparently not an important route of transmission of this organism among travelers.
Postpartum cardiac failure in Sudanese-Sahelian Africa: clinical prevalence in western Niger.
Authors: Cenac A , Djibo A
Published: May 2017

Postpartum cardiac failure (PPCF) is the most frequent clinical form of heart failure in hospitalized women in Sudanese-Sahelian Africa. We have previously studied this disease in a hospital setting. Although the incidence is relatively high in rural areas, no systematic field study has been carried out. In this report, we describe a retrospective study conducted in the western part of Niger in July-August 1991. Sixty-two villages were visited and a thorough search for patients was initiated (from a population of 79,941 inhabitants, 19,941 females 14-40 years of age, corrected census of 1988). Twenty-eight patients from 27 villages were included. The subject patients were those presenting with predefined symptoms (dyspnea and cough) and physical signs (edema of the legs) of congestive heart failure during the six-month period following delivery. Apart from arterial hypertension and previous PPCF, diagnosis of another cardiac disease was an exclusion criterion. The prevalence of PPCF was 1.40 per 1,000 females of child-bearing age. The clinical profiles of these cases were in accordance with those of a previous study in 1989 carried out at Niamey Hospital. These results were a mean +/- SD age of 28 +/- 7 years, multiparity (mean = 4 children), poor socioeconomic status, postpartum ablutions with hot water, and a high sodium intake. This is the first study on the clinical prevalence of PPCF in a Sudanese/Sahelian population living in a rural area.
Role of hepatitis E virus in sporadic cases of acute and fulminant hepatitis in an endemic area (Chad).
Authors: Coursaget P , Buisson Y , N'Gawara M N , Van Cuyck-Gandre H , Roue R
Published: May 2017

Forty-one patients with acute or fulminant hepatitis and 86 control patients were entered into a study of sporadic, acute, and fulminant hepatitis in the N'Djamena area of Chad in 1993. Acute hepatitis B was diagnosed in nine (22%) patients and acute hepatitis E in 27 (66%) patients. No acute hepatitis A was observed and 10% of the patients had serologic markers of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Dual acute hepatitis B and E were observed in four patients (10%) and acute HEV infection was associated with chronic hepatitis B surface antigen carriage in 16 (39%). Epidemiologic findings concerning HBV from Chad suggest that these patients had undiagnosed chronic liver disease due to HBV, with acute deterioration caused by superimposed HEV replication. Moreover, it is obvious that in developing countries only the most severe cases of hepatitis are seen in hospital settings and a large proportion of them are related to superinfection with HBV and HEV. Antibody to HEV was observed in 22% of the control patients. This observation and the fact that epidemic and sporadic cases of HEV are observed in Chad indicates that HEV is highly endemic in this country.
A case study of cytokine profiles in acute human babesiosis.
Authors: Shaio M F , Lin P R
Published: May 2017

The immune response in a patient with acute babesiosis was determined by measurements of lymphocyte subpopulations, serum levels of cytokines, and adhesion molecules. The ratio of CD4+:CD8+ lymphocytes was reduced early in the infection, but returned to a normal value after treatment with azithromycin and quinine. Natural killer (NK) cells markedly increased in the acute phase but progressively decreased and to the normal range in the convalescent phase. Serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interferon-gamma, interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-6, E-selectin, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 were highly elevated in the acute phase while normal levels of these mediators were observed one month after treatment. These results suggest that CD8+ T cells and NK cells may be involved in the host defense mechanisms against acute babesiosis.
Plasma levels of artesunate and dihydroartemisinin in children with Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Gabon after administration of 50-milligram artesunate suppositories.
Authors: Halpaap B , Ndjave M , Paris M , Benakis A , Kremsner P G
Published: May 2017

A thermostable suppository of artesunate (artesunic acid) has been developed. In Gabon, 12 children with Plasmodium falciparum malaria received two administrations of this suppository in a 4-hr interval. Parasitemia and fever were then measured and the plasma levels of artesunate and its active metabolite, dihydroartemisinin, were determined by means of a reversed phase high-pressure liquid chromatography method using reductive electrochemical detection. Substantial parasite clearance (97-100%) was noted 24 hr after the beginning of the treatment and body temperature had returned to normal. Absorption, metabolism, and elimination of artesunate were rapid. Mean values of maximum plasma levels (Cmax) and maximum concentration peak times (tmax) were evaluated. The Cmax of dihydroartemisinin (0.18 +/- 0.10 microg/ml [mean +/- SE]) was higher than the Cmax of artesunate (0.09 +/- 0.04 microg/ml) and the tmax of dihydroartemisinin (1.13 +/- 0.58 hr) was higher than the tmax of artesunate (0.58 +/- 0.19 hr). Plasma levels 30 min after the second suppository administration were not consistently higher than those found 30 min after the first administration.