A Case Report on Cutaneous Larva Migrans (CLM)

Cutaneous larva migrans (CLM) is a zoonotic hookworm infection of dogs and cats commonly found in low-income countries in the tropical and subtropical regions and travellers to these regions. It is caused by invasion of the skin by the parasitic larvae of hookworms which, after entry, move under the skin causing an inflammatory reaction resulting in a single or multiple tracks. Patients commonly present with a progressive, itchy, erythematous serpiginous skin rash, affecting the feet, although it can affect any other parts of the body. The diagnosis is mainly clinical, based on history and physical examination. Treatment of this condition can effectively be achieved with either albendazole or ivermectin. We present a case of a 7-year-old boy who was diagnosed with CLM after presenting to the hospital with a history of a progressive itchy rash with tracks on the left foot. Although CLM is a self-limiting disease, it causes a lot of suffering and, therefore, it is of public concern. There is a need to increase awareness of this disease among health workers, and to implement and promote preventive measures against the disease since the cause is known.

Eosinophilic cholecystitis as a rare manifestation of visceral larva migrans

Eosinophilic cholecystitis is an infrequent form of cholecystitis. The etiology of eosinophilic cholecystitis is still obscure, and it is sometimes accompanied with several complications, but a simultaneous onset with pericarditis is very rare. We would like to make an alternative interpretation of our recent report "Kaji K, Yoshiji H, Yoshikawa M, Yamazaki M, Ikenaka Y, Noguchi R, Sawai M, Ishikawa M, Mashitani T, Kitade M, Kawaratani H, Uemura M, Yamao J, Fujimoto M, Mitoro A, Toyohara M, Yoshida M, Fukui H. Eosinophilic cholecystitis along with pericarditis caused by Ascaris lumbricoides: A case report. World J Gastroenterol 2007; 13: 3760-3762."

Identification and Functional Analysis of Differentially Expressed Genes of Ascaris suum Goeze,1782 from Ascaris lumbricoides Linnaeus, 1758

In order to provide further evidence to prove that Ascaris suum Goeze,1782 and Ascaris lumbricoides Linnaeus,1758 are really different species in taxonomy,and to identity A.suum larval migrans-related genes for diagnosis and prevention use,A.suum genes that were differentialy expressed from the same gender of A.lumbricoides were enriched by subtracting the same expressed genes using suppression subtractive hybridization （SSH） assay.Specificity of the selectively enriched cDNA was verified by Southern blot analysis.The female A.suum specific cDNA library was then constructed and sequenced.Basic local alignment search tool （BLAST） analysis of female A.suum specific cDNA identified 6 specific ESTs with tentative functions related to larva migrans.This study provided further evidence for differentiating A.suum from A.lumbricoides.Mining for the detailed information and application of the 6 ESTs are worth being done in the future studies.

Toxocariasis:a silent threat with a progressive public health impact

Background:Toxocariasis is a neglected parasitic zoonosis that afflicts millions of the pediatric and adolescent populations worldwide,especially in impoverished communities.This disease is caused by infection with the larvae of Toxocara canis and T.cati,the most ubiquitous intestinal nematode parasite in dogs and cats,respectively.In this article,recent advances in the epidemiology,clinical presentation,diagnosis and pharmacotherapies that have been used in the treatment of toxocariasis are reviewed.Main text:Over the past two decades,we have come far in our understanding of the biology and epidemiology of toxocariasis.However,lack of laboratory infrastructure in some countries,lack of uniform case definitions and limited surveillance infrastructure are some of the challenges that hindered the estimation of global disease burden.Toxocariasis encompasses four clinical forms:visceral,ocular,covert and neural.Incorrect or misdiagnosis of any of these disabling conditions can result in severe health consequences and considerable medical care spending.Fortunately,multiple diagnostic modalities are available,which if effectively used together with the administration of appropriate pharmacologic therapies,can minimize any unnecessary patient morbidity.Conclusions:Although progress has been made in the management of toxocariasis patients,there remains much work to be done.Implementation of new technologies and better understanding of the pathogenesis of toxocariasis can identify new diagnostic biomarkers,which may help in increasing diagnostic accuracy.Also,further clinical research breakthroughs are needed to develop better ways to effectively control and prevent this serious disease.

Triclabendazole in the treatment of Paragonimiasis skrjabini

Objective To observe triclabendazole effect on Paragonimus skrjabini in experimentally infected rats, and to develop a new drug for treating paragonimiasis.Methods Metacercariae of Paragonimus skrjabini were isolated from crabs (Sinopotamon) collected from endemic area. Wistar rats were infected intraperitoneally. One and two months after infection, they were treated with triclabendazole at the dosage of 300 mg · kg -1 · 2d-1, 450 mg ·kg -1 · 3d -1 and 600 mg · kg-1 · 3d-1 respectively. Five patients with Paragonimus skrjabini were treated, with Triclabendazole dosage of 10 mg/kg bid x3 days.Results The worm reduction rates were 50. 3%, 80. 8% and 86. 7% respectively one month after completion of treatment. Dead worms of sesame size recovered from muscles, liver, abdominal cavity, chest cavity and lung were greatly diminished in size and weight in comparison with that of the control group. Many large (about 1 cm) black-colored distended worm cysts were found in the lungs of the control rats. Usually there were two adult worms pairs with numerous eggs in each worm cyst. Most worm cysts in the treated groups of rats were changed into hemorrhagic-necrotic patches. All five patients were cured.Conclusion Triclabendazole was highly active against Paragonimus skrjabini in rats experimentally infected and patients.