New testing options for Trichomonas vaginalis

According to epidemiologic research, Trichomonas vaginalis remains the most prevalent non-viral sexually transmitted infection (STI) globally.

There have been many exciting technological advances in the diagnosis of T. vaginalis over the last five years. New nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) options, some laboratory-based and others not, continue to be developed in this rapidly changing arena of molecular diagnostics. Several new assays are now available and the list is ever changing and evolving.

New assays offer a wide variety of solutions that make it possible to provide testing for trichomonas in almost any setting.

• RNA-based transcription mediation amplification assays
• DNA-based transcription mediation amplification assays
• Point-of-care (POC) assays

Read more:
New testing options for Trichomonas vaginalis respond to growing awareness

 Source: MLO

Tick-borne Hemorrhagic Fever Kills Man in Spain

Spanish health authorities said on Thursday they were investigating a possible outbreak of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) which has killed one man and infected a nurse, in the first non-imported case reported in Western Europe.

The 62-year-old man died on Aug. 25 after contracting the CCHF disease during a walk in the Castilla-Leon region, probably from a tick bite he reported - which is one of the main ways it is transmitted - authorities said in a statement.

He also infected the nurse who treated him at a hospital in Madrid and she is now in a stable condition in quarantine at an isolation unit, they said. Authorities are monitoring about 200 other people who had come into contact with the man and nurse.

According to the World Health Organization, CCHF's mortality rate is about 30 percent and it is endemic to Africa, the Balkans and Ukraine, the Middle East and Central Asia.

Read more:
First Local Case of Tick-Borne Disease Kills Man in Spain

Source: Scientific American
Image: ALL OVER PRESS

Laboratory Identification of Malaria Parasites

Microscopy

Microscopy (morphologic analysis) continues to be the "gold standard" for malaria diagnosis. Parasites may be visualized on both thick and thin blood smears stained with Giemsa, Wright, or Wright-Giemsa stains. Giemsa is the preferred stain, as it allows for detection of certain morphologic features (e.g. Schüffner’s dots, Maurer’s clefts, etc.) that may not be seen with the other two. Ideally, the thick smears are used to detect the presence of parasites while the thin smears are used for species-level identification. Quantification may be done on both thick and thin smears.

Molecular diagnosis

Morphologic characteristics of malaria parasites can determine a parasite species, however, microscopists may occasionally fail to differentiate between species in cases where morphologic characteristics overlap (especially Plasmodium vivax and P. ovale), as well as in cases where parasite morphology has been altered by drug treatment or improper storage of the sample. In such cases, the Plasmodium species can be determined by using confirmatory molecular diagnostic tests. In addition, molecular tests such as PCR can detect parasites in specimens where the parasitemia may be below the detectable level of blood film examination.


Antibody detection

Malaria antibody detection for clinical diagnosis is performed using the indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) test. The IFA procedure can be used as a diagnostic tool to determine if a patient has been infected with Plasmodium. Because of the time required for development of antibody and also the persistence of antibodies, serologic testing is not practical for routine diagnosis of acute malaria. However, antibody detection may be useful for:
screening blood donors involved in cases of transfusion-induced malaria when the donor's parasitemia may be below the detectable level of blood film examination
testing a patient who has been recently treated for malaria but in whom the diagnosis is questioned

Read more:
CDC - DPDx - Malaria - Diagnostic Findings

Source: CDC

Mosquito-Borne Diseases

Mosquitoes cause more human suffering than any other organism -- over one million people worldwide die from mosquito-borne diseases every year. Not only can mosquitoes carry diseases that afflict humans, they also transmit several diseases and parasites that dogs and horses are very susceptible to. These include dog heartworm, West Nile virus (WNV) and Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE). In addition, mosquito bites can cause severe skin irritation through an allergic reaction to the mosquito's saliva - this is what causes the red bump and itching. Mosquito vectored diseases include protozoan diseases, i.e., malaria, filarial diseases such as dog heartworm, and viruses such as dengue, encephalitis and yellow fever. CDC Travelers' Health provides information on travel to destinations where human-borne diseases might be a problem.

• Malaria
• Chikungunya
• Dog Heartworm
• Dengue
• Yellow Fever
• Eastern Equine Encephalitis
• St. Louis Encephalitis
• LaCrosse Encephalitis
• Western Equine Encephalitis
• West Nile Virus
• Zika Virus

Read more:
Mosquito-Borne Diseases

Source: AMCA
Image: NIH

Toxoplasma gondii can break the blood-brain barrier

Scientists have known for many years that T. gondii can affect the brain, even influencing the behavior of its hosts. However, some have debated the exact mechanisms of how the parasite crosses the blood-brain barrier, a physical obstacle intended to keep pathogens out of the brain.

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, along with colleagues from across the country, have identified how the parasite makes its way into the brain. Using a powerful imaging technique that allowed the scientists to track the presence and movement of parasites in living tissues, the researchers found that Toxoplasma infects the brain's endothelial cells, which line blood vessels, reproduces inside of them, and then moves on to invade the central nervous system.

Read more:
The Parasites that Break the Blood-Brain Barrier 

 Source: GEN News

Parasite Glass Magnets

Includes a set of 23 hand made glass magnets. Each magnet measures about 1" across. Made with 1/2 inch diameter, super-strong Neodymium magnets that can hold several sheets of paper. They are the perfect touch on refrigerators, white boards, and filing cabinets and the perfect gift for scientists working with parasites.

Read more:
Parasite glass magnets complete

Source: ETSY by PtownPaperAndMagnets

New discovery: Malaria parasite is dependent on heavy metals

The malaria parasite is rendered barren when the transport of heavy metals such as copper and iron is blocked. This is the conclusion reached by malaria researcher Taco Kooij and international colleagues in a study published today in Nature Communications. In addition, the researchers identified six proteins that are essential to the life stages of the parasite in which it sickens its host. They also discovered a gene that is essential for the parasite to settle in its host. This study provides clues for new malaria drugs and vaccines.

The important finding is that the malaria parasite becomes infertile when the transport of heavy metals such as copper and iron is blocked. “With mutations in the genes involved, we saw that the parasite was unable to produce reproductive cells, or only produced infertile cells. This blocks the movement of parasites from the mouse to the mosquito. This also provides potential targets for medication, because it will prevent further spread of the disease."

Read more:
Malaria parasite is dependent on heavy metals

Source: Alpha Galileo

How Malaria Fools Our Immune System

Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (OIST) reconstructed the 3D structure of one of the proteins of Plasmodium falciparum, the causative agent of malaria and the antibodies that act as the first line of defense against the parasite. This research, published in Cell Reports, was conducted at the Structural Cellular Biology Unit, led by Prof. Ulf Skoglund. This study provides valuable knowledge for the design of anti-malaria drugs.

One strategy used by the pathogen to amplify its spreading probability is the formation of rosette-shaped clusters of uninfected erythrocytes surrounding a malaria-infected red blood cell. Since the parasite in the central cell of the rosette can easily infect the surrounding cells, the rosette enhances the infection. Moreover, rosetting is associated with severe malaria and high fever. In small blood vessels big rosettes bind to the walls of the capillaries, obstructing the normal blood flow, causing the body to react with high fever. Since children and elderly people have thinner capillaries, they are at higher risk of severe malaria.

Malaria-infected red blood cells (RBC) express the pathogen protein PfEMP1 on their surface. IgM  and PfEMP1 form a bouquet that makes the cell more infectious and more prone to attract other still-uninfected red blood cells. Moreover, the other immune system proteins (such as the complement, C1q) are not able to be recruited and kill the infected cell.

Read more:
How Malaria Fools Our Immune System



Source: Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University OIST

African trypanosomiasis diagnosis by peripheral blood

Case: A 49-year-old Spanish woman presented immediately on return to Spain from a 2-week visit to Tanzania with malaise, fatigue, arthralgia, and high fever (39°C). She had a medical history of dengue 4 years ago. Physical examination revealed signs of an arthropod bite on the neck with an evident chancre. Hepatosplenomegaly and lymphadenopathy were absent. Blood analysis showed leukopenia (2.3 × 10⁹/L) and thrombocytopenia (55 × 10⁹/L), low prothrombin index expressed as a percentage (66%), increased lactate dehydrogenase (622 IU/L; normal, 250-450 IU/L), and hepatic transaminase values (aspartate aminotransferase: 159 IU/L; normal, 5-40 IU/L; alanine aminotransferase: 207 IU/L; normal, 5-40 IU/L). The peripheral blood film was diagnostic for trypanosome infection, showing the presence of extracellular flagellated parasites.

Read more:
Human African trypanosomiasis diagnosis by peripheral blood smear review in a Spanish traveler

Source: Blood journal

Dipyllidium Case

Cute lab dog is making self-diagnosis ...

Parasites in Stool

Case: 14 years old male from Vietnam has been suffering diarrhea, abdominal pain and fever several weeks. Stool sample for parasites was taken and the findings are in the image below. The size of the particles is around 120 x 70 µm.

Can you identify these particles from stool sample?

Correct answer is below the image.


(Click image to enlarge)

.





Correct answer: Artifacts (plant cells)

Trichomania shampoo for your "hair"

LUSH Trichomania a solid shampoo, never having tried one earlier. Feel all those little flagella scrubbing your hair for you.....  

Read more:
LUSH Trichomania Solid Shampoo 

Source: Mad Woman in The Attic

Free Online Atlas of Human Parasitology

Web Atlas of Medical Parasitology aims to provide educational materials for medical students primarily, but professional workers in medical or paramedical fields may also refer to this site covering the significant parasites in the world. Each database of protozoans, nematodes, trematodes, cestodes and arthropods contains information on the morphology, life cycle, geographical distribution, symptoms, prevention, etc.

Open atlas here:
atlas of human parasitology

Source: Ministry of Health and Welfare, Korea

Human Stool Parasites Challenge

Case: 46 years old tourist guide from Philippines has weight loss and chronic abdominal pain. Stool specimen for parasites were taken and the findings are in the image below. The size of the found particles is around 140 x 80micrometers.

Can you identify these particles? 

Correct answer is below the image.

Correct answer: Eggs of Fasciola hepatica or Fasciolopsis buski.

The size of eggs is an important feature in differentiating F. hepatica/F. buski eggs from the similar-appearing but smaller eggs of Diphyllobothrium and Paragonimus. Unfortunately it is not possible to reliably differentiate the eggs of F. hepatica and F. buski by morphology alone. 

Source: Creepy dreathful wonderful parasites
Image credits: Bobbi Pritt

Free eBook - Basic malaria microscopy

Microscopists are vital to malaria programmes, and their diagnostic and technical skills are relied on in both curative services and disease surveillance. Thus, training in malaria microscopy must be sound and must reach today’s high standards. When microscopists are trained and able to make quality-assured diagnoses of malaria, communities at risk have greater confidence in their services, and both patients and prescribers benefit.

'Read more:
WHO | Basic malaria microscopy – Part I: Learner's guide. Second edition

Source: WHO

Sunday Parasite Challenge

Can you identify these particles in human faeces?

Case: 44 years old woman from Wisconsin, USA has lost weight and suffering fatigue lately, but no other symptoms. Basic blood count and infection markers were within normal limits.Stool sample was taken and the findings are in the image. The lenght of the particles is around 60 micrometers.

Correct answer: Diphyllobothrium species eggs (broad fish tapeworm). There are other species of Diphyllobothrium (e.g. D. pacificum, D. ursi) that can also infect humans and they are essentially indistinguishable by morphologically alone. Therefore, it is best to simply identify these as "Diphyllobothrium sp."

 Please read all comments and suggestions from my FB page.

Source: Creepy Dreadful Wonderful Parasites
Image credits: Bobbi Pritt

Diagnosing Plasmodium falciparum in a teenage traveler by peripheral blood smear

A 17-year-old teenager presented with fever and jaundice for 1 week that was preceded by 3 weeks of abdominal pain and malaise. The patient was born in The Gambia but had lived in the United States for most of his life except for the last 2 years, when he had returned to The Gambia. He was in the United States for 10 days at time of admission. Physical examination revealed depressed sensorium with a Glasgow Coma Scale of 15. He was afebrile and hemodynamically stable on admission but developed hypotension refractory to intravenous fluids, leading to transfer to the intensive care unit within 12 hours of presentation. A complete blood count showed a hemoglobin level of 6.1 g/dL with a nadir of 5.8 g/dL. The peripheral blood smear was diagnostic for Plasmodium falciparum, showing numerous intracellular parasites, with a calculated 28% parasitemia. There were crescent-shaped gametocytes, ring forms with split chromatin giving the typical “headphone” appearance, erythrocytes infected with multiple parasites, and appliqué forms.

Read more:
Diagnosing Plasmodium falciparum in a teenage traveler by peripheral blood smear

Source: Blood Journal

Smartphone microscope automates detection of parasites in blood

A research team led by UC Berkeley engineers has developed a new smartphone microscope that uses video to automatically detect and quantify infection by parasitic worms in a drop of blood. This next generation of UC Berkeley’s CellScope technology could help revive efforts to eradicate debilitating filarial diseases in Africa by providing critical information to health providers in the field.

“We previously showed that mobile phones can be used for microscopy, but this is the first device that combines the imaging technology with hardware and software automation to create a complete diagnostic solution,” said Daniel Fletcher, an associate chair and professor of bioengineering, whose UC Berkeley lab pioneered the CellScope. “The video CellScope provides accurate, fast results that enable health workers to make potentially life-saving treatment decisions in the field.”

Read more:
Smartphone microscope automates detection of parasites in blood 

Source: University of California

Overview of Intestinal Protozoan Infections

The most important intestinal protozoan pathogens are Entamoeba histolytica, Cryptosporidium sp, Giardia intestinalis (lamblia), Cystoisospora (Isospora) belli, Cyclospora cayetanensis, and members of the phylum Microsporidia. Multiple pathogenic parasites and nonpathogenic commensal organisms may be present in the intestine at the same time.

Intestinal protozoa are spread by the fecal-oral route, so infections are widespread in areas with inadequate sanitation and water treatment. They are also common in the US in settings where fecal incontinence and poor hygiene prevail, as occur in mental institutions and day care centers. Occasionally, large waterborne outbreaks of intestinal protozoan infection have occurred in the US (eg, the massive waterborne Cryptosporidium outbreak in Milwaukee in 1993). Some GI protozoa are spread sexually, especially with practices involving oral-anal contact, and several protozoan species cause severe opportunistic infections in patients with AIDS.

Read more:
Overview of Intestinal Protozoan Infections

Source: Merck Manual

How blood group O protects against malaria

It has long been known that people with blood type O are protected from dying of severe malaria. In a study published in Nature Medicine, a team of Scandinavian scientists explains the mechanisms behind the protection that blood type O provides, and suggest that the selective pressure imposed by malaria may contribute to the variable global distribution of ABO blood groups in the human population.

A team of scientists led from Karolinska Institutet in Sweden have now identified a new and important piece of the puzzle by describing the key part played by the RIFIN protein. Using data from different kinds of experiment on cell cultures and animals, they show how the Plasmodium falciparum parasite secretes RIFIN, and how the protein makes its way to the surface of the blood cell, where it acts like glue. The team also demonstrates how it bonds strongly with the surface of type A blood cells, but only weakly to type O.

This study ties together previous findings. It can explain the mechanism behind the protection that blood group O provides against severe malaria, which can, in turn, explain why the blood type is so common in the areas where malaria is common. In Nigeria, for instance, more than half of the population belongs to blood group O, which protects against malaria.”

Read more:
How blood group O protects against malaria

Source: Karolinska Institutet