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Microporous polymeric matrices prepared from poly(ɛ-caprolactone) [PCL] were evaluated for controlled vaginal delivery of the antiprotozoal agent (tinidazole) in the treatment of the sexually transmitted infection, trichomoniasis. The matrices were produced by rapidly cooling co-solutions of PCL and tinidazole in acetone to −80 °C to induce crystallisation and hardening of the polymer. Tinidazole incorporation in the matrices increased from 1.4 to 3.9% (w/w), when the drug concentration in the starting PCL solution was raised from 10 to 20% (w/w), giving rise to drug loading efficiencies up to 20%. Rapid 'burst release' of 30% of the tinidazole content was recorded over 24 h when the PCL matrices were immersed in simulated vaginal fluid. Gradual drug release occurred over the next 6 days resulting in delivery of around 50% of the tinidazole load by day 7 with the released drug retaining antiprotozoal activity at levels almost 50% that of the 'non-formulated' drug in solution form. Basic modelling predicted that the concentration of tinidazole released into vaginal fluid in vivo from a PCL matrix in the form of an intravaginal ring would exceed the minimum inhibitory concentration against Trichomonas vaginalis. These findings recommend further investigation of PCL matrices as intravaginal devices for controlled delivery of antiprotozoal agents in the treatment and prevention of sexually transmitted infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Myiasis is the invasion of mammalian tissues by dipterous larvae. Cutaneous myiasis is the commonest type, and less commonly, internal tissues and organs are affected. Here, we report the first case of oro-nasopharyngeal myiasis caused by the third-instar larvae of Chrysomya bezziana (Old-World screwworm) in Sri Lanka. A retired 71-year-old female tea-plucker presented to the hospital with a 4-day history of nasal bleeding and neck discomfort. Except for well-controlled hypertension, she had no significant medical history. On examination, there was an ulcerated area in the posterior oro-nasopharynx filled with maggots. Hematological analysis showed a high C-reactive protein level (24 mg/dL) and white blood cell count (17.5 × 10 9 /L) with 80% neutrophils. Computed tomography showed severe inflammation of the pharynx with no features of a neoplasm or parapharyngeal abscess. An examination was performed under anesthesia followed by manual removal of larvae, surgical debridement with biopsy, and treatment with antiparasitic medicines and antibiotics. Histopathology excluded neoplasm and only showed inflammatory changes. All extracted larvae were morphologically similar and identified as third-instar larvae of C. bezziana using a trinocular zoom stereomicroscope. The patient recovered and was discharged from the hospital on the 15th day and was well at 2 months follow-up., Competing Interests: Declaration of Conflicting InterestsThe author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.