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Background: The increased proliferation of Demodex mites in the pilosebaceous unit can be the cause of rosacea flare-ups on the face. Signs and symptoms of the scalp (e.g., itching, dandruff) have sometimes been reported in patients with papulopustular rosacea of face; they may be due to a proliferation of Demodex mites on the scalp., Methods: To study the Demodex mites count, a standardized skin surface biopsy was performed on the cheek and on the scalp. Microscopic examination and molecular identification of Demodex were performed. Pearson's χ 2 Test or Fisher's Exact Test were used to test for any association between categorical variables and outcome., Results: Patients affected by papulopustular rosacea had a greater frequency of Demodex-positive standardized skin surface biopsy than controls at the scalp (35.0% vs. 0%, P=0.033), at the face and/or at the scalp (50% vs. 10%, P=0.032). Demodex positive patients with a Demodex-positive face sample were more frequently found to have a Demodex-positive scalp sample (P=0.035). The predominant species was found to be Demodex folliculorum (92.6% of samples); the species Demodex brevis was identified only in 7.4% of samples., Conclusions: Demodex folliculorum is more frequently found on the scalp and face of patients with rosacea than controls, even though it is not statistically associated with scalp symptoms. The scalp may be a reservoir area for Demodex mites which could migrate on the face again after an acaricidal treatment.

Background: Cyathostomins are the most important and common parasitic nematodes of horses, with > 50 species known to occur worldwide. The frequent and indiscriminate use of anthelmintics has resulted in the development of anthelmintic resistance (AR) in horse nematodes. In this study we assessed the efficacy of commonly used anthelmintics against cyathostomins in Australian thoroughbred horses., Methods: Two drug efficacy trials per farm were conducted on two thoroughbred horse farms in the state of Victoria, Australia. In the first trial, the horses on Farm A were treated with single and combinations of anthelmintics, including oxfendazole (OFZ), abamectin (ABM), abamectin and morantel (ABM + MOR), moxidectin (MOX) and oxfendazole and pyrantel (OFZ + PYR), at the recommended doses, whereas the horses on Farm B only received MOX, at the recommended dose. The faecal egg count reduction test (FECRT) was used to determine the efficacy and egg reappearance period (ERP) of anthelmintics. Based on the results of the first trial, the efficacies of MOX and a combination of ABM + MOR were reassessed to confirm their activities against cyathostomins., Results: Of the five anthelmintic products tested on Farm A, resistance against OFZ, ABM and OFZ + PYR was found, with efficacies of - 41% (- 195% lower confidence limit [LCL]), 73% (60% LCL) and 82% (66% LCL) at 2 weeks post-treatment, respectively. The FECRT showed high efficacies of MOX and ABM + MOR (100%) at 2 week post-treatment and shortened ERPs for these anthelmintics (ABM + MOR: 4 weeks; MOX: 5 weeks). Resistance to MOX was found on Farm B, with a reduced efficacy of 90% (70% LCL) and 89% (82% LCL) at 2 weeks post-treatment in trials one and two, respectively., Conclusions: This study provides the first evidence of MOX- and multidrug-resistant (ABM and combinations of anthelmintics) cyathostomins in Australia and indicates the need for continuous surveillance of the efficacy of currently effective anthelmintics and large-scale investigations to assess the ERP for various anthelmintics., (© 2021. The Author(s).)

Human visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a life-threatening disease caused by protozoan parasites belonging to the Leishmania donovani complex. Atypical cases of leishmaniasis and HIV coinfection have been documented in case reports, mostly associated with gastrointestinal tract, kidney, and skin involvement. We report two VL cases with atypical localizations not reported from east Africa before, both diagnosed and treated at the Leishmaniasis Research and Treatment Center, Gondar, Ethiopia. The first case was an HIV-infected patient with scrotal and penile involvement. Leishmania parasites were detected in the spleen and the scrotum. The second case was an immunocompetent individual with esophageal, laryngeal, and pharyngeal involvement and facial lesions. Leishmania parasites were detected in the spleen, skin, and esophageal biopsies. Current evidence suggests atypical presentation can occur in patients irrespective of their HIV status. Therefore, we suggest a high index of suspicion for VL among clinicians working in endemic areas of Ethiopia.

Background: The diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is often difficult because of the diversity of clinical presentations, its often-misleading appearance and the very long incubation period (time between the endemic stay and the onset of skin lesions)., Case: We report the case of an otherwise healthy 67-year-old man who presented with inflammatory skin lesions on the scalp and face for the past 7 years. The lesions were first mistaken as cutaneous sarcoidosis, mycobacterial infection, and cutaneous lymphoma. Finally, the diagnosis was made by RT-PCR analysis on a punch-biopsy specimen, which was positive for Leishmania infantum. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: To date, the choice of treatment for complex cutaneous leishmaniases is based on the Leishmania species. Our patient successfully responded to liposomal amphotericin B.

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of Demodex infection among students in Kunming Medical University, and identify the factors affecting Demodex infections, so as to provide the evidence for the development of the strategy for the prevention of Demodex infections., Methods: A total of 1 463 students from Grade 2014 who studied Medical Parasitology in Kunming Medical University were included in the survey. Demodex was examined in students'facial skin using the cellophane tape method, and the species was identified using microscopy. The students'gender, ethnicity, place of origin and skin type were captured using a questionnaire survey., Results: The overall prevalence of Demodex infections was 19.07% (279/1 463) on the facial skin among the university students, and a higher prevalence was seen in girls (21.16%, 183/865) than in boys (16.05%, 96/598) ( χ 2 =5.965, P <0.05).Theprevalenceof Demodex infectionswas18.33%(66/360)amongminorethnicstudents,andnoethnicity-specific prevalence was seen ( P > 0.05). Demodex folliculorum was the predominant species, with a prevalence of 50.54% (141/279), and mild infections were predominant among all infections (96.77%, 270/279), without severe infections seen. Multivariate nonconditional logistic regression analysis revealed that gender and roommates with Demodex infections were risk factors of Demodex infections, and the infection was not associated with ethnicity, place of origin or skin type. There were only 2.53% (37/1 463) of the subjects understanding the knowledge pertaining to the prevention and control of Demodex infection., Conclusions: A relatively low prevalence of Demodex infection is detected in the facial skin of students from Kunming Medical University, and Demodex infection is associated with gender and roommates with Demodex infections. Health education pertaining to the prevention of Demodex infections is suggested to be intensified among university students.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of Demodex spp. in college students, mostly adolescent individuals., Methods: A questionnaire including questions about the risk factors of Demodex spp. was administered to college students. Samples were taken with Standard Superficial Skin Biopsy method and examined under light microscope., Results: Presence of Demodex spp. was detected in 160 (42.7%) students out of 375 totally; 126 out of 291 nursing students (43.3%) and 34 out of 84 midwifery students (40.5%). It was detected in 47.3% of males and 40.2% of females. There was a statistically significant difference in terms of the prevalence of Demodex spp. between those who used foundation cream/make-up products and those who did not, and between those who removed hair and those who did not (p<0.05). There was no relationship between other variables and Demodex spp. prevalence., Conclusion: It is concluded that Demodex spp. is very common among college students in Kars. Dermatologists should also consider the existence of Demodex spp. in the etiology and pathogenesis of dermatoses which develops in the facial region of individuals in this group of age.

Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate the Demodex prevalence in patients with dermatological complaints who were admitted to our hospital, and to evaluate the socio-demographic characteristics and risk factors of the patients., Methods: A total of 133 patients who were sent for Demodex screening were included and questionnaire for risk factors was administered. Samples were taken by standard superficial skin biopsy method and the different developmental stages were investigated under microscope., Results: Demodex species were found in 93 (69.9%) of the patients. Demodex folliculorum was found in 58 (62.4%) of the patients, Demodex brevis in 13 (14%), Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis in 4 (4.3%) and Demodex species in 18 (19.4%) of the patients. At least one of the Demodex species was found in 77.1% of patients with acne rosacea. No statistically significant relation was found between Demodex positivity and age, gender, number of weekly baths, use of makeup, and common towel use. Though statistically not significant, an increase of Demodex infestation with increasing age was observed., Conclusion: Demodex mite infestations are widespread worldwide without showing important racial and gender differences. In the present study, prevalence of Demodex infestation in patients with acne rosacea was high and this should be taken into consideration, when such patients are treated for their symptoms.

Argemone mexicana, Taraxacum officinale, Ruta chalepensis and Tagetes filifolia are plants with deworming potential. The purpose of this study was to evaluate methanolic extracts of aerial parts of these plants against Haemonchus contortus eggs and infective larvae (L3) and identify compounds responsible for the anthelmintic activity. In vitro probes were performed to identify the anthelmintic activity of plant extracts: egg hatching inhibition (EHI) and larvae mortality. Open column Chromatography was used to bio-guided fractionation of the extract, which shows the best anthelmintic effect. The lethal concentration to inhibit 50% of H. contortus egg hatching or larvae mortality (LC 50 ) was calculated using a Probit analysis. Bio-guided procedure led to the recognition of an active fraction (TF11) mainly composed by 1) quercetagitrin, 2) methyl chlorogenate and chlorogenic acid. Quercetagitrin (1) and methyl chlorogenate (2) did not show an important EHI activity (3-14%) (p < 0.05); however, chlorogenic acid (3) showed 100% of EHI (LC 50 248 μg/mL) (p < 0.05). Chlorogenic acid is responsible of the ovicidal activity and it seems that, this compound is reported for the first time with anthelmintic activity against a parasite of importance in sheep industry., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis are common ectoparasites in humans. Demodex parasite infestations have not been determined in the province of Ordu. We determined the prevalence of Demodex species among humans in Ordu Provience, Turkey. Seven hundred ninety-nine subjects (438 males and 361 females) aged ≥ 18 years living in the central districts of Ordu Province, Turkey, were selected using the World Health Organization cluster sampling method. A superficial skin biopsy of the face was obtained from each subject. Six hundred sixty-nine subjects (83.7%) had a Demodex parasite. Factors significantly associated with the presence of Demodex infestation were: female gender, employment in the private sector, people who only occasionally wash their face and district of residence. Since Demodex ectoparasites were common in Ordu Province, it is suggested that the diagnosis and treatment of this ectoparasite should be carried out in the hospitals of this region.

We present the first case of human myiasis in Greenland caused by the warble fly Hypoderma tarandi. Noticing a persisting, migrating, stinging facial sensation, a female patient eventually extirpated a larva from her upper eyelid, and the larva was confirmed to species level using DNA-based methods. A high prevalence of H. tarandi in reindeer, the main reservoir host, and increasing populations of musk ox may imply an increased risk of zoonotic transmission. Although diagnosis is challenging, rapid intervention is crucial to reduce the risk of ophthalmomyiasis.

Background: Cryptosporidium hominis is a dominant species for human cryptosporidiosis. Within the species, IbA10G2 is the most virulent subtype responsible for all C. hominis-associated outbreaks in Europe and Australia, and is a dominant outbreak subtype in the United States. In recent yearsIaA28R4 is becoming a major new subtype in the United States. In this study, we sequenced the genomes of two field specimens from each of the two subtypes and conducted a comparative genomic analysis of the obtained sequences with those from the only fully sequenced Cryptosporidium parvum genome., Results: Altogether, 8.59-9.05 Mb of Cryptosporidium sequences in 45-767 assembled contigs were obtained from the four specimens, representing 94.36-99.47% coverage of the expected genome. These genomes had complete synteny in gene organization and 96.86-97.0% and 99.72-99.83% nucleotide sequence similarities to the published genomes of C. parvum and C. hominis, respectively. Several major insertions and deletions were seen between C. hominis and C. parvum genomes, involving mostly members of multicopy gene families near telomeres. The four C. hominis genomes were highly similar to each other and divergent from the reference IaA25R3 genome in some highly polymorphic regions. Major sequence differences among the four specimens sequenced in this study were in the 5' and 3' ends of chromosome 6 and the gp60 region, largely the result of genetic recombination., Conclusions: The sequence similarity among specimens of the two dominant outbreak subtypes and genetic recombination in chromosome 6, especially around the putative virulence determinant gp60 region, suggest that genetic recombination plays a potential role in the emergence of hyper-transmissible C. hominis subtypes. The high sequence conservation between C. parvum and C. hominis genomes and significant differences in copy numbers of MEDLE family secreted proteins and insulinase-like proteases indicate that telomeric gene duplications could potentially contribute to host expansion in C. parvum.

Fifty-three Blastocystis hominis isolates were separated from the fecal specimens of carriers in college students from Guangxi and cultivated in vitro, and the genetic DNA was extracted. All the isolates were genotyped by PCR using seven pairs of known sequence-tagged site (STS) primers. The results showed there were five subtypes in the 53 isolates. Subtype 3 was the most popular one (32.1%, 17/53), followed by subtype 7 (9.4%, 5/53). Subtypes 1 (7.6%, 4/53), 4 (7.6%, 4/53), and 6 (1.9%, 1/53) were detected, while subtypes 2 and 5 were not detected. The genotypes of the other 22 isolates were unknown which were negative to all the STS primers.

Haemonchus placei is an abomasal parasite of cattle, primarily in tropical and subtropical areas of the world. In Australia, this nematode can be extremely pathogenic in summer rainfall areas, particularly in the hot, sub-tropical Kimberley region, in the far north of the state of Western Australia (WA). Although cattle are occasionally transferred to southern parts of WA, it was believed that H. placei did not occur in southern regions of WA, as it is less cold-adapted than Haemonchus contortus, and the free-living stages would not develop during the cold winter and dry summer periods. Here, we show that, although H. contortus is found in cattle in the temperate southern region of WA, it appears that H. placei also occurs in southern WA. While investigating the prevalence of anthelmintic resistance in nematodes of cattle in WA, the existence of H. placei was suspected on a range of participating farms, following the morphological examination of third-stage larvae cultured from faeces, and of adult worms recovered from sheep experimentally infected with these larvae. Genomic DNAs from individual worms as well as eggs from pooled faecal samples from seven farms in southern WA were subjected to PCR-based mutation scanning and sequence analyses of the second internal transcribed spacer (ITS-2) of nuclear ribosomal DNA. The results showed that both H. contortus and H. placei were harboured by cattle. This first record of H. placei in cattle in southern WA raises questions as to the prevalence and distribution of this parasite in other temperate and cool climatic regions of Australia. Although clinical disease due to H. placei has not yet been seen in southern WA, global, climatic trends might suggest an increased importance of this parasite in the longer term., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Trombiculiasis is an infestation caused by larvae members of the family Trombiculidae, common called chigger mites. In this study is presented the first case of trombiculiasis caused by the infestation of chigger mite Eutrombicula in alpacas from Peru. Twenty-two alpacas of a total of 130 animals were infested by Eutrombicula sp. The chigger mite location was only in the face skin folds and around the eyes. In addition, all alpacas infested had alopecia and dermatitis in the infected zone., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Demodex folliculorum and D. brevis are cosmopolitan, obligatory parasites. Epidemiological studies have established a clear association between these species and various facial diseases in humans. However, not much is known of the ecology of these mites, also because it has proven difficult to culture them. Here we report a laboratory study on the (combined) effects of temperature and culture medium on the viability of both species. Results showed significant differences in the survival time of D. folliculorum and D. brevis among different temperatures and media. Pair-wise comparisons revealed that both species survived longest in serum medium, at a temperature of 16-22 °C. Therefore, we conclude that these conditions allow preservation and maintenance of both Demodex mites.

Background: Cervico-facial hydatid cyst is rare. It accounts for 1 % of echinococcosis locations., Aim: To describe the epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic aspects of cervico-facial hydatid cysts based on our clinical experience and data in the literature., Methods: A retrospective study was made concerning 17 patients with cervico-facial hydatid cyst treated surgically over a 25-year period from 1982 to 2006., Results: Mean patient age was 27 years (range 2-79). Hydatid cyst localization was: cervical muscle (7 cases), thyroid gland (5 cases), parotid gland (2 cases), cervico-thoracic (1 case), larynx (1 case) and cheek (1 case). Hydatic origin of the cyst was suspected for 6 patients (35.3 %) preoperatively. Surgical treatment was used in all cases and adapted to each case. Diagnosis was always confirmed by macroscopic aspects and pathology., Conclusion: Hydatid cysts are rarely found in the cervico-facial region, even in highly endemic zone. The manifestation of symptoms depends on the location and the size of the cyst. Positive diagnosis can be difficult during preoperative period. Exclusively surgical treatment is indicated, ideally for total pericystic resection without rupture.

Objective: To examine sebum from the face ofpatients with persisting skin disorders to investigate the cause of pathologic changes., Study Design: This study included 39 skin scrapings containing sebum obtained from the face of patients who presented with persisting skin disorders. Samples were taken from forehead, chin, cheeks, nose and lesions of facial skin. They were mixed with a drop of oil to dissolve the sebum and were covered with a cover glass. The specimens were labeled according to the part of the face from which were taken. Then the glass slides were placed immediately under the microscope and the obtained material was carefully examined using 20-40x magnification., Results: Demodex mites were detected in 23 patients. Their skin scrapings revealed degenerated and dead cells, fat and slowly moving, tiny demodex mites. The chin, nose and the forehead were the preferred facial areas. A large number of mites were seen in skin scrapings from 5 patients aged 65-82 years., Conclusion: Infestation of demodex mites on the skin, combined with a weakened immune system, can cause various therapy-resistant skin disorders. Demodecosis should be taken into consideration, and its investigation is quite simple, although it remains a therapeutic challenge.

The parasite load in cervical, mandibular, and parotid lymph nodes and in the skin of the nose and the pinna from dogs infected with Leishmania infantum were investigated by histologic and immunohistochemical studies. Twenty-two infected dogs with and without signs of infection were examined to demonstrate correlation of signs with parasite load and the correlation of facial skin lesions with parasites in regional lymph nodes. Chronic inflammation of the skin was demonstrated in infected dogs that had no gross skin lesions, confirming that normal-appearing skin can harbor the parasite, likely playing a role in transmission. Dogs with facial skin lesions showed a higher parasite load in parotid lymph nodes than dogs without lesions of the facial skin, based on Leishman-Donovan unit analysis. Based on immunohistochemical analysis, parasite load in parotid and cervical nodes was correlated with that of skin of the nose and pinna, as was the parasite load in mandibular lymph nodes and skin of the external nose. We demonstrated a logical involvement of the lymphatic vessels and their specific anatomic draining sites.

A 64-year-old woman presented with erythematous, infiltrative plaques with a central atrophic area on both zygomatic regions. Several yellow-reddish papules were seen at the periphery of the plaques and showed an "apple-jelly" color on diascopy (Fig. 1). No visceral involvement was detected. The past medical history revealed that, at 3 years of age, she had developed an "Oriental sore" on both cheeks that healed with permanent scars. Thirty years later, she noticed an erythematous patch around the scars. She reported a hospital admission 22 years earlier for cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL); this was treated with pentavalent antimonial therapy for 10 days with partial improvement, when she refused further treatment. The lesions worsened in the summer and gradually became disfiguring, which prompted her to seek medical consultation. Laboratory findings were normal. Leishmania antibody titers were negative. Tissue samples were obtained by biopsy from the border of the lesion for culture, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and histopathologic examination. Histology revealed a dermal infiltrate with tuberculoid granulomas surrounded by lymphocytes, histiocytes, and some plasma cells, but no caseation necrosis. A few Leishmania organisms were found on careful searching (Fig. 2). Leishmania tropica was identified by culture and PCR. A diagnosis of leishmaniasis recidiva cutis (LRC) was made on the basis of the anamnestic data together with the clinical, histopathologic, biologic, and molecular findings. Complete regression was achieved with meglumine antimoniate (Glucantime) given intramuscularly (15 mg Sb(V)/kg/day for 15 days) and cryosurgery with liquid nitrogen. No recurrence was noted during a 12-month follow-up period.

Demodex sp. is an obligatory ectoparasite of pilosebaceous units in humans. This study was carried out in order to investigate the frequency of Demodex sp. among high school students. For this purpose 75 women and 96 men, making a total of 171 students, were studied. Cellophane-tape preparations taken from their face, especially at the base of the nose, underside of the jaw and the side of the forehead, were examined microscopically. Demodex sp. was found to be positive in five (2.9%) cases.

Background: Patients with immunodeficiency are prone to infestation with Demodex folliculorum mites. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation can lead to immunosuppression and sebaceous gland hyperplasia. Although some cases of demodicidosis related to UV radiation exposure have been reported, no studies have been performed on the incidence of D. folliculorum and its clinical characteristics in patients receiving phototherapy. Objective To investigate the effects of phototherapy on the density of D. folliculorum infestation and its clinical characteristics., Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. Forty-five patients receiving phototherapy and 43 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were enrolled to the study. The sociodemographic characteristics, occupational information, and skin types (2, 3, 4, or 5) of both patients and controls were carefully recorded. The dermatologic diseases requiring phototherapy, type and number of phototherapy treatments, and cumulative UV doses of all patients were noted. The clinical findings that may relate to demodicidosis were recorded. Standardized skin surface biopsies were taken from three anatomic regions (forehead, cheek, and nasal dorsum) and suspected lesions; five or more D. folliculorum mites per square centimeter of skin was defined as demodicidosis., Results: Twelve (26.7%) patients received psoralen plus UV-A (PUVA) and 33 (73.3%) received narrow-band UV-B. Demodicidosis was detected in 13 (28.9%) patients and three (7%) controls. The difference in the demodicidosis rate between patients and controls was statistically significant (P = 0.01). In eight of the 13 patients (61.5%) with demodicidosis, clinical demodicidosis was present. Demodicidosis was present in seven of the 12 patients (58.3%) receiving PUVA and in six of the 33 patients (18.2%) receiving narrow-band UV-B. The difference in demodicidosis rates between patients receiving PUVA and those receiving narrow-band UV-B was statistically significant (P = 0.02). A statistically significant difference was also found between the mean D. folliculorum densities of patients and controls in all anatomic regions., Conclusion: Demodicidosis should be included in the differential diagnosis of facial eruptions in patients receiving phototherapy.

We attempted to identify parasite DNA in the biliary stones of humans via PCR and DNA sequencing. Genomic DNA was isolated from each of 15 common bile duct (CBD) stones and 5 gallbladder (GB) stones. The patients who had the CBD stones suffered from cholangitis, and the patients with GB stones showed acute cholecystitis, respectively. The 28S and 18S rDNA genes were amplified successfully from 3 and/or 1 common bile duct stone samples, and then cloned and sequenced. The 28S and 18S rDNA sequences were highly conserved among isolates. Identity of the obtained 28S D1 rDNA with that of Clonorchis sinensis was higher than 97.6%, and identity of the 18S rDNA with that of other Ascarididae was 97.9%. Almost no intra-specific variations were detected in the 28S and 18S rDNA with the exception of a few nucleotide variations, i.e., substitution and deletion. These findings suggest that C. sinensis and Ascaris lumbricoides may be related with the biliary stone formation and development.

We describe 2 patients with severe orbital myiasis due to Cochliomyia hominivorax (of the order Diptera and the family Calliphoridae) who had underlying skin carcinomas and were treated with oral ivermectin and debridement. We suggest that ivermectin plays an important role in the treatment of severe cases of myiasis.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis is a disease transmitted by the sandfly. During the course of the disease, all classical stages of the development of leishmaniasis from small erythematous papules to nodules to ulcerative lesions can be seen. We report a case of lupoid leishmaniasis (LL) treated with daily intramuscular injections of meglumine antimoniate for 20 days with marked improvement of clinical features.

The health personnel working in the autopsy rooms and laboratories are considered among the professional groups carrying a high risk of contamination with infection. In this study, we have investigated the prevalence of Demodex, which provides a convenient environment for bacteria and acts as a vector for certain microorganisms, in the health personnel working in autopsy rooms. The study, which was cross-sectional, was conducted on 58 health personnel working in autopsy rooms. A questionnaire was administered to the individuals. Specimens were obtained from 4 different regions of the face using the standard skin-surface biopsy technique. The data obtained were then evaluated statistically. This study group consisted of 76% males and 24% females. The prevalence of Demodex was 26%. Demodex was found to occur more frequently in women. The most frequent occurrence of Demodex was seen among people with darker complexion and in cheek localizations. We believe that Demodex, which has a role in the pathogenesis of dermatologic diseases, provides a convenient environment for bacteria, and acts as a vector for some pathogenic microorganisms, poses a risk as far as individuals working in the autopsy room are concerned.

Anthroponotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL.) is known to cause single, self-healing and uncomplicated lesion mainly on the face. This paper presents a son and his mother with positive leishmaniasis IHAT (1/128 and 1/1924 respectively). The two isolates by enzymatic electrophoresis characterization proved to be Leishmania tropica that causes ACL. The son had two large ulcerative ACL on his left hand. The mother had a large ulceration and progressive erosion of the soft tissue (the right cheek and right eye) and the cartilage of the nose disfiguring and debilitating her face. The histpathological examination of the biopsy material obtained from the mother but not the material from her son, showed typical pathological picture of the basal cell carcinoma. No doubt, there are progressive changes in the pathogenesis of L. tropica and that it is one of the predisposing factor of the skin cell carcinoma.

The corpse of a 41-year-old medical doctor was found in his bed. The body was partially dried out; parts of the hip region were skeletonized due to maggot activity. In the facial region of the corpse, blowfly maggots (Lucilia (Phaenicia) sericata [Meigen]) were found exclusively in one eye socket. This is an unusual occurrence since on that side, a bedlight (40 W light bulb) had been burning during the seven week post mortem interval. All other lights in the apartment were switched off, and no direct sunlight could enter the space where the body was found (only a TV set had been running all the time, ca. 2 m away from the head at the foot end of the bed). Obviously, the maggots who usually flee light had used up the one eye that was further away from the bedlight as a feeding source. Since the continuing mummification of the corpse led to a substantial restriction of feeding material, the maggots finally switched to the eye that the light was shining on.

Otodectes cynotis is responsible for at least 50% of canker cases diagnosed in cats world-wide. The role of Demodex cati in the pathogenesis of otitis and acne is still obscure. The aims of this study were to estimate the prevalence of O. cynoyis and D. cati infestations in clinically normal cats in northern Greece, to determine the factors that are associated with the probability and severity of infestation in the cat, and to examine the importance of these mites in the pathogenesis of feline acne. Samples from 161 cats were examined by flushing the ear canals and by taking skin scrapings of the chin and lip area. The results were combined with various factors (sex, age, living style, hair coat type and presence of pruritus, of ear discharge, of acne-like lesions) in order to carry out a risk analysis. Two separate logistic regression analyses were performed. One, on the infestation/non-infestation potential with O. cynotis and the other, on the degree of such infestation as mild-to-moderate (< or =5 mites/field) or severe (>5 mites/field). D. cati was not detected in any of the 161 cats. The prevalence of O. cynotis was estimated at 25.5% (95% confidence interval (CI) 19-32). The rate of mite infestation was higher with the presence of ear discharge (odds ratio 9, 95% CI 3.3-24.5), periaural pruritus (odds ratio 3.6, 95% CI 1.8-8) and acne-like lesions (odds ratio 3.3, 95% CI 1.2-9). Cats with mild-to-moderate degree of infestation had 18 times higher chance of exhibiting an ear discharge than those with a severe infestation. The log-odds of mild-to-moderate parasitism were linearly related to the age.

Two cases of facial gnathostomiasis in female Thai patients are described. Gnathostomiasis is caused by a roundworm, Gnathostoma spinigerum. In both patients the disease was characterised by intermittent and migratory swelling of the face. At present no effective therapy is available. Surgical removal of the parasite would be a curative treatment; it is however, rarely successful due to the parasite moving relatively rapidly within the soft tissues. The disease can be prevented by avoiding undercooked meat including fish. In endemic areas such as Southeast Asia, gnathostomiasis must be considered in cases of oro-facial swelling of otherwise unknown cause.

The sites of infection by Caryospora bigenetica in Swiss-Webster mice (Mus musculus) were demonstrated after 7 routes of inoculation: oral, intraperitoneal, intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous, dermal, and intraocular. All mice exhibited clinical signs of dermal coccidiosis 9 days after inoculation regardless of the inoculation route. Signs included swelling of the facial tissue, footpads, and scrota (male mice). Developmental stages of the parasite were found in the muzzle, tongue, footpad, lumbar subcutaneous tissue, biceps femoris muscle, conjunctiva, and eye; the latter 3 sites represent new sites of development. The site of development of the parasite in the host tissue was independent of experimental inoculation route.

We have tried to use 1.2 cm x 5 cm (6 cm2) adhesive cellophane tape technique for quantitative detection of Demodex. 618 mites were detected on the 24 tapes applied on various parts of the face of a healthy individual. In an investigation of 8 person-times, the numbers of mites found on various parts of the face were in the following order: upper-cheek (233), mid-cheek (153), lower-cheek (114), chin (78), forehead (59.5), nose (55), infraorbital (54.5), paraoral (49.5), nasal groove (45), mites found on other parts being negligible. Demodex brevis were found scattering singly on the tapes, while D. follicutorum were found 1-6 in number in one or several follicles. All of them were in the follicle opening, indicating that transmission was readily affected through direct or indirect contacts. The results also showed that when a large number of mites were sticked off, the intensity of infestation was decreased.

The lesions of naturally occurring elaeophorosis in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) were studied. Arterial changes caused by adult Elaeophora schneideri occurred mainly in cephalic arteries and were characterized by circumferential intimal thickening, disruption of the internal elastic lamina, and verminous thrombosis. Microfilariae caused focal necrosis and fibrosis in the myocardium, but produced only minor changes in other tissues. Radiographic studies indicated that E. schneideri can cause impairment of the cephalic arterial circulation in white-tailed deer. Eleven of 14 (78%) infected deer had oral food impactions, with sublingual impactions being most common. Seven deer with impactions had other oral pathologic conditions, such as gingivitis, loose or absent premolar and/or molar teeth, and remodeling and/or lysis of mandibular bone. The evidence indicates a relation between food impactions and infection by E. schneideri in white-tailed deer, but no definitive connection was established.