Tropical pulmonary eosinophilia and filariasis in Pakistan.

Filariasis is a major health problem in South Asia, particularly India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Pakistan was presumed to be not affected. We report for the first time confirmed cases of tropical pulmonary eosinophilia (TPE) in indigenous patients as a result of infection with Wuchereria bancrofti. Following clinical examination, total leukocyte and eosinophil counts were recorded. Parasitological examinations included blood for microfilariae and stool and urine for eggs of intestinal parasites. Total immunoglobulin (Ig) E and specific antifilarial IgG were measured. Suspected cases of TPE were treated with diethylcarbamazine, 6 mg/kg for four weeks and were followed up to 2 and 4 weeks after treatment. Four persons fulfilled the criteria for TPE. Their response to treatment was marked with clinical improvement, reduction in eosinophil count and reduced titers of specific antifilarial antibodies. Two persons had W. bancrofti antigen in their sera confirmed by filariasis antigen detection test. Tropical pulmonary eosinophilia due to Wuchereria. bancrofti, although rare, is present in Pakistan.

HLA and filariasis in Sri Lankans and Indians.

Similar HLA association was found in patients with elephantiasis in Sri Lankans and Southern Indians. HLA-B15 was observed in 13/44 (30%) Sri Lankan patients with elephantiasis compared to 1/27 (4%) Sri Lankan controls (p = .0058; RR = 10.9) and in 5/8 (28%) Southern Indian elephantiasis compared to 10/101 (10%) Southern Indian controls (p = 0.04; RR = 3.5). In combining the data, the significance of the difference of the frequency of B15 between patients with elephantiasis and controls was even more marked (p = 0.00045; corrected p = 0.012; RR = 4.4).

Effect of immune serum on Brugia malayi microfilaria: ultra structural observations.

The in vitro effect of immune monkey serum on microfilariae of Brugia malayi was investigated using the electron microscope. The sheaths of microfilaria incubated with immune serum were seen to be covered with electron dense precipitates. After 24 hours of incubation, majority of microfilariae incubated with immune serum exhibited degenerative changes. Comparable changes were not seen in microfilariae incubated with normal serum. The significance of these observations are discussed.

Scanning electron microscopy of Sarcocystis fusiformis from the water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis).

Scanning electron microscopy of Sarcocystis fusiformis from the water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) reveals the presence of two cyst walls and distinct compartments within the cyst. Merozoites lie in large numbers in each compartment and in some cases are covered by a membrane-like exudate. Each merozoite has a micropore situated in the anterior half and ridge-like structures originate from the conoidal end and pass backwards along the body of the parasite.

Scanning electron microscopy of the penetration of newborn mouse skin by Strongyloides ratti and Ancylostoma caninum larvae.

The scanning electron microscopical appearances of infective larvae of Strongyloides ratti and Ancylostoma caninum have been described. Particularly noteworthy was the tail of S. ratti which was found to have a distal aperture surrounded by a row of eight projections. The penetration of larvae through newborn mouse skin was investigated. S. ratti larvae forced its way rapidly and directly through the stratum corneum. No larvae of A. caninum were observed in stages of partial penetration but the occasional empty sheath was seen.