Experimental infection of Gnathostoma spinigerum larvae in prawns and tadpoles.

Naturally captured Lanchester's freshwater prawns (Macrobrachium lanchesteri) and farm-bred Rana regulosa tadpoles were assessed for their capability of being the first or second intermediate hosts of Gnathostoma spinigerum. Seventy specimens from each animal group were randomized into a control group and investigated for larvae of G. spinigerum by pressing them between two pieces of glass and examination under stereomicroscope. No Gnathostoma larvae were found in the entire control group. Another 120 specimens of each animal were used in two treatment groups; 60 being exposed to the first-stage larvae, G. spinigerum, and 60 exposed to cyclops containing the third-stage larvae for 7 days. No larvae of G. spinigerum were found in the prawns of both treatment groups that resembled tadpoles exposed to the first-stage larvae. In contrast, 18.3% of tadpoles, which were exposed to cyclops containing third-stage larvae, were infected. Lanchester's freshwater prawns cannot serve as intermediate host of G. spinigerum, while R. regulosa can serve as the second intermediate host.

Prevalence of trematode metacercariae in cyprinoid fish of Ban Pao district, Chiang Mai Province, northern Thailand.

The prevalence of trematode metacercariae in natural cyprinoid fish was carried out in Ban Pao district, Chiang Mai Province, northern Thailand. Fish were collected from both man-made water reservoirs and natural sources during July 1996-May 1997. Nine species of cyprinoid fish harbored the metacercariae of Opisthorchis viverrini and small intestinal flukes of the family Heterophyidae, ie Haplorchis taichui, H. pumilio and Centrocestus spp. Metacercariae of H. taichui were found approximately 384 times more than O. viverrini. Among the fish collected, Puntius leiacanthus contained the highest number of metacercariae of H. taichui (182 metacercariae/fish) whereas P. orphoides contained the highest number of metacercariae of O. viverrini (1.4 metacercariae/fish). Metacercariae of H. taichui found in this area were year-round, with the highest and lowest incidence rates being in winter and rainy season, respectively. The difference between H. taichui and O. viverrini with respect to their prevalences are discussed.

Movability of advanced third-stage larva of Gnathostoma spinigerum exposed to albendazole sulphoxide in vitro.

Movability of advanced third-stage larvae of Gnathostoma spinigerum exposed to albendazole sulphoxide (AlbSO), the active metabolite of albendazole, was determined in vitro. Larvae in control groups moved actively with the whole body for all 21 days of the study period. In larvae treated with AlbSO 1 microg/ml, the movement was significantly reduced after 11 days exposed to the drug and to be only a part of body on the 15th-21st days. In larvae treated with AlbSO 2 microg/ml, the movement was initiated in decreasing after 9th days and to be only a part of body on the 12th-17th days. Finally, worms were immobile but not dead on the 20th-21st days. Although there was no larvae died at 21st days exposed to AlbSO in both concentrations; but all worms were sluggish and may die later. These lethargic worms may not be able to migrate in patients and leading to cure. Albendazole may not be benefit for acute symptom clearance; however, it can prevent the recurrent migratory swelling after the treatment of 21 day-course.

Bancroftian filariasis in Tambol Na-Sai, Amphoe Li, Lamphun Province: a preliminary survey for microfilaraemia.

A preliminary survey for Bancroftian filariasis in villagers of Ban Prabat Heuy Tom, Tambol Na-Sai, Amphoe Li, Lamphun Province was performed between July 12, 1986 and March 19, 1987. A total of 1,435 villagers comprising 668 females and 767 males were examined for microfilaraemia in peripheral blood. Microfilariae were found in five males of which two cases were found to have developed hydrocele at a lesser degree and all of them had formerly resided in an endemic area of Tak Province. Microfilarial periodicity was studied in two cases, and it was shown to be nocturnally subperiodic.

Acute human isosporiasis in Thailand: a case report.

A case of acute human isosporiasis in Thailand was reported. A 57-year-old man developed diarrhoea after prednisolone administration for the management of nephrotic syndrome. Stool examination revealed numerous Isospora oocysts. On the basis of parasite morphology and sporulation time, it was identified as Isospora belli Wenyon, 1923. The patient recovered for the diarrhoea without specific treatment.