Zoonotic potential of guinea pigs: Outbreak of cryptosporidiosis combined with chlamydiosis in a breeding guinea pig herd.

INTRODUCTION: In a guinea pig herd with 26 breeding animals, several individuals of all age categories died (16/26) after three animals had been newly introduced from another herd. Furthermore, the population suffered of apathy, anorexia, severe weight loss and conjunctivitis, as well as abortions and stillbirths. At the same time, the owner experienced a SARS-CoV-2 infection with pneumonia, which was confirmed by taking a PCR test. Chlamydia caviae was detected from the conjunctiva and vagina/uterus in one juvenile animal together with an intestinal Cryptosporidium wrairi infection. Oocysts were found histologically in the small intestine, which was confirmed by PCR. C. wairi is a parasite adapted to guinea pigs with zoonotic potential, which causes diarrhoea with frequent deaths in larger guinea pig herds. C. caviae is also a zoonotic pathogen and often the cause of conjunctivitis, pneumonia and abortions in guinea pigs and can lead to upper respiratory tract disease, conjunctivitis but also severe pneumonia in humans. The increased death cases and the clinical signs could be traced back to an infection with Cryptosporidium wrairi, complicated by a co-infection of C. caviae. We suspect that the abortions were caused by C. caviae, but since the population was treated with various antibiotics effective against chlamydial infections, it was no longer possible to verify this by PCR testing. Unfortunately, more animals succumbed and finally only two animals of the originally 26 were left. With this case report, we would like to point out to veterinarians that guinea pigs can be an important source of zoonotic infections for various pathogens, especially since they are popular pets and often come into close contact with children where hygiene might not always be strictly followed.

INTRODUCTION: Dans un groupe de cobayes de 26 animaux reproducteurs, plusieurs individus de toutes les catégories d'âge sont morts (16/26) après l'introduction de trois animaux provenant d'un autre groupe. En outre, la population a souffert d'apathie, d'anorexie, de perte de poids sévère et de conjonctivite ainsi que d'avortements et de mortinatalité. La présence de Chlamydia caviae a pu être détectée dans la conjonctive et le vagin/utérus d'un animal juvénile, ainsi qu'une infection intestinale à Cryptosporidium wrairi. Des oocystes ont été trouvés histologiquement dans l'intestin grêle, ce qui a été confirmé par PCR. C. wairi est un parasite adapté aux cobayes avec un potentiel zoonotique, qui provoque des diarrhées avec des morts fréquentes dans les grands groupes de cobayes. C. caviae est également un agent pathogène zoonotique et est souvent à l'origine de conjonctivites, de pneumonies et d'avortements chez les cobayes ; il peut entraîner des maladies des voies respiratoires supérieures, des conjonctivites mais aussi des pneumonies graves chez l'homme. L'augmentation des cas de décès et les signes cliniques pourraient être attribués à une infection par Cryptosporidium wrairi, compliquée par une co-infection par C. caviae. Nous soupçonnons que les avortements ont été causés par C. caviae, mais comme la population a été traitée avec divers antibiotiques efficaces contre les infections à chlamydia, il n'était plus possible de le vérifier par des tests PCR. Malheureusement, d'autres animaux ont succombé et il ne restait finalement que deux animaux sur les 26 d'origine. Avec ce rapport de cas, nous aimerions attirer l'attention des vétérinaires sur le fait que les cochons d'Inde peuvent être une source importante d'infections zoonotiques pour divers pathogènes, d'autant plus qu'il s'agit d'animaux de compagnie populaires qui sont souvent en contact étroit avec des enfants avec lesquels l'hygiène n'est pas toujours strictement respectée.

A Philophthalmid Eyefluke from a Human in Japan.

Philophthalmid eyeflukes are cosmopolitan parasites of birds and occasionally of mammals, including humans. A gravid adult of Philophthalmus sp. was found from the bulbar conjunctiva of a 64-yr-old woman in Japan, who was diagnosed with acute conjunctivitis. The parasite was morphologically most similar to Philophthalmus hegeneri, but distinctive in lacking an esophagus and in having clearly lobed testes. The DNA sequence analysis of genes for nuclear 28S ribosomal RNA and mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 supported the identification at generic level. The morphological and molecular analyses strongly suggest that the eyefluke from a human in Japan should be treated as an undescribed species of Philophthalmus. The occurrence of human philophthalmosis is very rare. As far as we know, a total of 11 human cases have been reported worldwide to date.

Evaluation of the ocular surface characteristics and Demodex infestation in paediatric and adult blepharokeratoconjunctivitis.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the ocular surface characteristics and the infestation of Demodex in Chinese paediatric and adult blepharokeratoconjunctivitis (BKC). METHODS: Fifty consecutive patients with BKC and 50 age- and sex-matched healthy subjects were enrolled. Lid margin characteristics and corneal disorders were evaluated under slit-lamp illumination. Four eyelashes were collected from each eye to examine Demodex infestation by light microscopy. RESULTS: Corneal neovascularization (P = 0.001) and scarring (P = 0.040) were significantly worse in children than in adults with BKC, whereas meibum quality was worse in adults (P = 0.008). Diagnosis delay was longer in children with BKC than in adults (2.2 vs 1.2 years, P = 0.022). Demodex infestation was more frequent in subjects with BKC than in healthy subjects (56% vs 26%, P = 0.002). The lid margin inflammation and meibomian gland dysfunction were worse in Demodex-positive subjects than in Demodex-negative subjects with BKC. CONCLUSIONS: Children with BKC had severer corneal disorders compared with adult BKC patients, which may be caused by a long-delayed diagnosis. Ocular demodicosis was more common in subjects with BKC. Ocular Demodex infestation was associated with worse lid margin inflammation and meibomian gland dysfunction.

Ophthalmomyiasis externa due to sheep nasal botfly in rural Jamaica.

We present the case of a young male patient who presented with pain, redness and foreign body sensation in his left eye. There was no associated decrease in vision. Three live larvae were removed from his left conjunctival sac and sent to the laboratory for identification. The patient was treated symptomatically and his symptoms were mostly resolved by the following day. The larvae were later identified as the first instar of the sheep nasal botfly. Poor sanitation and exposure to livestock were among the identified risk factors in this case. Physicians must have this as a differential diagnosis for conjunctivitis in patients with risk factors. This is the first reported case of ophthalmomyiasis from Jamaica.

Therapeutic Effect of Intense Pulsed Light on Ocular Demodicosis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of Lumenis® M22TM intense pulsed light (IPL) in reduction of ocular Demodex infestation in eyelashes in a prospective study. METHODS: Forty patients with ocular demodicosis were recruited. Then half were randomly picked to receive the IPL treatment, while the other half got 5% tea tree oil (as the control group). Demodex counts, the ocular surface disease index (OSDI) score, lid margin abnormalities, conjunctival congestion, tear break-up time (TBUT), corneal staining with fluorescein, meibomian gland (MG) expressibility, meibum quality, modified Schirmer I test with anaesthetic (SIT), were assessed on the day before treatment and after treatment of 30 and 90 days, respectively. Changes in the parameters were compared between the IPL group and the control group on the days after treatment of 30 and 90 days. RESULTS: No differences were observed in Demodex counts, lid margin abnormalities, conjunctival congestion, corneal staining with fluorescein, MG expressibility, SIT in the two groups on the days after treatment of 30 and 90 days (p > 0.05), whereas there was a statistically significant difference in the OSDI score, TBUT, meibum quality (p < 0.05). The Demodex eradication rate was more thorough in the IPL group (100%) than in the control group (75%). CONCLUSIONS: IPL shows the preferably therapeutic potential for ocular Demodicosis.

Miasis ocular: el misterio es microscópico / Ocular myiasis: the mystery is microscopic

La miasis ocular es la invasión del órgano ocular y anejos por larvas de insectos que produce dolor, ardor, picazón y enrojecimiento uniocular de inicio abrupto acompañado de sensación de cuerpo extraño en movimiento. Las larvas se acantonan y reproducen invadiendo el tejido progresivamente. Mediante un caso clínico, presentamos los procedimientos diagnósticos y terapéuticos a realizar. Se trata de un agricultor de 56 años que acude a urgencias por prurito y sensación de ocupación en el ojo derecho de 24 horas de evolución sin irritación conjuntival, ni alteraciones visuales, ni limitación motora y el test de fluoresceína fue negativo. Tras lavarlo se evidencian helmintos en el espacio palpebral que más tarde serán identificados como larvas de mosca. Con antibiótico local profiláctico, analgésico tópico y revisiones periódicas en Oftalmología para su arrastre manual se consiguió la recuperación completa. No precisó de tratamiento antiparasitario pues no se objetivó lesión o problema ocular. La miasis es una patología infrecuente que suele confundirse con una conjuntivitis alérgica o viral. Las medidas higiénicas son imprescindibles para prevenirlas como son la limpieza del entorno, la buena higiene personal, la provisión de saneamiento básico y educación sanitaria en el medio rural

Ocular myiasis is the infestation of the eye and adnexa by insect larvae that produces pain, burning, itching and uniocular redness of abrupt onset accompanied by a moving foreign body sensation. The larvae settle and reproduce invading the tissue progressively. Through a clinical case, we present the diagnostic and therapeutic procedures to be performed. This is the case of a 56-year-old farmer who goes to the emergency room for pruritus and foreign body sensation in the right eye for 24 hours after onset without conjunctival irritation, visual disturbances, or limited movement, and with negative fluorescein test. After washing, helminths are evident in the palpebral space, whichwill later be identified as fly larvae. With local prophylactic antibiotics, topical analgesics and periodic control visits to Ophthalmology for manual removal, complete recovery was achieved. He did not need antiparasitic treatment because no eye injury or problem was observed. Myiasis is an infrequent pathology that is often confused with allergic or viral conjunctivitis. Hygiene measures are essential to prevent them, such as cleaning the environment, a good personal hygiene, the provision of basic sanitation and health education in rural areas

First report of palpebral conjunctival inflammatory nodule associated with Demodex species.

Demodex mite infestation of the palpebral conjunctiva as focal inflammatory nodule has been not reported. A 46-year-old man presented with lower palpebral conjunctival nodules in his left eye. Slit-lamp examination showed focal inflammatory nodules at the inferior palpebral conjunctiva accompanied by conjunctival hyperemia and purulent secretion. Excisional biopsy of this lesion was performed. Pathological evaluations revealed inflammatory granuloma associated with Demodex species in the palpebral conjunctiva. This is the first report of Demodex-related palpebral conjunctival inflammatory nodule and may be helpful in future Demodex-associated studies.

Detection and molecular characterization of Acanthamoeba spp. in stray cats from Madrid, Spain.

Acanthamoeba spp. is a widespread protozoan that has been isolated from air, dust, soil, water and biological samples. An opportunistic pathogen of humans and animals, it may cause ocular keratitis, encephalitis, and even multisystem disease. The frequency of Acanthamoeba in animals is unknown. The aim of present study was determine the presence of Acanthamoeba spp. in immunocompromised stray cats - animals possibly more likely to harbour the infection given their immunocompromised status and frequenting of contaminated environments. Of 307 cats examined, 55 were positive for feline immunodeficiency virus and/or feline leukaemia virus and therefore included in the study. Corneal scrapings were obtained to isolate Acanthamoeba spp. by culture and molecular detection by conventional and real time PCR. None of the samples examined directly by molecular methods were positive for Acanthamoeba spp. However, two (3.6%) cases of the cultured samples provided positive results, which were confirmed by subsequent molecular analysis. Sequencing assigned one isolate to genotype T4 and the other to T2. Since Acanthamoeba spp. may also infect animals and humans, the present findings may raise some public health and veterinary concerns.

Ophthalmomyiasis Caused by Sheep Nasal Botfly (Oestrus ovis).

Ophthalmomyiasis is a parasitic eye infection. Ayoung male went on a picnic with his family. After sudden blow of wind, he had a feeling of something struck in the eye, which quickly became swollen with severe itching and lacrimation. Atotal of 19 larvae in their instar stage were removed with fine forceps under topical anesthesia and slides were prepared for their identification, which came out to be Oestrus ovisbelonging to Oestridae family. Recently, cases are being reported from rural and urban areas of Sindh. Doctors in ER (Emergency Room) and ophthalmologists should be aware that whenever next time they see a patient with red eye conjunctivitis, ophthalmomyiasis should always be on their list of differentials.

Eyeworm infections in dogs and in a human patient in Serbia: A One Health approach is needed.

Thelazia callipaeda eyeworm has been frequently reported parasitizing humans in Asia. In Europe, the parasite is endemic in wild and domestic carnivores and only eight cases have been reported in humans so far. We describe the first case of human thelaziosis in Serbia, along with two cases in dogs from the same area. A One Health approach, based on cooperation amongst veterinarians and physicians, is strongly advised for this emerging infection in order to assess the risk for and prevent of the zoonotic infection.

Demodex treatment in external ocular disease: the outcomes of a Tasmanian case series.

Demodex species (spp.) have previously been implicated in the pathogenesis of blepharitis. This study aims to correlate improvement in symptoms of external ocular disease with treatment of underlying Demodex spp. This is a prospective, observational case series of patients with chronic external ocular disease. Demodicosis was confirmed by microscopic examination of epilated eyelashes. The main outcome measure was response to the treatment (5 % tee tree oil) in regard to change in subjective symptoms utilising a symptom-based patient questionnaire assessment. Overall patients had a good response to the treatment in terms of improvement or resolution of symptoms, with 91 % of patients reporting at least some improvement in symptoms. The treatment of underlying Demodex spp. appears to result in improvement of symptoms in patients with long standing external ocular disease and underlying Demodex spp. infestation.

Protozoal infections of the cornea and conjunctiva in dogs associated with chronic ocular surface disease and topical immunosuppression.

OBJECTIVE: To describe five cases of protozoal keratitis or conjunctivitis in dogs with chronic preexisting ocular surface disease treated with long-term immunosuppression. ANIMALS STUDIED: Five dogs that developed corneal or conjunctival mass lesions. PROCEDURES: The database of the Comparative Ocular Pathology Laboratory of Wisconsin was searched for canine cases diagnosed with corneal or conjunctival protozoal infection. Five cases were identified, and tissues were examined using routine and special histochemical stains: immunohistochemical labels for Neospora caninum, Toxoplasma gondii, and Leishmania spp., and tissue sample PCR for Leishmania spp., Trypanosoma cruzi, tissue coccidia (i.e., T. gondii/Sarcocystis/Neospora), piroplasms, trichomonads, and Acanthamoeba. Electron microscopy was performed for two cases, and serology for N. caninum and T. gondii was available for three cases. RESULTS: Preexisting ocular diseases included keratoconjunctivitis sicca and pigmentary keratitis (n = 4) and pyogranulomatous meibomian adenitis (n = 1). All dogs were treated with tacrolimus or cyclosporine for at least 1.2 years. Dogs were presented with fleshy corneal or conjunctival masses that were clinically suspected to be neoplastic (n = 4) or immune mediated (n = 1). Histologic examination revealed granulomatous inflammation with intralesional protozoal organisms. Amoeba (n = 2), T. gondii (n = 2), or Leishmania mexicana (n = 1) were identified using molecular techniques. Serological tests were negative. CONCLUSIONS: Protozoal keratitis and conjunctivitis without systemic involvement appears rare and may be associated with chronic preexisting ocular surface disease treated with long-term immunosuppression. Based upon clinical appearance, lesions could be confused with neoplasia. This is the first report of amoebic keratoconjunctivitis in dogs and of L. mexicana in dogs in the United States.

Further spreading of canine oriental eyeworm in Europe: first report of Thelazia callipaeda in Romania.

BACKGROUND: Despite the increasing number of reports of autochthonous cases of ocular thelaziosis in dogs in several European countries, and the evident emergence of human cases, the distribution and spreading potential of this parasite is far for being fully known. In Romania, despite intensive surveillance performed over recent years on the typical hosts of T. callipaeda, the parasite has not been found until now. METHODS: In October 2014 a German Shepherd was presented for consultation to a private veterinary practice from western Romania with a history of unilateral chronic conjunctivitis. Following a close examination of the affected eye, nematodes were noticed in the conjunctival sac. The specimens collected were used for morphological examination (light microscopy) and molecular analysis (amplification of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene, followed by sequencing). RESULTS: Thirteen nematodes were collected, all identified morphologically as T. callipaeda. The history of the dog revealed no travel outside Romania, and during the last year, not even outside the home locality. The BLAST analysis of our sequence showed a 100% similarity T. callipaeda haplotype h1. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report of T. callipaeda in Romania, which we consider to be with autochthonous transmission. These findings confirm the spreading trend of T callipaeda and the increased risk of emerging vector-borne zoonoses.

Phthiriasis palpebrarum misdiagnosed as allergic blepharoconjunctivitis in a 6-year-old girl.

Phthiriasis palpebrarum is an infestation of the eyelashes caused by the louse Pthirus pubis (Linnaeus, 1758). We report a case of phthiriasis palpebrarum in a 6-year-old girl, which was initially misdiagnosed as allergic blepharoconjunctivitis. Parasites and their nits were found adhering to the eyelashes and eyelids of her right eye as well as scalp hairs. No abnormality was found in the left eye. The histopathology exam revealed the presence of adults and eggs of Pthirus pubis. We mechanically removed all the eyelashes of the right eye at their base, with lice and nits. The scalp was shaved and washed with phenothrin shampoo. No recurrence was found during 3 months of follow-up. Removal of the eyelashes, cutting of scalp hairs, and phenothrin shampoo may be effective in treating phthiriasis palpebrarum. In cases of blepharoconjunctivitis, eyelids and eyelashes should be carefully examined by slit lamp to avoid misdiagnosis.

[Demodex folliculorum: diagnosis and therapy today]. / Demodex folliculorum: Diagnostik und Therapie im klinischen Alltag.

Demodex folliculorum is an ectoparasite found in eye lashes. A Demodex-associated blepharoconjunctivitis is common. Demodex are diagnosed via microscopy in a drop of oil after epilation of a few eye lashes. You can often watch the mites in movement under the microscope. Treatment includes lid hygiene and metronidazole gel 1-2 %. The treatment often improves the symptoms of the patient. Demodex folliculorum is often found in patients with persistent blepharoconjunctivitis. Every ophthalmologist should have a microscope to find the mites. Then you will be able to treat the patients in an early stage.

Sac over the sac - a rare case of subcutaneous dirofilariasis over the lacrimal sac area.

INTRODUCTION: Dirofilariasis is a rare parasitic infestation in humans. CASE: A 33-year-old female from the coastal area presented with a swelling over the right lacrimal sac area. It was clinically diagnosed as a lacrimal abscess and was incised under local anaesthesia. A live coiled worm was found and removed along with the cyst. OBSERVATIONS: The worm looked like a thin white thread measuring 101 mm in length. On microscopic examination, the anterior end was slightly tapered and had a rounded head. The H & E stained section of the worm revealed longitudinal ridges with transverse striations on the cuticle. Based on these findings,the worm was identified as dirofilaria repens. CONCLUSION: Dirofilariasis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of orbital region swelling and conjunctivitis. Surgical removal of the worm not only establishes the diagnosis but provides a definitive cure.

Dirofilaria repens as a cause of subconjunctival infection in a 77-years old female patient from Croatia--a case report.

The zoonotic parasites of the genus Dirofilaria are on the increase as an accidental finding or as a cause of disease in humans worldwide. Human dirofilariasis usually manifests as either subcutaneous infiltrates or lung parenchymal disease, in many cases asymptomatically. We report the case of a 77-year old female patient presenting with irritation and pain in her left eye. Ophthalmologic examination of the temporal part of her left eye revealed motile and threadlike organism, which was surgically extracted and morphologically identified as Dirofilaria. Further molecular diagnostics with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) confirmed that the isolated organism is Dirofilaria repens. Due to already recognized autochthonous occurrence of human dirofilariasis in Croatia, human dirofilariasis must be included in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with subcutaneous nodules, eye affection and other potential manifestations of this disease.