Verminous bronchitis and pneumonia by nasal trematodes in Greater Caribbean manatees from Puerto Rico.

Five adult Greater Caribbean manatees Trichechus manatus manatus were found stranded on various coasts of Puerto Rico; 2 stranded alive and 3 stranded dead. Clinical signs observed in live-stranded manatees included emaciation, weakness, bradypnea, arrhythmia, and nasal mucus discharge. Postmortem examinations revealed serosanguinous, mucohemorrhagic, or suppurative exudate in bronchi associated with luminal adult Pulmonicola cochleotrema (range: 18-182 trematodes), accompanied by pulmonary abscesses in 2 cases. Histologically, we observed eosinophilic bronchopneumonia of varying severity (n = 4) and chronic erosive to eosinophilic tracheobronchitis (n = 4) with squamous metaplasia (n = 3) and intralesional trematodes and eggs. The trematode identity was confirmed and compared through molecular analysis for the amplified 18S rDNA fragment. Comorbidities included enteric chiorchosis (n = 5), gastric heterocheilosis (n = 4), malnutrition (n = 4), trauma related to watercraft collision (n = 3), systemic toxoplasmosis (n = 1), acute bacterial peritonitis (n = 1), and interstitial nephritis (n = 1), suggesting that immunosuppression was a predisposing factor for lower respiratory tract pulmonicolosis. Based on lesion severity, clinical signs, and the presence and absence of other findings to explain death, this condition was considered the primary cause of death in 1 manatee, a contributory cause of death in 3 manatees, and an incidental finding in 1 individual. These clinicopathological descriptions will facilitate the diagnosis and clinical management of pulmonicolosis in T. manatus, a species endangered with extinction.

A novel mechanism of resveratrol alleviates Toxoplasma gondii infection-induced pulmonary inflammation via inhibiting inflammasome activation.

BACKGROUND: Infection by Toxoplasma gondii can lead to severe pneumonia, with current treatments being highly inadequate. The NLRP3 inflammasome is one member of the NOD-like receptor family with a pyrin domain, which is crucial in the innate immune defense against T. gondii. Research has shown that resveratrol (RSV) prevents lung damage caused by this infection by inhibiting the T. gondii-derived heat shock protein 70/TLR4/NF-κB pathway, thus reducing the macrophage-driven inflammatory response. However, it should be mentioned that the participation of NLRP3 inflammasome in the immune response to the lung injuries caused by T. gondii infections is not entirely clear. PURPOSE: This study aims to clarify how RSV ameliorates lung damage triggered by Toxoplasma gondii infection, with a particular focus on the pathway involving TLR4, NF-κB, and the NLRP3 inflammasome. METHODS: Both in vitro and in vivo models of infection were developed by employing the RH strain of T. gondii in BALB/c mice and RAW 264.7 macrophage cell lines. The action mechanism of RSV was explored using techniques such as molecular docking, surface plasmon resonance, ELISA, Western blot, co-immunoprecipitation, and immunofluorescence staining. RESULTS: Findings indicate that the suppression of TLR4 or NF-κB impacts the levels of proteins associated with the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway. Additionally, a significant affinity for binding between RSV and NLRP3 was observed. Treatment with RSV led to a marked reduction in the activation and formation of the NLRP3 inflammasome within lung tissues and RAW 264.7 cells, alongside a decrease in IL-1ß concentrations in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. These outcomes align with those seen when using the NLRP3 inhibitor CY-09. Moreover, the application of CY-09 prior to RSV negated the latter's anti-inflammatory properties. CONCLUSION: Considering insights from previous research alongside the outcomes of the current investigation, it appears that the TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway emerges as a promising target for immunomodulation to alleviate lung injury from T. gondii infection. The evidence gathered in this study lays the groundwork for the continued exploration and potential future clinical deployment of RSV as a therapeutic agent with anti-Toxoplasma properties and the capability to modulate the inflammatory response.

Granulomatous pneumonia in a cow infected with Toxoplasma gondii.

We report a confirmed case of Toxoplasma gondii infection in the lungs of a cow exhibiting respiratory symptoms. At slaughter, white nodules were discovered in lung tissue, accompanied by enlarged hilar lymph nodes. Histological examination revealed the disappearance of alveolar structures in nodular areas, replaced by granulomas containing inflammatory cells. Immunohistochemical staining with anti-T. gondii antibody and nucleotide sequencing of 18S rDNA confirmed T. gondii infection. However, the link between T. gondii and observed symptoms remains unclear. Various factors, including host genetics, underlying diseases, infection route, and exposure level, may contribute to these uncommon symptoms. Although T. gondii infections in cattle are traditionally considered asymptomatic, our study suggests the possible existence of clinical symptoms associated with Toxoplasma infection. Beef cattle are generally not assumed to be a relevant source of human T. gondii infection; however, sporadic transmission by infected edible beef to humans cannot be completely excluded and deserves further studies.

Aspiration pneumonia

The growing population of older people worldwide represents a great challenge for health systems. The elderly are atincreased risk of infectious diseases such as pneumonia, whichis associated with increased morbidity and mortality relatedmainly to age-related physiological changes in the immunesystem (immunosenescence), the presence of multiple chronic comorbidities, and frailty. In pneumonia, microaspiration isrecognized as the main pathogenic mechanism; while macroaspiration which refers to the aspiration of a large amountof oropharyngeal or upper gastrointestinal content passingthrough the vocal cords and trachea into the lungs is identified as “aspiration pneumonia”. Although there are strategiesfor the prevention and management of patients with pneumonia that have been shown to be effective in older people withpneumonia, more research is needed on aspiration pneumonia,its risk factors and outcomes, especially since there are no specific criteria for its diagnosis and consequently, the studies onaspiration pneumonia include heterogeneous populations.Keywords: pneumonia, aspiration, elderly (AU)

Diagnostic and therapeutic approach to occupational pneumonia

We shall define occupational pneumonia as a diseaseof external origin, closely tied to the workplace setting andcaused by biological microorganisms. The main pathogens arebacteria, fungi and viruses. There are a number of occupationsspecifically prone to the possibility of acquiring pneumoniawhen performing work duties.In addition to the diagnostic methods and drug treatments current in infectious processes, a good clinical history,with avoidance and protection measures would be the mostimportant tools for the management of occupational pneumonia.Social and demographic changes in the last two decadeshave made zoonotic infections, and especially viruses, the maincause of new infections. Human health and animal health areclosely linked, so collaboration between veterinarians and doctors, together with the necessary environmental respect andconservation, plus the appropriate public policies are essentialto avoid these wide negative effects. (AU)

Gérmenes atípicos en niños con neumonía adquirida en la comunidad: Hospital de Emergencias Grau EsSalud - Período 2008 / Atypical microorganisms in children with community acquired pneumonia: EsSalud Grau Emergency Hospital - period 2008

Objetivos: Determinar prevalencia y perfil clínico de infección por agentes atípicos en niños con Neumonía Adquirida en la Comunidad en el Hospital de Emergencias Grau Essalud, período 2008. Material y Métodos: Estudio prospectivo, de corte transversal, durante el año 2008, con una muestra de 70 pacientes, entre 1 mes a 14 años de edad, con diagnóstico clínico y radiológico de Neumonía Adquirida en la Comunidad (NAC), hospitalizados en el Servicio de Pediatría del Hospital Emergencias Grau; se les realizó Inmunoensayo Indirecto: ELISA Ig M para Chlamydia pneumoniae y Mycoplasma pneumonaie. Resultados: El 31.4% (22/70) de los niños con NAC presentaron serología positiva para agentes atípicos, correspondiendo a Chlamydia pneumoniae 17.1 % (12/70), Mycoplasma pneumoniae 7.1% (5/70) e infección mixta (ambos gérmenes) el 7.1% (5/70). Tendencia al aumento de la infección según la edad (p= 0,01): en lactantes fue 14,29%, preescolares 27,27%, escolares y adolescentes 48,15%. No hubo diferencia significativa en relación a sexo (p= 0,242), antecedente de asma 54,5% (p=0,131), presencia de sibilancias 72,7% (p= 0,141), ni estancia hospitalaria 8,1±3,1 (p= 0,198). En hemograma destacan: Segmentados 77,41 ± 12,43% (p= 0,037) y Linfocitos 12,59 ± 7,01% (p= 0,001). PCR fue 3,40 ± 2,11 UI/dL (p= 0,138). La radiografía mostró Infiltrado intersticial 59,09%, Hiperinflación 40,91 %, consolidación lobar 40,91%, y Atelectasia en 18,18%. Conclusiones:Este estudio sugiere un rol importante de C. pneumoniae y M. pneumoniae, en la etiopatogenia de la neumonía adquirida en la comunidad en niños, en nuestro medio. Debemos sospechar en escolar levemente febril, con neumonía con predominio del componente espástico y radiografía con infiltrado intersticial o signos de atrapamiento aéreo. ...

Objective: The objective of the present study was to determine the clinical-serological profile of atypical agent in children with community-acquired pneumonia at Emergency Hospital "Grau" period 2008. Material and Methods: The present study has a prospective design of cross sectional, was carried out during the year 200S, including a sample of 70 patients between 1 month to 14 years old with clinical and radiological diagnosis of community-acquired pneumonia, hospitalized at the Service of Paediatrics, Emergency Hospital "Grau ". They were screened by IgM ELlSA for acute M. pneumoniae C and pneumoniae infection. Results: We obtained that 31.4 % (22/70) of the children with community-acquired pneumonia presented positive serology for atypical agents, corresponding to Mycoplasma pneumoniae 7.1 %(5/70), for Chlamydia pneumoniae 17.1% (12/70), and a mixedinfection (M. pneumoniae and C. pneumoniae) in 7.1 % (5/70), we alsofound that infection for atypical agents increased with age (p= 0.01)thus it has a frequency of infants aged 1 months- 2 years was 14,29% preschool-aged children, 27,27% school-aged children and adolescents, 48,15%; no statistically significant difference was found between both sex (p=0,242). History of asthma was found in 54,5 %(12/22), (p=0, 131). The clinical examination revealed wheezing in 72,7% of positive serologically patient (p=0,141). About complete blood count we found a mean leukocytes count of 14,61 +-8,53 x 1000 cel/dL, Neutrophil in 77,41+-12,43% (p=0,037) and Lymphocytes in 12,59+-7,01%(p=0,001). PCR mean of 3, 40+-2,11 UI/dL(p=0,138). Chest x-rays were classified into Interstitial infiltrations (59,09%), followed by Hyperaereation (40,91%), Lobar consolidation(40,91%) and Atelectasis in 18,18%.Conclusions: The results of this study suggest the important role of C. ...

Pneumonia por leptospirose / Leptospiral pneumonia

A leptospirose é uma doença infecciosa caracterizada pelo envolvimento de múltiplos sistemas. O acometimento pulmonar é comum, geralmente leve e freqüentemente negligenciado. Quando os sintomas respiratórios são a principal manifestação da doença, existe grande possibilidade de confusão diagnóstica. Os autores apresentam um caso de pneumonia grave por leptospirose, com o objetivo de chamar a atenção para esta possibilidade etiológica no diagnóstico diferencial das pneumonias comunitárias, especialmente quando há um perfil epidemiológico suspeito

Mantenimiento en cultivo y caracterización de un microsporidio encephalitozoon hellem aislado en un paciente con SIDA y neumonía / Culture maintanance and characterization of a microsporidian encephalitozoon hellen isolated from AIDS patient with neumonia

Comunicamos la identificación, a nivel de especie, de un microsporidio aislado en cultivo celular a partir de un lavado broncoalveolar de un paciente con Sida y neumonía. La caracterización del aislado se realizó mediante: 1) estudio morfológico de microscopía óptica y electrónica, 2) estudio inmunológico con antisuero específicos, inmunofluorescencia indirecta (IFI) e inmunoblot (WB) y 3) estudio molecular tras reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR) con iniciadores especie-específicos diseñados a partir de la región que codifica la subunidad menor del ARN ribosomal. Las características ultraestructurales del aislado permitieron su identificación en el género Encephalitozoon. La identificación específica del microsporidio como Encephalitozoon hellem se realizó mediante IFI y WB, empleando suero policlonal de conejo anti-E. hellem (CDC:0291:V213), y mediante la amplificación por PCR del fragmento diagnóstico utilizando el par de iniciadores EHELF/EHELR específicos para esta especie. El aislado ha sido denominado EHVS-96 y se mantiene en cultivo continuo en células Vero-E6. Este es el primer aislamiento en cultivo y caracterización de E. hellem en España

Acanthamoebiasis in Korea: two new cases with clinical cases review

The first case was 7-month-old immunodeficiency girl in whom the diagnosis of Acanthamoeba pneumonia was established by culture of a bronchial washing. The patient had been ill for a month when she was admitted due to neonatal thrombocytopenia with respiratory difficulty and treated with gammaglobulin and steroid. Her chest X-ray showed diffuse alveolar consolidation on the left lung with interstitial hazziness and a partial sign of hyperinflation on the right lung. Laboratory tests showed that the Candida antigen was negative and Pneumocystis carinii was not detected. Mycoplasma antigen was negative. All the immunoglobulin levels (IgG, IgA, IgM) were below the normal range. Five days later the patient expired. The second case was an immunosuppressed 7-year-old boy in whom Acanthamoeba trophozoites were found in the skin biopsy, followed by meningitis leading to death. About five days after a laceration on the region of the left eyebrow, a painful bean-sized nodule developed at the suture site and it was treated with antibiotics and corticosteroid. The skin biopsy showed severe inflammatory cell infiltration. Trophozoites were scattered near the blood vessels throughout the inflammatory zone. From one weak prior to admission, the patient had suffered from vomiting, indigestion and mild fever. Skin nodules with tenderness appeared all over his body surface. Examination of cerebrospinal fluid showed clear, Gram stain was negative, bacterial culture negative, India ink preparation negative, and organism on wet smear negaive. On admission day 10, focal seizure of the left extremity occurred. Brain CT revealed calcific density on the left parietal lobe area and hypodensity on the left basal ganglia. He became comatous and died immediately after discharge. Until now in Korea, two cases that are described in this paper, one Acanthamoeba meningoencephalitis case and seven Acanthamoeba keratitis cases including two unreported keratitis cases that are reported in this paper have been presented.

Acute schistosomiasis: report on five singular cases

The cases of five patients with unusual manifestation of acute schistosomiasis mansoni are described in this paper. One patient developed skin lesions, three displayed diverse lung involvement, and one presented pyrogenic liver abscesses caused by Staphylococcus aureus.