Environmental and host factors underlying tick infestation in invasive raccoons (Procyon lotor) in Hokkaido, Japan.

Revealing interactions between ticks and wild animals is vital for gaining insights into the dynamics of tick-borne pathogens in the natural environment. We aimed to elucidate the factors that determine tick infestation in wild animals by investigating ticks on invasive raccoons (Procyon lotor) in Hokkaido, Japan. We first examined the composition, intensity, and seasonal variation of ticks infesting raccoons in six study areas in Hokkaido from March 2022 to August 2023. In one study area, ticks infesting tanukis (raccoon dog, Nyctereutes procyonoides albus) were collected in May to July in both 2022 and 2023, and questing ticks were collected from the vegetation by flagging every other week in the same period. Next, we screened 17 environmental and host variables to determine factors that affect the number of ticks infesting raccoons using generalized linear (mixed) models. From 245 raccoons, we identified a total of 3,917 ticks belonging to eight species of two genera: the most prominent species were Ixodes ovatus (52.9 %), followed by Haemaphysalis megaspinosa (14.4 %), Ixodes tanuki (10.6 %), and Ixodes persulcatus (9.5 %). Ixodes ovatus was also predominant among questing ticks and ticks infesting tanukis. Although I. tanuki was frequently collected from raccoons and tanukis, it was rarely collected in the field. The variables that significantly affected the infestation on raccoons differed by genus, species and developmental stage of the tick. For instance, the infestation of adult I. ovatus was significantly affected by four variables: night-time temperature during nine days before capturing the raccoon, the size of forest area around the capture site, sex of the raccoon, and sampling season. The first two variables were also responsible for the infestation on raccoons of almost all species and stages of ticks. Our study revealed that the number and composition of ticks infesting raccoons can be affected not only by landscape of their habitats but also by weather conditions in several days before capturing.

Prevalence and associated factors of head lice infestation among primary school children in low- and middle-income countries: systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Head lice infestation remains a persistent public health concern among primary school children in resource-limited settings, affecting their well-being and academic performance. Despite previous studies, there is no consistent evidence on the prevalence and factors associated with head lice infestation. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors related to head lice infestation among primary school children in low and middle-income countries. METHODS: This review was conducted by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 guidelines. Relevant electronic databases, including PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Science Direct, AJOL, and Google Scholar, were used to retrieve articles. The study included only published articles written in English languages between December 01, 2014 to January 31, 2024 for studies reporting the prevalence of head lice infestation or associated factors among primary school children in low- and middle-income countries. This review has been registered on PROSPERO with Prospero registration number CRD42024506959. The heterogeneity of the data was evaluated using the I2 statistic. A meta-analysis was conducted using STATA 17 software, with a 95% confidence interval. Publication bias was evaluated using funnel plots and statistical tests, such as Egger's and Beggs's tests, to identify publication biases in the included studies. Meta-regression was also carried out to assess the source of publication of publication bias. RESULTS: The review included 39 studies involving 105,383 primary school children. The pooled prevalence of head lice infestation among primary school children in low- and middle-income countries was 19.96% (95% CI; 13.97, 25.95). This review also found out that being a girl was 3.71 times (AOR = 3.71; 95% CI: 1.22-11.26) more likely to have head lice infestation as compared to boys, while children with a previous history of infestation were 4.51 times (AOR = 4.51; 95% CI: 2.31-8.83) more likely to have head lice infestation as compared to their counterparts. CONCLUSION: The overall prevalence of head lice infestation among primary school children in low- and middle-income countries was found to be high. Female gender, children who had a previous history of infestation, and family size were significant predictors of head lice infestation. As a result, policymakers and program administrators should focus on the identified determinants.

Skin Deep: An Overlap of Delusions.

Delusional infestation (DI) describes a fixed, false belief where a person believes that they are infested with living or inanimate pathogens despite the absence of medical evidence for such infestation. Descriptions of alleged pathogens have evolved over time, incorporating inanimate objects such as fibrous strands. With the emergence of Morgellons disease and its controversy, we report a case of a 40-year-old female presenting with a strong belief of scabies infestation along with fibers emerging from her skin. Further, although insects are still the most alleged source of infestation, the overlap of Morgellons disease and the delusion of infestation supports it as a DI variant and questions the notion of its existence as a separate diagnostic entity.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Ocular Demodex at Ultra-High Altitude and Sea Level: A Cross-Sectional Study of Shigatse and Shanghai.

Purpose: Demodex infestation is a risk factor for several ocular surface diseases. However, the prevalence of ocular Demodex infection in the ultra-high altitude population is not clear. This study aimed to compare the prevalence and factors associated with Demodex in populations residing in ultra-high altitude region and sea level areas. Methods: Consecutive patients who visited Shigatse People's Hospital (> 4,000 m) and Shanghai Tongren Hospital (sea level) for eye complaints between January 2023 and January 2024 were included. Subjects were divided into ultra-high altitude and sea level groups. All subjects underwent eyelash epilation for ocular Demodex identification and counting. Demographic and lifestyle information was also collected. Results: A total of 517 subjects were eligible, including 255 subjects in the ultra-high-altitude group and 262 subjects in the sea level group. In the overall analysis, the prevalence of ocular Demodex infection was significantly different between the ultra-high-altitude and sea level groups (15.7% vs. 33.2%, P < 0.001). Multiple logistic regression showed that age, time spent outdoors, and makeup were associated with ocular Demodex infection in both groups. In addition, in the ultra-high-altitude group, people who wear sun hats outdoors were more likely to be infected with Demodex. Conclusion: The infection rate of ocular Demodex in the residents of ultra-high altitude area was significantly lower than that in the residents of sea level area, which may be related to lower ambient temperature, lower humidity, and higher solar radiation. Additionally, age, time spent outdoors, and makeup may be associated with ocular Demodex infection.

Beyond the Surface: Understanding Demodex and Its Link to Blepharitis and Facial Dermatoses.

Demodex represents the most frequent ectoparasite found in humans. Although Demodex mites are considered commensals of human pilosebaceous units, an abnormally high mite density can cause several ocular and cutaneous symptoms and signs, sometimes to a severe degree. Both Demodex spp. (folliculorum and brevis) play a significant part in eye pathology and facial dermatoses. These mites have been related to blepharitis, ocular rosacea, meibomian gland dysfunction and various skin diseases, including rosacea, demodicosis and seborrheic dermatitis. Understanding the importance of Demodex in both eye and skin conditions is crucial for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management strategies, which may involve targeted treatments to control the mite population and reduce associated symptoms.

Avocado cultivar and tree-to-tree leaf compositional differences affect infestation severity of Pseudocysta perseae (Hemiptera: Tingidae).

Avocado lace bug, Pseudocysta perseae (Heidemann) (Hemiptera: Tingidae), is a sap-feeding insect that feeds on the underside of avocado leaves. First observed in 2019, P. perseae has spread throughout the Hawaiian islands, causing premature leaf drop and decrease in avocado yield. Due to Hawai'i's approximately 200 cultivars comprised of all 3 avocado races with extensive racial hybrids, we were able to investigate whether certain cultivars were more prone to experiencing higher P. perseae abundances and infestations compared to others. We conducted longitudinal abundance surveys on Hawai'i Island across several common avocado varieties monitoring changes in P. perseae abundance. These surveys were supplemented with longitudinal infestation severity surveys across 4 avocado lineages (Mexican, Guatemalan, West Indian, and Guatemalan × West Indian hybrid). Additionally, we collected leaves of 'Sharwil', 'Hass', 'Kahalu'u', and 'Nishikawa' cultivars looking at associations between P. perseae abundance and cultivar, herbivory-related biomechanical traits, and soluble sugar content. We found that some cultivars, such as 'Malama', typically experience lower P. perseae abundances compared to cultivars such as 'Kahalu'u', 'Beshore', and 'Sharwil'. Guatemalan × West Indian hybrid trees were also shown to have a higher probability of experiencing more severe P. perseae infestations compared to other lineages. Lastly, soluble sugar content, specifically fructose content, had a positive effect on juvenile P. perseae abundance. These findings suggest that cultivar differences in P. perseae infestations may exist, but tree-to-tree leaf compositional differences, such as soluble sugar content, may be a large driver of variation in P. perseae abundance.

Ignatzschineria indica Bacteremia Initially Misdiagnosed in a Patient With a Maggot-Infested Wound.

Gram-negative bacteremia in hospitalized patients often leads to prolonged hospital stays, increased healthcare costs, and mortality rates. Simultaneously, the presence of comorbidities like chronic wounds increases the risk of severe infection and complicated hospital courses involving amputation, broad-spectrum antibiotic use, and repeat hospital admissions, after discharge. This case presents a 72-year-old male with a past medical history significant for chronic lower extremity cellulitis with multiple prior hospitalizations. On admission, the patient had a chief complaint of progressively worsening left lower extremity pain along with nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. CT imaging of the left lower extremity suggested severe cellulitis without signs of osteomyelitis. Blood cultures initially suggested Corynebacterium jeikeium, but were sent to an outside facility due to ambiguity of results. The outside facility identified the pathogen as Ignatzschineria indica. After confirming the results, antibiotics were appropriately de-escalated to oral levofloxacin. The patient continued to show clinical improvement and was discharged with follow-up appointments scheduled for infectious disease and bi-weekly visits to wound care. Considering the increasing prevalence of chronic wounds in the United States, awareness and recognition of emerging pathogens are crucial for the timely diagnosis, treatment, and management of these complex patients. Our case adds to the growing body of reports on the management of I. indica bacteremia resulting from maggot-infested wounds.

Metabolomics analysis of physicochemical properties associated with quality deterioration in insect-infested hawthorn berries.

The sliced and dried hawthorn berries are easily infested by insects during storage. This study aimed to determine the effect of insect infestation on the quality of hawthorn berries and assess the change at metabolite level by analyzing physicochemical property and metabolomics profiling. A total of 184 shared differential metabolites were obtained, mainly including flavonoids, fatty acids, carboxylic acids and derivatives, and nitrogenous compounds. Through receiver operating characteristic curve assessment, 9 significant differential markers were screened out to distinguish insect infestation of hawthorn berries. Correlation analysis showed that the color, total organic acids, total phenolics, and total flavonoids were effective indicators for quality evaluation of insect infestation, and uric acid and hippuric acid can serve as biomarkers for the quality deterioration of hawthorn berries during storage. This study demonstrated that insect infestation could decrease the quality of hawthorn berries from macro and micro perspectives.

Cutaneous Lesions in the Gular Region Caused by Feather Follicle Infestation with Harpirhynchidae sp. Mites in Great Crested Flycatchers (Myiarchus crinitus) in New York, USA 2016-23.

Great Crested Flycatchers (Myiarchus crinitus), migratory passerines with a breeding range throughout the northeastern, midwestern, and southern US, are banded annually at the Braddock Bay Bird Observatory located on the southern shore of Lake Ontario, New York, USA. In 2016, a Great Crested Flycatcher was observed with distinct lesions in the gular and ventral neck region, which prompted evaluation for similar lesions in subsequently trapped flycatchers and other passerine species. From 2016 to 2023, 62/102 banded Great Crested Flycatchers had their gular region examined, and seven were found to have lesions (11.3% incidence). Similar lesions were not found in any other species. Lesions were localized to the gular region and included extensive feather loss with thickened, corrugated, pale-yellow skin. Grossly visible 1- to 2-mm-diameter, raised, white-to-yellow foci throughout the affected region corresponded microscopically to feather follicles that were massively dilated with mites. Morphologic analysis of mites obtained from skin scrapes revealed that this mite species belongs to the family Harpirhynchidae. Mites in this family have restricted avian host ranges and cause varying clinical presentations in passerines, though many species remain unidentified. PCR efforts were unsuccessful in yielding a species-level identification. Further monitoring of Great Crested Flycatchers and other avian species is warranted, as the fitness implications of this ectoparasitism at the individual and population levels are not known.

State-of-the-Art Review: Evaluation and Management of Delusional Infestation.

Delusional infestation is a condition encountered frequently by healthcare professionals across a variety of specialties in which patients have a fixed, false belief that they are infested with living creatures, such as bugs, parasites, worms, or mites, or nonliving objects, such as fibers. Delusional infestation can be debilitating for patients, who not only present with intense psychological distress and physical discomfort but are also at risk of developing numerous dermatological and psychiatric complications. This condition poses unique diagnostic challenges, as these symptoms can occur secondary to many metabolic or infectious causes, as well as unique treatment challenges, with patients frequently refusing psychiatric care and consequently seeking evaluation by other healthcare professionals. In this review, we aim to use existing literature to provide clinicians in infectious diseases or other specialties with sufficient clinical context and treatment guidance for the appropriate management of delusional infestation.

Myiasis Encountered in Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Oral Cavity: A Case Report.

Myiasis is a rare parasitic condition, caused by fly larvae infesting human tissues. Its consequences can be severe, as deafness, blindness, extensive tissue loss, and even death can occur due to the infestation. We present a case of myiasis in a 62-year-old Pakistani woman with advanced well-differentiated oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) undergoing palliative chemotherapy. The patient presented with an extensive, necrotic lesion in the submental and submandibular region infested with live larvae. Management included mechanical removal over three sessions and ivermectin. Once all the larvae were eradicated, the patient was referred to the plastic surgery department for reconstruction. This case report highlights the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion for myiasis in patients with OSCC, particularly those with extensive ulcerated lesions. Educating at-risk individuals and healthcare providers on myiasis and the importance of wound hygiene is crucial for reducing the burden of this preventable complication.

Delusional Parasitosis Without Cutaneous Presentation: "I Have Moths in My Belly".

Delusional parasitosis is a psychiatric illness characterized by a false belief of a parasite infestation, despite evidence to the contrary. The disorder typically presents as a dermatologic condition since patients often itch and pick at their skin to relieve the perceived infestation. Patients often have numerous cutaneous lesions that never heal due to persistent picking. Another hallmark presentation known as the "matchbox sign" has patients collecting "evidence" of their perceived infestation. This patient believed that he had "moths" infesting his stomach, creating "web-like" structures that spread as far as his nostrils. In this case study, we describe this presentation of the disorder and contextualize our patient in the current literature on delusional parasitosis.

Effects of maize development and phenology on the field infestation dynamics of the European corn borer (Lepidoptera: Crambidae).

Phenological match/mismatch between cultivated plants and their pest could impact pest infestation dynamics in the field. To explore how such match/mismatch of plant and pest phenologies may interact with plant defense dynamics, we studied the infestation dynamics of maize by one of its main pests in Europe, the European Corn Borer (Ostrinia nubilalis; Lepidoptera: Crambidae). A two-year field experiment was carried out on a collection of 23 maize inbred lines contrasted for their earliness. Each inbred line was sown at three different dates in order to expose different developmental stages of maize to natural European corn borer infestation. The effect of the sowing date depended on the inbred line, the pest generation, and the year. In 2021, the final pest incidence ranged from 36% to 91% depending on inbred lines and sowing date. In 2022, it ranged from 2% to 77%. This variability in final pest incidence can be related to variations in plant development during plant exposure to pest infestation. However, this relationship was not straightforward. Indeed, the shape and intensity of the relationship depended on the timing of the onset of the pest infestation. When infestation occurred while plants were in a vegetative stage, a nonlinear relationship between development and pest incidence was observed with the least and most developed plants being the most infested. When infestation occurred when all plants were in the mature phase, the most developed plants were the least infested. Our results highlight the effect of plant-pest phenological match/mismatch on pest infestation dynamics and underline the importance of taking plant-pest interactions into account to propose relevant control strategies.

Diversity of hard ticks parasitizing farm animals in the Qarabulli region, Northwestern Libya.

Background: There are 26 species of ticks known to exist in Libya. Despite the presence of a number of investigations on ticks in Libya, there are no published studies on ticks in the Al-Qarboulli area. Aim: The aim of this study was to identify the tick species infesting farm animals in the Qarabulli region. Methods: Ticks were collected manually on a monthly basis from the examined hosts (cattle, sheep, dogs, and camels) that were selected randomly in the period between July 2021 and June 2022. Results: A total of 717 ticks were collected on 775 hosts, eight tick species were encountered: Hyalomma excavatum (41.00%), Rhipicephalus sanguineus (23.43%), Hyalomma dromedarii (12.13%), Hyalomma marginatum (9.21%), Hyalomma anatolicum (8.51%), Rhipicephalus annulatus (5.30%), Hyalomma rufipes (0.28%), and Boophilus microplus (0.14%). The mean prevalence of all species was 22.32%. The mean intensity of all species was 0.93 ticks per host. The presence of ticks among the months of the year varied among tick species. Conclusion: The results showed high tick infestation in farm animals of Qarabulli, Libya, suggesting an increased risk of tick-borne diseases. This highlights the need for preventative measures and public awareness to reduce tick populations. Further studies are recommended to understand the spread of tick-borne diseases in the area.

A Case Series of Delusional Infestation in Huntington's Disease.

 Huntington's disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant disorder that affects the basal ganglia, caused by CAG repeats in the huntingtin gene. Delusional infestation (DI) is a rare psychotic manifestation of the disease. This report presents two cases of HD patients with DI, both middle-aged females. The first patient achieved remission of DI with olanzapine, later cross-tapered to risperidone, but had spontaneous relapses. The second experienced gradual resolution of DI with risperidone in the setting of iron repletion and amantadine discontinuation, although her other psychotic symptoms remained. These cases shed light on an uncommon condition and may help guide understanding of the most effective treatment for it.

A survey of nematodes in the European hake (Merluccius merluccius) intended for human consumption.

Ensuring the safety of fish for human consumption is paramount in safeguarding public health, particularly in relation to parasitic infections. The European hake (Merluccius merluccius Linnaeus, 1758) may harbor various parasitic nematodes, some of which have zoonotic potential. This cross-sectional survey analyzed a random sample of European hake collected from two fish shops in Batna city (NE Algeria). After 24 h in cold storage, the samples were transported to the laboratory for further examination. Fish autopsies revealed a staggering 70% parasitization rate. Microscopic examination of isolated nematodes, treated with glycerine, identified two genera within the Anisakidae family: Anisakis sp. (62%) and Pseudoterranova sp. (31.25%). Unidentified nematodes accounted for 6.75%. The detection of Anisakidae family nematodes in fish intended for human consumption underscores the urgency of rigorous veterinary control. This imperative measure aims to preserve public health, mitigate economic losses, and curtail the environmental consequences associated with the proliferation of such parasites.