Distribution of Alaria spp. mesocercariae in waterfrogs.

The distribution of Alaria-spp.-mesocercariae within the host is relevant for the examination via Alaria spp. mesocercariae migration technique (AMT) regarding predilection sites and may indicate an interaction between parasite and host. Naturally Alaria-exposed frogs of Pelophylax species (n = 13) were examined for systemic distribution and localization-specific parasite density of Alaria spp. mesocercariae. The frogs were necropsied and their body was divided into the following localizations: inner organs, head, torso, forelimbs, and hind limbs. The localizations were analyzed individually and in toto using Alaria spp. mesocercariae migration technique. Our results showed neither statistical differences concerning the number of mesocercariae in the different localizations nor in respect of the rate of positive localizations. Therefore, an accumulation in a particular predilection site seems unlikely. Further research on a representative sample is necessary before final conclusions can be drawn.

An unusual case of extensive truncal cutaneous larva migrans in a Cameroonian baby: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Cutaneous larva migrans is a neglected zoonotic helminthic disease which is paradoxically underreported in low-income and middle-income countries from where a majority of the cases emanate. It presents as migratory, raised, erythematous serpentine lesions, responsive to treatment with antihelminthics. It is common in children, but rare in babies. We report an unusual case of cutaneous larva migrans in a Cameroonian baby. CASE PRESENTATION: We report the case of a 9-month-old Cameroonian baby girl, whose mother had the habit of drying the child's clothes on the grass in her courtyard. The child was brought to our hospital after she developed itchy, snake-like, slowly progressing lesions on her abdomen and chest. An examination revealed multiple raised serpentine and erythematous skin lesions consistent with cutaneous larva migrans which subsided on antihelminthic and antihistaminic therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Cutaneous larva migrans is an endemic disease with predilection for poor and vulnerable persons. Preventive efforts such as wearing of slippers, usage of drying lines, and deworming of pets are crucial in preventing the occurrence of this disease and should be encouraged.

Trunk-rotation differences at maximal reach of the star excursion balance test in participants with chronic ankle instability.

CONTEXT: Functional reach on the Star Excursion Balance Test is decreased in participants with chronic ankle instability (CAI). However, comprehensive 3-dimensional kinematics associated with these deficits have not been reported. OBJECTIVE: To determine if lower extremity kinematics differed in CAI participants during anteromedial, medial, and posteromedial reach on the Star Excursion Balance Test. DESIGN: Case-control study. SETTING: Sports medicine research laboratory. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS: Twenty CAI participants (age = 24.15 ± 3.84 years, height = 168.95 ± 11.57 cm, mass = 68.95 ± 16.29 kg) and 20 uninjured participants (age = 25.65 ± 5.58 years, height = 170.14 ± 8.75 cm, mass = 69.89 ± 10.51 kg) with no history of ankle sprain. We operationally defined CAI as repeated episodes of ankle "giving way" or "rolling over" or both, regardless of neuromuscular deficits or pathologic laxity. All CAI participants scored ≤26 on the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool. INTERVENTION(S): Star Excursion Balance Test reaches in the anteromedial, medial, and posteromedial directions. The CAI participants used the unstable side as the stance leg. Control participants were sex, height, mass, and side matched to the CAI group. The 3-dimensional kinematics were assessed with a motion-capture system. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Group differences on normalized reach distance, trunk, pelvis, and hip-, knee-, and ankle-joint angles at maximum Star Excursion Balance Test reach. RESULTS: No reach-distance differences were detected between CAI and uninjured participants in any of the 3 reach directions. With anteromedial reach, trunk rotation (t(1,38) = 3.06, P = .004), pelvic rotation (t(1,38) = 3.17, P = .003), and hip flexion (t(1,38) = 2.40, P = .002) were greater in CAI participants. With medial reach, trunk flexion (t(1,38) = 6.39, P = .05) was greater than for uninjured participants. No differences were seen with posteromedial reach. CONCLUSIONS: We did not detect reach-distance differences in any direction. However, participants with CAI rotated the trunk and pelvis more toward the stance leg than did stable-ankle participants during anteromedial and medial reach, possibly to help maintain a proximal stable posture and compensate for distal instability. These joint-angle differences with Star Excursion Balance Test performance may represent unique compensatory patterns for those with CAI.