-
Journal Francais D'ophtalmologie Apr 2024
Topics: Animals; Humans; Eye Infections, Parasitic; Eyelids; Larva; Myiasis
PubMed: 38457902
DOI: 10.1016/j.jfo.2024.104109 -
Insects Jul 2023Myiasis caused by is a widespread parasitic infestation in mammals. The infested host suffers from damage as the developing larvae feed on its tissues. For the control...
Myiasis caused by is a widespread parasitic infestation in mammals. The infested host suffers from damage as the developing larvae feed on its tissues. For the control of myiasis infestation, genetic methods have been shown to be effective and promising as an alternative to insecticides. Combining genome, isoform sequencing (Iso-Seq), and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data, we isolated and characterized two sex-determination genes, and (), whose orthologs in a number of insect pests have been utilized to develop genetic control approaches. transcripts are sex-specifically spliced; only the female transcript encodes a full-length functional protein, while the male transcript encodes a truncated and non-functional polypeptide due to the presence of the male-specific exon containing multiple in-frame stop codons. The existence of five predicted TRA/TRA2 binding sites in the male-specific exon and the surrounding intron of , as well as the presence of an RNA-recognition motif in WmTRA2 may suggest the auto-regulation of by its own protein interacting with WmTRA2. This results in the skipping of the male-specific exon and translation of the full-length functional protein only in females. Our comparative study in dipteran species showed that both the WmTRA and WmTRA2 proteins exhibit a high degree of similarity to their orthologs in the myiasis-causing blow flies. Additionally, transcriptome profiling performed between adult females and adult males reported 657 upregulated and 365 downregulated genes. Functional analysis showed that among upregulated genes those related to meiosis and mitosis Gene Ontology (GO) terms were enriched, while, among downregulated genes, those related to muscle cell development and aerobic metabolic processes were enriched. Among the female-biased gene set, we detected five candidate genes, (), (), (), (), and (). The promoters of these genes may be able to upregulate Cas9 expression in the germline in Cas9-based homing gene drive systems as established in some flies and mosquitoes. The isolation and characterization of these genes is an important step toward the development of genetic control programs against infestation.
PubMed: 37504626
DOI: 10.3390/insects14070620 -
Veterinary Parasitology Oct 2023Cochliomyia hominivorax, from the family Calliphoridae, is responsible for causing most myiases in domesticated animals in Brazil. As alternatives to conventional...
Cochliomyia hominivorax, from the family Calliphoridae, is responsible for causing most myiases in domesticated animals in Brazil. As alternatives to conventional treatments, essential oils (EOs) could possibly be used as natural control of ectoparasites. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro activity of EOs from Salvia sclarea L., Rosmarinus officinalis L., Lavandula hybrida Reverchon, Citrus bergamia Risso, Citrus paradisi L., Juniperus virginiana L., Copaifera reticulata Ducke, Illicium verum Hook f., Pelargonium roseum, Cymbopogon winterianus Jowitt, Cymbopogon flexuosus Steud, Eugenia caryophyllus Spreng, Cinnamomum cassia Presl, Thymus vulgaris L. and Origanum vulgare L. against third-instar larvae of C. hominivorax. To evaluate the mortality rate, filter paper tests were performed at different concentrations and verified after 24 h and 48 h. Essential oils of T. vulgaris, O. vulgare and I. verum induced 100% mortality in the screening test, and their main active components (thymol, carvacrol and anethol, respectively) were also tested alone. In this new test, lethal concentrations (LC) after 24 h and 48 h, respectively, were 407.1 and 314.2 µg.cm² for T. vulgaris, 540.9 and 253.8 µg.cm² for O. vulgare, 314.2 µg.cm² (after 48 h) for I. verum, 255.6 and 102.3 µg.cm² for thymol, 970.5 and 931.1 µg.cm for carvacrol and 559.4 µg.cm (after 48 h) for anethol. These results showed the potential of these EOs and their main components for development of ectoparasiticides for veterinary use, especially T. vulgaris EO and thymol.
Topics: Animals; Oils, Volatile; Thymol; Calliphoridae; Cymenes; Plant Oils
PubMed: 37683367
DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2023.110020 -
Parasite Epidemiology and Control Nov 2023Ivermectin has emerged as a therapeutic option for various parasitic diseases, including strongyloidiasis, scabies, lice infestations, gnathostomiasis, and myiasis. This... (Review)
Review
Ivermectin has emerged as a therapeutic option for various parasitic diseases, including strongyloidiasis, scabies, lice infestations, gnathostomiasis, and myiasis. This study comprehensively reviews the evidence-based indications for ivermectin in treating parasitic diseases, considering the unique context and challenges in Peru. Fourteen studies were selected from a systematic search of scientific evidence on ivermectin in PubMed, from 2010 to July 2022. The optimal dosage of ivermectin for treating onchocerciasis, strongyloidiasis, and enterobiasis ranges from 150 to 200 μg/kg, while lymphatic filariasis requires a higher dose of 400 μg/kg (Brown et al., 2000). However, increased dosages have been associated with a higher incidence of ocular adverse events. Scientific evidence shows that ivermectin can be safely and effectively administered to children weighing less than 15 kg. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses provide strong support for the efficacy and safety of ivermectin in combating parasitic infections. Ivermectin has proven to be an effective treatment for various parasitic diseases, including intestinal parasites, ectoparasites, filariasis, and onchocerciasis. Dosages ranging from 200 μg/kg to 400 μg/kg are generally safe, with adjustments made according to the specific pathology, patient age, and weight/height. Given Peru's prevailing social and environmental conditions, the high burden of intestinal parasites and ectoparasites in the country underscores the importance of ivermectin in addressing these health challenges.
PubMed: 37731824
DOI: 10.1016/j.parepi.2023.e00320 -
Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine :... Jan 2024Eastern box turtles () face a variety of anthropogenic, infectious, and environmental threats and have been affected by high morbidity and mortality disease events....
Eastern box turtles () face a variety of anthropogenic, infectious, and environmental threats and have been affected by high morbidity and mortality disease events. Wellness parameters in free-ranging eastern box turtles with a high prevalence of myiasis on Cape Cod, MA, were documented to identify epidemiologic trends or associations with several health parameters. There were 109 samples collected from 59 individual box turtles over the course of 4 mon. Six turtles died over the course of this study. Fly larvae infestations varied in severity and were observed in the cutaneous and subcutaneous tissue (n = 18; 30.5%). Animals with myiasis had fewer plastron abnormalities than those without ( = 0.034), and all turtles found in bogs had evidence of fly larvae infections ( < 0.0001). Individuals with myiasis also had lower body condition index ( = 0.014), lower total white blood cells ( = 0.031), lower PCV ( < 0.0001), lower total solids ( < 0.0001), higher erythrocyte sedimentation rate ( < 0.0001), lower calcium ( = 0.018), and lower phosphorus ( = 0.017). Three turtles tested positive for terrapene herpesvirus 1, but presence was not associated with myiasis. Heavy metal analysis revealed no significant differences between turtles with and without myiasis. This study examined the health of a population of eastern box turtles, and continued health assessments will be beneficial in determining the impact of myiasis on future conservation plans.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Turtles; Myiasis; Massachusetts; Calcium, Dietary; Larva
PubMed: 38252002
DOI: 10.1638/2022-0173 -
Medical and Veterinary Entomology Sep 2023A total of 35 male roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) from Lugo province (north-western Spain) were examined for pedicle myiasis between 2020 and 2022. All these animals had...
A total of 35 male roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) from Lugo province (north-western Spain) were examined for pedicle myiasis between 2020 and 2022. All these animals had died by different causes and were examined or preserved just after their death to avoid post-mortem infestations. After external and internal head inspection, five animals were diagnosed with severe myiasis at the basis of the antlers (14.29%; 95% confidence interval = 5.38-31.04). All the affected bucks presented a cutaneous wound (1.5-15 cm in diameter) around the pedicles with extensive tissue destruction, exposition of frontal and parietal bones, and massive infestation by dipteran larvae (2-12 mm long). Four of five roe deer showed whitish egg clusters adhered to the basis of the antlers. Moreover, in one animal, six larvae had penetrated the cranial cavity, and in two of them larvae were also found in the nasopharyngeal cavity. All the cases were recorded in summer (May-August). Morphological identification and subsequent molecular confirmation revealed that all animals were infested by different larval stages of Lucilia caesar (Diptera: Calliphoridae). This study represents the first report of pedicle myiasis in Spain. Since this disease is reported sporadically, the detection of five cases in a short period of time suggests an increase in the incidence of this myiasis.
Topics: Male; Animals; Diptera; Calliphoridae; Spain; Deer; Myiasis; Larva
PubMed: 37042792
DOI: 10.1111/mve.12654 -
Parasite Immunology Oct 2023Goat warble fly infestation (GWFI) is an economically important myiasis caused by larvae of Przhevalskiana silenus (Diptera, Oestridae), prevalent in countries of the...
Goat warble fly infestation (GWFI) is an economically important myiasis caused by larvae of Przhevalskiana silenus (Diptera, Oestridae), prevalent in countries of the Mediterranean Basin and Indian subcontinent. GWFI is characterized by the presence of subcutaneous warbles at the lumbar and sacral region of dorsum in the infested animal. The early larval instars (L1 and L2) remain inaccessible to physical detection due to their small size and subcutaneous presence thus causing hindrance in the diagnosis. The objective of present study was to develop a field applicable early diagnostic intervention for GWFI monitoring and prophylactic management for effective control of the disease. Recombinant Hypodermin C (rHyC) antigen of P. silenus was expressed in Escherichia coli. The purified protein was used for optimizing dot-ELISA in a checkerboard titration using goat warble fly infested serum as known positive. The optimized assay was further tested for lower temperature (18°C) and incubation time (30 min). The optimized assay was assessed for inter-rater reliability and field samples. The optimized conditions require 188 ng of protein/dot, 1:800 dilution of serum sample, 1:4000 dilution of anti-goat IgG conjugate and 5% skim milk powder in phosphate buffer saline as blocking buffer. The assay was found to have a diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of 97.3% and 95.8%, respectively. The inter-rater reliability of dot ELISA with rHyC indirect ELISA was found to be almost perfect with a Cohen's kappa index of 0.973. Further testing at ambient temperature (18°C) and shorter incubation steps (30 min) supported suitability of the assay for field diagnosis of GWFI. The present study provides the first report of a sensitive and specific dot-ELISA for early diagnosis of GWFI which is rapid and cost effective. The test may provide an effective field applicable tool for sustainable control of GWFI.
Topics: Animals; Goats; Reproducibility of Results; Goat Diseases; Diptera; Larva; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
PubMed: 37524537
DOI: 10.1111/pim.13007 -
Forensic Science, Medicine, and... Aug 2023Understanding the causes, extent, and period of neglect is not only a medical but also a forensic task when it comes to legal investigations. In this study, we evaluated...
Understanding the causes, extent, and period of neglect is not only a medical but also a forensic task when it comes to legal investigations. In this study, we evaluated 46 autopsied cases where there was clear evidence of physical neglect during the last period of the deceased's life. The age of the deceased ranged from 21 to 96 years; most of them were female (71.7%). The majority of cases (89.9%) took place in a domestic environment, with partners or relatives providing care. The most frequent post-mortem findings were pressure sores, followed by inflammatory skin changes, and signs of malnutrition and dehydration. Neglect was the cause or co-cause of death in 23% of the cases. More than half of the deceased showed severe contamination of the skin surface by excrement, and in almost 40% of the cases, fly infestation was found. The majority of insects belonged to the group of house flies (Diptera: Muscidae), mainly the common house fly, Musca domestica. By analyzing the entomological evidence, it was possible to prove an insect infestation period of at least several days ante-mortem. Since the period of neglect may be relevant in terms of legal proceedings, the present work demonstrates the particular importance of insect traces in providing this evidence. While prosecution and conviction of caregivers remain challenging, it is all the more essential that entomology and legal medicine collaborate on the analysis of findings of neglect.
PubMed: 37578627
DOI: 10.1007/s12024-023-00695-2 -
Ear, Nose, & Throat Journal Oct 2023Myiasis is the invasion of mammalian tissues by dipterous larvae. Cutaneous myiasis is the commonest type, and less commonly, internal tissues and organs are affected....
Myiasis is the invasion of mammalian tissues by dipterous larvae. Cutaneous myiasis is the commonest type, and less commonly, internal tissues and organs are affected. Here, we report the first case of oro-nasopharyngeal myiasis caused by the third-instar larvae of (Old-World screwworm) in Sri Lanka. A retired 71-year-old female tea-plucker presented to the hospital with a 4-day history of nasal bleeding and neck discomfort. Except for well-controlled hypertension, she had no significant medical history. On examination, there was an ulcerated area in the posterior oro-nasopharynx filled with maggots. Hematological analysis showed a high C-reactive protein level (24 mg/dL) and white blood cell count (17.5 × 10/L) with 80% neutrophils. Computed tomography showed severe inflammation of the pharynx with no features of a neoplasm or parapharyngeal abscess. An examination was performed under anesthesia followed by manual removal of larvae, surgical debridement with biopsy, and treatment with antiparasitic medicines and antibiotics. Histopathology excluded neoplasm and only showed inflammatory changes. All extracted larvae were morphologically similar and identified as third-instar larvae of using a trinocular zoom stereomicroscope. The patient recovered and was discharged from the hospital on the 15th day and was well at 2 months follow-up.
PubMed: 37864334
DOI: 10.1177/01455613231207283 -
Retinal Cases & Brief Reports Jul 2023To report a case of ophthalmomyiasis interna with optic nerve invasion that was treated with oral ivermectin and prednisone.
PURPOSE
To report a case of ophthalmomyiasis interna with optic nerve invasion that was treated with oral ivermectin and prednisone.
METHODS
Case report with retrospective review of medical records and multimodal imaging studies.
RESULTS
A Christmas tree farmer in his sixties presented with expanding multicolored, spiraling photopsias in the left eye. The visual acuity measured 20/50, and examination and imaging findings showed subretinal tracks consistent with ophthalmomyiasis interna. After several weeks of spontaneous improvement, the visual acuity decreased to 20/150 and fundus examination showed new optic disc edema that was treated with ivermectin and prednisone. Despite the development of optic disc pallor, the visual acuity improved to 20/25.
CONCLUSION
Subretinal fly larvae can occasionally exit the eye by invading the optic nerve. Treatment of optic nerve involvement with ivermectin and prednisone can result in an excellent visual outcome.
Topics: Humans; Ivermectin; Prednisone; Fundus Oculi; Optic Disk; Myiasis; Optic Nerve
PubMed: 34608017
DOI: 10.1097/ICB.0000000000001194