First report of the zoonotic nematode Baylisascaris procyonis in non-native raccoons (Procyon lotor) from Italy

Baylisascaris procyonis is a nematode parasite of the raccoon (Procyon lotor), and it can be responsible for a severe form of larva migrans in humans. This parasite has been reported from many countries all over the world, after translocation of its natural host outside its native geographic range, North America. In the period between January and August 2021, 21 raccoons were cage-trapped and euthanized in Tuscany (Central Italy), in the context of a plan aimed at eradicating a reproductive population of this non-native species. All the animals were submitted for necroscopic examination. Adult ascariids were found in the small intestine of seven raccoons (prevalence 33.3%). Parasites have been identified as B. procyonis based on both morphometric and molecular approaches. The aim of the present article is to report the first finding of this zoonotic parasite from Italy, highlighting the sanitary risks linked to the introduction of alien vertebrate species in new areas. Graphical Abstract

A Review of Infectious Diseases Associated with Religious and Nonreligious Rituals

Rituals are an integral part of human life but a wide range of rituals (both religious and non-religious), from self-flagellation to blood brotherhood to ritual sprinkling of holy water, have been associated with transmission of infections. These infections include angiostrongyliasis, anthrax, brucellosis, cholera, COVID-19, cutaneous larva migrans, Ebola, hepatitis viruses, herpes simplex virus, HIV, human T-cell leukemia virus (HTLV), kuru, Mycobacterium bovis, Naegleria fowleri meningoencephalitis, orf, rift valley fever, and sporotrichosis. Education and community engagement are important cornerstones in mitigating infectious risks associated with rituals.

Hepatic larva migrans presenting with upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage: A case report

Visceral larva migrans (VLM) occurs because of a host inflammatory response to the migrating larvae of a nematode. Patients usually present with fever, hepatomegaly and abdominal pain; vascular arterial complications are uncommon. A 19-year female presented with fever, jaundice, abdominal discomfort and melena. Computed tomography (CT) revealed multiple discrete, clustered, complex hepatic cystic lesions consistent with VLM, along with an arterial pseudoaneurysm from the right hepatic artery which was managed with endovascular coil embolisation.

Epidemiological aspects of toxocariasis in the astrakhan region in 2000–2019

The clinical and epidemiological situations of toxocariasis were analyzed following the International Classification of Diseases X revision (B83.0 Visceral form of diseases caused by the migration of helminth larvae [visceral Larva migrans]. Toxocariasis) in the Astrakhan region from 2000 to 2019. During this period, 76 (0.096%) cases of toxocarous infestation in humans were reported. Clinically, typical toxocariasis was found in 53 (69.7%) cases, and atypical (erased or asymptomatic) was noted in 23 (30.3%) cases. A typical toxocariasis presented as a gastrointestinal lesion in 32 (60.4%) patients, pain in the epigastric region in 31 (96.9%), complaints in the right hand in 12 (37.5%), bloating in 4 (12.5%), decreased and/or lack of appetite and nausea in 7 (21.9%), coughing in 30 (93.8%), and feeling of asphyxiation at night in 6 (18.8%). In addition, toxocariasis was accompanied by muscle damage, manifested in the form of complaints of joint pain, in 13 (24.5%) cases and rapid fatigue in 12 (92.3%) cases. A mixed form of toxocariasis was observed, manifesting as complaints of general weakness in 8 (15.1%) cases, subphebrilitis in 7 (87.5%), allergic runny nose and urticaria in 6 (75%), and reduced body weight and stratification of nails correspondences in 3 (37.5%). Albendazole was used for treatment. Sanitary and parasitological analysis of soil samples from playgrounds in Astrakhan and Astrakhan region for the presence of eggs and larvae of helminths, as well as cysts of pathogenic intestinal protozoa, showed fairly high contamination of toxocar eggs in environmental objects. Thus, toxocariasis was registered in individuals of different ages (children and adults). The main causes of infection were close contact with domestic and stray animals, noncompliance with personal hygiene rules, as well as a tendency to geophagia. The criteria for the diagnosis of toxocariasis were the clinical manifestations of invasion and presence of antibodies of 1:800 and higher in the formulation of the immunoassay method.

Dermatology

Infections of the skin?, Skin infestations?, Ulcers?, Rashes?, Dermatitis eczema?, Psoriasis?, Pityriasis rosea?, Lichen planus?, Drug eruptions?, Vasculitis?, Erythema nodosum?, Urticaria?, Erythema multiforme?, Blistering disorders?, Connective tissue diseases?, Disorders of pigmentation?, Skin cancers?, Common cutaneous viral infections?, Varicella zoster virus?, Poxvirus infections?, Cutaneous leishmaniasis?, Lymphoedema elephantiasis?, Lymphatic filariasis?, Onchocerciasis 'river blindness'?, Loiasis Loa loa?, Dracunculiasis Guinea worm?, Other parasites that invade the skin?, Cutaneous larva migrans?, Larva currens?, Podoconiosis?, The non-venereal treponematoses?