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Monday, February 25, 2019
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A parasitologist's view of the world
Welcome to Parasite Case of the Week
Every week I will post a new Case, along with the answer to the previous case. Please feel free to write in with your answers, comments, and questions. Also check out my image archive website at http://parasitewonders.com. Enjoy!
The Fine Print:
Please note that all opinions expressed here are mine and not my employer. Information provided is for educational purposes only. It is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice. I do not accept medical consults from patients.
The Fine Print:
Please note that all opinions expressed here are mine and not my employer. Information provided is for educational purposes only. It is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice. I do not accept medical consults from patients.
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9 comments:
looks like Tratoma dimidiata vector of Chagas’ disease
These are Triatomid/reduviid/“kissing”/assassin/conenose bugs, my first tought was Triatoma infestans, but after looking closely and given it´s localization it´s most likely Triatoma dimidiata. Humans become infected when metacyclic trypomastigotes (T. cruzi) are released with the feces while the insect is taking a blood meal. Most triatomid bugs are nocturnal and feed on sleeping people, they are attracted to the host by warmth, carbon dioxide, and odor.
So far, we have not had a reduvid / Triatoma kissing bug in our lab. This will be a good learning opportunity.
Florida Fan
I wonder whether xenodiagnisis is still in practice for patients with American trypanosomiasis.
Xenodiagnosis, sorry
Trypanosoma cruz causative agent of Chagas' disease.
We had Ms Chagas from Brazil comment on a recent unknown, if your reading this, would you mind sharing if you're related to the great Dr. Carlos J. D. Chagas ?? We would love to hear from you.
Just a few miles down the road is one of the many campuses of the Medtronic corporation. Cofounded by Earl Bakken, an engineer doing medical equipment repair out of his garage (1949). He developed an implantable, battery powered pacemaker. The company made huge profits from Brazil. They were used to treat heart rhythm abnormalities caused by T. cruzi. Although Medronics is a mix of good and bad (like many corporations), it has become the worlds leader in medical technology in no small part to the kiss of a blood sucking, parasite pooping bug.
Are the whitish/brownish particles on the bottom of the container in the second (nymph) and third picture (nymph and adult) eggs or eggshells of this species?
One of our technologists came up with a great mnemonic for separating Trypanosoma cruzi (American trypanosomiasis, Chagas Disease) and T. brucei (African trypanosomiasis, African sleeping sickness):
Trypanosoma brucei: has a small kinetoplast; its eyes are closed because its sleeping (hence, sleeping sickness)
Trypanosoma cruzi: has a large kinetoplast because its eyes are open as its 'cruising' around looking for trouble :).
Please note all, the spelling of the disease is Chagas disease, not Chaga's disease nor Chagas' disease. It is names for Chagas but is not attributed to him ;-)
I have them in south carolina and just sent in one to the cdc. They like to be around ponds, in spider web/ debris , easier to find in the fall. I'm testing one now for t.cruzi .
Also www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/s1567134817304422
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