Nov

30

From Here :

Antifungal combination therapy has a more than 30-year history.

In 1971 Medoff and coworkers observed for the first time a synergistic effect of flucytosin (5FC) with amphotericin B (Amph B) in vitro.

At the same time the monotherapy with 5FC caused in clinical trials a significant increase of resistant mutants.

These two events are the roots of an exciting scientific development; from the finding of additive effects in vitro, over sophisticated animal models to clinical trials.

Combination therapy of 5FC plus Amph B became the gold standard for the acute phase of cryptococcal meningitis and was also used for other opportunistic fungal diseases in severely immunosuppressed patients.

Nov

27

From Here :
flatfibre.jpg

picture-117.jpgpicture-118.jpgpicture-127.jpgpicture-122.jpgpicture-120.jpgpicture-108.jpgpicture-105.jpgpicture-101.jpgpicture-104.jpgpicture-102.jpg

Nov

26

From Here :

This ‘Broom-like’ organism is aerobic, it burrows under the skin of a host [possibly using the 'spiked' structures on its extensions and it seems to carry stages within its appendages, possibly attached to them by a layer of material [secreted? - EPS or EPS-like?]. It displaces itself into the skin rather quickly. I found this one in Sputum; the relevance of this finding is unclear for the time being. [Is it a facultative ectoparasite? Of the skin? A parasite of one or more layers of the skin? Of humans? Zoonotic?]

skindiver.jpg
skindiver11.jpg

The images above were taken by Restorative Health Research

Images of fungal spores
spore.gif
From Here :

Nov

26

From Here :
In the past 2 decades, Burkholderia cepacia has emerged as a human pathogen causing numerous outbreaks, particularly among cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. holmes2t.jpgOne highly transmissible strain has spread across North America and Britain, and another between hospitalized CF and non-CF patients. Meanwhile, the organism has been developed as a biopesticide for protecting crops against fungal diseases and has potential as a bioremediation agent for breaking down recalcitrant herbicides and pesticides. However, B. cepacia is inherently resistant to multiple antibiotics; selection of strains “safe” for environmental application is not at present possible phenotypically or genotypically; molecular epidemiology and phylogenetic studies demonstrate that highly transmissible strains emerge randomly; and the organism has a capacity for rapid mutation and adaptation (facilitated by numerous insertion sequences), and a large, complex genome divided into separate chromosomes. Therefore, the widespread agricultural use of B. cepacia should be approached with caution.

From Here :
Care and concern for the environment are leading scientists to develop biological alternatives to the present chemical strategy in the agro-industry and to reduce environmental chemical pollution. Control of plant diseases, insects and nematodes by bacteria and fungi has been proposed as an alternative or supplement to chemical pesticides. Roots and rhizospheres of various crops such as corn, maize, rice, pea, sunflower, and radish can be colonised by B. cepacia-like organisms, some of which produce a variety of antimicrobial compounds that are active against soil pathogens. Using these B. cepacia-like organisms as seed inoculants or root dips can increase crop yields significantly. Moreover, when there are no soil pathogens, a significant growth promoting effect has been reported.
The exceptional nutritional potential of some B. cepacia strains is being used in the bioremediation of hazardous waste sites and effluents. Carcinogenic or toxic products such as ethers present in gasoline, polycyclic aromatic compounds and other constituents of crude oils and coal, herbicides such as 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid, the principal component of Agent Orange, can be efficiently degraded by certain B. cepacia strains

Nov

26

blood102.jpg
Subject No. 1 : Anomalous variation in blood cell structure.
Highly visible with use of red laser light.
Magnification 750x

blood103.jpg
Subject No. 1 : Same anomaly under normal visible light.
Much more difficult to detect without the use of the laser light.
Magnification 750x.

From Here :

As time is short for now, the parting comments here will be brief. It is quite clear to me what work needs to be done. The main question that remains is who is going to help to get it done, when are they going to do it, and to what ends are they going to serve? I will do my best to avoid drawing any premature conclusions on the nature of what is being described in this and previous reports. I believe that the photographs presented during recent days speak quite well for themselves. It does seem clear, however, that certain critical issues have been deliberately avoided; to what end only time may tell. I am not making claim on what the nature is that is being shown here; I am making claim that we all need to know what that nature is as quickly as possible. I will offer a suggestion, and it only a suggestion without warranty. It does seem reasonable to consider that a fungal nature(fungemia) or a modified fungal nature may be involved; this has been alluded to earlier and is in keeping with many of the health symptoms that we have been witness now to for many years. It is quite conceivable(and not unexpected) that even more exotic methods of biology or artificial constructs are involved with the Morgellon’s issue; that too will have to find its way in proof that is apparent to all.

Nov

26

m2-10.jpg

One fiber sample at a magnifcation of 750x.
Notice the internal structure of the fiber that begins to appear at this point.
From Here :

Summary:

Attention has been called to the salient points of observation and need. My personal opinions on the failure of governmental and health organizations on this issue have been noted. The need for parallel examination in detail on the airborne fibrous samples refused by the EPA has been stated. There is no suitable excuse or rationale for inaction on the discoveries that have been disclosed. My ability and time to conduct research of this nature remains limited. My appeal to the professional community to serve the public welfare has been reaffirmed. It is quite expected that more capable resources will provide discovery beyond what can be accomplished here. The Morgellon’s condition is a public health concern and issue, and it is that interest that must be served. Those that have suffered, are suffering, and those that will suffer are entitled to be treated with dignity, compassion and respect. We must all act unselfishly to diminish and alleviate this pain, suffering and ill health that we are now subject to. Infinite appreciation is extended to the person that has graciously provided for the observations that are the substance of this report.

Nov

26

morgobs13×400.jpg
Magnification approximately 1400x.
Numerous fibers are now available; this conglomerate not visible to the naked eye.
Notice internal structures becoming increasingly visible.
Biological natures are more strongly indicated at this point of observation.

From Here :

The conclusion of this report is necessarily brief at this time. The basic conclusions that can be made are as follows. First, there has been a complete failure of the formal medical community, non-profit organizations and government to adequately research and distribute information to the public on the nature of the Morgellons condition. If the samples studied and shown here are in any way representative of the Morgellons disease, they show that any effort to influence the public to accept this evidence as being of psychological origin or as insignificant are disingenuous at the highest level.
Any motive of secrecy and or misinformation is to be confronted directly and disclosed. The so-called efforts at research by various organizations, including non-profit, university and government are to be called into question; there is a serious lack of informing the public as to the basic nature of the condition. No citizen should be assuming the risk of attempting to identify the nature of this illness.
The traditional medical community and government health organizations have already displayed an appalling failure of addressing the urgency of this matter. I call upon all of those individuals or groups with the proper resources to strike to the core of this issue as quickly as possible, and to disclose all results of the findings to the public as they occur.

Nov

22

From Here :
It seems Parasites control host behaviour.

Could it be that human parasites modulate our behaviour to create favourable conditions ?

Perhaps it is worth mentioning that Burgdorfer notes the Nematamorph or Horsehair worm being found in a ticks gut he was examining…..

From here :

” The adult nematomorph is a short-lived, non-feeding stage. Much to our surprise, we read that when Dr. Willy Burgdorferi dissected the deer tick and discovered the bacteria, he noted the presence of microfilarial worms in a small sample of the ticks, though at the time he saw no significance.”

Research on Toxoplasma gondii, a cat parasite, suggests that chronic infection causes subtle behavioral, personality, and psychological changes in infected people.

From Here :and Here :

Nov

19

From Here :

It is believed Gregory’s illness was the result of an insect bite while he was on tour of Australia with the Great Britain academy team in 2003…..

and as it was originally reported in 2004

From Here :

Wigan coach Mike Gregory has developed a chronic bacterial infection that requires hospital treatment in the USA.
Gregory will remain in charge until the Challenge Cup Final against St Helens before receiving treatment in America.

Wigan Chairman Maurice Lindsay said: “Mike has been suffering from what has turned out to be a debilitating infection for some time.

“The infection is not contagious but needs treatment and the advice is that the best treatment is in America.”

Lindsay added: “Tests have revealed that the infection almost certainly started with an insect bite when Mike was on tour with the Great Britain Academy side throughout Australasia and South Africa.”

Nov

16

From here :
With respect and thanks to Lisa Scott, health editor of Metro, for an accurate synopsis of Morgellons.

Nov

15

From Here :

Morgellons disease is a mysterious skin disorder that was first described over 300 years ago. The disease is characterized by fiber-like strands extruding from the skin in association with dermatologic and neuropsychiatric signs and symptoms. Although Morgellons disease has been confused with delusional parasitosis, the occurrence of the disease in children, the lack of pre-existing psychopathology in most patients and the presence of subcutaneous fibers on skin biopsy indicate that the disease has a somatic origin. The association with Lyme disease and the apparent response to antibiotic therapy supports the concept that Morgellons disease may be triggered by an infectious process. Recent studies suggest that infection with Agrobacterium may play a role in the disease. Further clinical and molecular research is needed to unlock the mystery of Morgellons disease.

From Here :

COMMON LABORATORY ABNORMALITIES

Elevated cytokines: TNF-alpha, IL-6, TGF-beta; elevated inflammation markers: C-reactive protein and TNF-alpha; Immunodeficiency markers: low CD 56 or CD 57 number, low C1Q, low IgG subclasses 1 and 3; hematological abnormalities: low hemoglobin and hematocrit with abnormal RBC indices; and biochemical abnormalities: elevated blood glucose, insulin, calcium, and serum Homocysteine, and low serum potassium and magnesium.

The consistent finding of numerous unexpected biologic agents at atypically high levels (some thought to be non-pathogens, others definitely pathogenic) strongly supports that an immune deficiency state exists in Morgellons patients. Agents identified serologically include many zoonoses (intermittently and in low numbers) such as Borrelia (at least five species) and Babesia, a single recently found gram negative bacterium, most herpes viruses, some strongly activated such as VZV and HHV-6, several mycology species (esp. Tineas), and particularly in those we have labeled Morgellons patients, parasites (species will be elaborated following PCR sequencing).

Nov

15

The visual appearance of the fingernails and toenails may suggest an underlying systemic disease. Clubbing of the nails often suggests pulmonary disease or inflammatory bowel disease. Koilonychia, or “spoon-shaped” nails, may stimulate a work-up for hemochromatosis or anemia. In the absence of trauma or psoriasis, onycholysis should prompt a search for symptoms of hyperthyroidism. The finding of Beau’s lines may indicate previous severe illness, trauma, or exposure to cold temperatures in patients with Raynaud’s disease. In patients with Muehrcke’s lines, albumin levels should be checked, and a work-up done if the level is low. Splinter hemorrhage in patients with heart murmur and unexplained fever can herald endocarditis. Patients with telangiectasia, koilonychia, or pitting of the nails may have connective tissue disorders.
From Here :

Nov

15

Dietzia strain X: a newly described Actinomycete isolated from confluent and reticulated papillomatosis.

Natarajan S, Milne D, Jones AL, Goodfellow M, Perry J, Koerner RJ.

Department of Microbiology, Sunderland Royal Hospital, Kayll Road, Sunderland SR4 7TP, U.K.

Confluent and reticulated papillomatosis (CRP) is a rare skin disorder.
papilomatosis.jpg

From Here :

To date its aetiology remains uncertain. The possibility of an infectious aetiology has been supported by case reports of therapeutic response to antibiotic therapy.
We have isolated and identified a previously unknown Dietzia strain, an Actinomycete, from skin scrapings of a 17-year-old boy with CRP.

We propose that this organism may be the aetiological agent of CRP.
Further investigations are necessary to determine the potential role of this Actinomycete in the pathogenesis of CRP

Nov

14

I have been bitten by Ticks many times in the Highlands of Scotland.
I have had Head Lice twice as a child in Leeds.
I have been bitten by Fleas and Mosquitos in locations too numerous to mention and I have been bitten by bedbugs in a Barcelona hotel.
I have been exposed to and test positive for Chlamidia Pneumoniae.
My Vitamin D assays are normal.
I have seen Giant Forms and Coccoid shapes in my blood…
which is supposed to be sterile.

Chlamidia Pneumoniae Info

Nov

14

Bartonella quintana causes trench fever and angiomatosis in immunocompromised persons.

Bartonella species are facultative intracellular bacteria associated with a number of emerging anthropozoonoses. They have been detected in or isolated from diverse vertebrate hosts, including humans, various intradomicillary mammals, and a wide range of wild animals, which serve as natural vertebrate hosts.
Various hematophagous arthropods have been implicated in the ecoepidemiology of Bartonella species. Bartonella are a group of small, weakly-staining, Gram-negative bacteria, includes three species of human medical importance.

Bartonella quintana lives and multiplies within the gut of the body louse, and then can be transmitted to humans.

Transmission to people can occur by rubbing infected louse feces into abraded (scuffed) skin or into the conjunctivae (whites of the eyes).

The human pathogen Bartonella quintana causes trench fever, a disease that affected more than one million soldiers during World War I and has re-emerged among homeless individuals in some urban areas.
Trench fever can be either slow or rapid in onset. In the rapid onset form, there is an incubation period of 8-30 days, after which there is a sudden development of symptoms, ncluding severe headache, myalgia and pain in the lower body from the lumbar region to the shins.
Shin pain is characteristic of the disease and splenomegaly is common. Rigors were common in World War I. A short lived rash that may only last a few hours is often observed. The spleen is often enlarged. The fever associated with the disease lasts a few days followed by remission and relapse after 5-6 days. There may be several rounds of remission and relapse. In some cases, the fever is typhoid-like.
Depression and neurological sequelae are common and endocarditis may be found. The disease can recur for years, so patients may need to be monitored.

From Here :

Nov

7

itgtk11.jpgFrom Here :
Most of the 100 Ornithodoros spp. inhabit protected niches in burrows, caves, dens, cliffsides, and bird colonies.
Among the few that parasitize livestock, O savignyi and O coriaceus are exceptional because they have eyes and because they rest just below or above ground level under the shade of trees and rocks where livestock and game animals rest and sleep.
O savignyi , the sand tampan, lives in semiarid areas from Namibia to India and Sri Lanka and is often tremendously abundant.
Humans and tethered livestock suffer severe irritation and toxicosis from sand tampan bites, and paralysis and death of animals are recorded.
O coriaceus , the “pajaroello” of hillside scrub oak habitats from northern California and Nevada to Chiapias, Mexico, occupies deer beds under trees and near large rocks. It is well-known for irritating deer and cattle, and, in humans, its bite produces a severe skin reaction.
Epizootic bovine abortion, caused by Borrelia crocidurae , appears to be transmitted only by O coriaceus .
O guerneyi shelters in tree-shaded soil in arid zones of Australia where kangaroos and humans rest; livestock are rare or absent in these habitats.

Nov

4

Zoonotic Diseases

November 4, 2007 | Leave a Comment

A very interesting and informative list.
Zoonotic Diseases – Human Health Impacts of Animal Diseases.

Nov

4

Biting Midges

November 4, 2007 | Leave a Comment

From Here :
Culicoides spp are vicious biters and can cause intense irritation and annoyance to animals.
In large numbers, they can cause livestock to be nervous and interrupt their feeding pattern. These gnats tend to feed on the dorsal or ventral areas of the host; feeding site preference depends on the species of biting gnat.
They fly only in the warm months of the year and are most active before and during dusk. They feed often on the mane, tail, and belly of horses.
Horses often become allergic to the bites, scratching and rubbing these areas, causing alopecia, excoriations, and thickening of the skin.
This condition has several names, including culicoid hypersensitivity in Canada, Queensland itch in Australia, Kasen in Japan, sweat itch, and sweet itch.
Because it is often seen during the warmer months of the year, it is also referred to as summer dermatitis.

These flies also serve as the intermediate host for Onchocerca cervicalis ; the microfilariae of this nematode are found in the skin of horses. Onchocerciasis is a nonseasonal dermatosis that is similar to sweet itch but usually is less pruritic and affects the head, neck, and belly. These flies also transmit the bluetongue virus in sheep and cattle

I am assuming that these voracious insects also like to feed on human blood.

Would anybody like to question this assumption ?

Nov

3

demodex.jpgFrom Here :
Accumulation of waste material of the follicle mite may occur in affected follicles or sebaceous glands. Electron micrographs of the mite surface and feces show bacterial, viral, and rickettsial elements. Specific reports have revealed that both species pierce epithelial cells and consume cytoplasm. Only D brevis has been observed with channels burrowed to the germinal epithelium in the sebaceous glands.
These mites also serve as vectors of infective elements and interrupt tissue integrity.
demodexface1.jpgDemodex species-induced pathologic changes have been implicated in dry eye conditions. When follicular plugging involves the meibomian gland (D brevis) or the gland of Zeis (D folliculorum or D brevis), reduction of the superficial lipid layer of the tear film occurs. The effect of D brevis on the meibomian structure has been implicated in chalazion formation. Chalazia are granulomatous inflammation of the meibomian glands, made of an organized core of epithelioid cells and histocytes surrounded by fibroblasts, lymphocytes, and plasma cells. These defense cells encircle particles too large for normal macrophages to engulf. D brevis has been observed in the center of these meibomian granulomas. Lid infestation by the Demodex species may or may not accompany dermatologic changes of the nose, the cheek, or the forehead.

Nov

2

From Here :

“……….In addition to the new bacteria and Borrelia burgdorferi, deer ticks also are carriers of Ehrlichia phagocytophila, which causes ehrlichiosis; Babesia mircoti, which are malarial like organisms; and a virus which can cause encephalitis.

The new organism was observed in nymphs derived from larvae that had fed upon mice that were not infected with Borrelia burgdorferi.

“Some of our experiments were getting some bizarre results,” Fish said. “We were finding infected ticks in experiments where we did not expect them. We sequenced a portion of the DNA to determine what it was and it turned out to be a spirochete that is related to relapsing fever spirochetes rather than the Lyme disease spirochete…………….”

Nov

1

From Here :

ATLANTA, Oct. 16 — Nearly 19,000 people died in the United States in 2005 after being infected with a virulent drug-resistant bacterium that has spread rampantly through hospitals and nursing homes, according to the most thorough study to be conducted of the disease’s prevalence.

Nov

1

Brouqui P, Raoult D.
Unité des rickettsies, CNRS UMR 6020, IFR 48, Faculté de médecine, 27 bd, J Moulin, 13385 Marseille, cedex 5, France. philippe.brouqui@medecine.univ-mrs.fr

Homeless people are particularly exposed to ectoparasites.
The living conditions and the crowded shelters provide ideal conditions for the spread of lice, fleas, ticks, and mites.
Body lice have long been recognized as human parasites and although typically prevalent in rural communities in upland areas of countries close to the equator, it is now increasingly encountered in developed countries especially in homeless people or inner city economically deprived population.
Fleas are widespread but are not adapted to a specific host and may occasionally bite humans. Most common fleas that parasite humans are the cat, the rat, and the human fleas, Ctenocephalides felis, Xenopsylla cheopis, and Pulex irritans, respectively. Ticks belonging to the family Ixodidae, in particular, the genera Dermacentor, Rhipicephalus, and Ixodes, are frequent parasites in humans.
Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis is a mite (Arachnida class) responsible for scabies. It is an obligate parasite of human skin.
The hematophagic-biting mite, Liponyssoides sanguineus, is a mite of the rat, mouse, and other domestic rodents but can also bite humans.
Finally, the incidence of skin disease secondary to infestation with the human bedbug, Cimex lectularius, has increased recently. Bacteria, such as Wolbacchia spp. have been detected in the bedbug.
The threat posed by the ectoparasite in homeless is not the ectoparasite themselves but the associated infectious diseases that they may transmit to humans. Except for scabies all these ectoparasites are potential vectors for infectious agents.
Three louse-borne diseases are known at this time. Trench fever caused by Bartonella quintana (B. quintana), epidemic typhus caused by Rickettsia prowazekii, and relapsing fever caused by the spirochete Borrelia recurrentis.
Fleas transmit plague (Xenopsylla cheopis and Pulex irritans), murine typhus (Xenopsylla cheopis), flea-borne spotted rickettsiosis on account of the recently described species Rickettsia felis (C. felis), and occasionally cat scratch disease on account of Bartonella henselae (C. felis).
The role of fleas as potential vector of B. quintana has recently been suggested.
Among the hematophagic-biting mites, L. sanguineus, is responsible for the transmission of Rickettsia akari, the etiologic agent of rickettsialpox.
Virtually, no data are available on tick-borne disease in this population. This article will deal with epidemiology, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of these ectoparasite and the infectious diseases they transmit to the homeless people.

PMID: 17114713 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Nov

1

Bacterial Zoonoses

November 1, 2007 | Leave a Comment

Philippon A.
Service de bactériologie, Hôpital Cochin, 27 rue du faubourg Saint-Jacques, 75014 Paris.

Bacterial zoonoses are evolving with changes in society, climate and lifestyles. A hierarchy of non food-borne zoonoses was recently proposed in France, and includes characteristics such as severity criteria and bioterrorism potential. The creation of specific networks and reference centers has provided the means to monitor the emergence (or re-emergence) of zoonoses such as brucellosis and Q fever. Molecular tools have facilitated the detection of bacteria that are transmitted by arthropod vectors (ticks, fleas, etc.) and that cause diseases such as Lyme borreliosis, bartonellosis and ehrlichiosis.

PMID: 17140097 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Nov

1

Genchi C.
Department of Veterinary Parasitology, University of Milan, Italy.
C1992

Some aspects of changing patterns of arthropodal infections and arthropod-borne diseases in Mediterranean areas are briefly discussed.

Selected examples are given, with particular emphasis on the phenomenon of the synanthropic flea Ctenocephalides felis felis and on health problems caused by human infections with Argas reflexus, the common tick of urban pigeons in Europe.

Finally, the risk of the emergence of Lyme borreliosis (Borrelia burgdorferi) is considered in relation to the increasing spread of environmental infestation with ticks, mainly Ixodes ricinus, an efficacious vector for the spirochaete.

Argas reflexus

GENUS
Argas

SPECIES reflexus

LOCATION In Europe: France, Britain, Belgium, Germany, Denmark, Poland, Italy, Spain and Switzerland. Also found in the Middle East

HABITAT Lives in the nest of its host

LIFE CYCLE May survive for years

MATING HABIT Mating takes place off host in nest

FEEDING HABIT Once fed it can survive for long periods .

The bite is very painful. Infestation may cause pigeon death

HOSTS Mostly targets the domestic pigeon. May also be found on other birds and chickens. Adults are accidentally found on horses and man

DISEASES Transmits West Nile virus, Tick borne encephalitis (TBE), Borrelia anserina (fowl spirochaetosis), Aegyptianella pullorum (fowl piroplamosis), Rickettsia conorii (Q fever), Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme disease)

SIZE Female: 6.5-10 mm

Male: 5-7.5 mm
Unfed Nymph: 3.5-6.5 mm

REFERENCES HILLYARD 1996

Nov

1

Incidence of the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi in arthropods and antibodies in vertebrates

The paper summarizes data on hitherto assembled findings of Spirochaeta burgdorferi, the causal agent of Lyme disease in arthropods and the incidence of antibodies in birds and mammals.
The authors evaluate some vectors and reservoir animals, including possible carriers. Borrelia burgdorferi was found so far in 30 species of Arthropoda, 13 species of mites (Acarina), 15 species of flies(Diptera), two species of fleas (Siphonaptera).

Antibodies were detected in eight species of birds (Aves, Passeriformes) and in 22 mammalian species: one species of marsupiales (Marsupialia), 3 species of carnivores (Carnivora), seven species of rodents (Rodentia), two species of rabbits and hares (Lagomorpha), in 8 species of even-toed ungulates (Artiodactyla) and one species of odd-toed ungulates (Perissodactyla).

PMID: 2646031 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

November 2007
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