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Biomedical subjects

J R Palmieri

Publications and source records attributed to J R Palmieri.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Host tissue reaction to Gnathostoma malaysiae (Nematoda: Gnathostomidae) in Rattus surifer Miller.

The occurrence of adult Gnathostoma malaysiae in Rattus surifer and R. tiomanicus in Malaysia has been reported but there are no known reports on the host tissue reactions. This paper reports on the gross pathology caused by G. malaysiae in a red spiny forest rat, R. surifer and the tissue reactions caused. A tumor-like growth was located on the mid-stomach wall in a female rat captured in Gunung Bachock, Kelantan, Malaysia. This growth consisted of four tunnel-like structures containing sanguinopurulent fluid and leukocytes and this structure led into a central canal. The tissue surrounding the tumor was greatly inflamed and there was localized gastritis. The tunnel-like structure was surrounded by dense fibrotic tissue. The stomach wall was devoid of superficial epithelium and smooth muscle but mucinous glands were present. The midregion of the fibrotic scar contained eggs of G. malaysiae which had evoked a strong tissue reaction and were surrounded by pus. Blood vessels were empty, dilated and had undergone vasculitis and thrombosis.

Animals↗

Effects of placental malaria on mothers and neonates from Zaire.

Of one hundred placentas collected consecutively in the Ubangi district, Zaire, 64 had falciparum malaria. Mothers and infants of the 64 malarious and 36 non-malarious placentas were compared. The malarious placentas had no consistent relationship to infant length or head circumference, APGAR score, birthweight, maternal anemia, splenomegaly or hydramnios. The rate of hydramnios, in fact, was higher in the mothers with non-malarious placentas. Mothers with malarious placentas were younger (means 24) than mothers with non-malarious placentas (means 29). Mothers with fewer pregnancies were more likely to have malarious placentas than older multiparous mothers. There were 7 stillbirths, 4 from mothers with malarious placentas. Infants born to mothers with malarious placentas averaged 100 g less than those from mothers with non-malarious placentas. This study shows that mothers with falciparum malaria from the Ubangi district deliver normal and apparently unaffected infants.

Apgar Score↗

A new filarial nematode (Onchocercidae) from warthogs (Phacochoerus aethiopicus) of the Kruger National Park.

Fifty-five warthogs [Phacochoerus aethiopicus (Suidae: Artiodactyla)] from the Kruger National Park, Republic of South Africa, were examined for parasites. Adult filarial nematodes were found in lymphatic vessels adjacent to peripheral and visceral lymph nodes, and microfilariae were found in lymph nodes and circulating blood. Both the adult parasite and the microfilaria are described. Specific identification is pending confirmation and recovery of intact adult specimens and microfilariae identical to those described herein.

Animals↗

The domestic cat as a host for Brugian filariasis in South Kalimantan (Borneo), Indonesia.

Three hundred and twenty-five domestic cats (Felis catus) from six villages of the Hulu Sungai Tengah and Banjar Regency of South Kalimantan (Borneo), Indonesia, were examined for filarial nematodes. Parasites were found in 66 cats, of which 61 (92.4%) had Brugia pahangi, four (6.1%) has B. malayi and one (1.5%) had Dirofilaria repens. Infection rates ranged from 11% to 22% in cats from secondary forest/rice-field habitats, from 15% to 30% in open village/rice-field habitats, to 50% in an open coastal village. In all cases the infection rate of B. malayi in man was greater than in cats from the same collecting area. The number of B. pahangi microfilariae per 20 microliter cat blood ranged from 34 at 1000 hours to 571 at 2200 hours. The results of this study suggest that in this region of Indonesia the domestic cat is not an important host for maintaining B. malayi.

Animals↗

Chromomycosis in Zaire.

Biopsy specimens from 17 Zairians with chromomycosis are described. Patients ranged in age from 20 to 50 years, with a mean of 37.2 (+/- 10.2). Chromomycosis was suspected clinically in only 3 of the 17 patients. In 14 patients the lesions were on the lower limbs and in 3 on the arms. The lesions were chronic, in one patient persisting for 9 years. The diagnosis was established in each patient by finding typical thick-walled brown fungi within the lesions. Some fungi were in abscesses, others were in histiocytes or giant cells. The fungi and the inflammatory reaction were concentrated in the upper dermis. Acanthosis, hyperkeratosis, and parakeratosis were constant features and pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia (PEH) was a feature in 10 patients. Transepithelial elimination (TEE) of fungi was a conspicuous feature in eight specimens. Microscopic features suggested TEE in an additional three. PEH and TEE were associated in all specimens. In patients with TEE, the diagnosis may be confirmed quickly by smearing surface scrapings and finding the characteristic brown fungi.

Adult↗

The onchocercal nodule: interrelationship of adult worms and blood vessels.

This study of onchocercal nodules reveals an intimate relationship between the cuticle of Onchocerca volvulus and the capillaries of the host. Perfusion of blood vessels with India ink and other special techniques reveal a proliferation of capillaries around the worms and communication between small vessels and the spaces around the worms. The space around the worm is continuous with the central fibrin lake. These findings, together with the fact that the worm's gut contains hemosiderin, suggest that the worm subverts the vascular reaction and causes within the nodule a controlled hemorrhage that serves the worm's nutritional needs. We believe this explains, in part, how worms survive in fibrous nodules for many years.

Animals↗

Evidence of possible natural infections of man with Brugia pahangi in South Kalimantan (Borneo), Indonesia.

Blood from 9 humans, 6 domestic cats (Felis domesticus), and 5 silvered leaf monkeys (Presbytis cristatus) from South Kalimantan (Borneo), Indonesia, with known filarial infections was examined for determination ofacid phosphatase activity of the microfilarae (mff). The findings suggest 1) that Brugia parasites from domestic cats and silvered leaf monkeys can be speciated by acid phosphatase activity and that speciation by acid phosphatase assay corresponds to that based upon adult worm morphology and 2) that Brugia mff from humans have acid phosphatase activity characteristic of that of B. pahangi microfilariae from cat and monkey. Thus B. pahangi may infect man in South Kalimantan.

Acid Phosphatase↗

Trapping, care, and laboratory management of the silvered leaf monkey (Presbytis cristatus).

The silvered leaf monkey (Presbytis cristatus) from South Kalimantan ( Borneo ), Indonesia is a natural host for a variety of filarial nematodes including Brugia malayi and Wuchereria kalimantani . Experimental studies show that it is host for W. bancrofti, a filarial nematode causing elephantiasis in man. Presbytis cristatus is a gregarious primate of primary and secondary forests, roaming in troops of 20-30 members. Primarily a fruit and leaf eater under natural conditions, this monkey can adapt to a laboratory diet of commercial monkey chow supplemented with fruits and vegetables. Troops, led by an alpha male, immediately respond to protect their young during stressful or dangerous situations. Infants are born singly and are bright orange. Transition to the adult grey and black coloration begins three to five months after birth. Silvered leaf monkeys can be readily trapped. Initially they are aggressive and will attack but become tractable several days after capture. Reaching upward is an important feeding behavior of the silvered leaf monkey and they will not feed from the floor of the cage. In the laboratory they are nonaggressive and lend themselves to various procedures such as blood drawing and examination. Silvered leaf monkeys travel well in commercial animal transport cages. In the United Stages they are not an endangered species and can be readily imported. In Indonesia they are not protected by law and can be exported.

Animal Husbandry↗

Parasites found in the mouths of inhabitants of three villages of South Kalimantan (Borneo), Indonesia.

Infection rates of parasites in the oral cavity were compared for two study areas in South Kalimantan, Indonesia. Penguiran and Sungai Baru, two adjacent villages, were considered a single study area and were inhabited by 151 individuals ranging from 2 to 70 years. Tanah Intan, the second study area, had a population of 265 persons who also ranged from 2 to 70 years. The standard of living was low in all the villages (average of 450 U.S. dollars per family per year). Teeth and gums were examined by standard diagnostic techniques. Material from infected gums was examined for parasites. Of the 373 individuals studied, 49 were infected with Entamoeba gingivalis, 1 with Entamoeba histolytica, 19 with Trichomonas tenax, and 14 with Candida sp. The infection rates in the first study area were substantially lower than in the second study area.

Adolescent↗

Antigen-specific suppressor T lymphocytes in human lymphatic filariasis.

Immune responses to parasite antigens are much lower in patients with microfilaremia than in persons with other manifestations of brugian filariasis. To determine whether hyporeactivity is associated with changes in populations of lymphocytes that regulate immune responses, we quantitated helper and suppressor T cells in the blood of patients infected with Brugia malayi. Increased numbers of suppressor T cells were present in 15 of 17 patients with microfilaremia and in six of 11 patients with elephantiasis. This increase correlated with hyporeactivity to filarial antigens but not to nonparasite antigens. Removal of suppressor T cells activated in vivo or in vitro improved reactivity to filarial antigens. These results suggest that immunosuppression induced by filarial parasites is a possible mechanism of survival of these organisms in an immunocompetent host.

Adolescent↗

Schistosoma japonicum-like eggs in the appendix of an inhabitant of Java, Indonesia. A case report.

The second case of autochthonous Schistosoma japonicum-like infection in man from Indonesia is reported. An appendectomy was performed on a 34-year-old inhabitant of Java of Chinese heritage. Microscopic examination of the necrotic appendix revealed S. japonicum-like eggs in the mucosa, submucosa, muscularis, and serosa layers. There were many degenerated and mineralized eggs, some of which were within giant cells and/or surrounded by scar tissue.

Adult↗