Abstract Strongyloides stercoralis is an intestinal nematode that usually causes mild or asymptomatic chronic infection in immunocompetent individuals but can result in fatal hyperinfection or dissemination in immunocompromised hosts. Gastric involvement is rare and underreported. We present two histologically confirmed cases of S. stercoralis infection involving the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract – one in an immunocompetent and the other in an immunocompromised patient. The first involved duodenal and gastric mucosa, and the second showed gastric strongyloidiasis in a patient on corticosteroids. Both highlight the diagnostic value of endoscopic biopsy and the differences in presentation between immune states. Strongyloides infection of the stomach and duodenum, though rare, should be considered in chronic GI symptoms even without overt immunosuppression. Early detection by endoscopic biopsy and timely treatment are vital to prevent fatal outcomes.
Abstract Filariasis is an infectious disease caused by various parasitic roundworms and remains a significant global health issue, especially in tropical regions such as India. The disease primarily affects the lymphatic system, commonly impacting the lower limbs, retroperitoneal tissues, spermatic cord, and epididymis. Here, we present a rare case in which microfilariae coexist with a follicular variant of papillary carcinoma in the right thyroid lobe of a young female. Microfilariae were incidentally detected on fine-needle aspiration cytology and confirmed by quantitative buffy coat examination. The patient was treated with diethylcarbamazine followed by definitive surgical management for thyroid carcinoma. This case highlights the importance of keeping a high index of suspicion for filariasis in endemic regions, even in cystic or neoplastic thyroid lesions, and emphasizes the role of cytology in diagnosis.
Abstract Background: Malaria, a devastating disease primarily caused by five Plasmodium species in humans, continues to pose a significant global health challenge, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. The parasite’s ability to evade the host immune system through antigenic variation is a major obstacle to malaria control. Genes responsible for this variation are concentrated in subtelomeric regions of chromosomes, with chromosome 4 being a notable locus for such genes. This study presents a comparative genomic analysis of chromosome 4 across the five human-infecting Plasmodium species: Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium malariae, Plasmodium ovale, Plasmodium vivax , and Plasmodium knowlesi . Methodology: The complete nucleotide sequences of chromosome 4 for the five Plasmodium species were retrieved from the National Center for Biotechnology Information GenBank database. We performed a comprehensive bioinformatic analysis to compare their genomic features. This included calculation of GC content and sequence length, de novo gene prediction using AUGUSTUS, functional annotation of predicted genes through Basic Local Alignment Search Tool against the PlasmoDB database, and gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis. Phylogenetic relationships were inferred using Multiple Alignment using Fast Fourier Transform for multiple sequence alignment and PhyML for maximum likelihood tree construction. Results: Our analysis revealed significant differences in the genomic landscape of chromosome 4 among the five species. P. knowlesi exhibited the highest GC content (39.65%) and gene density, with 192 predicted genes. In contrast, P. ovale had the smallest chromosome 4 and the lowest gene count. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed that the common ancestor of P. falciparum, P. vivax, P. malariae , and P. ovale diverged from the lineage leading to P. knowlesi . We identified a set of conserved genes across all five species, as well as species-specific genes, including some known virulence factors such as the var and rifin gene families in P. falciparum . GO analysis of the predicted genes revealed enrichment for terms related to pathogenesis and immune evasion. Conclusion: This comparative genomic study provides a detailed profile of chromosome 4 in human Plasmodium species, highlighting both conserved and species-specific features. These findings offer valuable insights into the evolutionary dynamics of this chromosome and its role in host–parasite interactions. The identification of species-specific genes and their functional annotation may pave the way for the development of novel, targeted interventions, such as species-specific vaccines and antimalarial drugs.
Abstract Background: Intestinal parasitic infections, particularly soil-transmitted helminths (STH), remain a major public health concern in tropical and subtropical regions. Data from Northeast India are limited. Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence, age distribution, and seasonal trends of intestinal parasites among patients attending a secondary-to-mid-tertiary care hospital in Nagaland. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of stool samples collected from January 2019 to December 2022 was performed. Samples were examined macroscopically and microscopically using saline and Lugol’s iodine wet mounts after formol-ether concentration. Data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel and SPSS. Results: A total of 2166 stool samples were analyzed. Overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections was 7.8% (169/2166), with Ascaris lumbricoides (36.3%) and Taenia spp. (31.5%) being the most common. Highest prevalence was observed in the 11–15 years of age group (14.7%). A. lumbricoides infections peaked during the winter months (November–March). Coinfections were observed in two patients. Conclusion: Although hospital-based data may underestimate community prevalence, this study highlights the persistent presence of intestinal parasites in Northeast India, with school-aged children at higher risk. Findings highlight the need for community-based surveillance.
