Visceral leishmaniasis in a soldier returning from Operation Enduring Freedom.

This report presents a case of visceral leishmaniasis in a soldier returning from Operation Enduring Freedom. During the United States' last major military conflict, Operation Desert Storm, the diagnosis of multiple cases of visceral leishmaniasis led to policy changes, including a temporary ban on troop blood donation. This case demonstrates the applicability of recently developed Leishmania polymerase chain reaction and serological assays when conventional methods of diagnosis, such as tissue microscopy and culture, fail.

Reversible dilated cardiomyopathy related to amphotericin B therapy.

We describe a patient who developed dilated cardiomyopathy and clinical congestive heart failure after 2 months of therapy with amphotericin B (AmB) for disseminated coccidioidomycosis. His echocardiographic abnormalities and heart failure resolved after posaconazole was substituted for AmB. It is important to recognize the rare and potentially reversible toxicity of AmB.

Devices for rapid diagnosis of Malaria: evaluation of prototype assays that detect Plasmodium falciparum histidine-rich protein 2 and a Plasmodium vivax-specific antigen.

The ParaSight F test was developed as a pioneer industry effort in the large-scale, process-controlled production of a device for the rapid diagnosis of malaria. This device performed well in field settings but was limited to the detection of a single malaria species, Plasmodium falciparum. The ParaSight F+V assay advanced upon the ParaSight F test format by incorporating a monoclonal antibody directed against a proprietary Plasmodium vivax-specific antigen, in addition to the antibody directed against P.

Rapidly enlarging iliac aneurysm secondary to listeria monocytogenes infection: a case report.

Infected aneurysms caused by Listeria monocytogenes are rare. Worldwide, 16 cases have been reported, none in the iliac system. The authors report the case of an 80-year-old man being followed for small aortic and right common iliac artery (RCIA) aneurysms who presented with progressive gastrointestinal symptoms.