Identification of the five human Plasmodium species including P. knowlesi by real-time polymerase chain reaction.

Recently, Plasmodium knowlesi has been recognised as the fifth Plasmodium species causing malaria in humans. Hundreds of human cases infected with this originally simian Plasmodium species have been described in Asian countries and increasing numbers are reported in Europe from travellers. The growing impact of tourism and economic development in South and Southeast Asia are expected to subsequently lead to a further increase in cases both among locals and among travellers.

Three related cases of cutaneous anthrax in France: clinical and laboratory aspects.

Anthrax is an acute bacterial infection caused by Bacillus anthracis. The infection is cutaneous in about 95% of human cases and respiratory in about 5%. Approximately 2000 cases of cutaneous anthrax are reported annually worldwide.