Survey and Molecular Characterization of Sarcocystidae protozoa in Wild Cricetid Rodents from Central and Southern Chile.

In Chile, studies of parasites from the family Sarcocystidae (Apicomplexa) have mostly been related to domestic animals. We aimed to assess the presence of Sarcocystidae taxa in cricetid rodents from Central and Southern Chile. We studied 207 rodents, encompassing six species, from 13 localities.

Apicomplexans in small mammals from Chile, with the first report of the Babesia microti group in South American rodents.

Small mammals play an essential role as disseminators of pathogens because they reach high population densities and have ubiquitous distributions. In the Northern Hemisphere rodents are well recognized as reservoirs for tick-borne bacteria of the Anaplasmataceae family and also apicomplexan protozoans. In contrast, South American rodents hosting these microorganisms have been rarely identified.

Trichinella spiralis in a cougar (Puma concolor) hunted by poachers in Chile.

Trichinellosis is a zoonosis caused by nematodes of the Trichinella genus, of which 10 species have been described. Species identification when larvae is found is only possible using molecular tools. Meat from pigs and game animals not subjected to veterinary inspection are the main sources of human infections.

Atypical presentations of terra firma-forme dermatosis.

Terra firma-forme dermatosis is a benign dermatologic condition that presents as dirt-colored patches and plaques, mainly affecting children and adolescents. It is resistant to conventional washing with soap and water but is easily treated with isopropyl alcohol. Clinical awareness of this condition provides a quick, simple resolution.

An unusual location of a pilar sheath acanthoma.

Pilar sheath acanthoma is a rare, benign follicular hamartoma that frequently presents as an asymptomatic, flesh-colored papule with a central opening. First described in 1978 by Mehregan and Brownstein, these lesions generally appear on the upper lip of elderly patients. We present an interesting case of a pilar sheath acanthoma presenting on the earlobe in a middle-aged male.