Mathison, Blaine A.

The morphologic similarities of the microfilariae and their infrequency in clinical specimens in settings of endemicity present challenges to clinical laboratories in maintaining competence for accurate identification and differentiation.

Parasite taxonomy continues to change as molecular and morphologic studies enhance our understanding of parasite relatedness. This minireview builds on the information provided in the last taxonomy update in this journal to summarize new and revised clinically relevant human parasite taxonomic changes that have occurred in 2016 and 2017.

ABSTRACT Malaria is a potentially life-threatening disease requiring rapid diagnosis and treatment. Although microscopic examination of thick and thin blood films remains the gold standard for laboratory diagnosis, rapid antigen tests and nucleic acid amplification methods may also play a useful role in detection of acute infection. This review discusses the advantages and disadvantages of the commonly used diagnostic methods and provides important practice points for optimal malaria test utilization.

SUMMARYThe collection, handling, identification, and reporting of ectoparasitic arthropods in clinical and reference diagnostic laboratories are discussed in this review. Included are data on ticks, mites, lice, fleas, myiasis-causing flies, and bed bugs. The public health importance of these organisms is briefly discussed. The focus is on the morphological identification and proper handling and reporting of cases involving arthropod ectoparasites, particularly those encountered in the United States. Other arthropods and other organisms not of public health concern, but routinely submitted to laboratories for identification, are also briefly discussed.

ABSTRACT Anisakidosis is a parasitic infection caused by anisakid nematodes in the genera Anisakis and Pseudoterranova . Infection is not uncommon in the United States due to increased raw seafood consumption. We report the first known case of parametrial anisakidosis in a 42-year-old woman and review existing literature.