In a recent article published in the American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, it has been postulated that the common bedbug (Cimex lectularius) may have potential to act as a vector for the spread of Trypanosoma cruzi, which causes Chagas disease. In this study, the authors injected the causative agent into mice and then made … Continue reading Bed Bugs: Potential Vectors for Chagas Disease?
Month: November 2014
BDS+MBBS Trained Doctors for Rural India: Second Class Care or Disruptive Innovation?
Just saw this news piece on The Hindu: Frankly, I am not sure whether I should be outraged or applaud the Dental Council of India. On one hand this would mean more trained doctors for providing proper care to the rural Indian population, but on the other it would be morally repugnant to both the … Continue reading BDS+MBBS Trained Doctors for Rural India: Second Class Care or Disruptive Innovation?
Anthrax Outbreak in Cattle in Croatia
Croatia has reported an outbreak of anthrax in a herd of cattle. Out of 40 heads of cattle two have come down with the disease and eventually succumbed to it, bringing the case fatality rate to 100%! The diagnosis was made at necropsy of the dead cattle and following confirmation, a first report has been … Continue reading Anthrax Outbreak in Cattle in Croatia
500 Sea Lion Carcasses Wash up on Peruvian Beaches
Last January, animal lovers the world over were shocked to learn that over 400 dolphin carcasses had washed ashore in Peru. There was extensive news coverage, mainly because this was reminiscent of another massive die-off a couple of years ago. In 2012, eventually, amidst somewhat questionable situations, it seems to have been declared that the die … Continue reading 500 Sea Lion Carcasses Wash up on Peruvian Beaches
Lassa Fever Outbreak in Benin
A few days ago, I wrote about how an outbreak of plague was threatening to rake up high numbers (and still is!) in Madagascar and yet it seemed to have been overshadowed by the big news in the medical world: the ebola outbreak. Now, closer home to the Ebola outbreak, in the West African nation … Continue reading Lassa Fever Outbreak in Benin
Scepticemia 