Psychodid flies are non-parasitic insects commonly found in humid domestic environments, where larvae develop in organic matter within drains. Human pseudomyiasis caused by these flies is a rare and often neglected condition, typically involving urogenital or intestinal tracts. Most cases are reported in Southeast Asia and the Middle East, while occurrences in Europe and Africa remain uncommon. This study reports the first documented pediatric cutaneous pseudomyiasis case associated with a psychodid larva in Italy. A 4-year-old girl presented with a small (0.5 cm) subcutaneous swelling on the right arm, showing dark discoloration and a protruding structure. No pruritus or systemic symptoms were observed. A partially removed larval specimen was analyzed using morphological and molecular approaches. Morphological analysis confirmed that the specimen was a dipteran larva; however, its degraded condition precluded reliable determination of the larval instar. Molecular characterization targeting the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene assigned the specimen to the genus Psychoda (family Psychodidae). These findings are consistent with an incidental recovery of a psychodid larva and support an interpretation of pseudomyiasis rather than true myiasis. This case highlights the role of interdisciplinary collaboration between pediatricians and entomologists and a One Health approach in diagnosing unusual parasitological conditions.
Barbara Moroni, Matteo Ricardo Di Nicola, Alberico Franzin et al.· Parasitologia· 0 citations
The increasing spread of invasive alien species (IAS) represents one of the major causes of biodiversity loss, making containment practices necessary. In this regard, the circular economy framework proposes to reuse the biomass from IAS in growing sectors such as aquaculture, in which more sustainable practices are required. This study evaluated the possibility of using biomass derived from two widespread freshwater IAS, Procambarus clarkii and Silurus glanis, as dietary ingredients for Oncorhynchus mykiss. Experimental diets were formulated by incorporating 20% of IAS-derived muscle powder into a commercial feed, and their effects were assessed through a 35-day feeding trial. Chemical analyses confirmed the nutritional suitability of the formulated diets and the absence of antibiotic residues. No mortality or significant differences in growth performance were observed among treatments. Blood biochemical parameters showed limited variations, remaining within physiological ranges, while oxidative stress biomarkers indicated only minor, diet-specific responses without evidence of oxidative damage. An increase in Hsp70 expression suggested adaptive physiological responses rather than pathological stress. Histological analyses of liver and gut tissues revealed no structural alterations across experimental groups. Overall, the results demonstrate that the inclusion of IAS-derived biomass at 20% is well tolerated by O. mykiss and does not impair fish health. These findings support the potential of invasive species valorization as a sustainable strategy for aquaculture feed production, contributing to both resource efficiency and ecosystem management.
G. Zicarelli, Sara Glorio Patrucco, Barbara Caldaroni et al.· Sustainability· 0 citations