BackgroundHerpes simplex virus (HSV) is among the most common sexually transmitted pathogens in the United States and worldwide. HSV has a high incidence of undetected cases. In addition, there is no treatment, and there is a lack of knowledge why disparities among populations exist. Research studies suggest that fat tissue may participate in body's immune responses, and the impact of obesity on susceptibility to HSV1 infection is not clear. The purpose of this study was to examine whether obesity is a risk factor for HSV1 infection using a large sample from the general population.Methods/Principal FindingsThis cross-sectional study used data from the National Health and Examination and Nutritional Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2007–2008. Variables, gender, age, race/ethnicity, marital status, education, poverty level, and diabetes represented potential confounders and were included in analyses. The two-tailed Pearson's chi square, student's t test, and a multiple logistic regression analysis were applied to evaluate associations using a significance value of p≤0.05. Adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence interval represented the degree of these associations. The prevalence of HSV1 infection in US population between 20 and 49 years old was 60.3% (n = 1,536). In this study, having a BMI classified as the obese group (BMI 30–39.9) was significantly associated with HSV1 infection before [unadjusted OR = 1.74 (95% CI 1.20–2.51), p = 0.006] and after controlling for socio-demographic factors [adjusted OR = 1.50 (95%CI 1.06–2.13)], p = 0.026]. This association was stronger than three already established risk factors of age, female gender, and poverty level.Conclusions/SignificanceThis study provides evidence that obesity may play a role in the susceptibility to HSV1 infection. Findings from this study suggest that obesity should be considered when designing preventive measures for HSV1 infection. These results may also explain why some people acquire HSV1 infections and some do not. Further, these findings may justify an increased emphasis on the control and prevention of HSV1 transmission and other pathogens in overweight and obese populations.

The perineal or perineal and facial skin were evaluated on 53 rhesus macaques as part of a necropsy protocol. Microscopic evaluation of H & E stained skin sections revealed 19 animals positive for Demodex spp. Mites were seen within all portions of the hair follicles. Infestation varied from minimal to severe. Mites were found in macaques of all ages and in both sexes. Reaction to the mites ranged from no reaction, to minimal follicular epidermal hyperplasia to furunculosis. Immune status of the animal did not determine infestation but immune compromised macaques had more severe lesions. This is the first known report of Demodex spp. in rhesus macaques.

Species of Demodex live in hair follicles and sebaceous glands of many species of mammals. Demodex macaci n .sp. is described (all life stages) from a captive rhesus monkey, Macaca mulatta (Zimmermann, 1780). Mites were found at all levels of the hair follicles and occasionally in sebaceous glands of the skin of the perineal region. This is the first description of a demodectic hair follicle mite from the primate family Cercopithecidae.

Species of Demodex live in hair follicles and sebaceous glands of many species of mammals. Demodex macaci n .sp. is described (all life stages) from a captive rhesus monkey, Macaca mulatta (Zimmermann, 1780). Mites were found at all levels of the hair follicles and occasionally in sebaceous glands of the skin of the perineal region. This is the first description of a demodectic hair follicle mite from the primate family Cercopithecidae.

Bites from venomous marine annelid ‘bloodworms’ (e.g., Glycera spp.) do not appear to have been described in the medical literature despite being seemingly well-known to bait diggers and fishermen. The few laboratory study reports describe their venom composition and physiological effects in vitro to be primarily proteolytic enzymes and neurotoxins apparently used for predation and defense. Herein, we present the report of a symptomatic envenoming suffered by a marine ecologist bitten while performing her field research. The local effects included a rapid onset of pain, swelling, and numbness at the bite site “as if injected with local anesthetic”. Additional signs and symptoms appearing over a two-week period were consistent with both delayed venom effects and potentially secondary infection. The late signs and symptoms resolved during a course of antibiotic treatment with doxycycline prescribed as a precaution and lack of resources to consider a wound culture. Comments about annelid bites sporadically appear in the popular literature, especially pertaining to the fishing industry, under names such as ‘bait-diggers hand’. While these bites are not known to be dangerously venomous, they seem to produce painful local symptoms and possibly increase the risk of marine bacterial infections that could be associated with more serious outcomes. More cases need to be formally described to better understand the natural history of these types of envenomation.