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Histoplasma capsulatum is an opportunistic dimorphic fungus caused by inhalation of spores present in the soil. It is extremely rare in the northern Himalayan region of India and is usually asymptomatic. It may rarely progress to disseminated histoplasmosis which is usually observed in immunocompromised patients associated with malignancy, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome or diabetes. The present case is being reported because of unusual cutaneous presentation of disseminated histoplasmosis in an immunocompetent patient of non-endemic region. The case also highlights the importance of fine needle aspiration cytology for its precise early diagnosis and avoiding of further complications. more...

Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Pharmacist-manned drug information centers (DICs) were surveyed in early 1976 to obtain current information concerning the status, availability and scope of their services. Eight-six institutions believed to be active in disseminating drug information were surveyed; 74 responses were usable. Descriptive information on the respondents is tabulated. It appears that DICs make constructive contributions to enhancing drug therapy. Respondents at 63 of the centers believed, and 31 DICs said they have demonstrated, that physicians who used their services often changed their drug therapy based on answers supplied by the centers. more...

Capillaria kashmirensis n. sp. from the stomach of a bat in Kashmir, India, is described. The species is characterized by the presence of a funnel-like bursa in males which is deeply incised ventrally. The bursa is supported by a pair of long papillae. Lateral alae, a single spicule and an unarmed spicule sheath are present. The ratio between anterior and posterior regions of the body is 1:1.2 to 1.57 and the spicule body length ratio is 1:9 to 15. Cloaca is terminal. In females the tail is blunt, the anus sub-terminal, the ulva post-oesophageal, situated on a vulvar appendage. more...

Histopathological studies of Neoechinorhynchus hutchinsoni infection in Nemacheilus kashmirensis show partial or complete damage of the host intestinal wall, depending upon the degree of penetration. Increased number of goblet cells are seen at the site of unperforated wounds but where the intestinal wall is completely perforated the goblet cells were undifferentiated. The parasite destroys the mucosa, lamina propria, muscle layer and serosa leading to perforation. This report of perforation by Neoechinorhynchus hutchinsoni is the first in the genus Neoechinorhynchus. more...