Ear self-mutilation have been reported in schizophrenia, Mechanical damages to the auditory canal, like cleaning ear with hard and unsterile objects are predisposing factors of otomycosis.We present a case of repeated self-induced auricular trauma in schizophrenic patient. Aural swab were collected and examined by direct microscopy and culture, revealing Aspergillus flavus. A traumatized external ear canal skin can present favourable condition for fungal growth in the psychiatric population.

Hydatid cyst is a zoonosis caused mainly by the larval stage of the cestode worm Echinococcus granulosus, hydatidosis is frequently found in sheep-raising countries such as the Mediterranean countries. The disease usually involves the liver (75%) and lung (15%). We describe a case of hydatid cyst of the psoas muscle; we are reporting this case because of its rarity and its difficulty to diagnose clinically. A 16 –year-old female from rural setting, presented to the department of surgery of our institution, with complaints of right flank pain. On abdominal examination, there was sensitization in the right lower quadrant, and there was no resistance or rebound. On abdominal ultrasonography, a 6 × 6 cm hydatid cyst was detected within the psoas muscle, which was confirmed by positive indirect hemagglutination, no other organ involvement has been detected by CT scan. A pericystectomy was performed; the intact intramuscular cyst was completely excised, Macroscopic and microscopic examination of the specimen confirmed Hydatid cyst. The patient was discharged from hospital on the fifth postoperative day. No local recurrence was detected during postoperative follow up. Hydatidosis should be considered in cases of a symptomatic swelling in musculoskeletal system without history of trauma and irradiation when patients belong to endemic area. Cyst or complex retroperitoneal tumors, cold or pyogenic abscess of psoas muscle are considered in differential diagnosis. In the light of this case and the literature data, we discuss the diagnosis and the therapeutic problems raised by hydatid cyst of the psoas muscle.

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Argasid ticks include vectors of relapsing fevers caused by Borrelia spp. in humans, and they can transmit arboviruses and other bacterial pathogens. Knowledge about soft ticks (Ixodida: Argasidae) in Algeria is incomplete, and distribution data need to be updated. Here we report a series of entomologic investigations that we conducted in five different areas in Algeria between 2012 and 2015. Ticks were identified by entomologic keys and molecular tools (16S rRNA gene). Six distinct species belonging to two genera were identified, including Ornithodoros capensis s.s., Ornithodoros rupestris, Ornithodoros occidentalis, Ornithodoros erraticus, Ornithodoros sonrai and Argas persicus. The present study highlights the distribution of soft ticks, the establishment of an update inventory with nine species and associated pathogens detected in argasid ticks in Algeria.