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Tortoriello R, Lopes NL, Linhares BBP, Correia TR, Fernandes JI. Use of sarolaner in the treatment of tungiasis in naturally infested dogs. BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF VETERINARY MEDICINE 2024; 46:e000224. [PMID: 38487319 PMCID: PMC10938855 DOI: 10.29374/2527-2179.bjvm000224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Tungiasis is an endemic dermatological parasitic zoonosis in Latin America, caused by the sand flea Tunga spp. (Siphonaptera, Tungidae), which promotes intense discomfort, swelling, erythema, itching, pain, secondary bacterial infection, cellulitis and necrosis. Sarolaner has been used to control different ectoparasites, but there is no record of its use for the treatment of tungiasis in dogs. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of sarolaner for the treatment dogs naturally infested by Tunga spp. kept in the same infested environment. Three of four animals were medicated with sarolaner orally with a single dose of 2 mg/kg, as recommended by the manufacturer, and one animal remained without medication. After 24 hours, the fleas from all four dogs were mechanically removed. The animals were reevaluated on days +15 and +30 to assess possible reinfestation. The medicated animals remained free of fleas, while the untreated animal had fleas on the days previously defined for reevaluation. We can thus conclude that the use of sarolaner is an effective choice for tungiasis treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafaella Tortoriello
- Veterinarian, MSc., Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Veterinárias (PPGCV), Departamento de Parasitologia Animal (DPA) Instituto de Veterinária (IV), Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), Seropédica, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Natália Lôres Lopes
- Veterinarian, DSc., Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Veterinária (PPGMV), Departamento de Medicina e Cirurgia Veterinária (DMCV), UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ, Brazil.
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Teixeira JBDC, dos Santos KC, Guedes PEB, Vitor RC, Bitar TV, Harvey TV, Sevá ADP, Carlos RSA. Tungiasis: Participation of Cats and Chickens in the Dispersion and Maintenance of the Disease in an Endemic Tourist Area in Brazil. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:456. [PMID: 37888584 PMCID: PMC10611092 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8100456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Tunga spp. are fleas commonly found in impoverished tropical regions. In Vila Juerana, a tourist community in Ilheus, Bahia, Brazil, where tungiasis is endemic, dogs are the main host of fleas during their life cycle. However, there is no information about the role of cats and chickens in tungiasis in the village. Of the 272 households investigated, 112 had domestic animals, 48 had only dogs, 28 had only cats, and nine had only chickens. Of the 27 households with cohabitation among species, 16 had cats and dogs, eight had chickens and dogs, and three had dogs, cats, and chickens. The injuries due to tungiasis were ranked according to the Fortaleza classification, considering stages I, II, and III as viable lesions. The paws/feet of 71/111 (63.9%) cats and 173/439 (39.4%) chickens were inspected. Dogs that lived with positive cats and chickens also were inspected. Among the 38% (27/7; 95% IC 26.74-49.32) positive cats, 16 cohabited houses with infected dogs but none lived with positive chickens. Of the chickens, 2.3% (4/173; 95% IC 0.07-4.5) had lesions caused by tungiasis. In each household where a cat was infected, the dog was also positive. Two chickens cohabited with an infected dog and the other two did not coexist with other species. Cohabitation with infected dogs and the absence of house confinement restrictions in Vila Juerana make cats important carriers that spread tungiasis in this community. Chickens had a low frequency of tungiasis lesions despite living in proximity to infected dogs and cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamille Bispo de Carvalho Teixeira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência Animal—PPGCA, Departamento de Ciências Agrárias e Ambientais (DCAA), Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz (UESC), Ilhéus 45662-900, Bahia, Brazil; (J.B.d.C.T.); (K.C.d.S.); (P.E.B.G.); (R.C.V.); (A.d.P.S.)
| | - Katharine Costa dos Santos
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência Animal—PPGCA, Departamento de Ciências Agrárias e Ambientais (DCAA), Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz (UESC), Ilhéus 45662-900, Bahia, Brazil; (J.B.d.C.T.); (K.C.d.S.); (P.E.B.G.); (R.C.V.); (A.d.P.S.)
| | - Paula Elisa Brandão Guedes
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência Animal—PPGCA, Departamento de Ciências Agrárias e Ambientais (DCAA), Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz (UESC), Ilhéus 45662-900, Bahia, Brazil; (J.B.d.C.T.); (K.C.d.S.); (P.E.B.G.); (R.C.V.); (A.d.P.S.)
| | - Rebeca Costa Vitor
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência Animal—PPGCA, Departamento de Ciências Agrárias e Ambientais (DCAA), Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz (UESC), Ilhéus 45662-900, Bahia, Brazil; (J.B.d.C.T.); (K.C.d.S.); (P.E.B.G.); (R.C.V.); (A.d.P.S.)
| | - Thammy Vieira Bitar
- Departamento de Ciências Agrárias e Ambientais (DCAA), Curso de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz (UESC), Ilhéus 45662-900, Bahia, Brazil;
| | | | - Anaiá da Paixão Sevá
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência Animal—PPGCA, Departamento de Ciências Agrárias e Ambientais (DCAA), Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz (UESC), Ilhéus 45662-900, Bahia, Brazil; (J.B.d.C.T.); (K.C.d.S.); (P.E.B.G.); (R.C.V.); (A.d.P.S.)
| | - Renata Santiago Alberto Carlos
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência Animal—PPGCA, Departamento de Ciências Agrárias e Ambientais (DCAA), Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz (UESC), Ilhéus 45662-900, Bahia, Brazil; (J.B.d.C.T.); (K.C.d.S.); (P.E.B.G.); (R.C.V.); (A.d.P.S.)
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Boyde A, Mills D, Abba AM, Ezquiaga MC. Fleas and lesions in armadillo osteoderms. J Anat 2023; 242:1029-1036. [PMID: 36862639 PMCID: PMC10184550 DOI: 10.1111/joa.13842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Armadillos are bitten by several species of flea. Females of the genus Tunga penetrate the epidermis and when in place are fertilised by males, after which the abdomen swells enormously to form a 'neosome'. Within the penetrans group, T. perforans, makes lesions that perforate the osteoderms within the integument to form ~3 mm diameter cavities occupied by a discoid neosome. We examined these lesions in carapace material from animals which had died in the wild to see whether we could recruit evidence as to how they may be generated, either by the insect or by the host. We studied one species without such lesions, the nine-banded armadillo Dasypus novemcinctus, and two species with, the greater hairy armadillo Chaetophractus villosus and the southern three-banded armadillo Tolypeutes matacus, both showing the characteristic 'flea bite' holes in the external surfaces of the osteoderms. Samples were studied by three-dimensional backscattered electron mode scanning electron microscopy and X-ray microtomography. Both methods showed resorption pit complexes in the external surfaces of the osteoderms characteristic of those made by osteoclasts in active bone resorption. Lesions involved both the syndesmoses (sutures) between adjacent bones and the central regions of the osteoderms. Many lesions showed extensive repair by infilling with new bone. We conclude that the T. perforans neosome creates a local host response which causes bone resorption, creating the space in which it can grow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan Boyde
- Dental Physical Sciences, Barts' and The London School of Medicine and DentistryQueen Mary University of LondonLondonUK
| | - David Mills
- Dental Physical Sciences, Barts' and The London School of Medicine and DentistryQueen Mary University of LondonLondonUK
| | - Agustin Manuel Abba
- Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectores (CEPAVE) UNLP‐CONICETLa PlataArgentina
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Ezquiaga MC, Pagnutti N, Mañez MB, Panisse G, Abba AM. Tungiasis in a southern tamandua (Tamandua tetradactyla) from Formosa province, Argentina. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2023; 39:100846. [PMID: 36878631 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2023.100846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
Tunga penetrans causes tungiasis, a parasitic disease of humans and domestic animals. In this work we report the presence of tungiasis in the southern tamandua (Tamandua tetradactyla) from Formosa, Argentina. An individual of southern tamandua was found dead on the roadside and it presented lesions consisted with neosomes located on its four limbs. We identified neosomes as T. penetrans. Records of T. penetrans in wild mammals acquire relevance because monitoring wildlife could help prevent possible outbreaks of tungiasis and other zoonosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Cecilia Ezquiaga
- Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectores (CONICET-UNLP), Boulevard 120 s/n entre Av. 60 y Calle 64, 1900, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Noralí Pagnutti
- Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectores (CONICET-UNLP), Boulevard 120 s/n entre Av. 60 y Calle 64, 1900, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mariané Belén Mañez
- Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectores (CONICET-UNLP), Boulevard 120 s/n entre Av. 60 y Calle 64, 1900, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Guillermo Panisse
- Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectores (CONICET-UNLP), Boulevard 120 s/n entre Av. 60 y Calle 64, 1900, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Agustín Manuel Abba
- Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectores (CONICET-UNLP), Boulevard 120 s/n entre Av. 60 y Calle 64, 1900, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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dos Santos KC, Brandão Guedes PE, Teixeira JBDC, Harvey TV, Carlos RSA. Treatment of Animal Tungiasis: What’s New? Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:tropicalmed8030142. [PMID: 36977143 PMCID: PMC10051256 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8030142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
In tropical and subtropical countries, particularly in disadvantaged communities, tungiasis is a severe public health problem, which is often neglected by the authorities. The sand fleas Tunga penetrans, predominant in endemic areas, and Tunga trimamillata, whose cases in humans are less frequent, are the cause of this zoonosis. Domestic animals are potential reservoirs and disseminators of tungiasis, so controlling their infection would significantly advance the prevention of human cases. This literature review compiles the most recent studies and innovations in treating animal tungiasis. Studies of approaches to the treatment of animal tungiasis, as well as disease control and prevention, are described. Isoxazolines are highlighted as promising drugs to treat animal tungiasis, with high efficacy and pharmacological protection. The positive impacts of this discovery on public health are also discussed, since dogs are an essential risk factor for human tungiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharine Costa dos Santos
- Departamento de Ciências Agrárias e Ambientais, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz (UESC), Ilhéus 45662-900, Brazil
| | - Paula Elisa Brandão Guedes
- Departamento de Ciências Agrárias e Ambientais, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz (UESC), Ilhéus 45662-900, Brazil
| | | | - Tatiani Vitor Harvey
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Renata Santiago Alberto Carlos
- Departamento de Ciências Agrárias e Ambientais, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz (UESC), Ilhéus 45662-900, Brazil
- Correspondence:
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Mutebi F, McNeilly H, Thielecke M, Reichert F, Wiese S, Mukone G, Feldmeier H. Prevalence and Infection Intensity of Human and Animal Tungiasis in Napak District, Karamoja, Northeastern Uganda. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:tropicalmed8020111. [PMID: 36828527 PMCID: PMC9963877 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8020111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Tungiasis is an important but highly neglected cause of morbidity in resource-poor communities in Latin America and sub-Saharan Africa. Data upon which implementation of control measures can be based are scarce. Before piloting an integrated tungiasis control program in three parishes of Napak district, Uganda, a cross-sectional survey involving the systematic examination of humans and domestic mammals was implemented to establish the occurrence patterns of tungiasis. The study population was 5482 residents, of which 4035 (73.6%) participated in the study. The prevalence of tungiasis in humans was 62.8% (95% CI: 61.3-64.3%), with slightly more males than females affected (p = 0.01). Age-specific prevalence and intensity of human tungiasis followed an S-curve pattern, with children of 5-14 years and the elderly (≥60 years) being the most affected. Half of all lesions (50%) had been manipulated by sharp objects. The prevalence of tungiasis in animals was lower (14.2%, 95% CI: 10.9-18.0) than that of humans (p < 0.001). Animal tungiasis occurred in decreasing order of frequency in pigs (80%), dogs (24%), goats (16.3%), cats (8.1%) and sheep (4.9%). In conclusion, human tungiasis was highly prevalent but animal infections were comparatively few in the study area. Nevertheless, effective control measures should be based on One Health principles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francis Mutebi
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Resources, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, Kampala P.O. Box 7062, Uganda
- Innovations for Tropical Disease Elimination (IFOTRODE), Kampala P.O. Box 24461, Uganda
- Correspondence: or
| | - Hannah McNeilly
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Marlene Thielecke
- Charité Center for Global Health, Institute of International Health, Charité-University Medicine Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Felix Reichert
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Robert Koch Institute, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Susanne Wiese
- Institute of Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Charité-University Medicine Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - George Mukone
- Innovations for Tropical Disease Elimination (IFOTRODE), Kampala P.O. Box 24461, Uganda
| | - Hermann Feldmeier
- Institute of Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Charité-University Medicine Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, 10117 Berlin, Germany
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Spatial Distribution of Off-Host Stages of Tunga penetrans in the Soil within the Home Range of Nine Infected Dogs in An Endemic Tourist Area in Brazil. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:tropicalmed8020098. [PMID: 36828514 PMCID: PMC9959503 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8020098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Tungiasis is a neglected disease caused by the sand flea Tunga penetrans, and dogs are considered the main reservoirs in Brazil. This study aimed to identify the role of dogs as tungiasis dispersers and to investigate the presence of T. penetrans in the soil of an endemic tourist area. Nine dogs infected by T. penetrans were included in this study and received GPS collars to analyze their movement through the village. Duplicate sand samples were collected in different areas of the community. Those areas were classified as peridomicile (n = 110), open area (n = 110), beach (n = 50), and river (n = 58). The analysis of the points recorded by the collars showed that the dogs roamed throughout the community, potentially facilitating the spread of the disease. Samples contaminated with developmental forms of the parasite were found in the circulation area of three dogs. Adult fleas were found in 3/328 samples. These data emphasize that infected dogs' roaming can influence the fleas' dispersion in the soil. Statistically, none of the study variables had a significant correlation (p > 0.5) with the presence of T. penetrans in the area analyzed. This study was the first to assess infected dogs' role as tungiasis propagators.
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Rasoamialy-Soa Razanakolona L, Raharisoa A, Soankasina AH, De La Croix Jaonasoa J, Nicolas P, Antilahy JA, Chebbah D, Akhoundi M, Izri A. Clinical and epidemiological survey of tungiasis in Madagascar. Travel Med Infect Dis 2022; 50:102449. [PMID: 36113754 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2022.102449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tungiasis is a dermal parasitic infection, classified as a neglected tropical disease. Madagascar is one of endemic countries which have been committed for decades to control the tungiasis as a public health issue. Despite this medical importance, little is known about the prevalence and epidemiology of the disease in this country. METHODS A descriptive cross-sectional survey was performed in two endemic foci of Antananarivo and Toamasina. RESULTS In total, 2971 suspected individuals were surveyed. Of them, 643 individuals were excluded due to absence or refusing clinical examinations. Therefore, 2328 individuals with aforementioned criteria were clinically examined, 320 cases (13.7%) were found infected by Tunga penetrans. Of these 320 infected cases, 241 individuals came from rural regions against 79 from urban areas. The sex ratio of infected cases was 1.15 with an age average of 34.7 years old. Most of them were illiterate (185/320, 57.8%) with no habit of feet washing (210/320, 65.6%). The majority (198/320, 61.9%) inhabited in the houses constructed by falafa providing a suitable breeding location for Tunga ectoparasites. Based on clinical examination, most of the patients (298/320, 93.1%) had the lesions on their toes followed by those possessed the lesions on the plantar (140/320, 43.7%). The lesion stages of IV and V were observed in 49.1% (157/320) of visited patients which were more common in rural regions (86%) than in urban areas (14%). For treatment, removing the fleas using needle (122/320, 38.1%), followed by the application of petroleum (100/320, 31.2%) were among the most traditional remedies used by our patients. CONCLUSION This investigation highlights a high burden of tungiasis in studied endemic foci in particular in rural regions. These results can be helpful in control management strategies against this parasitosis in Madagascar.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Annie Raharisoa
- Laboratoire de Biologie Médicale, Centre Hospitalier Régional de Référence Itasy, Miarinarivo, Madagascar
| | - Abel Hermann Soankasina
- Département de Biologie Médicale, Hôpital Joseph Ravoahangy Andrianavalona, Antananarivo, Madagascar
| | - Jean De La Croix Jaonasoa
- Laboratoire de Biologie Médicale, Centre Hospitalier Régional de Référence Sambava, Sambava, Madagascar
| | - Patrick Nicolas
- Biochemistry Department, Avicenne Hospital, AP-HP, Sorbonne Paris Nord University, Bobigny, France
| | - Jimmy Anders Antilahy
- Parasitology-Mycology Department, Avicenne Hospital, AP-HP, Sorbonne Paris Nord University, Bobigny, France
| | - Dahlia Chebbah
- Parasitology-Mycology Department, Avicenne Hospital, AP-HP, Sorbonne Paris Nord University, Bobigny, France
| | - Mohammad Akhoundi
- Parasitology-Mycology Department, Avicenne Hospital, AP-HP, Sorbonne Paris Nord University, Bobigny, France.
| | - Arezki Izri
- Parasitology-Mycology Department, Avicenne Hospital, AP-HP, Sorbonne Paris Nord University, Bobigny, France; Unité des Virus Émergents (UVEAix-Marseille Univ-IRD 190-Inserm 1207-IHU Méditerranée Infection), Marseille, France
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Manoj RRS, Latrofa MS, Bezerra-Santos MA, Sgroi G, Samarelli R, Mendoza-Roldan JA, Otranto D. Molecular detection and characterization of the endosymbiont Wolbachia in the European hedgehog flea, Archaeopsylla erinacei. INFECTION, GENETICS AND EVOLUTION : JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2022; 97:105161. [PMID: 34843992 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2021.105161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Wolbachia, the endosymbiont of arthropods and onchocercid nematodes is present in many medically important insect species, being also considered for the indirect control of parasitic ones. Archaeopsylla erinacei is a flea species infesting hedgehogs acting as vector of Rickettsia felis, Bartonella henselae, and Rickettsia helvetica, thus having public health relevance. The Wolbachia surface protein (wsp) and 16S rRNA genes were used to determine the presence, prevalence and molecular typing of Wolbachia in this flea species collected in two regions of southern Italy. Of the 45 fleas tested (n = 16 males, 35.6%; n = 29 females, 64.4%), 43 (95.6%; 95% CI: 84.8-99.2) scored positive for Wolbachia, of which 15 (33.3%) and 28 (62.2%) were males and females, respectively. The sex-wise prevalence of this endosymbiont was almost equal in both sexes (males 93.8%; 95% CI: 69.5-99.7; females 96.7%; 95% CI: 83.1-99.8). Single locus sequence analysis (SLST) of Wolbachia revealed two sequence types for 16S rRNA gene, named as wAr_15227 and wAr_15234, which came from two different areas, equally distributed in male and female fleas, whilst only one sequence type was identified for wsp gene. The phylogenetic analysis placed the two 16S rRNA sequence types in paraphyletic clades belonging to the supergroup A and B, respectively. Whilst, the tree of wsp gene clustered the corresponding sequence in the same clade including those of Wolbachia supergroup A. In MLST analyses, both Wolbachia sequence types clustered in a monophyletic clade with Drosophila nikananu (wNik) and Drosophila sturtevanti (wStv) from supergroup A. ClonalFrame analysis revealed a recombination event in the wAr_15234 strain which came from Apulia region. Scientific knowledge of the presence/prevalence of Wolbachia among medically important fleas, may contribute to develop an alternative biological method for the vector control.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Giovanni Sgroi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | | | | | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy; Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran.
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Hyuga A, Larson PS, Ndemwa M, Muuo SW, Changoma M, Karama M, Goto K, Kaneko S. Environmental and Household-Based Spatial Risks for Tungiasis in an Endemic Area of Coastal Kenya. Trop Med Infect Dis 2021; 7:2. [PMID: 35051118 PMCID: PMC8778305 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed7010002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Tungiasis is a cutaneous parasitosis caused by an embedded female sand flea. The distribution of cases can be spatially heterogeneous even in areas with similar risk profiles. This study assesses household and remotely sensed environmental factors that contribute to the geographic distribution of tungiasis cases in a rural area along the Southern Kenyan Coast. Data on household tungiasis case status, demographic and socioeconomic information, and geographic locations were recorded during regular survey activities of the Health and Demographic Surveillance System, mainly during 2011. Data were joined with other spatial data sources using latitude/longitude coordinates. Generalized additive models were used to predict and visualize spatial risks for tungiasis. The household-level prevalence of tungiasis was 3.4% (272/7925). There was a 1.1% (461/41,135) prevalence of infection among all participants. A significant spatial variability was observed in the unadjusted model (p-value < 0.001). The number of children per household, earthen floor, organic roof, elevation, aluminum content in the soil, and distance to the nearest animal reserve attenuated the odds ratios and partially explained the spatial variation of tungiasis. Spatial heterogeneity in tungiasis risk remained even after a factor adjustment. This suggests that there are possible unmeasured factors associated with the complex ecology of sand fleas that may contribute to the disease's uneven distribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayako Hyuga
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, 1-12-4 Sakamoto, Nagasaki-shi 852-8523, Nagasaki, Japan;
- Department of Eco-Epidemiology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University, 1-12-4 Sakamoto, Nagasaki-shi 852-8523, Nagasaki, Japan;
| | - Peter S. Larson
- Nagasaki University Institute of Tropical Medicine-Kenya Medical Research Institute (NUITM-KEMRI) Project, C/O Centre for Microbiology Research, KEMRI, Nairobi P.O. Box 19993-00202, Kenya; (P.S.L.); (S.W.M.); (M.C.)
- Social Environment and Health, Survey Research Center, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Morris Ndemwa
- Department of Eco-Epidemiology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University, 1-12-4 Sakamoto, Nagasaki-shi 852-8523, Nagasaki, Japan;
- Nagasaki University Institute of Tropical Medicine-Kenya Medical Research Institute (NUITM-KEMRI) Project, C/O Centre for Microbiology Research, KEMRI, Nairobi P.O. Box 19993-00202, Kenya; (P.S.L.); (S.W.M.); (M.C.)
| | - Sheru W. Muuo
- Nagasaki University Institute of Tropical Medicine-Kenya Medical Research Institute (NUITM-KEMRI) Project, C/O Centre for Microbiology Research, KEMRI, Nairobi P.O. Box 19993-00202, Kenya; (P.S.L.); (S.W.M.); (M.C.)
| | - Mwatasa Changoma
- Nagasaki University Institute of Tropical Medicine-Kenya Medical Research Institute (NUITM-KEMRI) Project, C/O Centre for Microbiology Research, KEMRI, Nairobi P.O. Box 19993-00202, Kenya; (P.S.L.); (S.W.M.); (M.C.)
| | - Mohamed Karama
- Centre of Public Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Off Mbagathi Road, Nairobi P.O. Box 54840-00200, Kenya;
| | - Kensuke Goto
- Division of Health and Safety Sciences Education, Department of Educational Collaboration, Osaka Kyoiku University, 4-698-1 Asahigaoka, Kashiwara-shi 582-8582, Osaka, Japan;
| | - Satoshi Kaneko
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, 1-12-4 Sakamoto, Nagasaki-shi 852-8523, Nagasaki, Japan;
- Department of Eco-Epidemiology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University, 1-12-4 Sakamoto, Nagasaki-shi 852-8523, Nagasaki, Japan;
- Nagasaki University Institute of Tropical Medicine-Kenya Medical Research Institute (NUITM-KEMRI) Project, C/O Centre for Microbiology Research, KEMRI, Nairobi P.O. Box 19993-00202, Kenya; (P.S.L.); (S.W.M.); (M.C.)
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Abrha S, Tesfaye W, Thomas J. Therapeutic Potential of Tea Tree Oil for Tungiasis. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2021; 105:1157-1162. [PMID: 34731831 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.21-0427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Tungiasis (sand flea disease) is a neglected tropical disease caused by penetration of female sand fleas, Tunga penetrans, into a person's skin usually in their feet. The disease inflicts immense pain and suffering on millions of people, particularly children. The condition is most prevalent in Latin America, the Caribbean, and sub-Saharan Africa. Currently, there is no standard drug treatment for tungiasis. The available treatment options are fairly limited and unrealistic to use in endemic areas; as a result, in desperation, the affected people do more harm to themselves by extracting the fleas with non-sterile instruments, further exposing themselves to secondary bacterial infections and/or transmission of diseases such as hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, or HIV. This highlights the urgent need for simpler, safer, and effective treatment options for tungiasis. Tea tree oil (TTO) has long been used as an antiseptic with extensive safety and efficacy data. The evidence on parasiticidal properties of TTO against ectoparasites such as head lice, mites, and fleas is also compelling. The purpose of this review is to discuss the current tungiasis treatment challenges in endemic settings and highlight the potential role of TTO in the treatment of tungiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solomon Abrha
- Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Bruce, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia.,Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Ethiopia
| | - Wubshet Tesfaye
- Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Bruce, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Jackson Thomas
- Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Bruce, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
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Gitau AK, Oyieke FA, Mukabana WR. Assessment of the role played by domestic animals in jigger infection in Kandara sub-county, Kenya (case control study). Pan Afr Med J 2021; 39:231. [PMID: 34659604 PMCID: PMC8498669 DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2021.39.231.25106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction tungiasis is an ectoparasitosis caused by penetration of female sand flea, Tunga penetrans, into the skin of the susceptible animal and the consequent hypertrophy of the parasite. The objective of this study was to assess the association between domestic animals and jigger infection among the residents of Kandara sub-county in central Kenya. Methods this was a case-control study that involved 776 individuals. Half of this number entailed case group who were jigger infected while the other half was the control, composed of jigger free participants. Structured questionnaires were, administered among the heads of the households to which the participants belonged to gather information concerning the animals they kept. Univariate analysis was, applied. Results in this study, there were significant differences in age (P=0.008) between the two groups. Disparities in source of income (P<0.001) and level of education (P<0.001) came out as very significant factors in jigger infection. The case group was 10 times more likely to keep dogs than the control(9.6; 95% CI, 5.9-15.6). Case group was also 7 times more likely to rear chicken in comparison to the control (6.6; 95%, 4.2-10.4). The case group was 12 times more likely to let dogs loose in the compound in comparison to the control (12.1: 95%, 5.9-24.5). When compared to the control, this group was also 17 times more likely to keep chicken inside their houses (16.7: 95% CI, 6.8-35.9). Conclusion: there is a very high association between domestic animals and occurrence of tungiasis in Kandara sub-county.
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Harvey TV, Linardi PM, Carlos RSA, Heukelbach J. Tungiasis in domestic, wild, and synanthropic animals in Brazil. Acta Trop 2021; 222:106068. [PMID: 34331896 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.106068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Tungiasis is an ectoparasitic skin disease of humans and warm-blooded animals caused by fleas of the genus Tunga (Jarocki, 1938). Dogs, cats, pigs, and synanthropic rodents are the main animal reservoirs. Of the 14 known species, 12 are found in Latin America and, among these, eight are found in Brazil, including the two zoonotic species Tunga penetrans and Tunga trimamillata. Tunga penetrans predominates among humans and Brazilian pets, where the dog is the most affected species, and its presence is a risk factor associated with the disease in humans. Tunga spp. are widely distributed throughout the national territory, with T. penetrans being the most dispersed and the most frequent in animals from endemic areas, especially in underprivileged communities. Infections in animals, associated with inadequate management, favor the spread and perpetuation of the disease. Intense injuries can result in sequelae and serious clinical conditions, compromising the health, welfare, and productivity of animals, as well as leading to death. Health precariousness, lack of control and neglect in the management of populations of domestic and synanthropic animals, poor hygiene habits of individuals, lack of information from both the population and related professionals, lack of effective treatment, and of perception of tungiasis as a disease are among the main challenges for the control of this parasitosis. As recommended for other zoonotic Neglected Tropical Diseases, strategies based on the concept of One Health can guarantee more effective results in the fight against human and animal tungiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiani Vitor Harvey
- Autonomous Veterinarian, 16 Aberdeen Avenue, Cambridge, MA, Zipcode 02138, United States.
| | - Pedro Marcos Linardi
- UFMG. Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Caixa Postal 486, Avenida Antônio Carlos, 6627, Campus UFMG, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, CEP 31270-901, Brazil.
| | - Renata Santiago Alberto Carlos
- UESC. Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Departamento de Ciências Agrárias e Ambientais, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Campus Soane Nazaré de Andrade. Rodovia Jorge Amado Km 16. Bairro Salobrinho. Ilhéus, Bahia, CEP 45662-900, Brazil.
| | - Jorg Heukelbach
- Postgraduate Program in Public Health, School of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, CEP 60.430-140, Brazil.
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Abrha S, Heukelbach J, Peterson GM, Christenson JK, Carroll S, Kosari S, Bartholomeus A, Feldmeier H, Thomas J. Clinical interventions for tungiasis (sand flea disease): a systematic review. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2021; 21:e234-e245. [PMID: 34237261 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(20)30853-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Tungiasis (sand flea disease) is an epidermal parasitic skin disease occurring in resource-limited communities. There is no standard treatment for tungiasis, and available treatment options are scarce. To our knowledge, this is the first systematic review aimed to assess randomised controlled trials (RCTs) investigating interventions for tungiasis. We systematically searched databases including MEDLINE (EBSCOhost), CENTRAL, CINAHL, PubMed, Web of Science, SciELO, LILACS and Embase (Scopus) for RCTs in any language, from inception of the databases until June 12, 2021. RCTs exploring preventive and therapeutic interventions for tungiasis were eligible. We used the revised Cochrane Collaboration's risk of bias tool to assess the risk of bias and Jadad scale to quantify the methodological quality of the RCTs. Of the 1839 identified records, only eight RCTs involving 808 participants were included, and several methodological deficiencies were identified in most of the trials. Trial interventions included: oral drugs niridazole and ivermectin and topical interventions of ivermectin lotion, metrifonate lotion, thiabendazole lotion, thiabendazole ointment, dimeticones (NYDA), and a neem seed and coconut oils-based mixture for treatment and coconut oil-based lotion (Zanzarin) for prevention. The coconut oil-based lotion for prevention and dimeticones for treatment of tungiasis have displayed the most promise. Most of the RCTs included in this study had low methodological quality. There is a clear unmet need for high-quality RCTs examining safe and effective prevention and treatment alternatives of tungiasis in endemic settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solomon Abrha
- Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Bruce, Canberra, ACT, Australia; Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Ethiopia
| | - Jorg Heukelbach
- Postgraduate Program of Public Health, School of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Gregory M Peterson
- Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Bruce, Canberra, ACT, Australia; College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | | | | | - Sam Kosari
- Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Bruce, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Andrew Bartholomeus
- Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Bruce, Canberra, ACT, Australia; Daimantina Institute, University of Queensland, Wolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - Hermann Feldmeier
- Institute of Microbiology and Infection Immunology, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité University Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jackson Thomas
- Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Bruce, Canberra, ACT, Australia.
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Enwemiwe VN, Ojianwuna CC, Anyaele OO. Intensity and clinical morbidities of tungiasis in an impoverished south-west Nigerian community. Parasite Epidemiol Control 2021; 14:e00215. [PMID: 34124398 PMCID: PMC8173311 DOI: 10.1016/j.parepi.2021.e00215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 04/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Sand fleas infestation, Tunga penetrans, remains a neglected tropical disease of public-health concern in many countries. Tungiasis can lead to destruction of the feet causing serious discomfort and deformities. This study aim was to determine the intensity rate and clinical morbidities of tungiasis among the people living in Igbokoda, Ondo State, Nigeria. A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among households in three villages in Igbokoda. Hands and feet of selected household members were examined, while fleas on different floor types of houses were sampled by soil collection and extraction by tullgren funnel method. Sand fleas were equally sampled from legs of infested individuals by hand picking. Intensity was determined in terms of number of lesions and fleas in different floor-types. Tungiasis-associated morbidities was assessed using acute and chronic lesions severity scores. The study revealed that moderate infestation was observed in 173 infested individuals and severe infestation in 16 infested individuals. A total of 5293 lesions was observed out of which 3098 were viable. The flea burdens on sampled floors and legs were 127 and 146 fleas respectively occurring mostly in unpaved veranda and rooms (65 and 62 fleas respectively). Tungiasis lesions observed in males were more intense compared to females. Flea lesions and burdens with respect to age stratification and location were significant P < 0.0001. Difficulty in walking, pain upon pressure and deformation of the feet were the most common tungiasis-associated morbidity recorded. Also, tungiasis-associated morbidities, and flea number sampled on legs and on floor of environment were reportedly intense. Therefore, scaling up an appropriate and affordable intervention approach targeted at the fleas would serve as a relief to the scourge of tungiasis in Igbokoda community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor N Enwemiwe
- Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria.,Department of Zoology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Cynthia C Ojianwuna
- Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria
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Manoj RRS, Latrofa MS, Epis S, Otranto D. Wolbachia: endosymbiont of onchocercid nematodes and their vectors. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:245. [PMID: 33962669 PMCID: PMC8105934 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04742-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Wolbachia is an obligate intracellular maternally transmitted, gram-negative bacterium which forms a spectrum of endosymbiotic relationships from parasitism to obligatory mutualism in a wide range of arthropods and onchocercid nematodes, respectively. In arthropods Wolbachia produces reproductive manipulations such as male killing, feminization, parthenogenesis and cytoplasmic incompatibility for its propagation and provides an additional fitness benefit for the host to protect against pathogens, whilst in onchocercid nematodes, apart from the mutual metabolic dependence, this bacterium is involved in moulting, embryogenesis, growth and survival of the host. Methods This review details the molecular data of Wolbachia and its effect on host biology, immunity, ecology and evolution, reproduction, endosymbiont-based treatment and control strategies exploited for filariasis. Relevant peer-reviewed scientic papers available in various authenticated scientific data bases were considered while writing the review. Conclusions The information presented provides an overview on Wolbachia biology and its use in the control and/or treatment of vectors, onchocercid nematodes and viral diseases of medical and veterinary importance. This offers the development of new approaches for the control of a variety of vector-borne diseases. Graphic Abstract ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sara Epis
- Department of Biosciences and Pediatric CRC 'Romeo Ed Enrica Invernizzi', University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy. .,Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran.
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Anyaele OO, Enwemiwe VN. Prevalence of tungiasis in rural poor neighbourhood in Igbokoda, Ondo State, Nigeria. AFRICAN ZOOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/15627020.2021.1901604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Victor N Enwemiwe
- Department of Zoology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
- Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, Delta State University, Nigeria
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Clinical implications and treatment options of tungiasis in domestic animals. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:4113-4123. [PMID: 33818640 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07121-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Tunga penetrans, Tunga trimamillata and Tunga hexalobulata are the three species of sand fleas which cause tungiasis in domestic animals. Tunga penetrans and T. trimamillata are zoonotic in the tropical and sub-tropical endemic communities of Latin America and Africa. Tungiasis in animals frequently occurs alongside human tungiasis. Currently, most of the attention given to tungiasis is focusing on the human disease, and animal tungiasis is extremely neglected despite its public health and animal health significance. This review highlights recent findings concerning the clinical implications and treatment options but also summarises the occurrence, major features, public health and economic significance of tungiasis in domestic animals. Pigs, dogs, cats and domestic ruminants have been reported to harbour high intensities of sand fleas in endemic communities. High infection intensities cause significant animal morbidity which is often exacerbated by excoriations and secondary bacterial infections which are potentially fatal. In addition to the potential economic losses accruing from tungiasis-related morbidity, infected domestic animals contribute to transmission and persistence of sand fleas and eventually also to severe human disease. Although control of animal tungiasis is possible by adoption of proper husbandry practices, affected communities may not afford the resources required to implement them. Also, there are no widely acceptable and affordable insecticides for treatment of tungiasis in animals. Extension services aiming at increasing awareness on tungiasis and its control should be intensified. Also, available commercial insecticides should be evaluated for therapeutic and prophylactic properties against animal tungiasis.
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Didelphis spp. opossums and their parasites in the Americas: A One Health perspective. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:4091-4111. [PMID: 33788021 PMCID: PMC8599228 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07072-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Medium sized opossums (Didelphis spp.) are among the most fascinating mammals of the Americas, playing important ecological roles (e.g., dispersal of seeds and control of insect populations) in the environment they inhabit. Nevertheless, as synanthropic animals, they are well adapted to human dwellings, occupying shelters within the cities, peripheral areas, and rural settings. These marsupials can harbor numerous pathogens, which may affect people, pets, and livestock. Among those, some protozoa (e.g., Leishmania infantum, Trypanosoma cruzi, Toxoplasma gondii), helminths (e.g., Ancylostoma caninum, Trichinella spiralis, Alaria marcianae, Paragonimus spp.) and arthropods (e.g., ticks, fleas) present substantial public health and veterinary importance, due to their capacity to cause disease in humans, domestic animals, and wildlife. Here, we reviewed the role played by opossums on the spreading of zoonotic parasites, vectors, and vector-borne pathogens, highlighting the risks of pathogens transmission due to the direct and indirect interaction of humans and domestic animals with Didelphis spp. in the Americas.
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Schott D, Ribeiro PR, de Souza VK, Surita LE, de Amorim DB, Bianchi MV, Anicet MZ, Alievi MM, Pavarini SP, de Carvalho RW, Soares JF. Clinical and pathological aspects of first report of Tunga penetrans infestation on southern brown howler monkey (Alouatta guariba clamitans) in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. J Med Primatol 2020; 49:315-321. [PMID: 32926759 DOI: 10.1111/jmp.12491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tungiasis is a neglected neotropical disease caused by penetration of Tunga spp. into the skin of the host. METHODS Two primates were rescued from nearby different indigenous villages, and the clinical, pathological, and parasitological features of tungiasis were described. Flea identification occurred through their morphometry and was confirmed with the use of a dichotomous key. RESULTS Monkey 1 was parasitized by 23 sand fleas and, after treatment, was assigned to the animal rehabilitation center. Monkey 2 was in poor body condition and died shortly after clinical examination. At necropsy, this primate was parasitized by 26 specimens of sand fleas. CONCLUSIONS Both animals altered their tree behavior by staying on the ground for long periods. This parasitic relationship implies the possibility of enlargement of the sand flea dispersion. Thus, this is the first record of Tunga penetrans occurrence in wild Alouatta guariba clamitans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diogo Schott
- Departamento de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Laboratório de Protozoologia e Rickettsioses Vetoriais (Protozoovet), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Paula Reis Ribeiro
- Departamento de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária (UFRGS), Setor de Patologia Veterinária, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Viviane Kelin de Souza
- Departamento de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Laboratório de Protozoologia e Rickettsioses Vetoriais (Protozoovet), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Lívia Eichenberg Surita
- Hospital de Clínicas Veterinárias, Núcleo de Conservação e Reabilitação de Animais Silvestres (Preservas), UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Derek Blaese de Amorim
- Departamento de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária (UFRGS), Setor de Patologia Veterinária, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Matheus Viezzer Bianchi
- Departamento de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária (UFRGS), Setor de Patologia Veterinária, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | | | - Marcelo Meller Alievi
- Hospital de Clínicas Veterinárias, Núcleo de Conservação e Reabilitação de Animais Silvestres (Preservas), UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Saulo Petinatti Pavarini
- Departamento de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária (UFRGS), Setor de Patologia Veterinária, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | | | - João Fábio Soares
- Departamento de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Laboratório de Protozoologia e Rickettsioses Vetoriais (Protozoovet), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
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Rosas Cancio-Suárez M, Aguilera García M, Monroig J, Lloveras S. Tungiasis: Another Traveler's Concern. Am J Med 2020; 133:e434-e435. [PMID: 32268143 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2020.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Revised: 03/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jessica Monroig
- Infectious Disease Department, Hospital Francisco Javier Muñiz, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Susana Lloveras
- Infectious Disease Department, Hospital Francisco Javier Muñiz, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Deka MA. Mapping the Geographic Distribution of Tungiasis in Sub-Saharan Africa. Trop Med Infect Dis 2020; 5:E122. [PMID: 32722011 PMCID: PMC7558156 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed5030122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The geographic distribution of tungiasis is poorly understood, despite the frequent occurrence of the disease in marginalized populations of low socioeconomic status. To date, little work is available to define the geography of this neglected tropical disease (NTD). This exploratory study incorporated geostatistical modeling to map the suitability for tungiasis transmission in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). In SSA, environmental suitability is predicted in 44 countries, including Angola, Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, Cote de Ivoire, Mali, Ethiopia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Gabon, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Madagascar, and South Africa. In total, an estimated 668 million people live in suitable areas, 46% (304 million) of which reside in East Africa. These evidence-based maps provide vital evidence of the potential geographic extent of SSA. They will help to guide disease control programs, inform policymakers, and raise awareness at the global level. Likewise, these results will hopefully provide decisionmakers with the pertinent information necessary to lessen morbidity and mortality in communities located in environmentally suitable areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark A Deka
- Department of Geography, Texas State University; 601 University Drive, San Marcos, TX 78666, USA
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Enwemiwe VN, Ojianwuna CC, Anyaele OO. Assessing the potentials of two local topical ointments as affordable treatment against tungiasis infestation: A self-experimentation in Igbokoda, Nigeria. Parasite Epidemiol Control 2020; 11:e00168. [PMID: 32743082 PMCID: PMC7388766 DOI: 10.1016/j.parepi.2020.e00168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Revised: 07/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Infestations caused by penetration of Tunga penetrans (Siphonaptera: Hectopsyllidae) in cutaneous sub-layers present morbidities and resulting mortalities if surgical treatment remains the obtainable. Considering the neglected nature of this infestation and the absence of marketable product, we report an observation on the use of grounded naphthalene in kerosene ointment, and powder of Piper guineense in coconut oil ointment as affordable treatment of embedded tungiasis flea in Igbokoda. A total of 80 individuals partitioned into two groups of 40 individuals each were assigned the locally made topical ointment irrespective of stages of tungiasis lesions. The mean of stage I, II and III tungiasis lesions treated with grounded naphthalene in kerosene ointment respectively decreased from 1.83, 3.42 and 3.89 to 0 after 5–6 days (p < .05). Also, the mean of stage I, II and III tungiasis lesions treated with grounded P. guineense ointment respectively decreased from 1.52, 3.10 and 5.00 to 0 after 6 to 7 days of treatment exposure (p < .05). Very high significant difference between stages and exposure days of participants assigned the two topical ointment was recorded p < .0001 and p = .0005 respectively. Naphthalene ointment and to a lesser extent P. guineense ointment is best to control and hinder development cycle of embedded fleas irrespective of infested part and stage of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor N. Enwemiwe
- Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria
- Department of Zoology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
- Corresponding author at: Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria.
| | - Cynthia C. Ojianwuna
- Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria
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Nsanzimana J, Karanja S, Kayongo M, Nyirimanzi N, Umuhoza H, Murangwa A, Muganga R, Musafili A. Factors associated with tungiasis among primary school children: a cross-sectional study in a rural district in Rwanda. BMC Public Health 2019; 19:1192. [PMID: 31464600 PMCID: PMC6716852 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-019-7481-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tungiasis is a relatively frequent ectoparasitosis in low-income settings, yet its morbidity and social impact are still not well understood due to the scarcity of information. In Rwanda, data on the magnitude and conditions leading to the tungiasis is rare. This study sought to determine the prevalence and factors associated with tungiasis among primary school children in Rwandan setting. METHOD A descriptive cross-sectional study utilising systematic random sampling method was adopted to select 384 children from three primary schools. From July to October 2018, data were collected on socio-demographic characteristics of children, parents, and households. Logistic regression was applied to analyse socio-demographic factors associated with tungiasis with a level of significance set at P-value< 0.05. RESULTS Prevalence of tungiasis among three primary schools was 23%. Factors associated with tungiasis included walking barefoot (AOR: 78.41; 95% CI: 17.91-343.10), irregular wearing of shoes (AOR: 24.73; 95% CI: 6.27-97.41), having dirty feet (AOR: 12.69; 95% CI: 4.93-32.64), wearing dirty clothes (AOR: 12.69; 95% CI: 4.18-38.50), and living in a house with earthen plastered floor (AOR: 28.79; 95% CI: 7.11-116.57). Children infected with tungiasis attended class less frequently (AOR: 19.16, 95%CI: 7.20-50.97) and scored lower (AOR: 110.85, 95%CI: 43.08-285.20) than those non-infected. The low school attendance and poor performance could be partly explained by difficulty of walking, lack of concentration during school activities, and isolation or discrimination from classmates. CONCLUSION Tungiasis was a public health challenge among school going children in a rural Rwandan setting. This study revealed that children affected with tungiasis had poor hygiene, inadequate housing environments and consequently poor school attendance and performance. Improving socio-economic conditions of households with special emphasis on hygiene of family members and housing conditions, would contribute to preventing tungiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Simon Karanja
- Medical Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Moses Kayongo
- School of Public Health, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kigali, Rwanda
| | | | - Hyacinthe Umuhoza
- Department of Infection Prevention and Control, Kigeme District Hospital, Nyamagabe, Rwanda
| | | | - Raymond Muganga
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Aimable Musafili
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
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Kupfer TR, Fessler DMT. Ectoparasite defence in humans: relationships to pathogen avoidance and clinical implications. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2019; 373:rstb.2017.0207. [PMID: 29866920 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2017.0207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Currently, disgust is regarded as the main adaptation for defence against pathogens and parasites in humans. Disgust's motivational and behavioural features, including withdrawal, nausea, appetite suppression and the urge to vomit, defend effectively against ingesting or touching sources of pathogens. However, ectoparasites do not attack their hosts via ingestion, but rather actively attach themselves to the body surface. Accordingly, by itself, disgust offers limited defence against ectoparasites. We propose that, like non-human animals, humans have a distinct ectoparasite defence system that includes cutaneous sensory mechanisms, itch-generation mechanisms and grooming behaviours. The existence of adaptations for ectoparasite defence is supported by abundant evidence from non-human animals, as well as more recent evidence concerning human responses to ectoparasite cues. Several clinical disorders may be dysfunctions of the ectoparasite defence system, including some that are pathologies of grooming, such as skin picking and trichotillomania, and others, such as delusory parasitosis and trypophobia, which are pathologies of ectoparasite detection. We conclude that future research should explore both distinctions between, and overlap across, ectoparasite defence systems and pathogen avoidance systems, as doing so will not only illuminate proximate motivational systems, including disgust, but may also reveal important clinical and social consequences.This article is part of the Theo Murphy meeting issue 'Evolution of pathogen and parasite avoidance behaviours'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom R Kupfer
- School of Psychology, Keynes College, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NP, UK
| | - Daniel M T Fessler
- Department of Anthropology and Center for Behavior, Evolution and Culture, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1553, USA
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Kandi V. Tungiasis Presenting as Onychomycosis: Probably the First Report of Flea Infestation of the Nail Observed Using Modified Potassium Hydroxide Mount Technique. Cureus 2018; 10:e2278. [PMID: 29736361 PMCID: PMC5935425 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.2278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Tungiasis is an infection/infestation of the flea Tunga penetrans. These are bloodsucking ectoparasitic insects belonging to the phylum Arthropoda, and they do not possess wings, but they have long legs enabling them to jump up to 30 cm high. The fleas are usually present on the skin and in the hair of domestic and wild animals and are prevalent throughout the world. They may also be present in an environment consisting of dry sandy soils, and they infect people who walk barefoot and reside in flea-infested areas. Human tungiasis is both an accidental and zoonotic infection, where the fleas enter the human skin and cause severe morbidity if not properly managed. There are a few reports of human tungiasis, most of which were diagnosed with skin infections. This is a first-of-its-kind observation of fleas in the nail, from a patient who is suspected to be suffering from onychomycosis. The nail in this case was processed differently, by using a modified potassium hydroxide (KOH) mount technique.
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Wiese S, Elson L, Feldmeier H. Tungiasis-related life quality impairment in children living in rural Kenya. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2018; 12:e0005939. [PMID: 29309411 PMCID: PMC5757912 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2017] [Accepted: 09/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tungiasis (sand flea disease) is a neglected tropical skin disease caused by female sand fleas (Tunga spp.) embedded in the skin of the host. The disease is common in sub-Saharan Africa and predominantly affects children living in impoverished rural communities. In these settings tungiasis is associated with important morbidity. Whether tungiasis impairs life quality has never been studied. METHODS The study was performed in 50 children with tungiasis, living in resource-poor communities in coastal Kenya. Based on the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) a tool was developed to determine life quality impairment associated with tungiasis in children, the tungiasis-related Dermatology of Life Quality Index (tungiasis-related-DLQI). Pain and itching were assessed using visual scales ranging from 0-3 points. The intensity of infection and the acute and chronic severity of tungiasis were determined using standard methods. RESULTS Seventy eight percent of the patients reported a moderate to very large effect of tungiasis on life quality at the time of the diagnosis. The degree of impairment correlated with the number of viable sand fleas present in the skin (rho = 0.64, p < 0.001), the severity score of acute clinical pathology (rho = 0.74, p < 0.001), and the intensity of pain (rho = 0.82, p < 0.001). Disturbance of sleep and concentration difficulties were the most frequent restriction categories (86% and 84%, respectively). Four weeks after curative treatment, life quality had improved significantly. On the individual level the amelioration of life quality correlated closely with the regression of clinical pathology (rho = 0.61, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION The parasitic skin disease tungiasis considerably impairs life quality in children in rural Kenya. After effective treatment, life quality improves rapidly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Wiese
- Institute of Microbiology and Hygiene, University Medicine Berlin, Germany
| | - Lynne Elson
- WAJIMIDA Jigger Campaign, Dabaso Tujengane CBO, Watamu, Kenya
| | - Hermann Feldmeier
- Institute of Microbiology and Hygiene, University Medicine Berlin, Germany
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Infestationen und Infektionen bei Migranten – Die wichtigsten Erkrankungen. TRANSKULTURELLE MEDIZIN 2018. [PMCID: PMC7122363 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-662-56035-8_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Skabies (Krätze) ist bei Migranten sehr häufig. Über den Gängen der Krätzmilbe ist die Haut entzündlich verändert. An Händen und Füssen sind die Veränderungen vor allem in den interdigitalen Räumen erkennbar. Kopfläuse nehmen als Problem zu. Sie sind nur am menschlichen Kopf überlebensfähig. Flohstiche entstehen auch an bedeckten Körperstellen. An der Stichstelle entwickelt sich eine stark juckende Quaddel mit einer zentralen Blutung. Die Bettwanze sticht in der Nacht und saugt Blut. Stiche sind typischerweise longitudinal angeordnet. Unter den Parasiten haben Würmer eine große Bedeutung. Bei Kindern in Deutschland kommen Madenwürmer (Oxyuren) am häufigsten vor. Wurmeier werden anal, perianal und auch vaginal abgelegt und führen zu einem starken nächtlichen analen Pruritus. Unter den Infektionen hat die Tuberkulose bei Migranten eine höhere Prävalenz als in Deutschland gewohnt. Unter den Migranten aus dem subsaharischen Afrika ist auf das Vorliegen von HIV-Infektionen zu achten.
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Mutebi F, Krücken J, von Samson-Himmelstjerna G, Waiswa C, Mencke N, Eneku W, Andrew T, Feldmeier H. Animal and human tungiasis-related knowledge and treatment practices among animal keeping households in Bugiri District, South-Eastern Uganda. Acta Trop 2018; 177:81-88. [PMID: 29017876 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2017.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2017] [Revised: 10/05/2017] [Accepted: 10/06/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Zoonotic tungiasis caused by Tunga penetrans remains a serious public and animal health problem among endemic villages in Uganda and many sub Saharan African countries. Studies on human and animal tungiasis-related knowledge and treatment practices in endemic communities have never been undertaken, a limitation to development of sustainable control measures. METHODS A cross sectional study using semi-structured questionnaires (Supplementary file S1) was conducted among 236 animal rearing households in 10 endemic villages in Bugiri District, South-Eastern Uganda. Focus group discussions and observation checklists were used to validate and clarify the findings. RESULTS Most respondents knew the aetiology (89.4%), clinical signs (98%) and the ecology of T. penetrans as well as the major risk factors of human tungiasis (65.2%). In contrast, very few respondents were aware of animal tungiasis. Only 4.8% of those with infected animals on the compound knew that some of their animals were infected and 13.6% of the respondents had ever seen tungiasis-affected animals. Pigs (13.1%, n=31) and dogs (0.85%, n=2) were the only T. penetrans animal hosts known to animal owners. Affected humans were treated by extraction of embedded sand fleas using non-sterile sharp instruments in all households that reported occurrence of human tungiasis at least once (n=227). Also, affected animals were mainly treated by mechanical removal of embedded sand fleas in households that have ever experienced animal tungiasis (four out of 12; 33.3%). In a few instances, plant and animal pesticides (n=3) and other chemicals such as grease, paraffin and wood preservative (n=3) were also used to treat animal tungiasis. CONCLUSION The study revealed a high level of knowledge on human tungiasis but inadequate knowledge on the zoonotic nature of tungiasis. Commonly applied methods for treatment of human and animal tungiasis are a health hazard by themselves. Concerted i.e. One Health-based efforts aiming at promoting appropriate treatment of tungiasis, adequate living conditions and increased awareness on tungiasis in the communities are indicated in order to eliminate tungiasis-associated disease.
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Azam VV, Chikin VV, Borlakov IA. Tungiasis. A Case of Diagnosis of Tropical Dermatosis. VESTNIK DERMATOLOGII I VENEROLOGII 2017. [DOI: 10.25208/0042-4609-2017-93-6-79-85] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
A case of tungiasis is presented — infestation with Tunga penetrans of a man who was on vacation in Peru, with eruptions localized on toes I and V of the both feet. For treatment of the patient, the parasites were surgically removed out of the lesions, whereupon the lesions were treated with antiseptics.
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Di Nucci DL, Ezquiaga MC, Abba AM. Tunga penetrans in Giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) from Argentina. VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY- REGIONAL STUDIES AND REPORTS 2017; 10:82-84. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2017.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2017] [Revised: 08/15/2017] [Accepted: 08/21/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Control of Tungiasis in Absence of a Roadmap: Grassroots and Global Approaches. Trop Med Infect Dis 2017; 2:tropicalmed2030033. [PMID: 30270889 PMCID: PMC6082108 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed2030033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2017] [Revised: 07/20/2017] [Accepted: 07/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Tungiasis is a tropical skin disease caused by the sand flea Tunga penetrans. It inflicts misery upon tens of millions of people, mostly children, across Central and South America and sub-Saharan Africa, and yet there is no globally accepted roadmap for its control. Here we review how research in the last 15 years has developed control methods and report on new grassroots and digital mapping approaches. Treatment is now possible with a two-component dimethicone, used for the treatment of headlice in Europe, Asia and Canada, but not yet available in most tungiasis-endemic areas. Prevention is possible through the daily use of repellents based on coconut oil. A Kenyan coastal community has successfully controlled tungiasis using a neem and coconut oil mix produced locally to treat cases, combined with spraying floors with neem solution and distributing closed shoes. Development of affordable hard floor technology is underway, although not yet widely available, but is a priority to control off-host stages in the floors of homes. A new web-based digital mapping application will enable researchers and health officials to collaborate, share data and map the prevalence of tungiasis. We conclude that tungiasis can be controlled through a multi-disciplinary, One Health approach.
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Mutebi F, Krücken J, Feldmeier H, Waiswa C, Mencke N, Eneku W, von Samson-Himmelstjerna G. High intensity of Tunga penetrans infection causing severe disease among pigs in Busoga, South Eastern Uganda. BMC Vet Res 2017; 13:206. [PMID: 28662705 PMCID: PMC5492922 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-017-1127-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2017] [Accepted: 06/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Towards the improvement of stakeholders’ awareness of animal tungiasis, we report 10 unusual severe clinical cases of pig tungiasis which were associated with very high infection intensities of T. penetrans in an endemic area. Results Morbidity of ten pigs with high sand flea intensities detected during high transmission seasons in an endemic area in Busoga sub region, Uganda is described in detail. The cases of pigs presented with a very high number of embedded sand fleas (median = 276, range = 141–838). Acute manifestations due to severe tungiasis included ulcerations (n = 10), abscess formation (n = 6) and lameness (n = 9). Chronic morphopathological presentations were overgrowth of claws (n = 5), lateral deviation of dew claws (n = 6), detachment (n = 5) or loss of dew claws (n = 1). Treatment of severe cases with a topical insecticidal aerosol containing chlorfenvinphos, dichlorvos and gentian violet resolved acute morbidity and facilitated healing by re-epithelialisation. Conclusions The presentations of tungiasis highlighted in this report show that high intensities of embedded T. penetrans can cause a severe clinical disease in pigs. Effective tungiasis preventive measures and early diagnosis for treatment could be crucial to minimize its effects on animal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francis Mutebi
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Resources, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, P.O. box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Jürgen Krücken
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, 14163, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Hermann Feldmeier
- Institute of Microbiology and Hygiene, Charité University Medicine, Berlin Campus Benjamin Franklin, Sylter Straße 2, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Charles Waiswa
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Resources, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, P.O. box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Wilfred Eneku
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Resources, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, P.O. box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
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Díaz CJ, Escandón-Vargas K. Tungiasis in a Colombian patient. Braz J Infect Dis 2017; 21:484-485. [PMID: 28286017 PMCID: PMC9427953 DOI: 10.1016/j.bjid.2016.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2016] [Accepted: 12/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia J Díaz
- School of Dermatology and Dermatological Surgery, Hospital Universitario del Valle, Universidad del Valle, Cali, Colombia.
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Successful Treatment of Severe Tungiasis in Pigs Using a Topical Aerosol Containing Chlorfenvinphos, Dichlorphos and Gentian Violet. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2016; 10:e0005056. [PMID: 27727268 PMCID: PMC5058476 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2016] [Accepted: 09/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In endemic communities, zoonotic tungiasis, a severe skin disease caused by penetrating female sand fleas, is a public health hazard causing significant human and animal morbidity. No validated drugs are currently available for treatment of animal tungiasis. Due to the reservoir in domestic animals, integrated management of human and animal tungiasis is required to avert its negative effects. Methods and principal findings A topical aerosol containing chlorfenvinphos 4.8%, dichlorphos 0.75% and gentian violet 0.145% licensed to treat tick infestations, myiasis and wound sepsis in animals in the study area, was tested for its potential tungicidal effects in a randomized controlled field trial against pig tungiasis in rural Uganda. Animals with at least one embedded flea were randomized in a treatment (n = 29) and a control (n = 26) group. One week after treatment, 58.6% of the treated pigs did not show any viable flea lesion whereas all control pigs had at least one viable lesion. After treatment the number of viable lesions (treated median = 0, overall range = 0–18 vs. control median = 11.5, range = 1–180) and the severity score for estimating acute pathology in pig tungiasis (treated median = 1, range = 0–3.5 vs. control median = 7, range = 0–25) were significantly lower in treated than in control pigs (p < 0.001). In the treatment group the median number of viable flea lesions decreased from 8.5 to 0 (p < 0.001). Similarly, the median acute severity score dropped from 6 to 1 (p < 0.001). Every pig in the treatment group showed a decrease in the number of viable fleas and tungiasis-associated acute morbidity while medians for both increased in the control group. Conclusions The study demonstrates that a topical treatment based on chlorfenvinphos, dichlorphos and gentian violet is highly effective against pig tungiasis. Due to its simplicity, the new approach can be used for the treatment of individual animals as well as in mass campaigns. Infection with the sand flea Tunga penetrans causes severe disease in humans and animals. There are no validated drugs for treatment of animal tungiasis preventing implementation of integrated tungiasis control interventions targeting human and animal infections. A field trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of a commercial insecticidal aerosol containing chlorfenvinphos 4.8%, dichlorphos 0.75%, and gentian violet 0.145%, which is licensed to treat tick infestations, myiasis and wound sepsis, on tungiasis in pigs, the major animal reservoir in rural hyperendemic villages in Uganda. Infected pigs were recruited and randomly assigned to treatment (n = 29) and control (n = 26) groups. Seven days after a single application of the aerosol onto the affected body parts, almost 60% of the treated pigs were cured while all control pigs had at least one penetrated sand flea. The number of viable sand fleas and the severity of the tungiasis were significantly lower in the treated pigs than in the controls. This demonstrates for the first time that a simple and effective topical treatment for animal tungiasis based on two organophosphate insecticides and an antibacterial agent can be used to cure individual animals and can be integrated in tungiasis control campaigns.
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Wafula ST, Ssemugabo C, Namuhani N, Musoke D, Ssempebwa J, Halage AA. Prevalence and risk factors associated with tungiasis in Mayuge district, Eastern Uganda. Pan Afr Med J 2016; 24:77. [PMID: 27642416 PMCID: PMC5012786 DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2016.24.77.8916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2016] [Accepted: 03/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Tungiasis is an endemic but neglected health problem in Uganda especially in resource poor communities. It is largely affecting rural communities in the Eastern, West Nile and Central regions. This study assessed prevalence and risk factors associated with tungiasis in Mayuge district, Eastern Uganda. Methods This was a cross sectional study that used a semi-structured questionnaire and observational checklist to collect quantitative data from 422 households in 12 villages. Prevalence of tungiasis was defined as presence of Tunga penetrans in the skin of any household member at the time of data collection. Results The prevalence of tungiasis was 22.5%. However, a big percentage 41.5% of households were reported to have had T. penetrans in the previous month while 49.5% had T. penetrans for more than one month. Majority (90.5%)of the participants used a pin, needle, or thorn to remove sand flea from infected body parts. Having dirty feet (AOR 3.86, CI (1.76-8.34)), dirty clothes (AOR 3.46, CI (2.00-5.97)), cracked house floor (AOR =6.28, CI (3.28-12.03)), dirty floor (AOR 3.21, CI (1.38-7.46)), littered compounds (AOR= 2.95, CI (1.66-5.26)) and rearing cattle (AOR 2.38, CI (1.28-4.45)) were associated with tungiasis. However, practicing preventive measures (AOR 0.51, CI (0.29-0.90)) was found protective for disease. Conclusion Tungiasis is still a prevalent health problem in rural communities in Eastern Uganda due to a number of individual (host) and environmental factors. There is need to increase awareness regarding improvement in sanitation and hygiene to enable communities’ implements interventions for prevention of T. penetrans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solomon Tsebeni Wafula
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Charles Ssemugabo
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Noel Namuhani
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - David Musoke
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - John Ssempebwa
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Abdullah Ali Halage
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
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Palicelli A, Boldorini R, Campisi P, Disanto MG, Gatti L, Portigliotti L, Tosoni A, Rivasi F. Tungiasis in Italy: An imported case of Tunga penetrans and review of the literature. Pathol Res Pract 2016; 212:475-83. [DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2016.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2015] [Revised: 12/18/2015] [Accepted: 02/01/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Mutebi F, Krücken J, Mencke N, Feldmeier H, von Samson-Himmelstjerna G, Waiswa C. Two Severe Cases of Tungiasis in Goat Kids in Uganda. JOURNAL OF INSECT SCIENCE (ONLINE) 2016; 16:iew016. [PMID: 27012871 PMCID: PMC4806713 DOI: 10.1093/jisesa/iew016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2015] [Accepted: 02/09/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Tungiasis ensues from the penetration and burrowing of female sand fleas (Tunga spp.; Siphonaptera: Tungidae) in the skin of mammals. There are few case reports of severe tungiasis in goats and in these cases the Tunga species were not in most cases clearly identified. Two cases of severe tungiasis caused by Tunga penetrans in goat kids from tungiasis-endemic rural Uganda are reported. These are the first severe cases of tungiasis in goats reported from outside South America.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francis Mutebi
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda (; ),
| | - Jürgen Krücken
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Robert-von-Ostertag Street 7-13, 14163 Berlin, Germany (; )
| | | | - Hermann Feldmeier
- Institute of Microbiology and Hygiene, Charité University Medicine, Berlin, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Hindenburgdamm 30, 12203 Berlin, Germany
| | - Georg von Samson-Himmelstjerna
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Robert-von-Ostertag Street 7-13, 14163 Berlin, Germany (; )
| | - Charles Waiswa
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda (; )
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Mutebi F, Krücken J, Feldmeier H, Waiswa C, Mencke N, von Samson-Himmelstjerna G. Tungiasis-associated morbidity in pigs and dogs in endemic villages of Uganda. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:44. [PMID: 26817587 PMCID: PMC4729147 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1320-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2015] [Accepted: 01/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tunga penetrans (Insecta, Siphonaptera, Tungidae) causes severe morbidity among heavily infected humans and animals in Latin America and sub-Saharan Africa. The clinical pathology of tungiasis in animals has never been studied systematically. METHODS This was a cross-sectional study conducted between January to March 2015, aimed at describing tungiasis-associated clinical pathology in 121 and 20 T. penetrans-infected pigs and dogs, living in nine and five endemic rural villages respectively located in Bugiri District, Busoga, Uganda. RESULTS The parasite load of infected animals ranged from one to 246 (median 8) and one to eight (median 2) in pigs and dogs, respectively. In pigs 99.3% and in dogs 100% of the lesions were located on feet. In pigs, hind legs were significantly more affected than front legs (90.9% vs. 57.9%; p = 0.002) and also had more lesions than the front legs (median 5 vs. 1; p = 0.0001). However, in dogs localization of lesions between front and hind legs never differed significantly (front, 50% vs. hind, 65%; p = 0.51) and so were the number of lesions (median front = 0.5 vs. median hind = 2; p = 0.7). Acute and chronic clinical pathology coexisted. The most common disease manifestations in pigs were hoof wall erosions (68.6%), tissue necrosis of hoof wall and skin (66.1), pain at infection sites (47.9%), hoof deformity (45.5%), fissures (44.6%) and edema (44.6%). In dogs, tungiasis mainly presented with pain at attachment site (80%), ulcers (55%), necrosis (30%) as well as hyperemia and edema (both 15%). One pig had lost dew claws while two had loose detaching claws. Despite a lower number of sand fleas, a higher proportion of infected dogs (20%) than pigs (5.8%) exhibited functional limb use difficulties (p = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The pattern of clinical manifestations in pigs and dogs were very similar to those reported from affected humans and rats. The important morbidity associated with animal tungiasis makes the disease a serious veterinary health problem in sub-Saharan Africa warranting treatment and control for optimal animal production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francis Mutebi
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Resources, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, P.O. box 7062, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Jürgen Krücken
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, 14163, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Hermann Feldmeier
- Institute of Microbiology and Hygiene, Charité University Medicine, Berlin Campus Benjamin Franklin, Hindenburgdamm 30, 12203, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Charles Waiswa
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Resources, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, P.O. box 7062, Kampala, Uganda.
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Mutebi F, Krücken J, Feldmeier H, Waiswa C, Mencke N, Sentongo E, von Samson-Himmelstjerna G. Animal Reservoirs of Zoonotic Tungiasis in Endemic Rural Villages of Uganda. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2015; 9:e0004126. [PMID: 26473360 PMCID: PMC4608570 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0004126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2015] [Accepted: 09/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Animal tungiasis is believed to increase the prevalence and parasite burden in humans. Animal reservoirs of Tunga penetrans differ among endemic areas and their role in the epidemiology of tungiasis had never been investigated in Uganda. METHODS AND FINDINGS To identify the major animal reservoirs of Tunga penetrans and their relative importance in the transmission of tungiasis in Uganda, a cross sectional study was conducted in animal rearing households in 10 endemic villages in Bugiri District. T. penetrans infections were detected in pigs, dogs, goats and a cat. The prevalences of households with tungiasis ranged from 0% to 71.4% (median 22.2) for animals and from 5 to 71.4% (median 27.8%) for humans. The prevalence of human tungiasis also varied among the population of the villages (median 7%, range 1.3-37.3%). Pig infections had the widest distribution (nine out of 10 villages) and highest prevalence (median 16.2%, range 0-64.1%). Pigs also had a higher number of embedded sand fleas than all other species combined (p < 0.0001). Dog tungiasis occurred in five out of 10 villages with low prevalences (median of 2%, range 0-26.9%). Only two goats and a single cat had tungiasis. Prevalences of animal and human tungiasis correlated at both village (rho = 0.89, p = 0.0005) and household (rho = 0.4, p < 0.0001) levels. The median number of lesions in household animals correlated with the median intensity of infection in children three to eight years of age (rho = 0.47, p < 0.0001). Animal tungiasis increased the odds of occurrence of human cases in households six fold (OR = 6.1, 95% CI 3.3-11.4, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION Animal and human tungiasis were closely associated and pigs were identified as the most important animal hosts of T. penetrans. Effective tungiasis control should follow One Health principles and integrate ectoparasites control in animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francis Mutebi
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Resources, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio-security, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Jürgen Krücken
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Hermann Feldmeier
- Institute of Microbiology and Hygiene, Charité University Medicine, Berlin, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Charles Waiswa
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Resources, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio-security, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Elizabeth Sentongo
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
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Ezquiaga MC, Linardi PM, De Avelar DM, Lareschi M. A new species of Tunga perforating the osteoderms of its armadillo host in Argentina and redescription of the male of Tunga terasma. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2015; 29:196-204. [PMID: 25630228 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2014] [Revised: 10/23/2014] [Accepted: 11/04/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
A new species of Tunga (Siphonaptera: Tungidae) collected from armadillos in Argentina is described. The new species is characterized by large and pigmented eyes, the presence of two bristles on antennal segment II, two bristles at the base of the maxilla, and a discoid neosome compressed anteroposteriorly. The gravid female is located in the carapace of the host, perforating the osteoderms. The new species resembles Tunga penetrans and Tunga terasma in general appearance. However, it differs by the greater anteroposterior compression of the neosome, a more angular head, and a manubrium with a pointed proximal end and convex ventral margin (the proximal end of the manubrium is rounded or slightly pointed in T. terasma, and the ventral margin is straight in both T. penetrans and T. terasma). In addition, specimens of T. penetrans have more bristles in antennal segments II and III, and lack bristles in the posterior tibia. This is the first report of a species of Tunga perforating the osteoderms of its host and thereby showing a high degree of specialization. Tunga terasma is recorded for the first time in Argentina; the male is described again and the characteristics of the species amended. This information may be useful in epidemiological studies of diseases caused by species of Tunga.
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Affiliation(s)
- M C Ezquiaga
- Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectores (CEPAVE) (CCT La Plata-CONICET-UNLP), La Plata, Argentina
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Linardi PM, Beaucournu JC, de Avelar DM, Belaz S. Notes on the genus Tunga (Siphonaptera: Tungidae) II--neosomes, morphology, classification, and other taxonomic notes. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 21:68. [PMID: 25514594 PMCID: PMC4270284 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2014067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2014] [Accepted: 12/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
This review focuses on the neosomes, morphology, and taxonomy of adult species of the genus Tunga, complementing the previously published data on the phylogeny, ecology, and pathogenic role. Neosomes are structures formed after penetration of adult females into the skin of hosts resulting in significant enlargement, being the most characteristic and most frequently observed form in hosts. Neosomes can be differentiated by shape, measurements, and sites of attachment to principal hosts. The taxonomic value and morphometric data of the most widely used characteristics to separate species – such as frontal curvature, head chaetotaxy, preoral internal sclerotization, ventral and dorsal genal lobes, eyes, maxillary palps, fusion of pronotum and mesonotum, metacoxae, metatarsi chaetotaxy, spermatheca (females), manubrium, basimere, telomere, and phallosome (males) – are comparatively analyzed. The sexes, individual variations, undescribed species, higher taxa, as well as a proposal for division of the genus into two subgenera (Tunga and Brevidigita) are presented (as previously given by Wang). A key for females, males, and gravid females (neosomes) also is included for identifying the 13 known species. Data on host specificity and geographical distribution may also support the identification of Tunga species because some sand fleas and their hosts may have co-evolved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Marcos Linardi
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Caixa Postal 486, Avenida Presidente Antônio Carlos, 6627, Campus UFMG, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Jean-Claude Beaucournu
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie et Zoologie appliquée, Faculté de Médecine 2, avenue du Professeur Léon Bernard, 35043 Rennes Cedex, France - Institut de Parasitologie de l'Ouest, Faculté de Médecine 2, avenue du Professeur Léon Bernard, 35043 Rennes Cedex, France
| | - Daniel Moreira de Avelar
- Laboratório de Pesquisas Clínicas, Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Sorya Belaz
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie et Zoologie appliquée, Faculté de Médecine 2, avenue du Professeur Léon Bernard, 35043 Rennes Cedex, France - Laboratoire de Parasitologie, Mycologie et Immunologie parasitaire, Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire, 2 rue Henri Le Guilloux, 32033 Rennes Cedex, France
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Feldmeier H, Heukelbach J, Ugbomoiko US, Sentongo E, Mbabazi P, von Samson-Himmelstjerna G, Krantz I. Tungiasis--a neglected disease with many challenges for global public health. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2014; 8:e3133. [PMID: 25356978 PMCID: PMC4214674 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hermann Feldmeier
- Institute of Microbiology and Hygiene, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité University Medicine, Berlin, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Jorg Heukelbach
- Department of Community Health, School of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | | | - Elizabeth Sentongo
- Makerere University College of Health Sciences, School of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Medical Microbiology, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Georg von Samson-Himmelstjerna
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ingela Krantz
- Skaraborg Institute for Research and Development, Skövde, Sweden
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Neosomes of tungid fleas on wild and domestic animals. Parasitol Res 2014; 113:3517-33. [PMID: 25141814 PMCID: PMC4172993 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-014-4081-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2014] [Accepted: 08/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Tunga is the most specialized genus among the Siphonaptera because adult females penetrate into the skin of their hosts and, after mating and fertilization, undergo hypertrophy, forming an enlarged structure known as the neosome. In humans and other warm-blooded animals, neosomes cause tungiasis, which arises due to the action of opportunistic agents. Although its effects on humans and domestic animals are well described in the literature, little is known about the impact of tungiasis on wild animals. This review focuses on the morphology, taxonomy, geographical distribution, hosts, prevalence, sites of attachment, and impact of tungid neosomes on wild and domestic animals. Because neosomes are the most characteristic form of the genus Tunga and also the form most frequently found in hosts, they are here differentiated and illustrated to aid in the identification of the 13 currently known species. Perspectives for future studies regarding the possibility of discovering other sand flea species, adaptation to new hosts, and the transfer of tungids between hosts in natural and modified habitats are also presented.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Tungiasis is endemic in poverty-stricken communities of South and Central America, Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean. This ectoparasitosis, caused by the female sand flea Tunga penetrans, is associated with considerable longterm morbidity in severely affected patients, including toe deformation and limited mobility. In Haiti, tungiasis is poorly documented but is known to occur. This study is the first formal investigation of tungiasis in Haiti. METHODS A total of 383 patients in four regions (Belle Fontaine, Vallue, Savanette, Cerca Carvajal) were examined and interviewed to determine disease prevalence, demographics and clinical presentation, and tungiasis-related behaviors. RESULTS Prevalences of tungiasis ranged from 10.6 to 81.8% across the four regions. The overall prevalence of tungiasis in the patients examined was 31.1%. Of the affected patients, 63% were male and 37% were female, 37% were aged 0-10 years, and 100% reported pain and pruritus. Lesions occurred on the feet in 93.3% and on the hands in 22.7% of affected patients. The most common complications observed were chronic inflammation (54.2%) and hyperkeratosis (48.2%). CONCLUSIONS This study establishes tungiasis as endemic in four regions of Haiti and reveals disease characteristics similar to those reported previously, suggesting that there are common factors underlying this disease in various regions, which are likely to be poverty-related. These findings emphasize the need to acknowledge tungiasis as a clinically relevant public health issue in order to decrease the frequency of tungiasis-related morbidity in endemic areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shesly J Louis
- Department of Dermatology, Hôpital Universitaire la Paix (State University Hospital la Paix), Port-au-Prince, Haiti
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Feldmeier H, Keysers A. Tungiasis - A Janus-faced parasitic skin disease. Travel Med Infect Dis 2013; 11:357-65. [PMID: 24211240 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2013.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2013] [Revised: 09/23/2013] [Accepted: 10/09/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Tungiasis is a parasitic skin disease caused by the penetration of female sand fleas (Tunga penetrans). It is acquired when people walk barefoot or rest on soil, where sand fleas have completed the off-host cycle. Tungiasis is a classic poverty-associated disease which belongs to the family of neglected tropical diseases (NTD). It has a Janus-face: while in travellers tungiasis usually is a benign self-limiting skin disease, inhabitants of endemic areas suffer from heavy infestations and severe, frequently debilitating and incapacitating morbidity. We describe the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of travel-associated tungiasis and compare these features to the situation in resource-poor communities in South America and sub-Saharan Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hermann Feldmeier
- Institute of Microbiology and Hygiene, Charité Medical School, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Hindenburgdamm 27, D-12203 Berlin, Germany.
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Establishment of Tunga trimamillata (Siphonaptera: Tungidae) in Brazil. Parasitol Res 2013; 112:3239-42. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-013-3501-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2013] [Accepted: 06/12/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Maco V, Maco VP, Tantalean ME, Gotuzzo E. Histopathological features of tungiasis in Peru. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2013; 88:1212-6. [PMID: 23478579 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.12-0645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Tungiasis is an ectoparasitic skin disease caused by Tunga penetrans and Tunga trimamillata. There is a lack of histopathological studies that evaluate the recognition of this flea in tissues. We describe the ex vivo dermoscopic and the histopathological patterns of six cases and relate the findings to the developmental stage of the parasite as defined by the Fortaleza classification: two were classified as Fortaleza 3b, 3 as 4a, and 1 as 4b. Two dermoscopic patterns were observed: a brown pigmented ring and a radial crown with a central pore. The most common histopathological findings were an eosinophilic cuticle, eggs in different stages of development, tracheal rings (parasite), and basal hyperplasia (host). The eosinophilic cuticle, eggs in different stages of evolution, and tracheal rings can help to establish the diagnosis when other parts of the parasite are lacking. The Fortaleza staging may represent a tool for pathology reporting purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicente Maco
- Beth Israel Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
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Buckendahl J, Heukelbach J, Witt L, Schwalfenberg S, Calheiros CML, Feldmeier H. Topographic distribution of the sand flea Tunga penetrans in Wistar rats and humans in two endemic areas in Brazil. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2012; 87:125-7. [PMID: 22764302 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.2012.11-0073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Tungiasis is a zoonosis caused by Tunga penetrans. In Brazil, tungiasis is endemic in many resource-poor communities, in which various domestic and sylvatic animals act as reservoirs. Eighty laboratory-raised Wistar rats were exposed to T. penetrans in areas of intense transmission: a fishing village and an urban shantytown in Ceará State, northeast Brazil. The topographic distribution of lesions in Wistar rats was compared with the distribution of lesions in humans in the same area. Our results show that the topographic distribution of embedded sand fleas was almost identical in Wistar rats and humans and that lesions were confined to the feet. In humans, 76% of all lesions were located periungually, whereas in Wistar rats, 67% of lesions were located at the distal end of the digits (P = 0.73). Both had the majority of lesions at the toes and digits: 70.2% versus 65.7% (P = 0.79). The Wistar rat model mirrors human tungiasis in topographic distribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Buckendahl
- Institute of Microbiology and Hygiene, Charité University of Medicine, Berlin, Germany.
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