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Hyuga A, Ouma P, Matharu AK, Krücken J, Kaneko S, Goto K, Fillinger U. Myth or truth: investigation of the jumping ability of Tunga penetrans (Siphonaptera: Tungidae). JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2024; 61:261-265. [PMID: 37861430 PMCID: PMC10784774 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjad143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Female sand fleas (Tunga penetrans Linnaeus, 1758, Siphonaptera: Tungidae) cause a severe parasitic skin disease known as tungiasis. T. penetrans is a small flea, measuring less than 1 mm in length. The females of this species burrow into the skin of human and animal hosts and mostly affect the feet. This has led to the anecdotal assumption that T. penetrans, unlike its relatives in the Siphonaptera family, would have a limited jumping ability potentially not reaching higher body parts. However, there is no data supporting this. This study evaluated the jumping capabilities of T. penetrans for height and distance using sticky tapes. The vertical jump of the female T. penetrans ranged from 4.5 to 100 mm with a mean of 40 mm whereas the vertical jump of the male T. penetrans ranged from 1.2 to 138 mm with a mean of 46 mm. The horizontal jump of the female T. penetrans ranged from 18 to 138 mm with a mean of 64 mm and that of the male ranged from 9 to 251 mm with a mean of 80 mm. Based on the literature, fleas of various species have been described as jumping vertically 50-100 times their size and horizontally 5-100 times their size. In this respect, sand fleas appear to have equal expert jumping abilities to their relatives. Their aggregation on people's feet is not likely a result of their poor jumping ability but might be an adaptation to the host's behavior which would require further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayako Hyuga
- Human Health Theme, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, Nairobi 00100, Kenya
| | - Paul Ouma
- Human Health Theme, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, Nairobi 00100, Kenya
| | - Abneel K Matharu
- Human Health Theme, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, Nairobi 00100, Kenya
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Robert-von-Ostertag-Str. 7, 14163 Berlin, Germany
| | - Jürgen Krücken
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Robert-von-Ostertag-Str. 7, 14163 Berlin, Germany
| | - Satoshi Kaneko
- Department of Eco-Epidemiology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University, 1-12-4 Sakamoto, Nagasaki-shi 852-8523, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - 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
| | - Ulrike Fillinger
- Human Health Theme, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, Nairobi 00100, Kenya
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Gonçalves TDS, Sampaio-Júnior FD, Barrozo PHM, de Farias DM, Alves LB, de Souza EEG, de Aguiar AB, Nery BWB, Gering AP, Linardi PM, Martins TF, Scofield A. Tick and flea infestations in captive Tapirus terrestris and Tapirus kabomani (Perissodactyla: Tapiridae) in the Brazilian Amazon. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2023; 14:102234. [PMID: 37499566 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2023.102234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
The present study aimed to identify tick and flea species infesting captive tapirs (Tapirus terrestris and Tapirus kabomani) in the Brazilian Amazon. Ectoparasites were collected from tapirs chemically restrained in Zoo-botanical Parks, breeding facilities, conservationists and, environmental compensation areas in the states of Amapá, Amazonas, and Pará. After collection, the tick and flea specimens were placed in plastic pots containing isopropanol and identified according to dichotomous keys. Ectoparasite infestations were observed in 55% (18/33) tapirs, of which 61% (11/18) were single infestations with ticks or fleas, and 39% (7/18) were mixed infestations with different species of ticks and/or fleas. In total, 227 ticks (15 larvae, 107 nymphs, 38 females and 67 males) and 14 fleas (eight females and six males) were collected, identifying four tick species (Amblyomma cajennense sensu stricto , Amblyomma naponense, Amblyomma oblongoguttatum, and Amblyomma pacae) and three flea species and/or subspecies (Ctenocephalides felis felis, Rhopalopsyllus australis australis, and Tunga penetrans). In conclusion, infestations with Ixodidae ticks and Rhopalopsyllidae, Pulicidae and Tungidae fleas were found in captive tapirs in the Brazilian Amazon, and A. cajennense s.s. was the most frequent species. Additionally, the present study reports new associations between A. pacae and R. a. australis with T. terrestris and between A. cajennense s.s. with T. kabomani.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thamirys de Souza Gonçalves
- Laboratory of Animal Health, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Castanhal, Pará, Brazil; Postgraduate Program in Animal Health in the Amazon, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Pará, Castanhal, Brazil
| | - Francisco Dantas Sampaio-Júnior
- Laboratory of Animal Health, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Castanhal, Pará, Brazil; Postgraduate Program in Animal Health in the Amazon, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Pará, Castanhal, Brazil
| | - Pedro Henrique Marques Barrozo
- Laboratory of Animal Health, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Castanhal, Pará, Brazil; Postgraduate Program in Animal Health in the Amazon, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Pará, Castanhal, Brazil
| | - Diana Maria de Farias
- Laboratory of Animal Health, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Castanhal, Pará, Brazil; Postgraduate Program in Animal Health in the Amazon, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Pará, Castanhal, Brazil
| | - Larissa Borges Alves
- Laboratory of Animal Health, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Castanhal, Pará, Brazil
| | - Elda Ely Gomes de Souza
- Postgraduate Program in Animal Health in the Amazon, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Pará, Castanhal, Brazil
| | - Adriano Bezerra de Aguiar
- Center for Research and Rehabilitation of Wild Animals (CEPRAS), Balbina Hydroelectric Dam, Presidente Figueiredo, Amazonas, Brazil
| | | | - Ana Paula Gering
- Postgraduate Program in Animal Health in the Amazon, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Pará, Castanhal, Brazil; Department of Veterinary Clinic, School of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics, Federal University of Tocantins North (UFNT), Araguaína, Tocantins, Brazil
| | - Pedro Marcos Linardi
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Thiago Fernandes Martins
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil; Pasteur Institute (IP) of the São Paulo State Department of Health (SES/SP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alessandra Scofield
- Laboratory of Animal Health, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Castanhal, Pará, Brazil; Postgraduate Program in Animal Health in the Amazon, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Pará, Castanhal, Brazil.
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Thielecke M, McNeilly H, Mutebi F, Banalyaki MB, Arono R, Wiese S, Reichert F, Mukone G, Feldmeier H. High Level of Knowledge about Tungiasis but Little Translation into Control Practices in Karamoja, Northeastern Uganda. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:425. [PMID: 37755887 PMCID: PMC10537667 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8090425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Tungiasis is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) that can cause significant suffering and disability. Health promotion is an important pillar in NTD control programs, assuming that better knowledge contributes to reduced risk behavior and reduced risk of infection. The study objective was to assess tungiasis-related knowledge and its translation into control practices in a rural and highly endemic setting in Karamoja, Northeastern Uganda. We applied a mixed-methods design on household and community level. A semi-quantitative questionnaire on knowledge, practices, and attitudes (KAP) regarding tungiasis was administered to 1329 individuals with the main caring responsibilities in the household. Additionally, eight community dialogue meetings were held and analyzed. Overall, knowledge of tungiasis in humans was high but knowledge of tungiasis in animals was low. Most questionnaire respondents knew the causative agent and clinical presentations of tungiasis in humans, risk factors, and preventive measures. This tungiasis-related knowledge was translated into simple prevention measures. However, adequate tungiasis control was impeded due to a lack of resources, such as access to water and effective medical treatment. In conclusion, health promotion campaigns should be integrated with support towards adequate tungiasis control measures, such as provision of safe treatment, hardening of non-solid floors in the houses, and improved access to water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlene Thielecke
- Charité Center for Global Health, Institute of International Health, Charité University Medicine, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Hannah McNeilly
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9AG, UK
| | - Francis Mutebi
- Innovations for Tropical Disease Elimination (IFOTRODE), Kampala P.O. Box 24461, Uganda
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Resources, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, Kampala P.O. Box 7062, Uganda
| | - Mike B. Banalyaki
- Innovations for Tropical Disease Elimination (IFOTRODE), Kampala P.O. Box 24461, Uganda
| | - Rebecca Arono
- Innovations for Tropical Disease Elimination (IFOTRODE), Kampala P.O. Box 24461, Uganda
| | - Susanne Wiese
- Institute of Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Charité University Medicine, 12203 Berlin, Germany
| | - Felix Reichert
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Robert Koch Institute, 13353 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, 12203 Berlin, Germany
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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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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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Saboyá-Díaz MI, Nicholls RS, Castellanos LG, Feldmeier H. Current status of the knowledge on the epidemiology of tungiasis in the Americas. Rev Panam Salud Publica 2022; 46:e124. [PMID: 36060204 PMCID: PMC9426953 DOI: 10.26633/rpsp.2022.124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives. To present the state-of-the-knowledge on the epidemiology of tungiasis in the Region of the Americas. Methods. A search of publications on the epidemiology of tungiasis in the Americas was performed in PubMed and LILACS databases from January 2007 to June 2021. In addition, a manual literature search on articles on the epidemiology of tungiasis was performed. Results. A total of 83 articles were analyzed which contained relevant information on tungiasis cases and their geographical distribution, prevalence and risk factors, life cycle, sites where transmission takes place, and zoonotic aspects. The on-host and off-host life cycles have been researched in detail. In certain contexts, the whole life cycle is completed indoors enabling transmission around the whole year. Cases were reported from 10 countries; 71% of them were from Brazil. In the general population, the prevalence varied between 1.0% and 82.6% according to the settings. Age-specific prevalence indicated that children and the elderly bear the highest disease burden. Risk factor studies indicate that tungiasis is associated with severe poverty. Conclusions. In the Americas, there are important gaps in information and knowledge of tungiasis. Understanding the burden, epidemiology, distribution, magnitude, related risk factors, and reservoirs, among others, is needed to develop and implement integrated control measures tailored to the context and patterns of transmission in the affected communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martha Idalí Saboyá-Díaz
- Pan American Health Organization Washington, DC United States of America Pan American Health Organization, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Rubén Santiago Nicholls
- Pan American Health Organization Washington, DC United States of America Pan American Health Organization, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Luis Gerardo Castellanos
- Pan American Health Organization Washington, DC United States of America Pan American Health Organization, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Hermann Feldmeier
- University Medicine Berlin Berlin Germany University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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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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Amare HH, Lindtjorn B. Risk factors for scabies, tungiasis, and tinea infections among schoolchildren in southern Ethiopia: A cross-sectional Bayesian multilevel model. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009816. [PMID: 34613968 PMCID: PMC8494366 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Skin problems cause significant sickness in communities with poor living conditions, but they have received less attention in national or global health studies because of their low mortality rates. In many developing regions, the prevalence of parasitic skin diseases among schoolchildren is not reported. Previous studies thus have attempted to identify risk factors for these conditions using the frequentist approach. This study aimed to assess the occurrence and risk factors of skin infections among rural schoolchildren in southern Ethiopia by combining a frequentist and a Bayesian approach. Methodology/Principal findings Using three-stage random sampling, we assessed 864 schoolchildren aged 7–14 years from the Wonago district in southern Ethiopia. We detected potential risk factors for scabies, tungiasis, and tinea infections and recorded their hygienic practices and socio-demographic information. The frequentist model revealed a clustering effect of 8.8% at the classroom level and an insignificant effect at the school level. The Bayesian model revealed a clustering effect of 16% at the classroom level and 5.3% at the school level. Almost three-fourths of the sample had at least one type of skin problem, and boys were at higher overall risk than girls (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.55 [95% Bayesian credible interval [BCI] 1.01, 2.28). Risk factors included unclean fingernails (aOR 1.85 [95% BCI 1.08, 2.97]); not washing the body (aOR 1.90 [95% BCI 1.21, 2.85]) and hair (aOR 3.07 [95% BCI 1.98, 4.57]) with soap every week; sharing a bed (aOR 1.97 [95% BCI 1.27, 2.89]), clothes (aOR 5.65 [95% BCI 3.31, 9.21]), or combs (aOR 3.65 [95% BCI 2.28, 5.53]); and living in a poor household (aOR 1.76 [95% BCI 1.03, 2.83]). Washing legs and feet with soap daily was identified as a protective factor for each of the three skin diseases (aOR 0.23 [95% BCI 0.15, 0.33]). Conclusions/Significance We observed high variation in skin problems at the classroom level, indicating the presence of shared risk factors in these locations. The findings suggest the need to improve children’s personal hygiene via health education by schoolteachers and health workers. Skin problems are common disorders in resource poor settings. Scabies and tungiasis are neglected tropical diseases causing significant sickness in communities with poor living conditions. Scabies is dermatosis caused by a burrowing mite, Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis. Tungiasis is caused by a flea, Tunga penetrans, infesting the skin, usually on the feet or hands. Tinea infection is a fungal dermatophyte infection of the skin and the most common dermatological problem among schoolchildren in Ethiopia, especially tinea capitis. Application of a Bayesian approach to identify possible risk factors for these problems has seldom been used. We found that compared to the frequentist model, the Bayesian model better explained school- and classroom-level variations in skin problems among schoolchildren. Our findings also suggest that transmission of skin infections, especially fungal and scabies infections, frequently occurs in schools and classrooms. We identified several risk factors for these conditions, including low socioeconomic status; unclean fingernails; not washing with soap at least every week; and sharing beds, clothes, and combs. Thus, it is important to improve the personal hygiene of schoolchildren through education. Regular checkups by teachers also can improve skin health and related morbidity in rural schoolchildren in southern Ethiopia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiwot Hailu Amare
- School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia
- Centre for International Health, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences and Medicine, Dilla University, Dilla, Ethiopia
- * E-mail:
| | - Bernt Lindtjorn
- School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia
- Centre for International Health, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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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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Lam SD, Ashford P, Díaz-Sánchez S, Villar M, Gortázar C, de la Fuente J, Orengo C. Arthropod Ectoparasites Have Potential to Bind SARS-CoV-2 via ACE. Viruses 2021; 13:v13040708. [PMID: 33921873 PMCID: PMC8073597 DOI: 10.3390/v13040708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus-like organisms have been previously identified in Arthropod ectoparasites (such as ticks and unfed cat flea). Yet, the question regarding the possible role of these arthropods as SARS-CoV-2 passive/biological transmission vectors is still poorly explored. In this study, we performed in silico structural and binding energy calculations to assess the risks associated with possible ectoparasite transmission. We found sufficient similarity between ectoparasite ACE and human ACE2 protein sequences to build good quality 3D-models of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike:ACE complex to assess the impacts of ectoparasite mutations on complex stability. For several species (e.g., water flea, deer tick, body louse), our analyses showed no significant destabilisation of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike:ACE complex, suggesting these species would bind the viral Spike protein. Our structural analyses also provide structural rationale for interactions between the viral Spike and the ectoparasite ACE proteins. Although we do not have experimental evidence of infection in these ectoparasites, the predicted stability of the complex suggests this is possible, raising concerns of a possible role in passive transmission of the virus to their human hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su Datt Lam
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, UCL, Darwin Building, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK;
- Department of Applied Physics, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi 43600, Selangor, Malaysia
- Correspondence: (S.D.L.); (J.d.l.F.); (C.O.)
| | - Paul Ashford
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, UCL, Darwin Building, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK;
| | - Sandra Díaz-Sánchez
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain; (S.D.-S.); (M.V.); (C.G.)
| | - Margarita Villar
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain; (S.D.-S.); (M.V.); (C.G.)
- Regional Centre for Biomedical Research (CRIB), Biochemistry Section, Faculty of Science and Chemical Technologies, University of Castilla-La Mancha, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Christian Gortázar
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain; (S.D.-S.); (M.V.); (C.G.)
| | - José de la Fuente
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain; (S.D.-S.); (M.V.); (C.G.)
- Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
- Correspondence: (S.D.L.); (J.d.l.F.); (C.O.)
| | - Christine Orengo
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, UCL, Darwin Building, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK;
- Correspondence: (S.D.L.); (J.d.l.F.); (C.O.)
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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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Clinical and macroscopic morphological features of canine tungiasis. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:807-818. [PMID: 33474585 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-07013-7] [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: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Tungiasis is a public health problem in endemic resource-poor communities, where dogs are important reservoirs of Tunga spp., contributing significantly to the process of transmission of this zoonosis. In order to optimize the diagnosis of canine tungiasis, macroscopic morphological characteristics and clinical signs of the lesions were investigated, based on the inspection of 40 dogs infested by T. penetrans from an endemic rural community in northeastern Brazil. Of the 1546 lesions found in these dogs, including all stages of development of the parasite, 89.1% (1378) were located on the paw pads. Dogs aged up to 5 years had the greatest number of lesions. Dark pigmentation and hyperkeratosis of the paw pads made it difficult to identify the lesions. Among all the clinical signs observed were hyperemia (38; 95%), pain (32; 80%), fissure (11; 27.5%), onychogryphosis (29; 72.5%), cluster of lesions (26; 65%), hyperkeratosis (25; 62.5%), lameness (15; 37.5%), and fissure (11; 27.5%). Ectopic lesions were found especially in the nipples (64; 4.1%) and abdomen (51; 3.3%). The maximum diameter of the stage III neosomes was 6 mm. Dogs with a higher number of lesions had a higher degree of hyperkeratosis. Age over 1 year was associated with a higher rate of dispersion of the parasite in the environment (p = 0.04). The identification of the initial stages of tungiasis can guarantee a more effective control of the disease in dogs, which will mainly depend on the treatment of adult animals and the application of continuous preventive actions based on One Health in these communities.
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Nascimento CSI, Moura JF, Robbi B, Fernandes MA. Lesions in osteoderms of pampatheres (Mammalia, Xenarthra, Cingulata) possibly caused by fleas. Acta Trop 2020; 211:105614. [PMID: 32621936 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2020.105614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
In this study, the first records of lesions in osteoderms of Holmesina, a group of fossil cingulates related to armadillos, possibly caused by the action of penetrating fleas (Siphonaptera) are described. Three individuals of Holmesina cryptae (Pampatheriidae) were collected from Quaternary sediments in Lapinha Cave (Iramaia, Bahia state, Brazil). Their osteoderms were analyzed by stereomicroscope and scanning electron microscopy and alterations on their surfaces were recognized. We found 63 marks distributed in 23 of 1300 analyzed osteoderms (approximately 1.8% of the total of osteoderms), characterized by vertical cavities with well-delimited circular borders similar to those lesions made by Tungidae fleas in extant mammals. These records indicate that there was an interaction between penetrating fleas and pampatheres during the Quaternary in Brazilian Intertropical Region, and contribute to the understanding of the evolution of these ectoparasites and the relationship with their hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Santa Isabel Nascimento
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia e Recursos Naturais, Laboratório de Paleoecologia e Paleoicnologia, Departamento de Ecologia e Biologia Evolutiva, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, Rod. Washington Luís, km 235, São Carlos, SP, Brasil.
| | - Jorge Felipe Moura
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia e Recursos Naturais, Laboratório de Paleoecologia e Paleoicnologia, Departamento de Ecologia e Biologia Evolutiva, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, Rod. Washington Luís, km 235, São Carlos, SP, Brasil
| | - Beatriz Robbi
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Conservação da Fauna, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, Rod. Washington Luís, km 235, São Carlos, SP, Brasil
| | - Marcelo Adorna Fernandes
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia e Recursos Naturais, Laboratório de Paleoecologia e Paleoicnologia, Departamento de Ecologia e Biologia Evolutiva, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, Rod. Washington Luís, km 235, São Carlos, SP, Brasil
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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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Gonçalves LR, Harrus S, Herrera HM, Gutiérrez R, Pedrassani D, Nantes WAG, Santos FM, Porfírio GEDO, Barreto WTG, de Macedo GC, Assis WDO, Campos JBV, da Silva TMV, Biolchi J, de Sousa KCM, Nachum-Biala Y, Barros-Battesti DM, Machado RZ, André MR. Low occurrence of Bartonella in synanthropic mammals and associated ectoparasites in peri-urban areas from Central-Western and Southern Brazil. Acta Trop 2020; 207:105513. [PMID: 32371220 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2020.105513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Revised: 04/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Worldwide, Bartonella species are known to infect a wide range of mammalian and arthropod hosts, including humans. The current study aimed to investigate the prevalence of Bartonella spp. in synanthropic mammals captured in peri-urban areas from Central-Western and Southern Brazil and their ectoparasites. For this aim, 160 mammals belonging to four species, and 218 associated arthropods were sampled. DNA was extracted and subjected to different Bartonella screening assays. Additionally, blood samples from 48 small rodents were submitted to liquid BAPGM culture followed by qPCR assay and solid culture. Two out of 55 Rattus captured in Santa Catarina state were PCR-positive for Bartonella when targeting the nuoG, 16S, and ITS loci. Sequences showed high homology with Bartonella coopersplainsensis. Conversely, all 48 small rodents, 14 capybaras and 43 opossum DNA samples from animals trapped in Mato Grosso do Sul were Bartonella negative in the HRM real time PCR assays targeting the ITS locus and gltA gene. Additionally, all mammal-associated ectoparasites showed negativity results based on HRM real time PCR assays. The present study showed, for the first time, the occurrence of B. coopersplainsensis in Brazil, shedding some light on the distribution of rats-related Bartonella in South America. In addition, the majority of rodents and marsupials were negative for Bartonella spp. Since B. coopersplainsensis reservoirs - Rattus spp. - are widely dispersed around the globe, their zoonotic potential should be further investigated.
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Moreno Salas L, Espinoza-Carniglia M, Lizama Schmeisser N, Torres LG, Silva-de la Fuente MC, Lareschi M, González-Acuña D. Fleas of black rats ( Rattus rattus) as reservoir host of Bartonella spp. in Chile. PeerJ 2019; 7:e7371. [PMID: 31396444 PMCID: PMC6679904 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.7371] [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: 04/26/2019] [Accepted: 06/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Rattus rattus is a widely distributed, invasive species that presents an important role in disease transmission, either directly or through vector arthropods such as fleas. These black rats can transmit a wide variety of pathogens, including bacteria of the genus Bartonella, which can cause diseases in humans and animals. In Chile, no data are available identifying fleas from synanthropic rodents as Bartonella vectors. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of Bartonella spp. in the fleas of R. rattus in areas with different climate conditions and featuring different human population densities. Methods In all, 174 fleas collected from 261 R. rattus captured from 30 localities with different human densities (cities, villages, and wild areas) across five hydrographic zones of Chile (hyper-arid, arid, semi-arid, sub-humid, and hyper-humid) were examined. Bartonella spp. presence was determined through polymerase chain reaction, using gltA and rpoB genes, which were concatenated to perform a similarity analysis with BLAST and phylogenetic analysis. Results Overall, 15 fleas species were identified; Bartonella gltA and rpoB fragments were detected in 21.2% (37/174) and 19.5% (34/174) of fleas, respectively. A total of 10 of the 15 fleas species found were positive for Bartonella DNA. Leptopsylla segnis was the most commonly collected flea species (n = 55), and it also presented a high prevalence of Bartonella DNA (P% = 34.5%). The highest numbers of fleas of this species were collected in villages of the arid zone. There were no seasonal differences in the prevalence of Bartonella DNA. The presence of Bartonella DNA in fleas was recorded in all hydrographic areas, and the arid zone presented the highest prevalence of this species. Regarding areas with different human densities, the highest prevalence was noted in the villages (34.8% gltA and 31.8% rpoB), followed by cities (14.8% gltA and 11.1% rpoB) and wild areas (7.4% gltA and 14.8% rpoB). The BLAST analysis showed a high similitude (>96%) with four uncharacterized Bartonella genotypes and with two species with zoonotic potential: B. mastomydis and B. tribocorum. The phylogenetic analysis showed a close relationship with B. elizabethae and B. tribocorum. This is the first study to provide evidence of the presence of Bartonella in fleas of R. rattus in Chile, indicating that the villages and arid zone correspond to areas with higher infection risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucila Moreno Salas
- Departamento de Zoología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Oceanográficas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Mario Espinoza-Carniglia
- Departamento de Zoología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Oceanográficas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Nicol Lizama Schmeisser
- Departamento de Zoología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Oceanográficas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - L Gonzalo Torres
- Departamento de Zoología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Oceanográficas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile.,Facultad de Ciencias, Programa de Magíster en Ciencias mención Ecología Aplicada, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - María Carolina Silva-de la Fuente
- Departamento de Ciencia Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Laboratorio de Parásitos y Enfermedades de Fauna Silvestre, Universidad de Concepción, Chillán, Chile.,Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad San Sebastián, Concepción, Chile
| | - Marcela Lareschi
- Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectores CEPAVE (CONICET CCT-La Plata-UNLP), La Plata, Argentina
| | - Daniel González-Acuña
- Departamento de Ciencia Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Laboratorio de Parásitos y Enfermedades de Fauna Silvestre, Universidad de Concepción, Chillán, Chile
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de Lima FCG, Porpino KDO. Ectoparasitism and infections in the exoskeletons of large fossil cingulates. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0205656. [PMID: 30335796 PMCID: PMC6193641 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0205656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2017] [Accepted: 09/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies on paleopathological alterations in fossil vertebrates, including damages caused by infections and ectoparasites, are important because they are potential sources of paleoecological information. Analyzing exoskeleton material (isolated osteoderms, carapace and caudal tube fragments) from fossil cingulates of the Brazilian Quaternary Megafauna, we identified damages that were attributed to attacks by fleas and dermic infections. The former were compatible with alterations produced by one species of flea of the genus Tunga, which generates well-delimited circular perforations with a patterned distribution along the carapace; the latter were attributable to pathogenic microorganisms, likely bacteria or fungi that removed the ornamentation of osteoderms and, in certain cases, generated craters or pittings. Certain bone alterations observed in this study represent the first record of flea attack and pitting in two species of large glyptodonts (Panochthus and Glyptotherium) and in a non-glyptodontid large cingulate (Pachyarmatherium) from the Quaternary of the Brazilian Intertropical Region. These new occurrences widen the geographic distribution of those diseases during the Cenozoic and provide more evidence for the co-evolutionary interaction between cingulates and parasites registered to date only for a small number of other extinct and extant species.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kleberson de Oliveira Porpino
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia e Conservação, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido, Mossoró, Brazil
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade do Estado do Rio Grande do Norte, Mossoró, Brazil
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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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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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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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Camargo I, Romero-Callejas E, Cornejo-Latorre C, Rios E, Álvarez-Castañeda ST. Prevalence and intensity of flea Tunga monositus (Siphonaptera) in an insular population of Peromyscus maniculatus (Rodentia) from Northwest Mexico. MAMMALIA 2017. [DOI: 10.1515/mammalia-2016-0013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
AbstractWe surveyed the status of the endemic deer mouse
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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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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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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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