Simonart T, Lam Hoai XL, De Maertelaer V. Epidemiologic evolution of common cutaneous infestations and arthropod bites: A Google Trends analysis.
JAAD Int 2021;
5:69-75. [PMID:
34505090 PMCID:
PMC8416960 DOI:
10.1016/j.jdin.2021.08.003]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background
Common cutaneous infestations and arthropod bites are not reportable conditions in most countries. Their worldwide epidemiologic evolution and distribution are mostly unknown.
Objective
To explore the evolution and geographic distribution of common cutaneous infestations and arthropod bites through an analysis of Google Trends.
Methods
Search trends from 2004 through March 2021 for common cutaneous infestations and arthropod bites were extracted from Google Trends, quantified, and analyzed.
Results
Time series decomposition showed that total search term volume for pubic lice decreased worldwide over the study period, while the interest for ticks, pediculosis, insect bites, scabies, lice, and bed bugs increased (in increasing order). The interest for bed bugs was more pronounced in the former Union of Soviet Socialist Republics countries, interest for lice in Near East and Middle East countries, and interest for pubic lice in South American countries. Internet searches for bed bugs, insect bites, and ticks exhibited the highest seasonal patterns.
Limitations
Retrospective analysis limits interpretation.
Conclusion
Surveillance systems based on Google Trends may enhance the timeliness of traditional surveillance systems and suggest that, while most cutaneous infestations increase worldwide, pubic lice may be globally declining.
Collapse