Paederus beetles: the agent of human dermatitis

Abstract

BackgroundRove beetles of the genus Paederus cause dermatitis when they come in contact with human skin. This condition is prevalent in some tropical and subtropical regions, such as in northern Pakistan, where it was recorded for the first time by US troops. Despite much research from other countries on this subject, few studies, mostly clinical, have been performed in a Pakistani context. A survey was carried out in villages, towns and cities of Punjab province, Pakistan, to explore the rove beetle population dynamics and to develop a model to elucidate the symptoms, preventive measures and treatment strategies for this dermatitis.MethodsThe prospective observational and patient surveys were performed bimonthly over a period of two years, in different districts of Punjab province. Collection was carried out in fields, gardens and houses during every visit with the aid of a pitfall trap, light trap, flight intercept trap, Berlese funnel trap and sweep netting. These traps were installed for four days during every visit. Interviews of ten individuals of different ages and sexes from each site were recorded during each visit.ResultsOut of 980 individuals, 26.4% were found to suffer from Paederus dermatitis. Lesions were most commonly found on the neck followed by the face. In July-August during the rainy season, this skin irritation was most prevalent and the population of these beetles peaked (36.2%). During May-June, the beetle population was lowest (7.85%) due to soil dryness. About 70% of such irritation cases were from individuals living in farming villages or in farmhouses. Their houses typically (80%) had broken doors and screen-less windows while 97% of the residents were unaware of how they may have come into contact with these beetles. In most cases (91% from villages/small towns and 24% from cities and adjoining areas) the local residents were unaware of modern treatment strategies.ConclusionsPaederus dermatitis is extremely frequent in villages with poor housing facilities and could be avoided via community awareness.

Clinical and Epidemiological Features of Paederus Dermatitis Among Nut Farm Workers in Turkey

“…However, periorbital dermatitis, keratoconjunctivitis, and temporary blindness have also been reported. 5,7,12,21 Ocular involvement was not identified in any of our patients; however, one patient (2.17%) had a facial lesion on the cheek just below the eye.…”

“…Clinical presentation during warm and humid seasons, lack of dermatomal pain distribution, kissing lesions, and short recovery time are diagnostic findings indicative of Paederus dermatitis. [11][12][13][14] Giresun is located in the Black Sea region of Turkey. It has the second highest average rainfall in Turkey and a temperate climate.…”

Paederus Dermatitis: A Common but Misdiagnosed and Neglected Entity

“…In our study, the peak incidence was noticed from June to August 2010 in accordance with other studies. [5,8] Exposed body parts such as head, neck and upper extremities were most commonly affected sites in our study. A similar observation was made in a study of 77 cases in Punjab by Handa et al [9] Up to 20% of patients are totally asymptomatic and present only with the skin lesions and similar was our observation.…”

“…[5] It is a seasonal insect born vesiculobullous dermatitis reported from hot and humid tropical regions. Earliest records of PD were published by Vorderman from Java in 1901 later on Ross firstly described this disease at East Africa in 1916.…”

Paederus dermatitis – touched by champion flies – three clinical manifestations of pederin toxin‐inflicted dermatitis

“…The insect is 5–10 mm in length and counts more than 600 species worldwide. It is found in humid tropical climates in East and West Africa . Breeding takes place in wet rotting leaves and soils, so the population increases rapidly during rainy seasons.…”