Tungiasis: a neglected health problem of poor communities

Abstract

SummaryTungiasis is caused by the¯ea Tunga penetrans. Growing urbanization, improved housing and use of appropriate footwear presumably have led to an overall reduction of the occurrence of this ectoparasitosis within the last decades. However, it is still highly prevalent where people live in extreme poverty, occurring in many Latin American and African countries. Although the infection has long been known, data on the ectoparasite's biology and the epidemiology of the disease are scant. Methods for treatment, prevention and control have never been evaluated in a scienti®c manner. Tungiasis remains an important public health problem for the very poor, a problem neglected by those who are affected, by the medical profession and by the scienti®c community.

Tungiasis in Northern Tanzania: a clinical report from Qameyu village, Babati District, Manyara Region

“…In some cases, vital fleas were present even below lesions characterized clinically by necrosis or hyperkeratosis. After years of infestation, these lesions can leave permanent deformity of the heel, in particular in adults (Figure 1) [14]. Another finding, which to our knowledge has never been described , was the presence of lytic lesions beneath the nail plate, which appear as small holes (Figure 2).…”

Tungíase disseminada

“…[1][2][3] Maturation occurs between 8 and 12 days and the enlarged abdomen of the flea can contain as many as 200 eggs or more. It is endemic in Latin America, the Caribbean and sub-Saharan Africa.…”

Therapy of tungiasis: a double-blinded randomized controlled trial with oral ivermectin

“…Tungiasis, an ectoparasitosis caused by the penetration of the female sand flea Tunga penetrans into the epidermis, is endemic in South America, the Caribbean and sub-saharan Africa and a scourge for many resourcepoor populations (Heukelbach et al 2001). In Brazil, tungiasis occurs from the far north of the country to the state of Rio Grande do Sul in the south (Heukelbach et al 2001).…”

“…In Brazil, tungiasis occurs from the far north of the country to the state of Rio Grande do Sul in the south (Heukelbach et al 2001). However, the disease is neglected by health care providers and the scientific community (Heukelbach et al 2002(Heukelbach et al , 2003b.…”

“…Standard therapy of tungiasis consists of removing the embedded flea with a sterile needle and disinfection of the remaining sore (Heukelbach et al 2001). Surgical extraction of the flea, though, is not an easy task, as it requires a skilled hand and good eye-sight.…”