Dermatitis por Paederus. Acerca de tres casos / Paederus dermatitis. About three cases

Resumen La "dermatitis por Paederus", es una dermatitis vesicante secundaria al contacto con coleópteros de este género. Se describen más de 600 especies de Paederus, con predominio en áreas tropicales y subtropicales, varias de ellas se asocian a dermatitis. Al ser apretado o aplastado contra la piel, la hemolinfa que contiene paederina, lesiona la epidermis, por medio del bloqueo de la mitosis de células epiteliales basales y células suprabasales. Se exponen tres casos clínicos dermatológicos con lesiones características compatibles con "dermatitis por Paederus". Se realiza además una revisión bibliográfica sobre el tema, a fin de exponer los puntos más importantes de esta patología de gran interés médico y que representa en muchas ocasiones desafíos diagnósticos.

Summary "Paederus dermatitis" is a vesicant dermatitis secondary to contact with this beetle. There are more than 600 species of Paederus described, with a predominance in tropical and subtropical areas, some of these are associated with dermatitis. When they are pressed or crushed against the skin, releases secretions with pederin, that causes an injury in the epidermis, by mitosis blocking of basal and suprabasal epithelial cells. This article describes three dermatological clinical cases with charac-teristic lesions compatible with "Paederus dermatitis". In addition a bibliographic review is presented in order to expose the most important points of this medical interest pathology, that frequently represents diagnostic challenges.

Outbreak investigation of acid fly attack among residential students in a tertiary care centre in South India

Paederus dermatitis is the skin irritation resulting from contact with the haemolymph of certain rove beetles, a group that is comprised by the genus Paederus. In May 2018, there was an increase in the number of residential students reporting with burning skin lesions. In this context, an outbreak investigation was conducted. A team of public health specialists visited these residential buildings and premises. The inmates who were affected were interviewed and examined. Suspected insects were collected and entomologically evaluated by the Zoological Survey of India. On examination of the affected individuals, it was observed that the rashes were very much suggestive of acid fly toxin induced lesions. Inspection of the premises, revealed small heaps of dried leaves with moisture at two sites which could have served as a suitable environment for acid fly multiplication. Our study concluded that Paederus fuscipes as the causative agent. Top storeys of buildings, illuminated at night, facing potentially wet areas were considered to be the potential risk factor. Fly proofing of the building, cleaning the institution premises and chemical treatment was suggested as appropriate control measures.

Attraction factors for Paederus fuscipes ' dispersal, a vector of Paederus dermatitis towards human residential premises

ABSTRACT Paederus fuscipes, a vector of Paederus dermatitis in most tropical and subtropical countries of the world have a high prevalence in human dwellings due to their positively phototaxic behaviour which has caused a tremendous impact on human health. In this paper, P. fuscipes dispersal flights were studied for two seasons of the rice cultivation phases in residential premises built close to rice field areas (≈32-60 m and 164 m) in mainland Penang, Malaysia. We examined the effects of different light illuminance, building floor level and their association with rice stages as a focal cause of P. fuscipes dispersion from the rice fields towards human dwellings. The present study showed a significant interaction between different light illuminances and rice cultivation phases in attracting P. fuscipes to disperse and invade human dwellings. The highest number of P. fuscipes was captured near the bright light. P. fuscipes flights increased in line with each floor level, and the highest captures took place at higher building floor levels (levels 2 and 3) compared to lower building floor levels (ground floor and level 1) of a three storey apartment in both rice seasons. This finding not only conveys a better understanding on P. fuscipes dispersal pattern, but also draws public attention on the occurrence of dermatitis linearis caused by the Paederus beetles.

Comparative repellency effect of three plant extracts on Paederus beetles (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae), the cause of linear dermatitis in Iran

Objective: To investigate the repellent effect of neem, juniper and eucalyptus extracts as a form of protection against Paederus beetles, which are a cause of linear dermatitis in Iran. Methods: After collecting and extracting plant samples, the extracts were tested on Paederus beetles in three concentrations (2.5%, 5.0% and 10.0%) with direct method under laboratory conditions. The data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 20). Results: The results indicated that there was a significant difference between neem with juniper and eucalyptus at the 2.5% and 5.0% concentrations (P < 0.05), whereas there was a significant difference between all three extracts at the 10.0% concentration (P < 0.05). Conclusions: This is the first report on the repellent effect of these three plant extracts on Paederus beetles. Neem oil appeared to have the largest effect on Paederus spp. and juniper essential oil exhibited the second highest repellency, followed by eucalyptus.

Paederus beetles: the agent of human dermatitis

Background Rove 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. Methods The 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. Results Out 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. Paederus dermatitis is extremely frequent in villages with poor housing facilities and could be avoided via community awareness.(AU)

Dermatitis de contacto por Paederus en un niño de 12 años / Contact Paederus Dermatitis in a 12 years old boy

La dermatitis por Paederus es un tipo particular de dermatitis de contacto causada por la pederina contenida en la hemolinfa de un pequeño insecto del género Paederus. Se caracteriza por una erupción vesicopustulosa sobre una base eritematosa de rápida aparición, en zonas descubiertas, con el antecedente de exposición al aire libre. El diagnóstico se realiza por las manifestaciones clínicas típicas y el contexto epidemiológico. El objetivo de esta publicación es presentar un caso clínico, y evaluar la epidemiologia y las manifestaciones clínicas de la dermatitis de contacto por Paederus.

Paederus dermatitis is a peculiar contact dermatitis caused by pederine contained in the hemolimph of a small insect of the genus Paederus. It is characterized by vesico-pustulous eruption arising over an erythematous background, of sudden onset, over exposed areas of the body, and the history of outdoor activities. Diagnosis is based on the typical clinical features and the epidemiological context. The aim of this publication is to report a case and evaluate the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of Paederus dermatitis.

Dermatite vesicante pelo Paederus sp. relato de 19 casos em Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brasil / Vesicant dermatitis: report of 19 cases and first record of Paederus sp. Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brasil / Dermatitis vesicante por Paederus sp. informe de 19 casos em Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brasil

A ocupação desordenada de ambientes e a sinantropia aumentam os acidentes por artrópodes de importância médica em áreas urbanas. De outubro de 2009 a abril de 2010, após forte calor e chuvas, foram identificados na zona urbana de Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brasil, 19 casos de dermatite vesicante, com observação de correlação entre as histórias clínico-epidemiológicas, aspectos clinico-morfológicos e evolutivos da dermatite por pederina. Dois coleópteros identificados na Universidade Federal de Viçosa como Paederus sp. foram coletados neste período, embora não correlacionados aos casos. Este relato de caso visa registrar a presença da dermatite vesicante e a ocorrência atípica do agente causticante no município, contribuindo com aspectos epidemiológicos e clínicos para o diagnóstico e tratamento desta dermatose.

The disordered occupation and the synanthropy of urban environments increase the number of accidents of medical importance caused by arthropods in urban areas. After intense heat and rain, from October 2009 to April 2010 were identified in the city of Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil, 19 cases of dermatitis vesicant, with observation of correlation between the clinical histories, epidemiological and evolutionary clinical-morphological aspects of the dermatosis by pederin. Two beetles, identified at the Federal University of Viçosa, as Paederus sp. were collected during this period although not correlated to the occurrences. This case report aims to show the presence of the vesicant dermatitis, its clinical and therapeutic implications for human health and record the atypical occurrence of blistering agent in Viçosa, contributing with epidemiological and clinical aspects to the development of dermatosis research work in the region.

La ocupación desordenada de los entornos y la sinantropia aumentan los accidentes por artrópodos de importancia médica en las zonas urbanas. De octubre de 2009 a abril de 2010, después de un intenso calor y lluvias, fueron identificados en la zona urbana de Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brasil, 19 casos de dermatitis vesicante, con la observación de la correlación entre las historias clínico-epidemiológicas, los aspectos clínico-morfológicos y evolutivos de la dermatitis por pederina. Dos coleópteros identificados en la Universidad Federal de Viçosa como Paederus sp fueron recogidos durante este período, aunque no estaban correlacionados con las ocurrencias. Este informe tiene como objetivo mostrar la presencia de dermatitis vesicante, sus implicaciones clínicas y terapéuticas para la salud y registrar la aparición atípica del agente caustícate en Viçosa, contribuyendo con aspectos epidemiológicos y clínicos para el diagnóstico y tratamiento de esta dermatosis, atípica de la región.

Evaluation of antibacterial, antioxidant and wound healing properties of seven traditional medicinal plants from India in experimental animals

Objective: To evaluate the ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Azadirachta indica, Emblica officinalis, Terminalia bellirica, Terminalia chebula, Curcuma longa, Cleome gynandra, Triticum aestivum, Vitis vinifera L - Black Raisins (Zante Currants) and brown raisins (Sultanas) for in vitro antioxidant, antibacterial and wound healing activity. Methods: The free radical scavenging activity was studied in vitro by measuring DPPH, reducing power, hydrogen peroxide scavenging and total antioxidant assays of these plant extracts. Antibacterial activities were evaluated against five microorganisms using agar well diffusion method. The wounds were created on the skin of the rabbits by crushing the Paederus fuscipes beetles and applying the pederin which produced inflammation and wound after two days. Results: Antibacterial activities were evaluated against five microorganisms in which A. indica, C. longa, T. bellirica, E. officinalis and T. chebula showed significant activity with a MIC of 1.562 mg/ml, 3.125 mg/ml respectively. The plant extracts of brown raisins Vitis vinifera, A. indica, T. bellirica, E. officinalis and T. chebula showed remarkable antioxidant activity. The topical application of individual and combination of plant extracts on wounds caused significantly faster healing (83%) in wound area as compared to the commercial ointment (76.6%). Conclusions: This results shows that the combination of these plant extracts possess effective wound healing properties due to their antimicrobial and antioxidant activities by possessing the active compounds such as flavonoids (polyphenols), terpenes, alkaloids, saponins.

An outbreak of Rove Beetle dermatitis in Penang Hospital: A report of 37 cases

Background Rove beetle dermatitis is a peculiar form of acute irritant dermatitis following the contact with body fluid of an insect which is belonging to genus Paederus. This retrospective study is to evaluate the epidemiology and clinical manifestations of rove beetle dermatitis during the outbreak of rove beetle dermatitis in Penang (March 2009 - April 2009). Methods We describe 37 patients with clinical diagnosis of rove beetle dermatitis presented to our department. Only those patients with a definite history of contact with the insect were included in the study. Demographic characteristics, reason for referral and details of skin lesions were documented and analysed. Results Male patients outnumbered female patients - 21 males (56.8%); 16 females (43.2%). The mean age of patients was 28.3 years. Of the 37 patients, 18 patients (48.6%) were Malay, 14 Chinese (37.8%), 4 Indians (10.8%) and 1 foreigner (2.8%). The mean duration of lesions before presentation to our clinic was 3.4 days. The mean duration of lesions before presented to our clinic was 3.4 days. Symptom of burning sensation (25, 67.7%) was more pronounced than itching (6, 16.2%). Fourteen of our patients (37.8%) reported a positive family history. Clinically, the most common presentation consisted of linear, geographic, erythematous plaques with a ‘‘burnt’’ appearance. In 59.5% of patients, more than one lesion was present. Pustules and vesicles were seen in 12 (32.4%) and in 10 (27.1%) of the patients respectively. ‘‘Kissing lesions’’were seen in 5 (13.5%) patients. The neck and arms were the most common sites of involvement. Periorbital involvement occurred in 16.2% of patients. Only 8 patients (21.6%) were diagnosed to have “insect related dermatitis” at initial presentation. No one was referred as “rove beetle dermatitis”. Conclusion Rove beetle dermatitis is a common condition. Awareness of these condition and its clinical features will prevent misdiagnosis and unnecessary worry.

Medically important beetles (insecta: coleoptera) of Iran

This study focused on coleopteran species that are responsible for the emergence of recent cases of dermatological manifestations in Iran. To the best of our knowledge, five species of the family Meloidae and nine species of the genus Paederus are by far the only beetles recognized as medically important in Iran. The staphylinids consists of Paederus ilsae, P. iliensis, P. fuscipes, P. kalalovae, P. balcanicus, P. lenkoranus, P. littoralis, P. carpathicus, P. nigricornis, while the meloids are Mylabris impressa, M. guerini, Muzimes iranicus, Alosimus smyrnensis and Epicauta sharpi. Most cases of linear dermatitis in this country occur in areas bordering the Caspian Sea. This problem is caused by beetles of the genus Paederus which are present as adults from mid-April to October with particularly high incidences from May to August. Fars (in southern Iran) ranks second in number of cases of insect-induced dermatitis. The third major region in which this type of dermatitis has been recorded is Hamedan Province, in the west of the country. Meloid dermatitis showed its highest severity in 2001, when a considerable number of patients sought medical help in Toyserkan and Nahavand counties. New cases of skin blistering were reported along the Persian Gulf coast and the agent was identified as Epicauta sharpi (Coleoptera: Meloidae). In all these regions, it was observed that recorded cases of lesions coincided precisely with the yearly peaks of the beetles. Paederus fuscipes and P. kalalovae are the predominant species along the Caspian Sea shore. It appears that P. fuscipes is homogeneously distributed throughout the Caspian Sea region while the distribution of the other species is more irregular. Paederus fuscipes is probably the major agent that causes linear dermatitis in northern Iran. Whereas this disease is a rural difficulty in the south, mainly in villages or small towns, it is an urban problem in northern provinces along the Caspian Sea shore. Meloid dermatitis has been registered only in western and southern Iran. It is not as widespread as linear dermatitis and remains a minor rural health problem.(AU)

A Case of Paederus Dermatitis

Paederus dermatitis is a characteristic irritant contact dermatitis caused by paederin which is a chemical substance released by insects of the genus Paederus. Erythematous vesiculobullous eruption with a burning sensation occur within 24 hours after contact with Paederus. This dermatitis is frequently seen in regions with hot, tropical climates such as Africa and the Middle East. There have been a few reports of Paederus dermatitis in Korea. We recently had a patient with Paederus dermatitis who traveled to Kenya. We would like to highlight an awareness of this peculiar dermatitis due to the increasing numbers of travelers visiting tropical countries.

A Case of Paederus Dermatitis due to paederus fuscipes / 대한피부과학회지

Paederus dermatitis is a linear and self-healing blistering disease of the skin caused by contact with insects belonging to genus Paederus(Coieoptera : Staphylinidae). There have been only a few reports of paederus dermatitis in the southern part of Korea since 1968. We recently experienced a case of paederus dermatitis due to contact by P. fuscipes.

Epidemiologic Study of Paederus Dermatitis Prevailing in the Midwest Area of Kyungpuk Province / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: Paederus derriattis is a peculiar linear lesion caused by an insect belonging to genus Paederus, family Staptylinidae, order Coleoptera. The deliberate or accidental contact of crushed coelomic fluid of th insect, on the skin causes acute lesions due to a t.oxin(pederin) being released. OBJECTIVE: The study was nade in order to investigate an epidemic status of the peculiar der matitis and its causative agent of factor prevailing in the midwest area of Kyungpuk province. METHODS: We performed field approaches on 633 cases(M: 303, F: 330) including cases enrolled in a local clinic, teamiring up with a local skin clinician over the 3-month period of August November in 1994. RESULTS: 1. The captive insect causing the present dermatits, was identified as Paederus fuscipes(PF). The epidemic might be attributeid to the climatic conditions with higher temperature than usual during the period of July-eary September in the past year by 3-4degrees C as well as a lower relative humidity. The active temperature zone for PF was presumed to be about 15.5+1.2degrees C to 28.9+1.0degrees C 2. There was the highest p;evalence of 412 cases(65.1%) in early September, followed by mid September, late August, early October and mid August in a small number of cases in decreasing order. The cases were not found after mid October. 3. All age groups were evealy represented. The sex ratio was 1: 1.1 with little difference. The majority of cases lived in Kiriich on city(80.3%), with a lesser outbreak in the neighboring coun ties and Kumi city. 4. The preferred site was the mainly exposed area such as face, neck and extremities. The number of lesion was single(60%) and multiple(40%). The lesion showed a common linear con figuration and acute irritant contact dermatitis consistent with the histologic finding. CONCLUSION: The unusual wiather conditions and poor environmental hygiene help to develop an ecosystem breakdown, which, in turn, sometimes influences the innocuous insects life to be harm ful being on humans, as like outbreak of PF dermatitis.

Clinical and Entomological Studies of Paederus Dermatitis / 대한피부과학회지

Paederus dermstitis (or dermatitis linearis), caused by the insect genus Paederus, is characterized by linear erythernatous, vesicopustular lesions. In 1968, we proved that causative agent is Paederus fuscipes. During the 20-year period since then (from June 1968 to September 1988), we have experienced 156 cases of the diseaes in our clinic, and the clinical features were studied with the following results. (1) They were found only during summer months from June to September. Most prevalent in June(47%), followed by August, July and September, in decreasing order. (2) People in their twenties were affected most often(10%), with females outnumbering males, by approximately 2.8 to 1. (3) The lesions were found exclusively over exposed areas, such as face, neck, and extremities (4) Experiments on a volunteer revealed that the same skin lesions as in the patients can be produced by rubbing the anal portion of the insect. (5) Spongiosis and subcorneal pustule of epidermis were the main histopathological findings. (6) The insects appear ant-like and measures 6.5 to 7mm in length. It has a black, round head with pslpuli black, rectangular, short elytra, yellowish brown pronotum and abdomen composed of 6 segments, of which two caudal ones(hypopygium) were dark brown. The meso and metathorax, and the lower ends of the femurs in meso and metapedes appear dark brown. (7) Wide use of potent pesticides, herbicides, or insecticides as well as the urbanization may have reduced the out breaks of the disease in recent years.