Epidemiological study of bee stings in the state of Paraiba, Northeastern Brazil, from 2015 to 2019

INTRODUCTION: In Brazil, envenomation by bee sting is a public health problem due to its incidence in all regions of the country, as well as the severity of cases. Despite the medical and sanitary importance, the literature on this topic in Brazil is scarce, in the Northeast region. OBJECTIVE: To describe the epidemiological characteristics of bee stings in Paraíba, in the Northeast region of Brazil, from 2015 to 2019. METHODS: The current study is a descriptive and retrospective epidemiological investigation conducted through the recovery of secondary data made available by the database from the Ministry of Health Notification Information System. RESULTS: A total of 1,151 cases were analyzed, and they were reported during all the months of the period of the study and were more frequent in the regions Agreste and Sertão of the Paraíba. The victims were men aged 20 to 59 years. Most individuals received medical assistance within 3 hours of the incident. The cases were classified as mild and progressed to cure. CONCLUSION: In Paraíba, bee stings have increased in recent years, especially in regions with a semi-arid climate. In addition, this study provides data that may be used in the development of educational health actions to promote the prevention and control of bee stings in this region.

Epidemiological study of the bee stings in the state of Bahia, northeastern Brazil, from 2010 to 2019 / Estudo epidemiológico dos acidentes por picada de abelha no estado da Bahia, nordeste do Brasil, de 2010 a 2019

Introduction: envenomation and deaths by bee stings have increased in all regions of Brazil. However, there are few epidemiological studies on them, especially in the states of northeastern Brazil. Objective: to determine the epidemiological characteristics of bee stings in the state of Bahia, Northeastern Brazil, from 2010 to 2019. Methodology: this is a descriptive and analytical epidemiological study conducted through a retrospective survey of secondary data provided by the database of the Notifiable Diseases Information System of the Ministry of Health. Results: between 2010 and 2019, a total of 7,979 cases were analyzed. Incidents were distributed in 356 municipalities, with the highest frequency in the regions of Agreste and Sertão da Bahia. Cases occurred in all months of the investigated years, with a greater occurrence in urban areas, affecting mainly adult men. The anatomical region of the body most affected by the sting was the head and most cases received medical care within 3 hours after the incident. Local manifestations were more frequent than systemic ones. The injuries were predominantly classified as mild and progressed to cure. Conclusions: the high number of cases and their extensive spatial distribution reveal that bee stings may be considered an emerging and neglected public health problem in the state of Bahia.

Introdução: os acidentes e os óbitos causados por picada de abelha têm aumentado em todas as regiões do Brasil. Contudo, existem poucos estudos epidemiológicos sobre acidentes com abelha, principalmente nos estados do Nordeste do Brasil. Objetivo:determinar as características epidemiológicas do acidente por picada de abelha no estado da Bahia, Nordeste do Brasil, de 2010 a 2019. Metodologia: trata-se de um estudo epidemiológico descritivo e analítico realizado por meio de uma pesquisa retrospectiva de dados secundários disponibilizados pelo banco de dados do Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação do Ministério da Saúde. Resultados: entre 2010 e 2019, um total de 7.979 casos foi analisado. Os acidentes foram distribuídos em 356 municípios, com a maior frequência nas regiões do Agreste e do Sertão da Bahia. Os casos ocorreram em todos os meses dos anos investigados, com maior ocorrência em áreas urbanas, afetando principalmente homens adultos. A região anatômica do corpo mais atingida pela picada foi a cabeça e a maioria dos casos recebeu assistência médica até 3 horas após o incidente. As manifestações locais foram mais frequentes do que as sistêmicas. Os agravos foram predominantemente classificados como leve e progrediram para a cura. Conclusões: o elevado número de casos e a sua extensa distribuição espacial revelam que o acidente causado por picada de abelha pode ser considerado um emergente negligenciado problema de saúde pública no estado da Bahia.

Tendência temporal e perfil epidemiológico dos acidentes por animais peçonhentos no Brasil, 2007-2019 / Tendencia temporal y perfil epidemiológico de los accidentes por animales venenosos en Brasil, 2007-2019 / Temporal trend and epidemiological profile of accidents involving venomous animals in Brazil, 2007-2019

Objetivo: Analisar a tendência temporal dos acidentes causados por animais peçonhentos no Brasil, de 2007 a 2019. Métodos: Estudo transversal, realizado com dados do Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (Sinan). Para a análise temporal, utilizou-se a regressão linear de Prais-Winsten. Foram calculadas as incidências por sexo e faixa etária, risco relativo e letalidade. Resultados: No período de estudo, houve 2.102.657 casos de acidentes por animais peçonhentos. Com exceção do ofidismo, os demais acidentes apresentaram tendência temporal crescente na maioria das macrorregiões nacionais. Escorpionismo, ofidismo e araneísmo foram responsáveis por 86% dos acidentes, principalmente entre pessoas do sexo masculino em idade economicamente ativa. A de letalidade foi mais elevada para acidentes ofídicos (0,4%) e apílicos (0,3%). As crianças foram as principais vítimas de acidentes com abelhas, lagartas e "outros". Conclusão: Os acidentes com animais peçonhentos apresentaram tendência temporal crescente para a maioria dos agravos e diferentes perfis epidemiológicos.

Objetivo: Analizar la tendencia temporal de los accidentes con animales ponzoñosos en Brasil de 2007 a 2019. Métodos: Estudio transversal realizado con datos del Sistema de Información de Enfermedades de Declaración Obligatoria (Sinan). Para el análisis temporal se utilizó la Regresión Lineal de Prais-Wisten. Se calcularon las incidencias por sexo y grupo de edad, riesgo relativo y letalidad. Resultados: Durante el período del estudio hubo 2.102.657 casos de accidentes con animales ponzoñosos. Con excepción de la mordedura de serpiente, los demás accidentes mostraron una tendencia temporal creciente en la mayoría de las regiones del país. El escorpionismo, la mordedura de serpiente y la picadura de araña fueron responsables del 86% de los accidentes, afectando principalmente a personas del sexo masculino en edad laboral. Las tasas de letalidad más altas fueron por accidentes de mordedura de serpiente (0,4%) y picadura de araña (0,3%). Los niños fueron las principales vitimas de los acidentes con abejas, lagartas y "otros". Conclusión: Los accidentes com animales ponzoñosos mostraron una tendencia temporal creciente para la mayoría de las enfermedades y diferentes perfiles epidemiológicos.

Objective: to analyze the temporal trend of accidents involving venomous animals in Brazil from 2007 to 2019. Methods: this was a cross-sectional study carried out with data from the Notifiable Health Conditions Information System (SINAN). Prais-Winsten linear regression was used for the temporal analysis. We calculated incidence rates according to sex and age group, relative risk and case fatality ratio. Results: during the study period there were 2,102,657 cases of accidents involving venomous animals. With the exception of snakebite, the remaining accidents showed a rising temporal trend in most regions of the country. Scorpion stings, snake bites and spider bites were responsible for 86% of accidents, mainly affecting male people of working age. Accidents involving snakes (0.4%) and bees (0.3%) had the highest case fatality ratios. Children were the main victims of accidents involving bees, caterpillars and "others". Conclusion: accidents involving venomous animals showed a rising temporal trend for most conditions, as well as different epidemiological profiles.

Epidemiology of envenomation by Africanized honeybees in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, Northeastern Brazil / Epidemiologia dos envenenamentos por abelhas africanizadas no Estado do Rio Grande do Norte, Nordeste do Brasil

ABSTRACT: Introduction: In the American continent, accidents caused by honeybees are a public health problem due to the high incidence and severity of the cases. Despite its medical importance, there are few epidemiological studies on this topic in Brazil, especially referring to the Northeastern states. The present study aims to describe the epidemiological features of honeybee envenomation cases in the state of the Rio Grande do Norte, Northeastern Brazil, from 2007 to 2014. Methods: Data were collected from the Notifiable Diseases Information System database of the Health Department of Rio Grande do Norte. Results: We analyzed a total of 2,168 cases. Cases occurred in all months of the years studied, reaching higher frequencies from June to October. Most incidents happened in urban areas and involved men, with victims aged between 20 and 39 years. Victims were mainly stung on the head and hand, and they received medical care predominantly within 3 hours after the injury. Local manifestations were more frequent than systemic ones. Clinically, most cases were mild and progressed to cure. Conclusion: The high number of honeybee sting cases shows that Rio Grande do Norte may be an important risk area for such injury.

RESUMO: Introdução: No continente americano, os acidentes causados por abelhas são um problema de saúde pública devido à alta incidência e severidade dos casos. Apesar de sua importância médica, há poucos estudos epidemiológicos sobre esse tema no Brasil, especialmente referentes aos estados do Nordeste. O presente estudo tem como objetivo descrever as características epidemiológicas dos casos de envenenamento por abelhas no estado do Rio Grande do Norte, no Nordeste do Brasil, de 2007 a 2014. Metodologia: Os dados foram coletados da base de dados do Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação da Secretaria Estadual de Saúde do Rio Grande do Norte. Resultados: Um total de 2.168 casos foram analisados. Os casos mostraram distribuição em todos os meses dos anos estudados, com maior frequência de junho a outubro. A maioria dos casos ocorreu em áreas urbanas e envolveu homens, com vítimas entre 20 e 39 anos de idade. As vítimas foram principalmente picadas na cabeça e na mão, e receberam assistência médica predominantemente dentro de 3 horas após serem picadas. As manifestações locais eram mais frequentes do que as sistêmicas. Clinicamente, a maioria dos casos foi leve e progrediu para cura. Conclusão: O alto número casos de picadas de abelhas mostra que o Rio Grande do Norte pode ser uma importante área de risco para tal incidente.

Infectivity of Simulium damnosum s.l. and therapeutic coverage of ivermectin distribution 10 years post treatment around Owena Dam, Ondo state, Nigeria

ABSTRACT Background: Studies related to infectivity status of insect vectors are seen as necessities in understanding the epidemiology of vector-borne diseases and planning effective control measures. This study assessed the infectivity ofSimulium damnosum s.l. around Owena River as well as evaluated therapeutic coverage of Ivermectin distribution in the area. Method: Human landing sampling method was used to collect adult flies on human attractants from 07:00 to 18:00 for two consecutive days a month for three months (July 2016 - September 2016). Parity assessment was conducted to determine the age of fly populations. Parous flies were further dissected to detect the presence or absence ofOnchocerca larvae. Biting rates and transmission potentials were calculated using standard methods. A quantitative survey was carried out to determine the therapeutic coverage and compliance to ivermectin treatment for the control of Onchocerciasis in the study area using standard household coverage questionnaires. Results: A total of 914 adult female flies were collected during the study period. The daily biting rate (DBR) varied from 146 fly per man day (FMD) in July to 162.5 FMD in August. The monthly biting rate (MBR) was lowest in September (2170 bites per man per month) but highest in August (3358.3 bites per man per month). MBD ranged from 13.23 fly per man hour (FMH) in July to 14.77 FMH in August. The results indicated that the majority of the flies collected at the sampling points were nulliparous [685 (74.95%)] while others were parous [229 (25.05%)]. The biting activity of the flies showed a marked decrease in population in August compared to July which later increased in September. Infection rates varied from 2 (0.7%) in July to 7 (2.2%) in August while the infectivity rate during the study ranged from zero (July and September) to 3 (1.0%) in August. Conclusion: Despite the years of treatment of onchocerciasis in Owena community, there were still some infective flies capable of transmitting O. volvolus. This could be due to the low rate of therapeutic coverage as a result of non-compliance in the community for various reasons earlier stated.

Hymenoptera stings in Brazil: a neglected health threat in Amazonas State

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Hymenoptera injuries are commonly caused by stinging insects. In Amazonas state, Brazil, there is no information regarding distribution, profile, and systemic manifestations associated with Hymenoptera injuries. METHODS: This study aimed to identify risk factors for systemic manifestation using the Brazilian Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System (2007 to 2015). RESULTS: Half of Hymenoptera injuries were caused by bee stings. Hymenoptera injuries were concentrated in Manaus, and 13.36% of cases displayed systemic signs. Delayed medical assistance (4 to 12 hours) presented four times more risk for systemic manifestations. CONCLUSIONS: Simple clinical observations and history of injury are critical information for prognostic improvement.

Comportamiento de picadura de Anopheles darlingi Root,1926 (Diptera: Culicidae) y su asociación con la transmisiónde malaria en Villavicencio (Colombia) / Biting behavior of Anopheles darlingi Root, 1926 (Diptera: Culicidae) and its association with malaria transmission in Villavicencio (Meta, Colombia)

Introducción. Anopheles darlingi es el principal vector de la malaria, o paludismo, en el neotrópico. Esta especie es reconocida por presentar un comportamiento antropofílico y variabilidad en sus hábitos de picadura a lo largo de su rango de distribución. Objetivo. Caracterizar el comportamiento de picadura de An. darlingi y establecer su relación con la transmisión de la malaria en Villavicencio. Materiales y métodos. Entre 2008 y 2009 se llevaron a cabo un estudio de tipo transversal y uno longitudinal, en cinco localidades de Villavicencio con transmisión de malaria. Estos incluyeron recolección de ejemplares inmaduros y de adultos en las viviendas. Se utilizó la prueba ELISA para la detección de infección con Plasmodium spp. Resultados. Se recolectaron 2.772 mosquitos. Anopheles darlingi fue la especie predominante en las capturas con atrayente humano. Los criaderos identificados para esta especie fueron pantanos, caños, lagunas y estanques piscícolas. Anopheles darlingi estuvo presente durante todo el año, con densidades mensuales promedio entre 2,2 y 55,5 mosquitos por persona por noche. Presentó actividad hematofágica durante toda la noche en el intradomicilio y en el peridomicilio. De las 18:00 a las 22:00, se registraron entre el 47 % y el 81 % de los mosquitos capturados en 12 horas de observación. Se encontró una tasa de infección con Plasmodium falciparum de 0,05 % y se estimó una tasa entomológica de inoculación de 2,9 picaduras infecciosas por persona al año. Conclusión. Anopheles darlingi se encontró infectado con P. falciparum, estuvo presente durante todo el año y exhibió características en su comportamiento de picadura que favorecen el contacto entre humano y vector, lo cual es un riesgo permanente para la transmisión de la malaria en Villavicencio.

Introduction: Anopheles darlingi is the main malaria vector in the neotropics. This species is recognized by its anthropophilic behavior and its high variability in biting activity throughout its distribution range. Objective: To characterize the biting behavior of An. darlingi and to establish its association with malaria transmission in Villavicencio. Materials and methods: Between 2008 and 2009, a cross sectional and a longitudinal entomological study were carried out in 5 localities with malaria transmission in Villavicencio. Mosquito collections included breeding sites search and human landing catches in houses. Collected mosquitoes were analyzed for Plasmodium using the ELISA standard protocol. Results: A total of 2,772 mosquitoes were collected in the study. Anopheles darlingi was the most abundant anopheline species. The most common breeding sites for this species were marshes, streams, lakes and fish ponds. Anopheles darlingi was found at all times during the year with monthly average human biting rates between 2.2 y 55.5 mosquitos/person/night. This species was collected throughout the night, indoors and outdoors, and 47 to 81% of An. darling captured during twelve hours of observation (18:00 to 06:00) were collected between18:00 and 22:00. Anopheles darlingi was found positive for P. falciparum with a 0.05% rate and the entomological inoculation rate was estimated at 2.9 infective bites/person per year. Conclusion: Anopheles darlingi was infected with P. falciparum, it was found all year long and it exhibited characteristics in biting behavior that favor human-vector contact, being a permanent risk for malaria transmission in Villavicencio.

Insect bite reactions.

Insects are a class of living creatures within the arthropods. Insect bite reactions are commonly seen in clinical practice. The present review touches upon the medically important insects and their places in the classification, the sparse literature on the epidemiology of insect bites in India, and different variables influencing the susceptibility of an individual to insect bites. Clinical features of mosquito bites, hypersensitivity to mosquito bites Epstein-Barr virus NK (HMB-EBV-NK) disease, eruptive pseudoangiomatosis, Skeeter syndrome, papular pruritic eruption of HIV/AIDS, and clinical features produced by bed bugs, Mexican chicken bugs, assassin bugs, kissing bugs, fleas, black flies, Blandford flies, louse flies, tsetse flies, midges, and thrips are discussed. Brief account is presented of the immunogenic components of mosquito and bed bug saliva. Papular urticaria is discussed including its epidemiology, the 5 stages of skin reaction, the SCRATCH principle as an aid in diagnosis, and the recent evidence supporting participation of types I, III, and IV hypersensitivity reactions in its causation is summarized. Recent developments in the treatment of pediculosis capitis including spinosad 0.9% suspension, benzyl alcohol 5% lotion, dimethicone 4% lotion, isopropyl myristate 50% rinse, and other suffocants are discussed within the context of evidence derived from randomized controlled trials and key findings of a recent systematic review. We also touch upon a non-chemical treatment of head lice and the ineffectiveness of egg-loosening products. Knockdown resistance (kdr) as the genetic mechanism making the lice nerves insensitive to permethrin is discussed along with the surprising contrary clinical evidence from Europe about efficacy of permethrin in children with head lice carrying kdr-like gene. The review also presents a brief account of insects as vectors of diseases and ends with discussion of prevention of insect bites and some serious adverse effects of mosquito coil smoke.

Comportamiento general de los accidentes provocados por animales venenosos en Colombia, 2006-2010 / Overall pattern of accidents caused by poisonous animals in Colombia, 2006-2010

Objetivo El conocimiento parcial de estadísticas nacionales acerca de accidentalidad por animales venenosos, con distribución geográfica en Colombia, motiva el estudio de dichas circunstancias. El objetivo fue realizar una línea base de los accidentes por animales venenosos reportados de forma telefónica al Centro de Investigación, Gestión e Información Toxicológica de la Universidad Nacional de Colombia (CIGITOX), provenientes de todo el país, y cuyo registro se encontraba en bases de datos de los cinco años de funcionamiento del centro (2006-2010). Metodología Estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo, de los datos generados por CIGITOX en un período de tiempo de cinco años (2006-2010). El análisis estadístico se hizo en hojas de cálculo de Excel 2011. Resultados Se encontraron, reportados y atendidos, 1 783 casos de los cuales el 47 % correspondió a accidente ofídico (evento de notificación obligatoria para Colombia), 25 % por escorpiones y 11 % por arañas, seguidos de otros que tienen representación epidemiológica menor en los principales departamentos de ocurrencia que fueron Antioquia, Valle del Cauca y Cundinamarca. Discusión Se presenta una perspectiva general de la problemática que puede favorecer programas de salud pública para el mejoramiento de la capacidad de respuesta de las comunidades, instituciones y profesionales del sector salud.

Objective This study was motivated as only partial knowledge is available (regarding national statistics) about accidents caused by poisonous animals in Colombia. The study was aimed at establishing a base-line concerning accidents reported by phone to the Toxicology Management and Research Information Centre (CIGITOX) from all over Colombia; such data was taken from the centre's data-base following its five years of being in operation(2006-2010). Methods This was a descriptive, retrospective study, taking information from the CIGITOX database over a five-year period (2006-2010); Excel 2011was used for statistical analysis. Results The database contained 1,783 cases which had been reported and attended; 47 % concerned snake bite accidents (an obligatory report event in Colombia), 25 % scorpion stings and 11 % spider bites, followed by others having valuable epidemiologic representation in the main areas of occurrence, such as the Antioquia, Valle del Cauca and Cundinamarca departments. Discussion The data provided an overview of the situation which could lead to promoting public health program aimed at raising awareness in communities, institutions and healthcare professional's whilst enforcing their ability to respond effectively.

Caracterización de la transmisión de la malaria por Plasmodium vivax en la región fronteriza de Panamá con Costa Rica en el municipio de Barú, Panamá / Characterization of Plasmodium vivax malaria transmission at the border of Panamá and Costa Rica

Introducción. Pocos estudios describen los factores asociados con la dinámica de transmisión de la malaria, o paludismo, por Plasmodium vivax en las regiones endémicas de Panamá. Objetivo. Caracterizar la dinámica de transmisión de la malaria producida por P. vivax en la región fronteriza de Panamá con Costa Rica. Materiales y métodos. Se llevó a cabo un estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal. Se evaluaron la incidencia parasitaria anual, el índice de láminas positivas y el índice anual de exámenes de sangre. Se identificaron los anofelinos vectores, y se caracterizaron sus criaderos preferenciales, densidad larvaria e índice de picada/hombre/noche. Se hizo búsqueda pasiva y activa de casos sospechosos mediante examen de gota gruesa. Resultados. De 10.401 muestras de gota gruesa, 83 resultaron positivas para P. vivax. El 84 % de los casos provenía de zonas rurales, el 79 % constituía una población económicamente activa, la mediana de edad fue de 36 años y, la media, de 30 años. El 58,5 % de los casos fueron de sexo masculino. La incidencia parasitaria anual fue de 4,1 por 1.000 habitantes; el índice de láminas positivas fue de 0,8 % y el índice anual de exámenes de sangre fue de 51,9 %. El 65,0 % de los casos diagnosticados registró entre 100 y 2.000 parásitos/μl de sangre. Se identificaron los mosquitos vectores Anopheles albimanus y An. punctimacula. Conclusión. Es necesario el seguimiento de estudios entomológicos, el fortalecimiento de la vigilancia epidemiológica, la consideración de los factores de riesgo y la realización de un trabajo en coordinación con las autoridades de salud de Costa Rica, para controlar la malaria en esta región.

Introduction. Few studies have described the factors associated with Plasmodium vivax transmission dynamics in endemic regions from Panamá. Objective. Malaria transmission dynamics produced by P. vivax were characterized at the border between Panamá and Costa Rica. Materials and methods. In the municipality of Barú, an observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study was undertaken to measure the annual parasite index (API), slide positivity index (SPR), and the annual blood examination rate (ABER). The most frequent symptoms and signs in malaria patients were recorded. The anopheline species were identified in the area and the preferred larval habitats, the density of larval populations in the larval habitats and the bites/human/night were characterized. Results. Of a total of 10,401 thick smear blood samples, 83 were positive for P. vivax. Of these, 84% came from rural areas and 79% were from economically active individuals. The median and average ages were 36 and 30 years, respectively, and 58.5% of the malaria cases were male. API was 4.1/1,000 inhabitants; SPR was 0.8% and ABER was 51.9%. Of the diagnosed cases, 54% showed blood parasitemias ranging between 100-2,000 parasites/μl. The majority of the cases were observed in May and June. Two mosquito vector species were identified-- Anopheles albimanus and An. punctimacula. Conclusion. These observations indicate the advisibility of continued entomological studies, strengthening of epidemiological surveillance, consideration of additional risk factors and evaluation of work performance in the border region. This will require coordination with health authorities of both countries to control malaria in this region.

Distribuição espacial do risco de dengue em região do municipio de Campinas / Spatial distribution for risk of dengue fever in a region of the municipality of Campinas

A necessidade de obter dados para o entendimento da transmissão de dengue em uma área do município de Campinas - SP foi o objetivo deste trabalho que teve como estudo um caso-controle espacial onde o foi possível avaliar a distribuição espacial do risco de dengue em 2007. Para tanto foram realizadas entrevistas em campo e avaliadas co-variáveis de interesse do estudo como: socioeconômicas, epidemiológicas e entomológicas, em moradores, do Distrito Sul e que adquiriram dengue no período do estudo. Foram 539 casos e 740 controles distribuídos na região de estudo. Todos os casos e controle foram localizados em mapa digital, através de coordenadas geográficas e ajustados em um modelo aditivo generalizado. Os resultados mostram que mesmo com as dificuldades encontradas, no período de estudo, foram satisfatórios e comprovaram a necessidade de investimento em saneamento, educação, mobilização social e melhoria em unidades de saúde de risco de introdução do vírus e dispersão deste para outras áreas do distrito e município.

The need to obtain data for understanding transmission of dengue fever in an area of the municipality of Campinas-SP was the objective of the present spatial case-control study in which it was possible to evaluate the spatial distribution of risk for dengue fever in 2007. Toward that end, field interviews were carried out and co-variables of interest to the study were assessed: socioeconomic, epidemiological and entomologic, in dwellers of the South District and who acquired dengue during the study period. There were 539 cases and 740 controls distributed in the study region. All cases and controls were found on a digital map, using geographic coordinates adjusted in a generalized additive model. Results, albeit difficulties found during the study period, were satisfactory and showed the need for investments in sanitation, education, social mobilization and improvement in units with health risk for introduction of the virus and its spread to other areas of the district and municipality.

Prurigo por picaduras de insectos: estudio epidemiológico / Prurigo by insect stings: epidemiologic study

Introducción: El prurigo es una reacción cutánea de hipersensibilidad a la picadura de insectos. El objetivo de este trabajo es determinar la incidencia y características clínicas de los pacientes afectados por prurigo en el servicio de Dermatología Pediátrica del Hospital de Clínicas de Curitiba, Paraná, Brasil. Materiales y métodos: Estudio descriptivo y retrospectivo en el que se evalúan los datos de la primera consulta de pacientes entre 0 y 14 años de edad, con diagnóstico clínico de prurigo, atendidos entre 1978 y 2005. En el mismo se analiza la distribución de esta entidad por sexo, raza, edad de inicio del cuadro, procedencia del paciente y estación del año al momento de la consulta. Resultados: Entre 19.410 primeras consultas, el 9% de ellas tuvo diagnóstico de prurigo. El 50% de los pacientes provenía de Curitiba y 38% del área metropolitana circundante. La mitad eran de sexo masculino y el 80% eran caucásicos. Hubo predominio de consulta en los meses de primavera y verano. La edad media fue de 12 meses, siendo el 63% de los pacientes menores de 2 añoDiscusión: En estos 27 años de experiencia, el diagnóstico de prurigo fue frecuente. La incidencia en la literatura es variable y nuestros hallazgos coinciden con los de algunas series de casos previamente publicadas. La proporción de caucásicos afectados en este estudio es semejante a la observada en la población general de Curitiba, de lo que se desprende que no hubo predominio racial. Los síntomas se iniciaron tempranamente en nuestros pacientes, probablemente por las condiciones climáticas y el ambiente doméstico que predisponen a la proliferación de los insectos. Concluimos que el prurigo es prevalente en nuestro medio y su inicio es precoz.

Introduction: Prurigo or papular urticaria is a cutaneous reaction from hypersensitivity to insect bites. The purpose of this work is to determine the incidence and clinical characteristics of patients with papular urticaria at the Pediatric Dermatology Division of the Hospital de Clínicas outpatient unit, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil. Materials and methods: This descriptive and retrospective study evaluates data from first consultation of patients between 0 to 14 years of age, with clinically diagnosed papular urticaria, seen between 1978 and 2005. Data of disease distribution considering gender, race, age at beginning of symptoms, place of origin and season in which the consultation occurred, is herein analyzed. Results: There were 19,410 first consultations and 9% were diagnosed as papular urticaria. Fifty percent of patients came from Curitiba and 38% from surrounding cities. Half of the affected children were male and 80% were Caucasians. Most of the consultations were seen during spring and summer. Median age was 12 months and 63% patients were younger than two years. Discussion: In our 27 years of experience, the diagnosis of papular urticaria was frequent. The incidence in literature is variable, but we have found similar data with previously reported serious of cases. The proportion of affected Caucasians in this study correlates with the racial distribution of Curitiba’s general population, so we can address that there was no racial prevalence. The early beginning of symptoms in our patients may be explained by the fact that weather and environmental conditions predispose to insect proliferation. We can conclude that papular urticaria is a common diagnosis in our environment and its beginning is usually early in life.

Diagnóstico preliminar de la molestia sanitaria causada por Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) / Culicoides biting nuisance (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) in the province of Boyacá, Colombia

Introducción. Los habitantes del occidente del departamento de Boyacá han reportado molestia sanitaria y problemas dermatológicos ocasionados por la constante picadura de insectos del género Culicoides. Objetivo. Identificar el área de Boyacá afectada por Culicoides, determinar las especies antropofílicas involucradas y su abundancia. Materiales y métodos. Se solicitó información sobre la molestia sanitaria y el registro decasos dermatológicos asociados a la picadura de Culicoides a las autoridades de salud de los municipios que por sus reportes previos o por sus características geográficas se consideraron como potencialmente afectados. En los municipios que informaron sufrir la problemática, se realizó un muestreo entomológico con atrayente humano afuera de las viviendas. Resultados. Se confirmó la gravedad de la molestia en el área rural de nueve municipios ubicados en el flanco occidental de la Cordillera Oriental. Aunque los registros epidemiológicos fueron fragmentados, se estableció que en seis municipios el 11,4 por ciento de los casos (n=2.472) dedermatitis reportados entre el 2003 y el 2005 fueron atribuidos a la picadura de Culicoides. Los resultados entomológicos mostraron que la especie dominante fue Culicoides pachymerus, 99,3 porcentaje de las 3.389 hembras recolectadas, con tasas de picadura (promedios geométricos) por municipio de hasta 52 hembras/persona en 5 minutos. Mediante análisis multivariado, se encontró que la abundancia de esta especie se relaciona negativamente con la altitud. Conclusiones. Por su dominancia y altas tasas de picadura, C. pachymerus es muy probablemente la especie responsable de la molestia sanitaria y los problemas dermatológicos causados por Culicoides en el departamento de Boyacá.

Transmission dynamics of diurnally subperiodic lymphatic filariasis transmitted by Ochlerotatus (Finlaya) niveus in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: In India diurnally subperiodic filariasis is prevalent only in the Nicobar district of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, with significant health problem. Sample surveys indicated that this form of filariasis is restricted to a small region of Nancowry group of islands with Ochlerotatus niveus as the vector. We therefore carried out a comprehensive study to assess the transmission dynamics of LF in Teressa island in Nicobar district in view of its control and evaluation of interventions. METHODS: Entomological studies were carried out for a period of twelve months covering all the seasons in the year, by means of man landing catches in Teressa Island, an endemic island for this form of filariasis. Parameters viz., the annual biting rate (ABR), annual infective biting rate (AIBR), annual transmission index (ATI), risk of infection index (RII) and annual transmission potential (ATP), which reflect the dynamics and intensity of transmission of filariasis, were estimated. Host efficiency of Oc. niveus was also assessed. RESULTS: The number of vectors biting a person in a year was estimated to be 21851, of which 107 were harbouring infective parasite. Risk of infection intensity was 0.02332. Every person in this study area was at the risk of receiving an estimated number of 22 infective stage larvae per year. The host efficiency index of Oc. niveus indicated that over 40 per cent of the microfilariae ingested were able to develop into infective stages. The ATP was 169 with evidence of year round transmission. The pattern of monthly transmission potential suggested that the intensity of transmission was high during summer months. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: Perennial transmission of subperiodic Wuchereria bancrofti in the typical forest ecosystem was evident in Teressa Island with transmission parameters suggesting that summer is a high risk season for transmission. Personal protection measure is the method of choice to protect from the risk of infection, because of day biting, exophilic and exophagic behaviour of the vector and larvae are not amenable to larvicidal measures. An alternative method to control the transmission would be to use selective or periodic mass chemotherapy to reduce the parasite load in this community.

Bionomics studies of Mansonia mosquitoes inhabiting the peat swamp forest.

The present study was conducted in the years 2000-2002 to determine the bionomics of Mansonia mosquitoes, vectors of nocturnally subperiodic Brugia malayi, inhabiting the peat swamp forest, "Phru Toh Daeng", Narathiwat Province, Thailand. Fifty-four species of mosquitoes belonging to 12 genera were added, for the first time, to the list of animal fauna in the peat swamp forest. Mansonia mosquitoes were the most abundant (60-70%) by all collection methods and occurred throughout the year with a high biting density (10.5-57.8 bites per person-hour). Ma. bonneae was most prevalent (47.5%) and fed on a variety of animal hosts, including domestic cats, cows, monkeys, and man with a maximum biting density of 24.3 bites per person-hour in October. The infective bites were found for the first time in Ma. annulata collected at Ban Toh Daeng (13 00-14 00 hours) and also Ma. bonneae at forest shade (16 00-17 00 hours) and in a village (20 00-21 00 hours) with rates of 0.6, 1.1 and 1.0%, respectively. The biting activities of these two species occurred in both the day and night time, with two lower peaks at 10 00 hours (18.5 bites per person-hour) and 13 00-15 00 (8.5-10.0 bites per person-hour) hours, but the highest peak was 19 00-21 00 hours (31.5-33.0 bites per person-hour) The biting activity patterns corresponded with the periodicity found in man and domestic cats and may play an important role in either transmission or maintenance of the filarial parasites in the peat swamp forest. The relative role of Ma. bonneae and Ma. uniformis in different environmental settings (primary swamp forest and open swamp) on the transmission of nocturnally subperiodic B. malayi merits further study.

Biting of anthropophilic Culicoides fulvithorax (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae), a vector of Mansonella perstans in Nigeria

Anthropophilic Culicoides were investigated in a rural community endemic for Mansonella perstans in Ijebu North area of western Nigeria between December 2003 and October 2004. Three hundred and fifty-nine adults of Culicoides fulvithorax collected by human bait in the morning were dissected for Mansonella perstans larvae, and 1.95% of infection rate was found. Seasonal abundance of C. fulvithorax was investigated by monthly biting rates, and showed that higher prevalence was observed in rainy season, with peak in September. Culicoides prevalence was positively correlated with rainfall and relative humidity, but not temperature. Human perceptions on the behavior of these biting midges were determined by interviewing 854 self-selected villagers, of which 86.5% of the interviewees confessed having experienced Culicoides bites. Between 76.5 and 99.1% of the various age groups complained body reactions to Culicoides bites. Itching was the most frequent body reaction. No interviewees associated Culicoides with transmission of any parasitic infections. The results showed need to adequately control Culicoides in the community.