An Uncommon Presentation of Human Otoacariasis by Haemaphysalis longicornis

Ticks are obligate parasites on animals and sometimes humans. They usually suck the blood of the hosts and can carry various infectious diseases as a vector. Otoacariasis is the presence of ticks and mites within the ear canal and relatively common in domestic and wild animals. However, tick infestations of human ear canals are rarely reported in the scientific literature and hardly occur in developed countries. Herein, we report a rare case of otoaracariasis involving Haemaphysalis longicornis . A 9-year-old girl living in a suburb presented with otalgia of left ear for 1 day. Otoscopic examination revealed a huge insect occluding the tympanic membrane. Tick removal and washing of external auditory canal was done successfully. The causative tick was identified as the H. longicornis. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of human otoacariasis by a H. longicornis in Korea.

A rare case of tick infestation of the eyelid: case report and literature review / Um caso raro de infestação de carrapatos da pálpebra: relato de caso e revisão da literatura

ABSTRACT This article presents a case of tick infestation of the lower eyelid by a previously unreported species. A 71-year-old male presented with a tick attached to the lower eyelid. The tick was identified morphologically, and then molecularly via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing of its DNA. In addition, a review of the literature relevant to the genera of ticks associated with infestation of the human eye is provided. The tick, which was in the nymphal developmental stage, was first identified according to taxonomic keys as Dermacentor sp. For complete species identification, 16s rDNA gene PCR and sequencing were performed, which showed that the tick was D. marginatus. Systematizing tick species could assist physicians in determining the potential for transmission of tick-borne human diseases.

RESUMO Este artigo apresenta um caso de infestação por carrapatos da pálpebra inferior por uma espécie previamente não declarada. Um homem de 71 anos de idade apresentou-se com um carrapato grudado na pálpebra inferior. O carrapato foi identificado morfologicamente, e, em seguida, uma estrutura molecular através de reacção em cadeia da polimerase (PCR) e a sequenciação do seu DNA. Além disso, uma análise da literatura pertinente aos gêneros de carrapatos associados à infestação do olho humano é fornecido. O carrapato, que estava em fase de desenvolvimento das ninfas, foi identificado pela primeira vez de acordo com chaves taxonômicas com o Dermacentor sp. Para identificação de espécies completa, gene 16S rDNA PCR e sequenciamento foram realizadas, que mostrou que o carrapato foi D. marginatus. Sistematizando espécie de carrapato poderia ajudar os médicos a determinar o potencial de transmissão de doenças humanas transmitidas por carrapatos.

Estudio descriptivo de la conducta de profesionales de la salud ante el caso de una picadura por garrapata / Descriptive study of healthcare professionals’ management of tick bites

Introducción En los centros de salud rurales se reciben con cierta frecuencia personas afectadas por picadura por garrapata. Hemos querido comparar el trabajo diario del equipo de atención primaria con la evidencia científica actual. Objetivos Describir los métodos y tratamientos habituales ante una picadura por garrapata en la práctica diaria de los diferentes profesionales que componen la muestra, y compararlos con las recomendaciones generales que aportan mayor evidencia científica. Material y métodos Se trata de un estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal, realizado mediante la recolección de datos a través de cuestionario auto cumplimentado anónimo. Este instrumento se aplicó a una muestra consecutiva constituida por enfermeros, médicos y pediatras de la Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Medina Sidonia (Cádiz, España). ResultadosUna gran mayoría de enfermeros usa algún tipo de producto para facilitar la extracción del artrópodo (10 de los 11 encuestados, 90,91 por ciento), siendo los más utilizados el cloroetilo y la anestesia local. De ellos, 9 la realizan mediante tracción suave con pinzas (81,82 por ciento). De los médicos y pediatras, 3 de los 12 encuestados (25 por ciento) prescriben tratamiento antibiótico profiláctico en todos los casos. De los restantes, 9 facultativos afirman conocer cuál es el de elección y su posología. En ambos casos es elevado el número de profesionales que indican dar consejos post extracción, 11 en el colectivo médico (91,66 por ciento) y 9 en enfermería (81,82 por ciento).Conclusiones Se concluye que la actuación de los profesionales que han participado en este estudio en muchos aspectos no siguen las recomendaciones actuales para la extracción y tratamiento/seguimiento de pacientes afectados por picadura por garrapata. Por tanto, es necesario aumentar el grado de conocimientos de los mismos para garantizar una asistencia de calidad.

Introduction Rural primary health centers frequently treat patients with tick bites. This study compares everyday clinical practice at our primary healthcare center to practices recommended by current scientific evidence. Purpose To describe the everyday management of tick bites by different healthcare professionals and to compare this management to evidence-based therapy guidelines. Design Cross-sectional, descriptive observational study. Methods Data was collected through an anonymous self-completed questionnaire. The form was filled out by a consecutive sample of nurses, physicians and pediatricians of the clinical management unit of Medina-Sidonia (Cádiz). Results Most nurses in the sample group use some type of product to facilitate the extraction of the tick (10 of the 11 surveyed nurses, 90.9 percent. The most frequently used products were chloroethyl and local anesthetic. In addition, nine nurses use gentle traction with tweezers (81.82 percent) to remove the tick. In the physician sample group, 3 out of 12 respondents (25 percent) prescribe antibiotics in all cases and nine stated that they knew which antibiotic should be used as first choice. In both cases, a high number of healthcare providers confirm giving post-extraction advice to patients: 11 in the medical community (91.66 percent) and nine nurses (81.82 percent). Conclusions We conclude that the performance of the healthcare providers that integrate this study does not closely follow general recommendations for extraction, treatment and follow-up care in patients with tick bites. Therefore, there is a need to improve the level of knowledge to ensure quality care in these instances.

Indicações não tradicionais da dermatoscopia / Non-traditional Indications in dermoscopy

A dermatoscopia tem sido técnica de comprovada importância no diagnóstico in vivo de lesões pigmentadas, e a cada dia surgem novas utilizações em outras dermatoses e para controle de tratamentos clínico e cirúrgico. Este artigo apresenta alguns exemplos de outras indicações da dermatoscopia.

Dermoscopy is a proven technique in the in vivo diagnosis of pigmented lesions. New uses in other dermatoses and in the control of clinical and surgical treatments are developing quickly. This article presents some examples of other such applications for dermoscopy.

Ixodíase revelada pela microscopia de epiluminescência sem contato com a pele / Ixodiasis disclosed by epiluminescence microscopy without skin contact

Nós descrevemos um homem de 48 anos que procurou nossa clínica com múltiplas pápulas eritematosas e pruriginosas dois dias após uma viagem à Serra da Mantiqueira. O exame físico meticuloso com o dermatoscópio de epiluminescência demonstrou múltiplos carrapatos na fase de larva na pele.

We describe the case of a 48-year-old healthy man who sought for medical help in our clinic with multiple pruriginous erythematous papules after a 2-day trip to "Serra da Mantiqueira". (Mantiqueira Mountain). A meticulous physical exam with a portable epiluminescence microscopy showed several ticks on a larval form on the skin of the patient.