A Case Series of Paederus Dermatitis: Understanding Its Varied and Diverse Clinical Presentations.

Introduction  Paederus dermatitis arises from inadvertent skin contact with insects of the genus Paederus, leading to irritant contact dermatitis. This study aims to highlight the diverse clinical presentations and the remarkable ability of the disease to mimic various dermatological conditions.  Methodology  A total of 15 patients diagnosed with Paederus dermatitis in a period of four months from August 2023 to November 2023 were included in this retrospective study. The demographic profile, detailed history, clinical presentation, and site of lesion distribution were documented.  Results  Out of 15 patients, nine were males, and eight were females. All patients exhibited a sudden onset of lesions accompanied by burning and pain, with an average duration of approximately 2.5 days. The most prevalent clinical presentation was the linear type, followed by kissing lesions, an erythematous patch with a central gray area, Nairobi eye, burnt appearance, and post-inflammatory pigmentation.  Conclusion  Paederus dermatitis is common in tropical areas like India but is prone to misdiagnosis due to its varied presentation. Increased awareness can lead to accurate diagnoses and simpler treatment plans, reducing patient confusion.

The structure and diversity of microbial communities in Paederus fuscipes (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae): from ecological paradigm to pathobiome.

BACKGROUND: Paederus fuscipes is medically the most famous rove beetle, which causes dermatitis or conjunctivitis in humans, as well as gastrointestinal toxicosis in livestock, via releasing toxic hemolymph containing pederin. Pedrin biosynthesis genes have been identified in uncultured Pseudomonas-like endosymbionts that are speculated to be acquired through a horizontal transfer. However, the composition of the P. fuscipes microbial community, especially of the gut and genital microbiome, remains unclear. This study was aimed to characterize the structure and diversity of P. fuscipes-associated bacterial communities in terms of gender, organ, and location using the Illumina HiSeq platform in the southern littorals of Caspian Sea. RESULTS: The OTUs identified from P. fuscipes specimens were collapsed into 40 phyla, 112 classes, 249 orders, 365 families, 576 genera, and 106 species. The most abundant families were Pseudomonadaceae, Spiroplasmataceae, Weeksellaceae, Enterococcaceae, and Rhizobiaceae, respectively. Thirty top genera made up > 94% of the P. fuscipes microbiome, with predominating Pseudomonas, followed by the Spiroplasma, Apibacter, Enterococcus, Dysgonomonas, Sebaldella, Ruminococcus, and Wolbachia. Interesting dissimilarities were also discovered within and between the beetle microbiomes in terms of genders and organs. Analyses showed that Spiroplasma / Apibacter as well as Pseudomonas / Pseudomonas were the most abundant in the genitals / intestines of male and female beetles, respectively. Bacterial richness did not display any significant difference in the three provinces but was higher in male beetles than in females and more in the genitals than intestines. CONCLUSIONS: The present study identified Pseudomonas-like endobacterium as a common symbiont of P. fuscipes beetles; this bacterium begins its journey from gut and genitalia of females to reach the male rove beetles. Additionally, male and female rove beetles were characterized by distinctive microbiota in different organs, likely reflecting different functions and/or adaptation processes. Evidence of the extension of P. fuscipes microbiome from the environmental paradigm to the pathobiome was also presented herein. A comprehensive survey of P. fuscipes microbiome components may eventually lead to ecological insights into the production and utilization of defensive compound of pederin and also the management of linear dermatitis with the use of available antibiotics against bacterial pathogens released by the beetles. Video Abstract.

Dermatitis Due to Paederus Colombinus: Report of an Epidemic Outbreak of 68 Cases in the Province of Darien, Panama.

INTRODUCTION: Contact dermatitis due to Paederus is a particular form of accident by animal contact. It is characterized by the sudden onset of erythematous and vesicular lesions with burning sensation on exposed areas of the body. The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiological and clinical findings of an outbreak of Paederus dermatitis in Panama. METHODS: Clinical and epidemiological findings of an outbreak of contact dermatitis caused by Paederus sp. in the province of Darien in eastern Panama is reported. After reviewing the clinical records, a clinical-epidemiological questionnaire was developed and used in 20 communities where reported cases were found. We captured and collected the specimens for species characterization for three consecutive days using three different methods of capture. RESULTS: During May-July, 2014, 68 cases of Paederus irritant contact dermatitis occurred in 20 communities of the Darien. Fifty-three percent were females. The age group of zero to five years had the highest number of cases, 15 (22%). The most common clinical presentation was the classical linear dermatitis (58%); 42% of the subjects had mirror image lesions, multiple vesicular-pustular lesions, and crust lesions. Symptoms were most commonly reported as a burning sensation (65%), followed by pruritus in 60%, pain (25%), and fever (nine percent). A total of 81 specimens of Paederus were collected, 68% in peridomiciliary areas. CONCLUSIONS: This Paederus sp. dermatitis report represents one of the largest outbreak described in Latin America and the diagnosis could be confused with others skin diseases like pyodermitis or other contact dermatitis.

Literature review of the causes, treatment, and prevention of dermatitis linearis.

BACKGROUND: Dermatitis linearis is a skin condition that affects both local populations and travelers alike. Dermatitis linearis is caused by some beetles within the subtribe Paederina and manifests as painful lesions, blisters and intense itching. Though outbreaks are widespread, the condition as a whole still remains relatively unknown. METHODS: An extensive search of the existing Paederus literature was conducting in order to elucidate relevant information regarding the occurrence of outbreaks, seasonality, exposure and symptom onset, and management of dermatitis linearis. Special consideration was given to behavioral and environmental factors. RESULTS: Epidemics of dermatitis linearis are most commonly observed during the rainy season or after particularly hot and humid weather patterns. Symptom onset is typically delayed 6-48 h after exposure. The most common symptoms are stinging, burning and itching, with later development of erythematous plaques and blisters. Though symptoms of dermatitis linearis resolve spontaneously, wet compresses, antihistamines and topical steroid ointments and lotions are recommended to alleviate symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Dermatitis linearis in travelers and local populations can be prevented through minimizing or modifying sources of artificial light, using pesticide-treated nets near beds and lights, general housekeeping and vegetation maintenance, and by raising awareness regarding the conditions caused by Paederus.

Dermatozoonosis inespecífico por coleótero: reporte de tres casos en la regiòn del Chaco Paraguayo / Nonspecific dermatozoonoses by beetle: three case reports in the Chaco Paraguayo region

Las dermatozoonosis son afecciones cutáneas o cutáneo-sistémicas causadas por animales. Se analizaron tres casos de dermatitis de contacto producidas por sustancias vesicantes presentes en las familias de insectos Staphylinidae y Meloidae en residentes de la región del Chaco Boreal. La dermatitis de contacto por Staphylinidae y Meloidae, mejor llamada como dermatitis de contacto por paederina o cantaridina respectivamente, es una afección común en Paraguay pero frecuentemente subdiagnosticada o confundida con Herpes Zoster debido a sus características. Al informar sobre la epidemiología, condiciones clínicas y tratamiento de esta afección se puede prevenir su incidencia, ayudar en su proceso resolutivo y evitar diagnósticos errados que lleven a un tratamiento innecesario.

Dermatozoonosis are cutaneus or cutaneoussistemic afections caused by animals. Three cases of contact dermatitis produced by vesicant substances present in Staphylinidae and Meloidaeinsect families in residents ChacoBorealregionwere analyzed. Contact dermatitis due to Staphylinidae and Meloidae, better called Paederinor Cantharidin contact dermatitis respectively, isa common disease in Paraguay but it’s frequentlyunderdiagnosed or confused with Herpes Zoster be cause of their characteristics. Reporting on epidemiology, clinical conditions and treatment of these illness, it can prevent its occurrence, assistin their resolution process and avoid misdiagnosis that lead to an unnecessary treatment.

Paederus Outbreaks in Human Settings: A Review of Current Knowledge.

Although rove beetles (Paederus spp.) play a beneficial role as biological control agents to manage crop pests in agro-ecosystems, their high prevalence in human settings has elevated them to pest status in urban areas. Rove beetles neither bite nor sting, but accidental crushing on human skin causes them to release the toxin paederin, which causes dermatitis linearis. This review integrates currently available knowledge about the issues pertaining to Paederus infestation. For instance, the results of life history studies conducted under different food and temperature regimes are summarized, as they indicate how large a population can be in a habitat to cause massive and widespread infestation and illustrate the physiological traits required to maintain the population at the maximum level even under adverse conditions. In contrast to what is generally reported, we speculate that climatic factors do not necessarily result in Paederus dispersal in temperate regions; instead, habitat disturbance and site unsuitability may be the main factors that lead to massive dispersal to human settings. Factors such as whether dispersers are adaptable to xeric conditions in human settings, the probability that dispersed Paederus mate with the opposite sex, and whether dispersers have adequate nutrient intake to reproduce are considered to evaluate their potential to reproduce in human settings. Finally, the effectiveness of current commercial insecticides, challenges faced in managing infestations, and sustainable management practices are discussed to provide information for long-term control programs.

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. CONCLUSIONS: Paederus dermatitis is extremely frequent in villages with poor housing facilities and could be avoided via community awareness.

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)

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.

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.