Publications

tungiasis--a cause of painful feet in a tropical traveller.	tungiasis is an ectoparasitosis caused by the impregnated female sand flea tunga penetrans. it is endemic in certain resource poor areas around the world and imported infestations in travellers can lead to considerable morbidity. with the rise in international travel and immigration, the likelihood of physicians encountering such tropical skin infestations is rising. the ability of physicians to recognise tungiasis early will be immensely beneficial to patients. we describe a case of tungiasis w ...	2010	20188302
[tungiasis and cutaneous larva migrans: unpleasant travel souvenirs].	tungiasis (sand flea disease) and cutaneous larva migrans (creeping eruption) are parasitic skin diseases in which the infectious agents only temporarily invade human skin. the parasites die in situ and eventually are eliminated by tissue repair mechanisms. both diseases are zoonoses. humans only accidentally become a host for animal hookworm larvae (resulting in cutaneous larva migrans), but get infected with tunga penetrans as frequent as domestic animals. in travelers to tropical and subtropi ...	2009	20088345
impact of ivermectin drug combinations on pediculus humanus capitis infestation in primary schoolchildren of south indian rural villages.	antifilarial drug combinations including ivermectin provide antifilarial activity with ancillary benefits on intestinal helminths and ectoparasites, such as chiggers and lice. the impact of single oral dose of antifilarial drugs, viz; (1) diethylcarbamazine (dec) alone, (ii) dec + albendazole (alb), (iii) ivermectin (ivr) + dec and (iv) ivr + alb, was determined, on the head louse (pediculus humanus capitis) in primary school children in a rural community in south india.	2009	20064176
detection of bartonella tamiae dna in ectoparasites from rodents in thailand and their sequence similarity with bacterial cultures from thai patients.	ectoparasites, including chigger mites (genera leptotrombidium, schoengastia, and blankarrtia) and one tick (genus haemaphysalis) collected from wild-caught rodents in thailand, were assessed for the presence of bartonella dna by using a polymerase chain reaction assay targeting the 16s-23s intergenic spacer region and citrate synthase gene (glta). of the 41 pooled samples tested, 34 were positive for bartonella dna. sequence analysis demonstrated that dna detected in 33 chigger mite pools and o ...	2010	20017718
geographical distribution and relative abundance of vectors of scrub typhus in the republic of korea.	a survey to determine the geographical distribution and relative abundance of potential vectors of scrub typhus was conducted from october to november 2006 at 13 localities throughout the republic of korea. apodemus agrarius accounted for 97.6% (80/82) of all rodents, while only 2 myodes regulus (2/82) were collected. a total of 10,860 chiggers were collected from a. agrarius belonging to 4 genera and 8 species, while only walchia fragilis (40) was collected from myodes regulus. leptotrombidium ...	2009	19967086
whartonacarus floridensis sp. nov. (acari: trombiculidae), with a taxonomic review and the first record of whartonacarus chiggers in the continental united states.	among several unusual species collected during surveillance of ectoparasites on wildlife hosts in the southeastern united states and caribbean region, the larvae of a new species of whartonacarus were encountered in 2003 on a cattle egret, bubulcus ibis (l.), in the florida keys. this is the first record for a member of whartonacarus in the continental united states. the mite is described and named as whartonacarus floridensis mertins, and the possible significance of this discovery with respect ...	2009	19960669
tunga penetrans as a traveler's disease.	tunga penetrans are ectoparasites distributed widely. the infestations are endemic in some areas. people both from and visiting this region are susceptible to these infestations.	2009	19945018
imported human tungiasis in greece.	tungiasis is a parasitic skin disease caused by the sand flea tunga penetrans. it is widespread in poor urban and rural communities in sub-saharan africa, the caribbean and south america. imported cases of tungiasis are increasingly being reported due to the increased numbers of travelers visiting the affected areas.	2009	19945016
[diversity of ectoparasites on niviventer confucianus in the surrounding areas of erhai lake].	to understand the species diversity of ectoparasites on niviventer confucianus in the surrounding areas of erhai lake.	2009	19852368
[tungiasis acquired in chaco province, argentina].	a four-year old girl and her mother were assisted at the hospital de clínicas for 0.7 cm wide papules with a black central core and a white hyperkeratotic halo of fourteen days of development. the girl presented these lesions on the second and fourth toe of one of her feet, and her mother on the ankle. among the known antecedents were a trip to chaco province and their habit of walking barefooted. after the papule incision, both antiseptic treatment and cleaning of the lesion, were performed. th ...	2009	19831312
characterisation of orientia tsutsugamushi genotypes from wild rodents and chigger mites in korea.		2009	19793117
tungiasis-related knowledge and treatment practices in two endemic communities in northeast brazil.	tungiasis, caused by the sand flea tunga penetrans, is highly prevalent in many resource-poor communities in sub-saharan africa, latin america and the caribbean. studies on knowledge and treatment practices related to tungiasis in affected populations are virtually nonexistent. to fill this gap, we performed a study in two resource-poor communities in northeast brazil where this parasitic skin disease is highly prevalent.	2009	19762960
sand flea (tunga spp.) infections in humans and domestic animals: state of the art.	tungiasis is a parasitic disease of humans and animals caused by fleas (siphonaptera) belonging to the genus tunga. two species, tunga penetrans (l.) and tunga trimamillata, out of 10 described to date, are known to affect man or domestic animals; the other eight are exclusive to a few species of wild mammals. tunga penetrans and t. trimamillata originated from latin america, although the first species is also found in sub-saharan africa (between 20 degrees n and 25 degrees s). hundreds of milli ...	2009	19712148
tunga penetrans in a young dog imported to denmark from brazil; a case report.	the number of people who travel internationally with their pets is increasing. consequently, veterinarians around the world are more likely to encounter parasitic diseases formerly restricted to certain geographical locations. the purpose of this report is to describe a case of tungiasis, a disease caused by the sand flea tunga penetrans, in a dog imported from brazil to denmark. to the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of canine t. penetrans infestation in scandinavia.	2009	19659542
chigger mites (acari: trombiculidae) from makalu region in nepal himalaya, with a description of three new species.	three new species of chigger mites, neotrombicula kounickyi sp. n., leptotrombidium angkamii sp. n., and doloisia vlastae sp. n., are described from two species of small mammals collected in the barun glacier valley, makalu region, nepal himalaya. two species, trombiculindus mehtai fernandes et kulkarni, 2003 and cheladonta ikaoensis (sasa et al., 1951) are recorded for the first time in nepal. data on altitude distribution of chiggers and their host preferences are given.	2009	19645277
[tungiasis affects a chilean turist].	tungiasis is a cutaneous ectoparasitosis caused by the female sand flea tunga penetrans whose higher prevalence occurs in sub-saharan africa, south américa and the caribbean. we report a case of a 23 year old chilean male who presented dermal lesions suggestive of tungiasis on his return from brazil. the diagnosis was confirmed by biopsy, identifying the arthropod and an egg from one of the lesions. the natural history, co-morbidities and treatment options were reviewed.	2009	19621162
histopathological features in both the eschar and erythematous lesions of tsutsugamushi disease: identification of cd30+ cell infiltration in tsutsugamushi disease.	tsutsugamushi disease is an acute febrile infectious disease caused by rickettsia tsutsugamushi. an infection is heralded by the presence of an eschar at the site of the inoculating chigger bite and followed by the development of a disseminated erythematous macular rash. cd30 expression is found in anaplastic large cell lymphoma; however, expression in nonneoplastic cutaneous disorders, such as atopic dermatitis, drug reactions, scabies, and various infectious diseases, has also been reported. s ...	2009	19590420
tungiasis in schoolchildren in criciúma, santa catarina state, south brazil.	tungiasis is a common parasitic skin disease in brazil, caused by the flea tunga penetrans. we conducted a cross-sectional study to evaluate the occurrence of infestation with t. penetrans in primary schoolchildren in criciúma, santa catarina state (south brazil). in total, 917 children (6-10 years) of 68 schools were included in the study (11% of target population). physical examination was followed by residential visits of those infested, to assess housing conditions and to interview the child ...	2009	19390739
[tungiasis, an uncommon ectoparisitic disease].	tungiasis is an infestation of the skin due to the sand flea chigger (or tunga penetrans). after penetration under the nails of the feet, this ectoparasite enlarged and the lesion becomes painful. diagnosis is made on the past history (travel in tropical areas) and the inspection. treatment consists of extraction the insect entire, and administration of topical antiseptic lotion.	2009	19317125
tunga penetrans: description of a new dermoscopic sign--the radial crown.		2009	19289787
tungiasis in the united states: a travel souvenir.	tungiasis is a cutaneous infestation caused by the burrowing flea, tunga penetrans. this infection typically results in the development of one or more wart-like fibrous papulonodules. the causative flea is endogenous to central and south america, sub-sarahan africa and portions of india; consequently, tungiasis is rarely reported in north america. however, because of increasing air travel to and from endemic areas due to business and pleasure, it is imperative that this entity remain in the diff ...	2008	19265616
[tungiasis case after a trip to kenya].	tungiasis is an ectoparasitic skin disease caused by infestation by the female sand flea, tunga penetrans. prevalence in endemic areas may reach 83%, while it is rare in non-endemic areas. however, an increase in international travel to and from the affected regions may lead to a rise in the number of cases in non-endemic countries. we present a danish case of tungiasis contracted during a trip to kenya.	2009	19265613
[characterization of ectoparasites on dogs in the nucleus of urban expansion of juiz de fora, minas gerais, brazil].	the present work studied the characterization of ectoparasites on dogs in the nucleus of urban expansion of juiz de fora, minas gerais, brazil. the collections were conducted from july to september 2003, examining 101 dogs of no defined breed. the ectoparasites were collected through visual and tactile inspection of the animals' bodies, and were then placed in bottles with 70 degrees gl ethanol and identified under a stereomicroscope. specimens were clarified and mounted on slides for analysis u ...	2008	19265575
recognition and management of common ectoparasitic diseases in travelers.	this review article summarizes the ectoparasitic diseases likely to be seen by a western dermatologist. the article aims to cover both endemic diseases and those likely to present in the returning traveler. tungiasis is due to the gravid sand flea (tunga penetrans) embedding into the stratum corneum of a human host. as the flea is a ground dweller, lesions are usually present on the feet and are classically periungual. the sand flea is eventually shed spontaneously but to reduce the infection ri ...	2009	19170405
[clinical manifestations and epidemic factors of autumn-winter type scrub typhus in children from northern new endemic area].	scrub typhus is an infectious disease due to orientia tsutsugamushi transmitted by infected chigger mites. scrub typhus has long been recognized to occur in southern areas of china, but has recently been increasingly often reported from the north since the first case was reported in mengyin county, shandong province in 1986. the key objectives of the present study were to investigate the clinical manifestations and epidemic factors of scrub typhus in children from the northern new natural foci.	2008	19099688
parasites of importance for human health in nigerian dogs: high prevalence and limited knowledge of pet owners.	dogs are the most common pet animals worldwide. they may harbour a wide range of parasites with zoonotic potential, thus causing a health risk to humans. in nigeria, epidemiological knowledge on these parasites is limited.	2008	19068110
laboratory evaluation of aromatic essential oils from thirteen plant species as candidate repellents against leptotrombidium chiggers (acari: trombiculidae), the vector of scrub typhus.	scrub typhus, a rickettsial disease transmitted by several species of leptotrombidium chiggers (larvae), is endemic in many areas of asia. the disease is best prevented by the use of personal protective measures, including repellents. in this study commercially produced aromatic, essential oils of 13 plant species and ethanol (control) were tested in the laboratory for repellency against host-seeking chiggers of leptotrombidium imphalum vercammen-grandjean and langston (acari: trombiculidae). a ...	2009	19009361
ascoschöngastia bushlandi, a new species of chigger mite from dutch new guinea.		1947	18917672
a successful method for shipping larval trombiculids (chiggers).		1948	18903618
the control of chiggers in woodland plots.		1947	18858089
pigs are the most important animal reservoir for tunga penetrans (jigger flea) in rural nigeria.	we examined the domestic animals and rodents in a community in rural nigeria. of the 133 animals examined, 29 (21.8%) were infested, the highest prevalence of infestation and highest parasite load was found in the pigs (prevalence 54.8%, median = nine embedded parasites), followed by dogs (45.5%; median = 4), rattus rattus (29.4%; median = 2) and mus minutoides (15.4%; median = 1.5). of all the tungiasis lesions identified 83% were found in pigs. our data confirm that tungiasis is a zoonotic dis ...	2008	18820191
[trombiculiasis in humans].	trombiculiasis is an epizoonosis that occurs worldwide and is caused by various types of chiggers. clinical findings after accidental contact with the parasitic mite larvae include erythematous papules and urticarial plaques, to some extent with vesicular transformation, which can lead to excoriations due to the intense pruritus. prophylaxis against exposure is recommended when visiting areas known to be colonized by mites. reactions to bites can be treated by local application of alcohol compre ...	2008	18773180
[contribution of i.v. tarasevich to the study of tsutsugamushi disease].	this article summarizes the results of study of tsutsugamushi disease in the primorye and tadzhikistan, in its epidemiology, diagnosis and biology of the rickettsia tsutsugamushi. there is also information on the vectors of the disease, rickettsial infection within chiggers and transtadial transmission from larva to nymph, hosts of trombiculids and natural infection with r. tsutsugamushi.	2008	18756782
patterns of infestation by the trombiculid mite eutrombicula alfreddugesi in four sympatric lizard species (genus tropidurus) in northeastern brazil.	we studied the parasitism by the chigger mite eutrombicula alfreddugesi on four sympatric lizard species of the genus tropidurus in morro do chapéu, bahia state, brazil: t. hispidus, t. cocorobensis, t. semitaeniatus and t. erythrocephalus. for each species, we investigated the patterns of infestation and analyzed to which extent they varied among the hosts. we calculated the spatial niche breadth of the chigger mite on the body of each host species and the distribution of mites along the hosts' ...	2008	18642505
ectoparasitism by eutrombicula alfreddugesi larvae (acari: trombiculidae) on liolaemus tenuis lizard in a chilean fragmented temperate forest.	we compared parasite load (prevalence and mean intensity) of eutrombicula alfreddugesi larvae on the lizard liolaemus tenuis sampled during january 2006 and 2007 from the interior and edges of large forest tracts in the coastal maulino forest (35 degrees 59's, 72 degrees 41'w) and from nearby forest fragments (1.5-20 ha). all lizards were parasitized by chiggers regardless of location (prevalence, 100%); however, mean intensity of infestation was significantly lower at forest fragment edges comp ...	2009	18620475
ticks (ixodidae) and other ectoparasites in ulu muda forest reserve, kedah, malaysia.	a survey of ticks and other ectoparasites was carried out during a national biodiversity scientific expedition at ulu muda forest reserve, kedah, malaysia from 23-29 march 2003. a total of 161 animals comprising 20 species of birds, 16 species of bats, six species of non-volant small mammals and 12 species of reptiles were examined for ticks and other ectoparasites. from these animals, nine species in five genera of ticks, 10 species in two families of mesostigmatid mites and five species of chi ...	2008	18564690
childhood scrub typhus in eastern taiwan: ten-year experience from a medical center.	scrub typhus, a potentially fatal rickettsial infection, is endemic in western pacific rims including taiwan. most reports have been concerned about mainly adult patients, whereas serologic surveys suggested that as many as one-half of cases of scrub typhus might be in children.	2007	18437968
larvae of chigger mites neotrombicula spp. (acari: trombiculidae) exhibited borrelia but no anaplasma infections: a field study including birds from the czech carpathians as hosts of chiggers.	chigger mites were collected from 1,080 wild birds of 37 species at certak (czech republic), in the western carpathian mountains, from 29 july to 24 september 2005. the prevalence of infestation with chigger larvae was 7%. a total of 325 chigger specimens from 10 bird species was identified and three chigger species were found: neotrombicula autumnalis, n. carpathica, and n. inopinata, the latter two species being reported on new hosts. neotrombicula carpathica is reported in the czech republic ...	2008	18401688
qhapa, a pest causing skin irritations in nor yungas region of bolivia, identified as a chigger mite, eutrombicula batatas.	qhapa, a pest associated with skin irritations, was collected from children and adults as well as from underbrush, rain forest highlands, and coffee fields in the nor yungas region of bolivia. the pest was examined by phase contrast and scanning electron microscopy. morphological features, including number and position of setae on the segmented legs of the mite, were consistent with its identification as the larval form of the chigger mite eutrombicula batatas. recommendations are made on ways t ...	2008	18302877
immunohistochemical study of scrub typhus: a report of two cases.	scrub typhus is a zoonotic disease caused by orientia tsutsugamushi, which is transmitted by chiggers. the target cells of this rickettsia are poorly defined in humans. immunohistochemical staining of tissue sections of patients with scrub typhus is helpful in investigating the target cells of this rickettsia in different organs. we studied two autopsy specimens by immunohistochemical staining using a specific antibody against o. tsutsugamushi. rickettsiae were located in endothelial cells in al ...	2008	18281226
a culture medium for chiggers (trombiculidae).		1949	18210497
investigations on the biology, epidemiology, pathology, and control of tunga penetrans in brazil: vii. the importance of animal reservoirs for human infestation.	in brazil tungiasis is endemic in many resource-poor communities, where various domestic and sylvatic animals act as reservoirs for this zoonosis. to determine the role of animal reservoirs in human tungiasis, a cross-sectional study was performed in a traditional fishing community in northeast brazil. the human and the animal populations were examined for the presence of embedded sand fleas and the prevalence and the intensity of infestation were correlated. the overall prevalence of tungiasis ...	2008	18172688
risk factors for tungiasis in nigeria: identification of targets for effective intervention.	the parasitic skin disease tungiasis (caused by the flea tunga penetrans) affects resource-poor communities in latin america, the caribbean and sub-saharan africa. prevalences in endemic areas are high, and severe pathology occurs commonly. however, risk factors for infestation have never been assessed in africa.	2007	18160986
a tropical chigger, eutrombicula batatas linn. attacking man in california.		1949	18153058
tracheation in chiggers with special reference to acomatacarus arizonensis ewing (acarina, trombiculidae).		1949	18138179
new north american chiggers, acarina, trombiculidae.		1948	18099929
ectoparasitic assemblages on mormoopid bats (chiroptera: mormoopidae) from puerto rico.	we performed the first quantitative survey of ectoparasitic assemblages on three species of mormoopid bats living on the caribbean island of puerto rico: mormoops blainvillii leach (n=40), pteronotus quadridens gundlach (n=40), and pteronotus parnellii gray (n=9). we examined bats for parasites primarily on 8-10 may and 24-27 july 2002 at culebrones cave, near arecibo, puerto rico. only 50% of m. blainvillii were infested with at least one parasite, compared with 85-100% for pteronotus; infested ...	2007	18047193
molecular detection and characterization of spotted fever group rickettsiae in taiwan.	rickettsioses are emerging infectious diseases caused by rickettsiae in association with arthropods. we report the detection of spotted fever group rickettsiae (sfgr) in taiwan using molecular methods. phylogenetic analyses of the 17-kd protein and citrate synthase (glta) genes showed that sfgr twkm01 detected in rhipicephalus haemaphysaloides ticks was most similar to rickettsia rhipicephali. three twkm01 isolates were obtained from three individual r. haemaphysaloides ticks. small, intracellul ...	2007	17984347
clinical and histological features of inoculation site skin lesions in cynomolgus monkeys experimentally infected with orientia tsutsugamushi.	cynomolgus monkeys, as animal models of scrub typhus, are typically infected with orientia tsutsugamushi by intradermal inoculation. however, the clinical and histological features at the o. tsutsugamushi inoculation sites, akin to "eschars" at chigger inoculation sites in humans, have not been fully characterized. we intradermally inoculated one medial thigh of six cynomolgus monkeys with semi-purified o. tsutsugamushi (karp). within 7 days, two animals developed scrub typhus-like eschars and f ...	2007	17979530
repetitive sequences in the its1 region of the ribosomal dna of tunga penetrans and other flea species (insecta, siphonaptera).	different tunga penetrans isolates from various hosts obtained from south america (fortaleza. brazil) have been studied by nucleotide sequence comparison of the first and the second internal transcribed spacer (its1, its2) of the ribosomal deoxyribonucleic acid (rdna) and part of the mitochondrial 16s rdna. results show no significant host-dependent sequence differences. no indication for intraindividual and intraspecific polymorphisms could be detected. comparing the its1 spacer region of t. pe ...	2008	17952470
upper eyelid localisation of tunga penetrans.	this report describes two cases of palpebral localisation of tunga penetrans.	2007	17947835
[surveillance on rickettsia in epidemic areas of scrub typhus in xinyang areas of henan].	to understand the epidemic status of rickettsia in xinyang areas of henan province.	2007	17939381
[imported case of human tungiasis in hungary].	tungiasis is a parasitic skin disease due to the permanent penetration of the female sand flea t. penetrans (linnaeus, 1758) into the skin of its host.	2007	17932007
imported tungiasis: a report of 19 cases and review of the literature.	tungiasis is an infestation caused by penetration in the skin of the gravid female of the flea tunga penetrans. in the period 1991-2006, 19 patients with imported tungiasis were observed at our institute. all patients were subjected to general and dermatological examination, laboratory tests (including bacteriological examinations) and surgical excision of the lesions with histopathological examination. in all patients tetanus prophylaxis was made. all patients were followed up for at least six ...	2007	17910715
ectoparasites of chevrier's field mouse, apodemus chevrieri, in a focus of plague in southwest china.	chevrier's field mouse, apodemus chevrieri milne-edwards (rodentia: muridae), has been identified as the main wild reservoir of plague in the sylvatic plague focus of yunnan province, southwest china. here, the ectoparasite communities of a. chevrieri and the potential medical and veterinary importance of these ectoparasites are described. a high proportion (66%) of 321 mice were found to be infested with ectoparasites. a total of 81 species of ectoparasite, including 48 species of chigger mite, ...	2007	17897372
investigations on the biology, epidemiology, pathology and control of tunga penetrans in brazil. vi. natural history of the infestation in laboratory-raised wistar rats.	tungiasis is endemic in many countries in latin america, the caribbean and sub-saharan africa, and it is associated with severe morbidity. the pathophysiological and immunological characteristics of the ectoparasitosis are not well understood, and no effective therapy is currently available. the aim of this study was to describe the natural history of tungiasis in laboratory-raised wistar rats. the rats were exposed in the laboratory to the parasite or were kept in a natural environment with an ...	2007	17851690
investigations on the life cycle and morphology of tunga penetrans in brazil.	in the present study, the life cycle of tunga penetrans was established in wistar rats in the laboratory, and the morphology of the resulting developmental stages was studied by means of light and scanning electron microscopy. it was seen that the females enter at a nonfertilized stage through the skin of their hosts. only there the copulation occurs, while females and males brought together in a petri dish showed no interest in each other. in any way -- fertilized or not -- the females start ab ...	2007	17823833
the native host of the chigger.		1925	17776491
winter infestation of wild birds by ticks and chiggers (acari: ixodidae, trombiculidae) in the czech republic.	in winter months during 2003-2006, wild birds were captured and examined for ticks and chiggers at two sites near brno, czech republic. in total, 1,362 birds, mostly passerines, were examined. the tick ixodes arboricola schulze et schlottke, 1929 was found on 47 (3%) birds of six species. ixodes ricinus linnaeus, 1758 was found on 11 (1%) birds of five species. larvae of chiggers ascoschoengastia latyshevi (schluger 1955) were found on 13 (1%) birds of six species. i. arboricola and a. latyshevi ...	2007	17674046
ectoparasites in an urban population of big brown bats (eptesicus fuscus) in colorado.	ectoparasites of an urban population of big brown bats (eptesicus fuscus) in fort collins, colorado, were investigated during summers 2002, 2003, and 2004. eleven species of ectoparasites were found (the macronyssid mite steatonyssus occidentalis, the wing mite spinturnix bakeri, the myobiid mites acanthophthirius caudata and pteracarus aculeus, the chirodiscid mite alabidocarpus eptesicus, the demodicid mite demodex sp., the chigger leptotrombidium myotis, the soft tick carios kelleyi, the batf ...	2007	17626343
[tungiasis: a neglected disease causing severe morbidity in a shantytown in fortaleza, state of ceará].	the parasitic skin disease tungiasis, caused by the jigger flea tunga penetrans, is endemic in low-income communities in brazil. in this study, inhabitants of a shantytown in fortaleza, northeastern brazil, who had an elevated parasite load, were identified. the number of lesions, localization, staging and associated diseases were recorded. the 142 individuals identified were living in extremely precarious housing conditions. a total of 3,445 lesions located on the feet were counted (median = 17 ...	2007	17486257
tungiasis: high prevalence, parasite load, and morbidity in a rural community in lagos state, nigeria.	tungiasis is common in resource-poor populations throughout latin america, the caribbean, and sub-saharan africa, but epidemiologic data from africa on this ectoparasitosis are scarce.	2007	17472674
chigger mites (acari: trombiculidae) from wild birds in costa rica, with a description of three new species.	three new species of chigger mites, eutrombicula costaricensis sp. n., eutrombicula passerinoruni sp. n., and eutrombicula hectochaeta sp. n. are described from wild birds from costa rica. two species, eutrombicula pacae (floch et fauran, 1957) and parasecia findata (brennan, 1969), are recorded for the first time in costa rica and on new host species. data on the distribution of blankaartia sinnamaryi (floch et fauran, 1956) in costa rica are also reported.	2007	17441438
infestation of wistar rats with tunga penetrans in different microenvironments.	tungiasis is a zoonotic ectoparasitosis that causes considerable morbidity in affected populations. the type of microenvironment that facilitates infestation of hosts by tunga penetrans has not been investigated. in this study, we exposed 30 laboratory-raised wistar rats, a suitable model for the infestation, at six different places characterized by different microenvironments in a hyperendemic fishing village in northeastern brazil. during a period of two weeks, the animals were monitored and t ...	2007	17426167
scrub typhus vaccines: past history and recent developments.	scrub typhus, an acute, febrile and potentially fatal disease, caused by infection with the obligate intracellular bacterium orientia tsutsugamushi, is commonly seen in the asia-pacific region. this disease can be handled successfully with rapid diagnosis, proper antibiotic treatment, and rodent and chigger control. however, recent reports of scrub typhus outbreaks in endemic areas, and a decreased effectiveness of antibiotic treatment suggest a continued need for a suitable vaccine. this review ...	2007	17375000
[study of chigger communities on major species of rodents in yunnan province].	to understand the characteristics of the chigger communities on the major species of rodent hosts.	2006	17366968
[investigation of chigger mites on the rat eothenomys miletus in yunnan].	to understand the species, species distribution, the dominant species and their interspecies interaction of chigger mites on eothenomys miletus(a dominant species of rats) in yunnan.	2006	17361812
tungiasis and myiasis.	tungiasis and myiasis are common ectoparasitic infestations that occur in developing countries in the tropics, particularly where poverty and poor standards of basic hygiene exist. the growth in international travel to and from these regions has led to an increase in the presentation of these conditions in nonendemic countries. despite recent progress in the treatment and prevention of tungiasis and myiasis, diagnosis can present a challenge to those unfamiliar with these conditions, especially ...	2007	17350494
[insects know no border.].	one of the major consequences of the joined action of demographic pressure and evolution of human activities lies in enormous increase of transportation, both in frequence and speed; taking advantage of these facilities, some arthropods could increase their geographical distribution and create new health threats. several demonstrative examples are exposed in order to illustrate this anthropic dissemination of the vectors : the introduction of anopheles gambiae s.l. in mauritius island between 18 ...	1996	17292311
tungiasis: more than an exotic nuisance.	tungiasis is a parasitic and zoonotic skin disease caused by the sand flea tunga penetrans-also called the jigger flea, which burrows into human skin, usually on the feet. the ectoparasitosis occurs in many economically depressed communities in the caribbean, south america and africa, and affects sporadically travellers to endemic areas. usually, only one or two lesions are found in travellers, whereas the local populations commonly harbour dozens, sometimes even hundreds of lesions, associated ...	2003	17291909
rickettsial diseases in travelers.	often undiagnosed in travelers with acute nonspecific febrile illness, gastrointestinal, abdominal, pulmonary, neurologic, or cutaneous signs and symptoms, rickettsial diseases are transmitted in particular geographic and ecologic settings by ticks, fleas, chiggers, and lice. recognition of an eschar at the vector inoculation site can be a key diagnostic clue for scrub typhus, african tick bite fever, and other tick-borne spotted fevers. although laboratory confirmation is necessary, usually dur ...	2003	17291879
[tungiasis (tunga penetrans)].		2006	17269166
tunga penetrans: a stowaway from around the world.	tungiasis is a cutaneous ectoparasitic infestation by the female sand flea tunga penetrans. it is predominantly a health problem in sub-saharan africa, the caribbean, latin america and south america. however, increasing numbers of returning travellers, immigrants, and adopted children are also affected in non-tropical countries. it is a cause of substantial morbidity, with prevalence rates as high as 76% in certain endemic areas. to date, the early extraction of the flea is still the first line ...	2007	17207161
tungiasis (tungosis) comes to the czech republic.	a case of a 39 year old patient in whom infection by the sand flea tunga penetrans was diagnosed by histological examination is described. clinical findings included small red lesions on the lower extremities, containing a pyodermic component and a central black dot resembling tattoo. a tropical parasitic disease was considered as the signs developed following the patient's return from tanzania.	2002	17147544
observations on the endemicity of plague in karatu and ngorongoro, northern tanzania.	commensal and field rodents and wild small carnivores were live-trapped in five villages of karatu district and one settlement in the ngorongoro conservation area in ngorongoro district in tanzania. blood samples were taken and serologically tested for plague, using the blocking elisa technique. some domestic dogs and cats in the karatu villages were aseptically bled and similarly tested for plague. fleas were collected from the examined animals and from randomly selected residential houses. a t ...	2006	17058792
morbidity assessment in sand flea disease (tungiasis).	tungiasis, caused by the sand flea tunga penetrans, is a health problem in many impoverished communities in latin america, the caribbean, and sub-saharan africa. sand flea disease is associated with a broad spectrum of clinical and histological pathology. the factors determining the disease burden in endemic communities are not well understood, and severity of clinical pathology has never been assessed quantitatively. thus, two severity scores were developed: one for acute disease and one for ch ...	2007	17058108
genetic variability of tunga penetrans (siphonaptera, tungidae) sand fleas across south america and africa.	tunga penetrans is a widely distributed sand flea, infecting men and domestic animals. it originated in south america, but it is now also endemic of sub-saharan africa due to a recent accidental introduction. previous genetic analyses indicated a very limited variability in the ecuadorian populations; on the other hand, samples from madagascar resulted to be genetically isolated. to better examine the genetic variability of t. penetrans, a wider sampling was analysed for mitochondrial (cytochrom ...	2007	17058107
a review of endoparasitic acarines of malaysia with special reference to novel endoparasitism of mites in amphibious sea snakes and supplementary notes on ecology of chiggers.	some 2,000 species of mites of the family trombiculidae are known in the world. the 6-legged larvae are mostly ectoparasites of reptiles, birds, mammals and invertebrates. their 8-legged active nymphs and adults are free-living predators. in the asia-pacific region, a few species in various genera are vectors of scrub typhus and scrub-itch. in this a paper, a very bizarre trombiculid species, vatacarus ipoides southcott 1957, endoparasitic in the trachea of the amphibious sea snake, laticauda co ...	2006	17041547
a plant-based repellent protects against tunga penetrans infestation and sand flea disease.	tungiasis is a parasitic skin disease prevalent in impoverished populations in the tropics and associated with considerable morbidity. treatment options are limited and prophylaxis has never been attempted. we assessed the effectiveness of a plant-based repellent to prevent infestation with tunga penetrans and sand flea disease in an urban squatter settlement in fortaleza, northeast brazil. two cohorts were formed. one cohort started with the intervention while another served as control. the pla ...	2006	17010927
what's eating you? chiggers.		2006	16838766
caamembecaia gratiosus n. gen., n. sp. (acari: trombiculidae), from trinomys gratiosus (gunter) (rodentia: echimydae), of atlantic forest in southeastern brazil.	from june 1999 to may 2001, small mammals were captured in three areas of the atlantic forest in southeastern brazil and examined for ectoparasites. analysis of ectoparasites revealed the presence of a new chigger genus and species, caamembecaia gratiosus, from trinomys gratiosus. this is the first record of a chigger from t. gratiosus.	2006	16830704
molecular mechanisms for the variation of mitochondrial gene content and gene arrangement among chigger mites of the genus leptotrombidium (acari: acariformes).	the gene content of a mitochondrial (mt) genome, i.e., 37 genes and a large noncoding region (lnr), is usually conserved in metazoa. the arrangement of these genes and the lnr is generally conserved at low taxonomic levels but varies substantially at high levels. we report here a variation in mt gene content and gene arrangement among chigger mites of the genus leptotrombidium. we found previously that the mt genome of leptotrombidium pallidum has an extra gene for large-subunit rrna (rrnl), a p ...	2006	16830100
whartonia (fascutonia) natsumei (acari: trombiculidae): a new bat chigger collected from plecotus auritus (chiroptera: vespertilionidae) in japan, with host and distribution records of the genus whartonia.	we describe and illustrate a new bat chigger, whartonia (fascutonia) natsumei takahashi, takahashi & kikuchi n. sp., ex. plecotus auritus (linnaeus, 1758), from japan, and summarize the host and distribution records of the chiggers of the genus whartonia ewing, 1944. with the description of a new species here, the number of whartonia species increases to 40 composed of 22 species from asia, 14 from north and south america in addition to central america, and four from africa.	2006	16619590
high exposure to tunga penetrans (linnaeus, 1758) correlates with intensity of infestation.	tungiasis is a parasitic skin disease widespread in resource-poor urban and rural communities in brazil. inhabitants of an urban slum in northeast brazil were examined for the presence of tungiasis lesions and followed-up twice a week for a period of three weeks. each time the number, stages, and topographic localization of lesions were recorded on a documentation sheet. the infestation rate (number of newly embedded sand fleas per individual and day) remained stable during the observation perio ...	2006	16612510
[geographical variation in the species montivagum dihumerale and speciation in chigger mites (acari: trombiculidae)].	intraspecific morphological variation of the chigger mite species montivagum dihumerale (traub et nadchatram, 1967) is studied. eco-geographic rules of the variation are revealed. general size of mites is found to be increased along with the rise of the high-mountain character of the landscape in the collection localities. the numbers of idiosomal setae are varied independently from the size parameters and geographically close populations are proved to be the most similar by these characters. at ...	2006	16579029
tungiasis.	tungiasis is a neglected parasitic skin disease caused by the permanent penetration of the female sand flea (also called jigger flea) tunga penetrans into the skin of its host. after penetration, most commonly on the feet, the flea undergoes an impressing hypertrophy, and some days later the abdominal segments of the flea have enlarged up to the size of about 1 cm. the flea infestation is associated with poverty and occurs in many resource-poor communities in the caribbean, south america and afr ...	2005	16553319
seasonal variation of infestation by ectoparasitic chigger mite larvae (acarina: trombiculidae) on resident and migratory birds in coffee agroecosystems of chiapas, mexico.	parasitism is not well documented for birds found in tropical habitats. long-distance migratory birds may face additional risks to an already hazardous journey when infected. this study explores the ecology of an ectoparasite infestation in chiapas, mexico. during a mist-netting project in 2 different coffee management systems, chigger mites (acarina: trombiculidae), ectoparasitic during the larval stage, were found on both resident and migratory birds. using a rapid assessment protocol, it was ...	2005	16539008
tungiasis in rural haiti: a community-based response.	tungiasis is a disease endemic to poor communities in latin america, the caribbean and africa. it is caused by the female flea, tunga penetrans, which burrows into the skin of its host to feed while producing and extruding eggs. consequent lesions may be painful and even crippling with damage ranging from mild erythema and swelling to necrosis. superinfection of lesions can be serious and may result in auto-amputation or death from tetanus. we describe an outbreak of tungiasis in rural haiti and ...	2006	16516941
outbreak investigation of scrub typhus in himachal pradesh (india).	scrub typhus outbreak investigation was undertaken during september 2003 in the three worst affected districts shimla, solan and sirmaur in himachal pradesh (india). a total of 113 cases and 19 deaths (17.27 percent case fatality rate) were reported from the eight districts, which were reporting cases. cases were prevalent in all age groups and in both the sexes among the persons frequenting forest for occupational work. 35.7 percent of the patients serum samples showed a titer of > 1: 80 agains ...	2004	16506551
revision on tungiasis: treatment options and prevention.	the parasitic skin disease tungiasis occurs in many resource-poor communities in latin america, the caribbean and sub-saharan africa. the sand flea, tunga penetrans, most commonly penetrates into the skin of the feet. many individuals harbor a large number of embedded parasites and show significant morbidity. standard treatment consists of surgical extraction of the flea and application of a topical antibiotic. there are no drugs available with proven effectiveness. clinical trials performed in ...	2006	16441216
a survey of ectoparasites in gunung stong forest reserve, kelantan, malaysia.	a survey of ticks and other ectoparasites was carried out during a national biodiversity scientific expedition at gunung stong forest reserve, kelantan, malaysia from 23-29 may 2003. a total of 272 animals comprised of 12 species of birds, 21 species of bats, 7 species of rodents and 2 species of insects were examined for ticks and other ectoparasites. from these animals, 5 species in 4 genera of ticks; 7 species in 2 families of mesostigmatid mites and 5 species of chiggers were collected. amon ...	2005	16438136
effects of modeling and topic stimulus on self-referent touching.	self-touching is defined as self-directed touches, e.g., scratching or rubbing, that have no apparent conscious motivation. earlier research on self-touching focused on internal processes associated with self-touching, e.g., mental conflict, while more recent research has considered external motivators, such as an auditory or visual presentation of a provocative stimulus, e.g., leeches. here, 110 undergraduate psychology students (68 women, 42 men; m age = 18.7 yr., sd = 1.0) were shown a video ...	2005	16383073
tunga penetrans. a case report and review of the literature.	tungiasis is an infection caused by infestation of tunga penetrans into the epidermis. although, at the moment, presentation of this condition seems rare in europe and northern america, tungiasis is highly endemic in other parts of the world. we describe a case of tunga penetrans infection in the foot of a 22-year old dutch female returning from kenya, and present a review of the literature. now that intercontinental travel is increasing, physicians in other parts of the world will be expected t ...	2005	16315847
field trial of the efficacy of a combination of imidacloprid and permethrin against tunga penetrans (sand flea, jigger flea) in dogs in brazil.	in a field trial in brazil 17 dogs penetrated by females of the jigger flea, tunga penetrans, were topically treated with a combination of 10% imidacloprid and 50% permethrin (advantix), while 17 dogs remained untreated. the follow-up controls on days 7, 14, 21 and 28 post-treatment clearly showed that, beginning from day 7, the flea load in treated dogs decreased, so that most of the dogs became free of tungiasis lesions, while in the untreated group the flea load remained high. since the dogs ...	2005	16228267
euschoengastia suzukii (acari: trombiculidae): a new species of chigger mite collected from soil samples in the nest burrows of streaked shearwater in japan.	euschoengastia suzukii takahashi, fukaya & takahashi is described and illustrated. the type material was collected from soil samples in the nest burrows of the sea bird streaked shearwater, calonectris leucomelas (temminck), living on mikurajima island in tokyo; oomorijima island, oki, shimane prefecture; and awashima island, niigata prefecture, in japan, indicating that c. leucomelas is the main parasitic host of e. suzukii new species.	2005	16119540
novel mitochondrial gene content and gene arrangement indicate illegitimate inter-mtdna recombination in the chigger mite, leptotrombidium pallidum.	to better understand the evolution of mitochondrial (mt) genomes in the acari (mites and ticks), we sequenced the mt genome of the chigger mite, leptotrombidium pallidum (arthropoda: acari: acariformes). this genome is highly rearranged relative to that of the hypothetical ancestor of the arthropods and the other species of acari studied. the mt genome of l. pallidum has two genes for large subunit rrna, a pseudogene for small subunit rrna, and four nearly identical large noncoding regions. nine ...	2005	15931495
[ivermectin].	initial clinical trials in 1980 showed that ivermectin was remarkably effective against onchocerca volvulus. some 25 years after more than 50 million people are treated annually with mectizan mainly within the framework of the african programme for onchocerciasis control (apoc). this success has been possible thanks to merck mectizan donation program and to distribution through a novel strategy based on the strong involvement of endemic communities. in the last few years mectizan has been used i ...	2005	15903082
an unusual case of ectopic tungiasis with pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia.	tungiasis is caused by the penetration of the female sand flea tunga penetrans into the epidermis, and subsequent hypertrophy of the parasite. in most cases lesions are confined to the feet. during a cross-sectional study, an unusual case of ectopic tungiasis in the inguinal area was detected. histological examination of tissue samples showed a remarkable pseudoepitheliomatous aspect of the epidermis. clinical features and differential diagnoses are discussed.	2004	15880239
seasonal variation of tungiasis in an endemic community.	tungiasis (caused by the sand flea tunga penetrans) is hyperendemic in many resource-poor communities in brazil. to understand transmission dynamics of this parasitic skin disease in a typical endemic area, a longitudinal study was carried out in a slum in fortaleza in northeastern brazil. in a door-to-door survey, the population of a randomly selected area (n = 1,460) was examined on four occasions for the presence of embedded sand fleas. prevalence rates were 33.6% in march (rainy season), 23. ...	2005	15741550
chigger mites of the genus eutrombicula ewing, 1938 (acari: trombiculidae) from cuba, with the description of three new species.	three new species of chigger mites, eutrombicula cubensis sp. n. and e. anguliscuta sp. n. from lizards and bats, and e. leiocephali sp. n. from lizards, are described. one species, e. lipovskyana (wolfenbarger, 1953), is recorded for the first time in cuba. data on distribution of e. alfreddugesi (oudemans, 1910) in cuba are reported.	2004	15729949