Imported human tungiasis in Greece

Travel Med Infect Dis. 2009 Nov;7(6):375-7. doi: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2009.09.006. Epub 2009 Oct 14.

Abstract

Background: 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.

Case report: A 28-year-old woman presented with a lesion on the subungual area of the right fourth toe, covered with a central dark crust. The lesion appeared two weeks after returning from Tanzania. The flea Tunga penetrans was identified by histopathological examination of a biopsy material. This is the first case of tungiasis in Greece.

Conclusions: Tungiasis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of parasitic infections in travelers returning from endemic geographical areas.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Animals
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Ectoparasitic Infestations / etiology
  • Ectoparasitic Infestations / pathology*
  • Ectoparasitic Infestations / therapy
  • Female
  • Greece
  • Humans
  • Siphonaptera*
  • Tanzania
  • Toes / pathology*
  • Travel*