A case of tungiasis.
Tunga penetrans is a burrowing flea that is prevalent in Central and South America, the Caribbean, tropical Africa, India, and Pakistan, and rarely is imported to the United States. Tungiasis results from the cutaneous infestation of humans by the gravid female flea, T. penetrans. We report a case of tungiasis in a female who had been on a missionary expedition along the Brazilian Amazon River. The clinical presentation, life cycle, differential diagnosis, military and historical aspects, and treatment are discussed.
Lowry
M A
MA
Department of Pathology, Womach Army Medical Center, Fort Bragg, NC 28307, USA.
Ownbey
J L
JL
McEvoy
P L
PL
D000818:Animals; D001938:Brazil; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004478:Ectoparasitic Infestations / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D005533:Foot Dermatoses / Q000150:complications / Q000469:parasitology* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D008889:Military Personnel; D005423:Siphonaptera; D014195:Travel; D014481:United States