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 to recognize and treat this exotic infection. Knowledge of human tungiasis is mandatory in order to recognize the symptoms, achieve correct diagnosis and ensure adequate medical treatment to our patients.
Heemskerk
J
J
Department of Surgery, Catharina Hospital Eindhoven, The Nederlands. heemsch@hetnet.nl
van Empel
I
I
Jakimowicz
J J
JJ
D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D005534:Foot Diseases / Q000469:parasitology* / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007630:Kenya; D005423:Siphonaptera / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D014034:Toes / Q000469:parasitology; D014195:Travel