title: Clinical and Epidemiological Features of Paederus Dermatitis Among Nut Farm Workers in Turkey.
abstract: Paederusdermatitis is an acute irritant dermatitis resulting from contact with the hemolymph ofPaederusbeetles. This dermatitis mimics other infectious skin disorders, often resulting in diagnostic dilemmas. This study of 46 patients was conducted to increase awareness aboutPaederusdermatitis. Possible causes of a number of cases ofPaederusdermatitis in Giresun, Turkey, were investigated using climate data and telephone interviews with the patients about risk factors. Insects caught by patients were identified at the species level. All patients were hazelnut farm workers and admitted to the hospital in the months during which the hazelnut harvesting occurs. Of the patients, 11 (23.91%) presented with painful and burning skin lesions, and 35 (70.09%) complained of itching. The neck was the most involved site (47.83%). The predominant type of lesion was erythematous plaque (84.78%). No pathological findings were detected by laboratory testing. Patients reported coming into contact with the insect during the daytime. Captured insects were identified asPaederus fuscipes.Although the weather and climate were optimal forP. fuscipesduring June-October, patients were admitted to the hospital only during the hazelnut harvesting season (August-September). The only risk factor identified among patients was occupation; hence we believe our study is the first to suggest thatPaederusdermatitis is an occupational disease among hazelnut farm workers. We suggest thatPaederusspp. may become a substantial threat due to global warming, especially among farm workers.Paederusdermatitis is not included in classic medical textbooks. It is necessary to increase awareness about this condition.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Microbiology, Giresun University Medicine Faculty, Giresun, Turkey. emeluzunoglu@yahoo.com.
authors.forename: Emel
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Uzunoğlu
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Giresun Prof. Dr. A. Ilhan Ozdemir State Hospital, Giresun, Turkey.
authors.forename: Isıl Deniz
authors.initials: ID
authors.lastname: Oguz
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Microbiology, Giresun University Medicine Faculty, Giresun, Turkey.
authors.forename: Busra
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Kir
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Microbiology, Giresun University Medicine Faculty, Giresun, Turkey.
authors.forename: Cihangir
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Akdemir
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000383:Agriculture; D000818:Animals; D001517:Coleoptera; D017453:Dermatitis, Irritant / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology*; D000072480:Farms; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007299:Insect Bites and Stings / Q000150:complications*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009754:Nuts; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology; D012307:Risk Factors; D012621:Seasons; D012867:Skin / Q000469:parasitology*; D014421:Turkey / Q000453:epidemiology