Tungiasis infestation in Tanzania

Humphrey D Mazigo,Jorg Heukelbach,Maria Zinga,Emmanuel Behamana

doi:10.3855/jidc.680

Humphrey D Mazigo, Jorg Heukelbach + Show 2 more

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https://doi.org/10.3855/jidc.680

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Abstract

Tungiasis is caused by the jigger flea Tunga penetrans. We describe a case of severe infestation from Kigoma region, Western Tanzania. A 19-year-old male with epilepsy and mental disability presented with ulcerated and inflamed toes. Clinical examination revealed the presence of approximately 810 embedded jigger fleas on the feet, and another 60 lesions on the hands. The patient presented with fissures on the feet, hands and soles. He had difficulty walking and erythematous, oedematous, ulcerated and inflamed skin around the feet. Living conditions were precarious. The patient was assisted to extract the embedded fleas and his feet were washed with disinfectants. Oral antibiotics were given. The case shows that the disease may reach high parasite loads in Tanzanian individuals, with consequently severe pathology. There have been single reports of returning tourists from Tanzania with tungiasis, but the epidemiological situation and the geographic occurrence of the disease in this country are not known. Systematic studies are needed to increase knowledge on the epidemiological situation of tungasis in Tanzania and to identify endemic areas.

Highlights

Tungiasis is a parasitic condition affecting the skin
The parasite was native to Latin America and the Caribbean, but from there it spread to sub-Saharan Africa in the 19th century [1]
Case report During a pilot survey to identify communities affected by tungiasis in Kasulu district, Kigoma region, we found a 19-year-old male living in the small village of Zeze

Summary

Introduction

The ectoparasitic disease is caused by penetration of the jigger flea Tunga penetrans. Tunga penetrans infestations may cause severe disease resulting in deformation of digits, chronic lymphedema, ulceration, secondary bacterial infections and tetanus [1,4,5]. Case report During a pilot survey to identify communities affected by tungiasis in Kasulu district, Kigoma region (western Tanzania), we found a 19-year-old male living in the small village of Zeze (population about 4,000).

Results

Conclusion