Tungiasis en área urbana

Abstract

Tungiasis is an endemic ectoparasitosis in Latin America and is associated with risk factors such as rurality, poverty, and living with animals. Popayán, a city in southwest Colombia, historically was very affected by tungiasis, even its gentilic is "patojo" due to the way of walking of its inhabitants infested by the flea. However, it is currently believed to be eliminated. We present the case of a 12-year-old boy from the urban area of Popayán, who consulted for the presence of one month of evolution of papular lesions with circular edges, blackish center, and hyperkeratotic halo on both feet. Based on the clinical findings, tungiasis was suspected and ivermectin was administered. The lesions were surgically removed and sent for parasitological analysis, which confirmed the presence of Tunga penetrans. The patient had a satisfactory evolution. The Municipal Health Secretariat of Popayán carried out an inspection of the patient's home, finding migrant dogs from the Colombian Pacific in their surroundings, some with suspicious lesions of tungiasis. The resurgence of this pathology in urban areas is documented, probably secondary to the migration of animals from rural areas. It is important to recognize the existence of the flea in rural and urban areas, make a medical diagnosis and report to the surveillance entities. These actions will make it possible to offer the appropriate management and sanitary control of this neglected ectoparasitosis in humans and animals.