Little Known Facts on the Medical Importance of Fleas

Overview

A case of a 39-year-old patient in whom infection with the sand flea Tunga penetrans, L.1758 was diagnosed by histological examination is described. Clinical findings included small red lesions on the lower extremities with a pyodermal component and a central black dot resembling tattooing. A tropical parasitic disease was contemplated because the signs developed after the patient’s return from Tanzania.

Key words:
sand flea - ectoparasitic infection