pederin and Dermatitis

A 28-year-old nursing student working in Juba, South Sudan, suddenly developed a rash over her mid-right clavicle. Beginning as a 10-cm-diameter erythematous patch with an irregular border, within 24 hours it had developed an increasingly gray, necrotic center, appearing similar to a burn. The patient was seen by 2 local physicians without a diagnosis being made. Ultimately, it was diagnosed as being caused by the toxic hemolymph, pederin, from the Nairobi fly (Paederus). The rash usually affects body parts not covered by clothing; healing time ranges from 7 to 28 days, usually with permanent skin discoloration. Preventive measures include typical antivector precautions, including bed nets, long-sleeve clothing, and avoiding fluorescent lights. If the beetles are found on the skin, brushing them off, rather than crushing them, avoids producing dermatitis. Treatment includes rapidly washing the affected area, applying cold, wet compresses, and possibly treating with antibiotics, steroids, and antihistamines.

Topics: Adult; Animals; Coleoptera; Dermatitis; Female; Humans; Pyrans; Sudan; Toxins, Biological

Paederus dermatitis is a pruritic, self-healing dermatitis, showing vesicle and squamose in ordinary cases. It is caused by rove beetles' Paederus hemolymph coming into contact with human skin. Paederus hemolymph contains the powerful pederin toxin. Paederus ilsae Bernhaurt and Paederus iliensis Coiffait are found in southern Iran and cause numerous cases of cutaneous lesions every year, chiefly in spring and summer. This is the first report describing the pathogen of Paederus in Iran. Dermatitis caused by these two species is the same except for duration and severity which are higher in P. ilsae. Clinical manifestations of the above mentioned species in human beings and Guinea pigs are different. Laboratory tests of pederin dissolved in ethanol is also part of the study. Complications arising from secondary infections, pederin stability and local treatment are also discussed.

Topics: Animals; Coleoptera; Dermatitis; Humans; Iran; Pyrans; Toxins, Biological

During the month of May 1993, at the end of the rainy season, an outbreak of dermatitis occurred in Brazzaville (Congo). It was caused by Paederus sabaeus, a Staphylinid beetle which invaded the town during three weeks. The patients recovered spontaneously or after topical application of creams. No eye affection was recorded.

Topics: Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Animals; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Coleoptera; Congo; Dermatitis; Pyrans; Seasons; Toxins, Biological

In May 1993, at the end of the rainy season, outbreaks of Paederus sabaeus (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae) were recorded in Brazzaville (Congo), Kinshasa (Zaire), Franceville and Libreville (Gabon) and even in Bangui (CAR) at the North of the equator. A short review of previous outbreaks in Africa and on vesicant substances is given by the authors. These beetles are attracted to neon lights and they rest on the walls or on the skin of the occupants. When the insects are crushed on the bare skin their haemolymph liberate pederine and related vesicant components which provocate dermatitis. The insects disappeared spontaneously after three to four weeks.

Topics: Animals; Coleoptera; Congo; Democratic Republic of the Congo; Dermatitis; Gabon; Irritants; Pyrans; Seasons; Toxins, Biological

Paederus fuscipes (PF) dermatitis is a self-healing blistering disorder of the skin caused by a small insect belonging to genus Paederus, family Staphylinidae, order Coleoptera. Crushing PF on the skin causes acute dermatitis within 24 hours, corresponding in shape and dimensions to the area affected by the substance released (pederin). The acute vesicular lesions become crusted and scaly within a few days and heal completely in 10-12 days, with a transitory postinflammatory hypercromic patch. Twenty consecutive cases of PF dermatitis at different stages were studied histologically by routine light microscopy. The pederin causes a spectrum of histopathologic changes ranging from acute epidermal necrosis and blistering in acute stages, to marked acanthosis with mitotic figures in the late stages. PF dermatitis is an entomological model of irritant contact dermatitis, having histopathologic features of intraepidermal and subepidermal blistering, epidermal necrosis and acantholysis. The presence of some acantholytic foci, relatively far from the foci of clinically involved skin, in four of the cases considered suggests a possible role of pederin in inducing acantholysis indirectly. Acantholysis is probably caused by the release of epidermal proteases.

Topics: Animals; Coleoptera; Dermatitis; Humans; Pyrans; Skin; Toxins, Biological