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Updated: Aug 13, 2026
10:27
Recognition of Epidermal Transglutaminase by IgA and Tissue Transglutaminase 2 Antibodies in a Rare Case of Rhesus Dermatitis
Published on: December 15, 2011
[Dermatitis and eosinophilia in a 9-year-old girl from Congo: putative onchodermatitis]
B E Wittekindt1, R Kitz, H Schöfer
1Klinik I für Kinder und Jugendmedizin, Klinikum der Johann-Wolfgang-Goethe-Universität Frankfurt am Main.
Klinische Padiatrie
|January 25, 2006
Summary
Onchocercosis, a parasitic disease causing skin issues and potential blindness, can manifest years after infection. Early diagnosis and treatment with Ivermectin can improve symptoms and normalize blood markers.
Area of Science:
- Medical Parasitology
- Dermatology
- Tropical Medicine
Background:
- Onchocercosis (river blindness) is a filarial disease prevalent in Africa, causing chronic dermatitis and potential blindness.
- Onchodermatitis represents a severe reaction to infection, characterized by high eosinophil and IgE levels.
Observation:
- A case study of a 9-year-old girl from Congo presenting with severe itching, skin lesions, and high eosinophilia (60%) and IgE (28,000 KU/l).
- Diagnostic tests excluded other conditions like HIV and Loa loa, but detected anti-filarial antibodies.
Findings:
- The patient's symptoms significantly improved after a single dose of Ivermectin, with a reduction in itching and normalization of blood eosinophil and IgE levels.
- Microscopy of skin samples did not detect parasites, highlighting diagnostic challenges.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering onchocercosis in the differential diagnosis of children with eosinophilic dermatitis, especially those from endemic regions.
- Early intervention with Ivermectin can effectively manage onchodermatitis symptoms and improve patient outcomes.
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