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Collembola are unlikely to cause human dermatitis
1St George Hospital, Kogarah, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. fluppy888@yahoo.com
Journal of Insect Science (Online)
|July 21, 2009
Summary
Dermatitis cases linked to springtails (Collembola) were investigated. The study found no evidence that Drepanura springtails cause dermatitis, suggesting other environmental factors may be responsible.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Entomology
- Allergology
Background:
- Unconfirmed reports suggest Collembola (springtails) may cause dermatitis.
- Two nurses presented with dermatitis suspected to be caused by the springtail Drepanura Schött.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential causal link between Drepanura springtails and human dermatitis.
- To determine if IgE antibodies or skin reactions are associated with Collembola exposure in affected individuals.
Main Methods:
- Sera from nurses were tested for IgE antibodies to Collembola proteins.
- Skin tests were performed using Collembola extract and crushed whole Collembola on nurses and volunteers.
Main Results:
- No IgE antibodies to Collembola proteins were detected in the nurses' sera.
- Skin tests were negative in both the affected nurses and healthy volunteers.
Conclusions:
- The springtail Drepanura Schött is unlikely to be a direct cause of human dermatitis.
- Other environmental factors present in moist habitats shared by Collembola may be responsible for the observed dermatitis.
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