Infant gastrointestinal canthariasis caused by cigarette beetle (Lasioderma serricorne)

Area of Science:

• Medical Entomology
• Molecular Biology
• Parasitology

Background:

• Intestinal canthariasis refers to diseases resulting from beetle larvae infestation.
• Accidental pseudo-parasitism by Lasioderma serricorne (cigarette beetle) larvae is uncommon but increasingly documented.
• Accurate identification of beetle larvae is crucial for understanding their role in human health.

Observation:

• A case of asymptomatic gastrointestinal passage of Lasioderma serricorne larvae in a 4-year-old male is presented.
• The patient exhibited no symptoms related to the larval infestation.
• This observation contributes to the understanding of rare parasitic or pseudo-parasitic events in the human gut.

Findings:

• Larval identification was performed using PCR-sequencing of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene.
• DNA barcoding proved essential due to the challenges in differentiating beetle species based solely on larval morphology.
• Genetic analysis confirmed the presence of Lasioderma serricorne.

Implications:

• This case underscores the importance of molecular techniques like DNA barcoding in diagnosing rare entomological conditions.
• Enhanced diagnostic capabilities can improve recognition of accidental pseudo-parasitism by insects.
• Further research into genetic identification methods is vital for medical entomology and public health surveillance.