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Published on: February 7, 2019
[Cercarial dermatitis in Europe: a new public health problem?]
L de Gentile1, H Picot, P Bourdeau
1Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Centre hospitalier universitaire (CHU), Angers, France.
Bulletin of the World Health Organization
|January 1, 1996
Summary
Cercarial dermatitis, a rash caused by avian trematodes, is an emerging parasitic disease. Environmental factors like eutrophication and duck presence increase infection risk, necessitating better water management and host control.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Dermatology
- Environmental Science
Context:
- Cercarial dermatitis is a widespread parasitic skin condition caused by avian trematode larvae.
- It presents as a pruritic rash following skin penetration by furcocercariae.
- Avian trematodes, particularly Trichobilharzia species, are implicated, with ducks as definitive hosts and snails as intermediate hosts.
Purpose:
- To report on recent outbreaks of cercarial dermatitis in western France.
- To analyze the epidemiological factors contributing to these outbreaks.
- To discuss control strategies and the emerging nature of the disease.
Summary:
- Outbreaks in France were linked to eutrophic ponds, Lymnea snails, and duck populations, exacerbated by sunny weather.
- Control is challenging, involving water body maintenance and molluscicides (niclosamide).
- Treating definitive hosts with praziquantel may disrupt the parasite's life cycle.
Impact:
- Cercarial dermatitis is considered an emerging disease with potential public health implications.
- Effective control requires integrated strategies addressing environmental conditions and host populations.
- Further global evaluation of its public health impact is warranted.
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