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RESEARCH PAPER
Skin lesions in humans bitten by European
pigeon tick Argas reflexus (Fab.) (Ixodida:
Argasidae) massively occurring in the Upper
Silesian conurbation of south-west Poland
1
Chair and Department of Biology and Parasitology, Medical University, Lublin, Poland
2
Department of Basic Nursing and Medical Teaching, Medical University, Lublin, Poland
3
Med-Laser Non-Public Health Care Centre, Lublin, Poland
Corresponding author
Alicja Buczek
Medical University, Chair and Department of Biology and Parasitology, ul. Radziwiłłowska 11, 20-080 Lublin, Poland
Medical University, Chair and Department of Biology and Parasitology, ul. Radziwiłłowska 11, 20-080 Lublin, Poland
Ann Agric Environ Med. 2018;25(2):234-240
KEYWORDS
TOPICS
Biological agents posing occupational risk in agriculture, forestry, food industry and wood industry and diseases caused by these agents (zoonoses, allergic and immunotoxic diseases)State of the health of rural communities depending on various factors: social factors, accessibility of medical care, etc.
ABSTRACT
Introduction and objective:
The great number of pigeon populations in many European cities promotes the spread of the European pigeon tick (Argas reflexus), the bites of which cause local and systemic reactions. The aim was to study the occurrence of A. reflexus in several cities of Upper Silesia, and skin lesions caused by A. reflexus tick bites in humans.
Material and methods:
The results of investigations carried out in 1995–2002 in five cities located in the Upper Silesian conurbation are presented. Specimens of A. reflexus were collected for one hour in attics and lofts inhabited by these ticks. A history of skin lesions caused by bites was taken from residents who had been infested by A. reflexus. The development of skin lesions was monitored for three months in two individuals who had been bitten several times by these arthropods.
Results:
In the localities, 987 A. reflexus specimens were collected, including 334 females, 269 males, and 384 various nymphal stages. Within one hour, 38–109 ticks specimens were collected at the study sites. Cases of attacks by unengorged A. reflexus were reported in all the habitats located in the residential buildings; the ticks were also found in residents’ flats and in staircases. Residents who had been repeatedly attacked by European pigeon ticks developed a strong inflammatory reaction to the components of tick saliva, and had purple papules with necrosis in the centre of the lesion. The tick bite areas exhibited scars and hyperpigmentation.
Conclusions:
Individuals attacked by A. reflexus several times are at risk of development of severe persistent local reactions to bites. Pigeon ticks, trophically associated with pigeons present abundantly in the Upper Silesian conurbation and other European urban habitats, pose a serious threat to public health.
The great number of pigeon populations in many European cities promotes the spread of the European pigeon tick (Argas reflexus), the bites of which cause local and systemic reactions. The aim was to study the occurrence of A. reflexus in several cities of Upper Silesia, and skin lesions caused by A. reflexus tick bites in humans.
Material and methods:
The results of investigations carried out in 1995–2002 in five cities located in the Upper Silesian conurbation are presented. Specimens of A. reflexus were collected for one hour in attics and lofts inhabited by these ticks. A history of skin lesions caused by bites was taken from residents who had been infested by A. reflexus. The development of skin lesions was monitored for three months in two individuals who had been bitten several times by these arthropods.
Results:
In the localities, 987 A. reflexus specimens were collected, including 334 females, 269 males, and 384 various nymphal stages. Within one hour, 38–109 ticks specimens were collected at the study sites. Cases of attacks by unengorged A. reflexus were reported in all the habitats located in the residential buildings; the ticks were also found in residents’ flats and in staircases. Residents who had been repeatedly attacked by European pigeon ticks developed a strong inflammatory reaction to the components of tick saliva, and had purple papules with necrosis in the centre of the lesion. The tick bite areas exhibited scars and hyperpigmentation.
Conclusions:
Individuals attacked by A. reflexus several times are at risk of development of severe persistent local reactions to bites. Pigeon ticks, trophically associated with pigeons present abundantly in the Upper Silesian conurbation and other European urban habitats, pose a serious threat to public health.
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