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» Home » CAD » Infectious Disease » Parasitic Infection » Chigger Bites
Background
Chigger is the generic term for mites of the Trombiculid group. Bites from these mites’ larvae can produce local pruritus & discomfort. This is referred to as trombiculiasis & trombiculosis. The reaction is usually moderate & self-limiting, although bites can occasionally transmit infection or cause a microbial superinfection. While there are many parasitic mite species in various settings around the world, the species most termed as chiggers comprise Eutrombicula alfreddugesi in the southern US, Trombicula autumnal in Europe, & Leptotrombidium species in Oceania & Asia.
This species’ larvae depend on the skin of various ranges of mammals, especially humans. Adult mites dig into the earth & feed on trash, while larvae collect on the margins of grass and leaves before latching on to a traveling host. They then travel to a favorite feeding place, attach to the host’s skin, and exude proteolytic enzymes that disintegrate the host’s epidermis. This causes an inflammatory process characterized by surrounding erythema, different degrees of swelling, & extreme itching.
Although the larvae are easily dislodged by scratching & rarely remain attached to humans for more than two days, the extreme pruritus, swelling, & localized allergic reaction can linger for weeks. On the skin, a light–red–orange–colored larva about 0.15 – 0.3 mm in length may be detected. Typically, trombiculiasis is diagnosed based on interaction with a trombiculid environment, the appearance of the lesions, as well as the elimination of other probable illnesses.
Epidemiology
Larval mites reach their parasitic stage in the Northern Hemisphere between September and June. As a result, nearly all cases of trombiculiasis occur throughout the summer & fall. However, in tropical places around the world, exposure can happen at any moment of the year. Chigger bites can develop in people of all ages who have previously been exposed to chigger environments.
Overgrown fields, forested areas, or damp soil near bodies of water are examples of these ecosystems. Trombiculiasis has typically been connected with harvest workers’ job exposure; however, it can also develop in suburban or metropolitan regions where there is visibility to a grassy field, garden, or an overgrown lawn. As a result, the true prevalence of trombiculiasis is unknown & limited to incident reports.
This is largely owing to the disease’s self-limiting character, which generally leads to underrepresentation. Chiggers are known human vectors of scrub typhus. The bacteria Orientia tsutsugamushi causes scrub typhus. The risk of disease in urban contexts is not well established; nevertheless, a recent Thai study discovered an elevated incidence of chigger infection (76.8%) in animals caught in Bangkok’s urban city parks. However, they found no O. tsutsugamushi in their research.
Chigger-associated scrub typhus is found all over the world. It was formerly considered to occur primarily in the Asian-Pacific region & northern Australia, dubbed the “Tsutsugamushi Triangle.” Nonetheless, observations of scrub typhus in southern Chile and Africa have expanded the disease’s endemic range. A recent study in North Carolina, USA, found Rickettsia disease in chiggers.
Anatomy
Pathophysiology
Trombiculid mites enter human skin through direct contact with open sleeves, pant cuffs, and shirt collars. The larvae then travel over the skin’s surface. Limitations to migration, including a belt and elastic waistline, lead larvae to congregate in these places. They produce digestive enzymes once hooked to the skin in order to liquefy the epidermis for eating. This causes discomfort & inflammation at the location of the bite.
The area around the wound would become inflamed as the larva mite liquefies the epidermis. This causes a papule to grow around the mite, giving the impression that it has burrowed into the dermis. The mite may be observed on the inside of the papule at times, but it will be going to be dislodged by the time the irritation occurs. The pruritus normally goes away after a few days, although it can continue for up to 2 weeks.
Chigger bites cause erythematous papules, which can appear in clusters. Surrounding vesicles, macules, and, in rare cases, bullae may form. Since mites travel on the host’s body to a sheltered location with the epidermis, they frequently congregate along the edges of closely fitting garments. Numerous bites may occur in a linear pattern along the waistline, the in-seam of underwear, or on top of socks and shoes.
Etiology
Trombiculiasis is formed by the biting of trombiculid parasites & needs exposure to the larval mites’ preferred habitat. When bitten, the mite’s digestive enzymes cause liquefaction of the recipient’s epidermis, resulting in a regional hypersensitivity response. This results in the characteristic erythema, papules, & urticaria.
Genetics
Prognostic Factors
As long as there is no re-exposure, trombiculiasis will usually resolve in a couple of weeks in the majority of cases. In general, the chance of superimposed pathogenic bacteria or the spreading of other bacterial infections is quite minimal. As a result, the prognosis for chigger bites is almost always favorable.
If re-infection is possible, the physician should advise the patient to avoid chigger environments, cover the skin when traveling through infested regions, or use repellents and pesticides to avoid contamination.
Clinical History
Clinical history
A clinical history of chigger bites includes gathering information about the patient’s recent exposure to potential chigger habitats and the onset and characteristics of the symptoms.
The healthcare provider may ask the patient about:
A thorough clinical history can help the healthcare provider make an accurate diagnosis of chigger bites and provide appropriate treatment recommendations.
Physical Examination
Physical examination
During a physical examination of chigger bites, the healthcare provider will typically inspect the affected areas for the characteristic signs of chigger bites, including:
In addition to a physical examination, the healthcare provider may also take a detailed medical history and ask about recent travel, outdoor activities, and any other symptoms or concerns. If there is any uncertainty about the diagnosis or treatment, the healthcare provider may order further tests or refer the patient to a specialist.
Age group
Associated comorbidity
Associated activity
Acuity of presentation
Differential Diagnoses
Differential diagnosis
The differential diagnosis of chigger bites includes other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as:
If you suspect you have been bitten by chiggers, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider to rule out other possible causes and receive appropriate treatment.
Laboratory Studies
Imaging Studies
Procedures
Histologic Findings
Staging
Treatment Paradigm
Chigger bite treatment focuses on symptom management with antihistamines or external corticosteroid creams. Cold compresses also help relieve pain & regional edema. There is no place for suffocating the parasite by covering the bite in nail paint, vaseline, and cream. Itching can be relieved with menthol and calamine cream applied topically.
Strong external corticosteroids with occlusion can be administered in extreme situations. If topical treatment fails, triamcinolone acetonide intralesional steroid injections might be utilized. But, in the majority of instances, this is unneeded. To prevent larvae, exposed garments should be cleaned in hot water and treated with pesticides. Doxycycline is used to treat scrub typhus.
by Stage
by Modality
Chemotherapy
Radiation Therapy
Surgical Interventions
Hormone Therapy
Immunotherapy
Hyperthermia
Photodynamic Therapy
Stem Cell Transplant
Targeted Therapy
Palliative Care
Medication
Future Trends
References
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538528/
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» Home » CAD » Infectious Disease » Parasitic Infection » Chigger Bites
Chigger is the generic term for mites of the Trombiculid group. Bites from these mites’ larvae can produce local pruritus & discomfort. This is referred to as trombiculiasis & trombiculosis. The reaction is usually moderate & self-limiting, although bites can occasionally transmit infection or cause a microbial superinfection. While there are many parasitic mite species in various settings around the world, the species most termed as chiggers comprise Eutrombicula alfreddugesi in the southern US, Trombicula autumnal in Europe, & Leptotrombidium species in Oceania & Asia.
This species’ larvae depend on the skin of various ranges of mammals, especially humans. Adult mites dig into the earth & feed on trash, while larvae collect on the margins of grass and leaves before latching on to a traveling host. They then travel to a favorite feeding place, attach to the host’s skin, and exude proteolytic enzymes that disintegrate the host’s epidermis. This causes an inflammatory process characterized by surrounding erythema, different degrees of swelling, & extreme itching.
Although the larvae are easily dislodged by scratching & rarely remain attached to humans for more than two days, the extreme pruritus, swelling, & localized allergic reaction can linger for weeks. On the skin, a light–red–orange–colored larva about 0.15 – 0.3 mm in length may be detected. Typically, trombiculiasis is diagnosed based on interaction with a trombiculid environment, the appearance of the lesions, as well as the elimination of other probable illnesses.
Larval mites reach their parasitic stage in the Northern Hemisphere between September and June. As a result, nearly all cases of trombiculiasis occur throughout the summer & fall. However, in tropical places around the world, exposure can happen at any moment of the year. Chigger bites can develop in people of all ages who have previously been exposed to chigger environments.
Overgrown fields, forested areas, or damp soil near bodies of water are examples of these ecosystems. Trombiculiasis has typically been connected with harvest workers’ job exposure; however, it can also develop in suburban or metropolitan regions where there is visibility to a grassy field, garden, or an overgrown lawn. As a result, the true prevalence of trombiculiasis is unknown & limited to incident reports.
This is largely owing to the disease’s self-limiting character, which generally leads to underrepresentation. Chiggers are known human vectors of scrub typhus. The bacteria Orientia tsutsugamushi causes scrub typhus. The risk of disease in urban contexts is not well established; nevertheless, a recent Thai study discovered an elevated incidence of chigger infection (76.8%) in animals caught in Bangkok’s urban city parks. However, they found no O. tsutsugamushi in their research.
Chigger-associated scrub typhus is found all over the world. It was formerly considered to occur primarily in the Asian-Pacific region & northern Australia, dubbed the “Tsutsugamushi Triangle.” Nonetheless, observations of scrub typhus in southern Chile and Africa have expanded the disease’s endemic range. A recent study in North Carolina, USA, found Rickettsia disease in chiggers.
Trombiculid mites enter human skin through direct contact with open sleeves, pant cuffs, and shirt collars. The larvae then travel over the skin’s surface. Limitations to migration, including a belt and elastic waistline, lead larvae to congregate in these places. They produce digestive enzymes once hooked to the skin in order to liquefy the epidermis for eating. This causes discomfort & inflammation at the location of the bite.
The area around the wound would become inflamed as the larva mite liquefies the epidermis. This causes a papule to grow around the mite, giving the impression that it has burrowed into the dermis. The mite may be observed on the inside of the papule at times, but it will be going to be dislodged by the time the irritation occurs. The pruritus normally goes away after a few days, although it can continue for up to 2 weeks.
Chigger bites cause erythematous papules, which can appear in clusters. Surrounding vesicles, macules, and, in rare cases, bullae may form. Since mites travel on the host’s body to a sheltered location with the epidermis, they frequently congregate along the edges of closely fitting garments. Numerous bites may occur in a linear pattern along the waistline, the in-seam of underwear, or on top of socks and shoes.
Trombiculiasis is formed by the biting of trombiculid parasites & needs exposure to the larval mites’ preferred habitat. When bitten, the mite’s digestive enzymes cause liquefaction of the recipient’s epidermis, resulting in a regional hypersensitivity response. This results in the characteristic erythema, papules, & urticaria.
As long as there is no re-exposure, trombiculiasis will usually resolve in a couple of weeks in the majority of cases. In general, the chance of superimposed pathogenic bacteria or the spreading of other bacterial infections is quite minimal. As a result, the prognosis for chigger bites is almost always favorable.
If re-infection is possible, the physician should advise the patient to avoid chigger environments, cover the skin when traveling through infested regions, or use repellents and pesticides to avoid contamination.
Clinical history
A clinical history of chigger bites includes gathering information about the patient’s recent exposure to potential chigger habitats and the onset and characteristics of the symptoms.
The healthcare provider may ask the patient about:
A thorough clinical history can help the healthcare provider make an accurate diagnosis of chigger bites and provide appropriate treatment recommendations.
Physical examination
During a physical examination of chigger bites, the healthcare provider will typically inspect the affected areas for the characteristic signs of chigger bites, including:
In addition to a physical examination, the healthcare provider may also take a detailed medical history and ask about recent travel, outdoor activities, and any other symptoms or concerns. If there is any uncertainty about the diagnosis or treatment, the healthcare provider may order further tests or refer the patient to a specialist.
Differential diagnosis
The differential diagnosis of chigger bites includes other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as:
If you suspect you have been bitten by chiggers, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider to rule out other possible causes and receive appropriate treatment.
Chigger bite treatment focuses on symptom management with antihistamines or external corticosteroid creams. Cold compresses also help relieve pain & regional edema. There is no place for suffocating the parasite by covering the bite in nail paint, vaseline, and cream. Itching can be relieved with menthol and calamine cream applied topically.
Strong external corticosteroids with occlusion can be administered in extreme situations. If topical treatment fails, triamcinolone acetonide intralesional steroid injections might be utilized. But, in the majority of instances, this is unneeded. To prevent larvae, exposed garments should be cleaned in hot water and treated with pesticides. Doxycycline is used to treat scrub typhus.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538528/
Chigger is the generic term for mites of the Trombiculid group. Bites from these mites’ larvae can produce local pruritus & discomfort. This is referred to as trombiculiasis & trombiculosis. The reaction is usually moderate & self-limiting, although bites can occasionally transmit infection or cause a microbial superinfection. While there are many parasitic mite species in various settings around the world, the species most termed as chiggers comprise Eutrombicula alfreddugesi in the southern US, Trombicula autumnal in Europe, & Leptotrombidium species in Oceania & Asia.
This species’ larvae depend on the skin of various ranges of mammals, especially humans. Adult mites dig into the earth & feed on trash, while larvae collect on the margins of grass and leaves before latching on to a traveling host. They then travel to a favorite feeding place, attach to the host’s skin, and exude proteolytic enzymes that disintegrate the host’s epidermis. This causes an inflammatory process characterized by surrounding erythema, different degrees of swelling, & extreme itching.
Although the larvae are easily dislodged by scratching & rarely remain attached to humans for more than two days, the extreme pruritus, swelling, & localized allergic reaction can linger for weeks. On the skin, a light–red–orange–colored larva about 0.15 – 0.3 mm in length may be detected. Typically, trombiculiasis is diagnosed based on interaction with a trombiculid environment, the appearance of the lesions, as well as the elimination of other probable illnesses.
Larval mites reach their parasitic stage in the Northern Hemisphere between September and June. As a result, nearly all cases of trombiculiasis occur throughout the summer & fall. However, in tropical places around the world, exposure can happen at any moment of the year. Chigger bites can develop in people of all ages who have previously been exposed to chigger environments.
Overgrown fields, forested areas, or damp soil near bodies of water are examples of these ecosystems. Trombiculiasis has typically been connected with harvest workers’ job exposure; however, it can also develop in suburban or metropolitan regions where there is visibility to a grassy field, garden, or an overgrown lawn. As a result, the true prevalence of trombiculiasis is unknown & limited to incident reports.
This is largely owing to the disease’s self-limiting character, which generally leads to underrepresentation. Chiggers are known human vectors of scrub typhus. The bacteria Orientia tsutsugamushi causes scrub typhus. The risk of disease in urban contexts is not well established; nevertheless, a recent Thai study discovered an elevated incidence of chigger infection (76.8%) in animals caught in Bangkok’s urban city parks. However, they found no O. tsutsugamushi in their research.
Chigger-associated scrub typhus is found all over the world. It was formerly considered to occur primarily in the Asian-Pacific region & northern Australia, dubbed the “Tsutsugamushi Triangle.” Nonetheless, observations of scrub typhus in southern Chile and Africa have expanded the disease’s endemic range. A recent study in North Carolina, USA, found Rickettsia disease in chiggers.
Trombiculid mites enter human skin through direct contact with open sleeves, pant cuffs, and shirt collars. The larvae then travel over the skin’s surface. Limitations to migration, including a belt and elastic waistline, lead larvae to congregate in these places. They produce digestive enzymes once hooked to the skin in order to liquefy the epidermis for eating. This causes discomfort & inflammation at the location of the bite.
The area around the wound would become inflamed as the larva mite liquefies the epidermis. This causes a papule to grow around the mite, giving the impression that it has burrowed into the dermis. The mite may be observed on the inside of the papule at times, but it will be going to be dislodged by the time the irritation occurs. The pruritus normally goes away after a few days, although it can continue for up to 2 weeks.
Chigger bites cause erythematous papules, which can appear in clusters. Surrounding vesicles, macules, and, in rare cases, bullae may form. Since mites travel on the host’s body to a sheltered location with the epidermis, they frequently congregate along the edges of closely fitting garments. Numerous bites may occur in a linear pattern along the waistline, the in-seam of underwear, or on top of socks and shoes.
Trombiculiasis is formed by the biting of trombiculid parasites & needs exposure to the larval mites’ preferred habitat. When bitten, the mite’s digestive enzymes cause liquefaction of the recipient’s epidermis, resulting in a regional hypersensitivity response. This results in the characteristic erythema, papules, & urticaria.
As long as there is no re-exposure, trombiculiasis will usually resolve in a couple of weeks in the majority of cases. In general, the chance of superimposed pathogenic bacteria or the spreading of other bacterial infections is quite minimal. As a result, the prognosis for chigger bites is almost always favorable.
If re-infection is possible, the physician should advise the patient to avoid chigger environments, cover the skin when traveling through infested regions, or use repellents and pesticides to avoid contamination.
Clinical history
A clinical history of chigger bites includes gathering information about the patient’s recent exposure to potential chigger habitats and the onset and characteristics of the symptoms.
The healthcare provider may ask the patient about:
A thorough clinical history can help the healthcare provider make an accurate diagnosis of chigger bites and provide appropriate treatment recommendations.
Physical examination
During a physical examination of chigger bites, the healthcare provider will typically inspect the affected areas for the characteristic signs of chigger bites, including:
In addition to a physical examination, the healthcare provider may also take a detailed medical history and ask about recent travel, outdoor activities, and any other symptoms or concerns. If there is any uncertainty about the diagnosis or treatment, the healthcare provider may order further tests or refer the patient to a specialist.
Differential diagnosis
The differential diagnosis of chigger bites includes other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as:
If you suspect you have been bitten by chiggers, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider to rule out other possible causes and receive appropriate treatment.
Chigger bite treatment focuses on symptom management with antihistamines or external corticosteroid creams. Cold compresses also help relieve pain & regional edema. There is no place for suffocating the parasite by covering the bite in nail paint, vaseline, and cream. Itching can be relieved with menthol and calamine cream applied topically.
Strong external corticosteroids with occlusion can be administered in extreme situations. If topical treatment fails, triamcinolone acetonide intralesional steroid injections might be utilized. But, in the majority of instances, this is unneeded. To prevent larvae, exposed garments should be cleaned in hot water and treated with pesticides. Doxycycline is used to treat scrub typhus.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538528/
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