Imported human tungiasis in Greece

Background: Tungiasis is a parasitic skin disease caused by the sand flea Tunga penetrans. It is widespread in poor urban and rural communities in sub-Saharan Africa, the Caribbean and South America. Imported cases of tungiasis are increasingly being reported due to the increased numbers of travelers visiting the affected areas. Case report: A 28-year-old woman presented with a lesion on the subungual area of the right fourth toe, covered with a central dark crust. The lesion appeared two weeks after returning from Tanzania. The flea Tunga penetrons was identified by histopathological examination of a biopsy material. This is the first case of tungiasis in Greece. Conclusions: Tungiasis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of parasitic infections in travelers returning from endemic geographical areas. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.