Domestic infestation by Sclerodermus sp. with associated skin manifestation

Sclerodermus sp. is an aculeate insect (Hymenoptera: Bethylidae), measuring 2-4 mm in length. It is a parasitoid and needs termites as hosts to complete its life cycle. It is found in a wide variety of woods and may accidentally sting humans who come near affected wooden objects. A 50-year-old woman...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Anais brasileiros de dermatología 2018-08, Vol.93 (4), p.582-584
Main Authors: Almeida, Jr, Hiram Larangeira de, Andrade, Mariani Magnus de, Scotti, Tialisson, Krüger, Rodrigo Ferreira
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Case Report
DERMATOLOGY
Ectoparasitic Infestations - complications
Ectoparasitic Infestations - parasitology
Female
Humans
Hymenoptera - ultrastructure
Insect Bites and Stings - complications
Insect Bites and Stings - parasitology
Insects bites and stings
Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
Middle Aged
Pruritus - etiology
Skin diseases
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Description
Summary:Sclerodermus sp. is an aculeate insect (Hymenoptera: Bethylidae), measuring 2-4 mm in length. It is a parasitoid and needs termites as hosts to complete its life cycle. It is found in a wide variety of woods and may accidentally sting humans who come near affected wooden objects. A 50-year-old woman presented two episodes of intense pruritic lesions. Clinical diagnosis of insect bite was doubtful since there were no pets at home, lesions had not started during summer and the patient denied rural activities. During a night episode of itching, the patient examined her bed and found 8 insects likely to be responsible for the bites. Scanning electron microscopy revealed typical features of a female of the genus (wingless and with multiple stingers at the lower end of the abdomen).
ISSN:0365-0596
1806-4841
1806-4841
DOI:10.1590/abd1806-4841.20187548