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Arch Dermatol. 2005;141:389-394.

	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text and any section headings.

Diagnosis: Infestation with Tunga penetrans.

MICROSCOPIC FINDINGS

Fragmented parts of digestive tubes, cuticle, muscle bands, and several ovaries were observed in the samples. The findings were consistent with a clinical diagnosis of infestation by a jigger flea.

DISCUSSION

The flea T penetrans is also known as the jigger flea, chigoe flea, sand flea, or nigua.¹ It causes an inflammatory condition that was originally found in Central and South America and spread to West Africa around 1873.² It is now endemic in sub-Saharan Africa, India, and Pakistan.³ Clinically, a typical lesion resembles a small abscess with a necrotic center.^3-4

The lesions of T penetrans are caused by the female flea. After fertilization, the male dies and the female triesto find a suitable host, usually man, pigs, dogs, or cattle. The fertilized female firmly attaches itself to the epidermis using its mouth parts and subsequently penetrates the dermis by thrusting its head downward.¹ It looks for nourishment by puncturing . . . [Full Text of this Article]

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Arch Dermatol. 2005;141(3):389-394.
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