Control of tungiasis through intermittent application of a plant-based repellent: an intervention study in a resource-poor community in Brazil.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Tungiasis, an ectoparasitosis caused by the female sand flea Tunga penetrans, is an important health problem in many impoverished communities in the tropics. Sand flea disease is associated with a broad spectrum of clinical pathology and severe sequels are frequent. Treatment options are limited.

Methodology/principal findings

We assessed the effectiveness of the intermittent application of the plant-based repellent Zanzarin to reduce infestation intensity and tungiasis-associated morbidity in a resource-poor community in Brazil, characterized by a very high attack rate. The study population was randomized into three cohorts. Initially, during a period of four weeks, the repellent was applied twice daily to the feet of all cohort members. This reduced the number o

SUBMITTER: Buckendahl J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2976681 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature