Anthrenus sp. and an Uncommon Cluster of Dermatitis

Emerg Infect Dis. 2021 Jul;27(7):1940-1943. doi: 10.3201/eid2707.203245.

Abstract

We report patients in their homes in France who had cutaneous lesions caused by Anthrenus sp. larvae during the end of winter and into spring. These lesions mimic bites but are allergic reactions to larvae hairs pegged in the skin. These lesions should be distinguished from bites of bed bugs or fleas.

Keywords: Anthrenus sp.; France; Nice; bed bugs; carpet beetle; cluster; dermatitis; fleas; insect pests; insects; medical entomology; parasites; skin lesions; vector-borne infections; zoonoses.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Coleoptera*
  • Dermatitis*
  • France
  • Humans
  • Insect Bites and Stings*
  • Siphonaptera*
  • Skin