Vázquez CR, Aguirre RVH, Chávez MHLD, Guzmán RMF

Language: Spanish
References: 6
Page: 629-631
PDF size: 1215.96 Kb.

ABSTRACT

We report a case of human skin lesions caused by cockroach (Blattella germanica) bite. Clinical findings included erythema, pruritus, and superficial ulceration, with resolution after symptomatic treatment. This rare presentation highlights cockroaches’ ability to bite, their mandibular biomechanics, and their potential to induce allergic sensitization. A literature review underscores their role in public health and the importance of considering cockroach bites in the differential diagnosis of cutaneous lesions in endemic and overcrowded urban areas. In this case, the patient recovered satisfactorily without complications.

REFERENCES

1. Uieda W, Haddad V Jr. Cockroach (Blatella germanica) bites inAmazonian indigenous peoples. Int J Dermatol. 2014; 53 (4): e277-279.

2. Bernton HS, Brown H. Insect allergy: the allergenic potentials of thecockroach. South Med J. 1969; 62 (10): 1207-1210.

3. Weihmann T, Reinhardt L, Weibing K, Siebert T, Wipfler B. Fast andpowerful: biomechanics and bite forces of the mandibles in theAmerican cockroach periplaneta americana. PLoS One. 2015; 10(11): e0141226.

4. Wipfler B, Triesch F, Evangelista D, Weihmann T. Morphological,functional, and phylogenetic aspects of the head capsule of thecockroach Ergaula capucina. PeerJ. 2022; 10: e12470.

5. Price JB, Divjan A, Montfort WR, Stansfield KH, Freyer GA,Perzanowski MS. IgE against bed bug (Cimex lectularius) allergens arecommon among adults bitten by bed bugs. J Allergy Clin Immunol.2012; 129 (3): 863-865.

6. Nava-Doctor JE, Sandoval-Ruiz CA, Fernández-Crispín A. Knowledge,attitudes, and practices regarding vector-borne diseases in centralMexico. J Ethnobiol Ethnomed. 2021; 17 (1): 45.