Tungiasis in the Sanumás Amerindians in the Amazon Rainforest, Brazil: Prevalence, Intensity and Morbidity

Abstract

Background: Tungiasis is a disease associated with extreme poverty. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of tungiasis in six different settlements of the Sanumás indigenous community in a remote area in the Auaris region, Yanomami territory, Brazil. Methods: We conducted an observational study to detect clinical and epidemiological factors associated with tungiasis using a cross-sectional strategy and multivariate logistic regression. Soil analysis was performed by visual and microscopic methods. Results: We examined 555 persons, 45 of whom had active tungiasis; 18 cases were classified as mild, 16 as moderate and 11 as severe. The disease was significantly more prevalent in children than in adults (odds ratio (OR) 15.77; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 5.34–67.91; p < 0.001). Soil infestation was significantly related to the occurrence of human tungiasis (OR = 12.29; 95% CI = 3.75–45.88). The sex and GPS location of the houses were not related to the occurrence of tungiasis. Conclusions: We conclude that tungiasis is an important problem in the Sanumás community, especially for children. We suggest that interruption of the off-host transmission cycle, together with regular treatment [human and animal interventions], must be prioritized to achieve control of tungiasis in indigenous populations.

The Effectiveness of Topical Dimethicone Together with a One Health Approach for the Control of Tungiasis in the Sanumás Communities, Yanomami Territory, Amazon Rainforest: A Real-World Study

“…A recent survey showed that the point prevalence of tungiasis in this community was 8.11% in January 2022 (95% confidence interval = 6.04-10.78%) [6]. Additionally, the disease mainly affects children in the Sanumás communities and can result in severe secondary complications, including verrucous coccygeal lesions, secondary infection, and deformities (Figure 1) [6]. Moreover, T. penetrans is widely present in the in-house soil of residences, and this is the most important risk factor for the occurrence of tungiasis [6].…”

“…Control can be difficult in communities where T. penetrans infect humans and animals and where they can be abundantly found in the soil. As a result of this complex environmental interaction, the disease shows epidemic characteristics in some parts of sub-Saharan Africa and South America [5,6].…”

“…The geographical characteristics of this region have been described elsewhere (Access point: (4 • 00 1 N 64 • 29 22 W; altitude = 759 m above sea level)) [6]. A recent survey showed that the point prevalence of tungiasis in this community was 8.11% in January 2022 (95% confidence interval = 6.04-10.78%) [6]. Additionally, the disease mainly affects children in the Sanumás communities and can result in severe secondary complications, including verrucous coccygeal lesions, secondary infection, and deformities (Figure 1) [6].…”

“…Additionally, the disease mainly affects children in the Sanumás communities and can result in severe secondary complications, including verrucous coccygeal lesions, secondary infection, and deformities (Figure 1) [6]. Moreover, T. penetrans is widely present in the in-house soil of residences, and this is the most important risk factor for the occurrence of tungiasis [6]. This population lives in conditions of low social development.…”

“…This population lives in conditions of low social development. Houses are made of straw or clay, sometimes without walls, and are built on compacted natural soil [6]. penetrans infect humans and animals and where they can be abundantly found in the soil.…”