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Human cercarial dermatitis (HCD) in the UK: an overlooked and under-reported nuisance?

Kerr, Orla, Juhász, Alexandra, Jones, Sam and Stothard, Russell ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9370-3420 (2024) 'Human cercarial dermatitis (HCD) in the UK: an overlooked and under-reported nuisance?'. Parasites & Vectors, Vol 17, Issue 1.

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Abstract

Background:
Human cercarial dermatitis (HCD) is a clinical disease typically caused by skin-penetrative larvae of avian schistosomes. Its geographical epidemiology is firmly tied with that of infected freshwater intermediate snail hosts. To better understand the current distribution of HCD and its level of nuisance in the UK, we undertook a systematic literature review.

Methods:
Following PRIMSA guidelines, PubMed and Scopus databases were searched with keywords “human cercarial dermatitis” OR “swimmer’s itch” AND “United Kingdom”. Articles about imported cases of HCD, or HCD outside the UK, were not formally included.

Results:
A total of 30 articles were initially identified. A further two were gained by inspection of all citations. After screening, eight publications were analysed where the location, number of cases and putative avian schistosome species incriminated were tabulated. HCD is mainly found in the south of England, though gaps in evidence and reporting remain across the UK.

Conclusions:
Despite its noted recent rise in open water swimmers, published literature on HCD across the UK is sparse; this condition is both overlooked and under-reported. We therefore recommend establishing a national database that raises awareness and encourages self-reporting of this nuisance disease. Graphical Abstract:

Item Type: Article
Subjects: WR Dermatology > Neoplasms. Ulcers. Occupational Dermatitis. Therapy > WR 600 Occupational dermatitis
Faculty: Department: Biological Sciences > Department of Tropical Disease Biology
Digital Object Identifer (DOI): https://doi.org/10.1186/s13071-024-06176-x
SWORD Depositor: JISC Pubrouter
Depositing User: JISC Pubrouter
Date Deposited: 26 Feb 2024 15:06
Last Modified: 26 Feb 2024 15:06
URI: https://archive.lstmed.ac.uk/id/eprint/24081

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