A case of stings in humans caused by Sclerodermus sp. in Italy

Roberto Amerigo Papini

Abstract

In the last years, stings of Sclerodermus species in humans have been sporadically reported in Italy. In order to draw attention to these bethylid wasps of medical importance, we report the case of documented Sclerodermus sp. stings on the dorsum, abdomen, arms, and thighs of a 40-year-old man and his wife. The sting sites developed raised red itchy rash. The source of environmental contamination was identified in a worm-eaten sofa purchased from a used furniture dealer and placed in the living room about a month and half earlier. The lesions on the man and his wife rapidly healed within 3 to 4 days once they left the house and treatment for the lesions was instituted.

Physicians, dermatologists, medical and public health entomologists, as well as specific categories of workers should be aware of the risk of exposure to Sclerodermus stings.

Keywords: Sclerodermus, Bethylid wasps, Stings, Italy

Competing interests

The author declares that there are no competing interests.

Received: 7 January 2014 Accepted: 24 March 2014 Published: 31 March 2014

Correspondence: roberto.amerigo.papini@unipi.it

Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Viale delle Piagge 2, Pisa 56124, Italy