Tungiasis: A report of four new cases and a review of imported cases in Italy in the last thirty years

We report 4 cases of uncomplicated tungiasis with nodular lesions on the feet in young men who had returned to Italy after some periods spent in African countries. Curettage, traditional extraction by needle and surgical removal, respectively, showed the agent responsible, Tunga penetrans (Siphonaptera, Tungidae). A review of imported cases of tungiasis observed in Italy during the last 30 years is reported. With the increase of tourism in tropical countries and of commercial exchanges to and from Latin America and Africa, physicians should be alerted to the possible presence of cases of tungiasis imported from endemic regions.