News - Collembola found in scrapings from individuals diagnosed with delusory parasitosis

Collembola found in scrapings from individuals diagnosed with delusory parasitosis

07/12/04, Needham, MA - Each year, thousands of Americans complain to their physicians about itching, stinging, biting and crawling sensations on or under their skin. Many believe they have head lice or scabies, though they are often referred to psychiatrists or prescribed anti-psychotic medications.

Click here for access to the
original microscopy images published in the 'Collembola Report'

Now, a new clinical study indicates that many of these people do have something in their skin: Collembola, also known as springtails.

Ninety percent of those who participated in the study were found to have Collembola, which are ubiquitous in nature and minute in size, according to the study conducted under the auspices of the National Pediculosis Association (NPA) in Needham, Mass., and the Oklahoma State Department of Health.

The findings are reported in the new edition of the Journal of the New York Entomological Association (full article, images, video and other information located here), headquartered at the American Museum of Natural History.

Most of the study participants had been diagnosed with delusory parasitosis, a presumed psychiatric condition among people who believe they are infested with an insect or parasite.

But the new findings bolster the contention of many patients that they "actually have something crawling on or under their skin and are not delusional," said the journal article.

Categorized as hexapods, with six legs, antennas, and no wings, Collembola feed on algae, fungi, bacteria and decaying matter.

During the past few years, 1,500 people have contacted the NPA to report the crawling sensations and related symptoms. The study focused on 20 of these people -- and skin scrapings revealed that all but two of them had Collembola.

Researchers used special imaging techniques to discover the Collembola, which are extremely well hidden and easy to miss.

"Collembola as a common denominator in people diagnosed with delusory parasitosis calls for more research to better understand the relationship between Collembola and humans and the critical need to help those who suffer with this condition," said NPA president Deborah Altschuler, one of six researchers who authored the article. "We believe the study breaks the century-old logjam that the sensations of crawling, stinging, and biting are only imagined."

Collembola predominately dwell in soil and litter, preferring wet or damp surroundings. They sometimes congregate in large numbers under leaky kitchen or bathroom sinks, swimming pools or in the soil of potted plants.

Little is known about the health effects of Collembola, or how to prevent or treat them as a problem for human skin.

The NPA encourages medical professionals, sufferers or anyone with information on these or similar symptoms to share information.

Besides Altschuler, authors of the article included Oklahoma State Health Commissioner Michael Crutcher, Romania-based researchers Neculai Dulceanu, and Cristina Terinte, Beth Cervantes of NPA and Louis Sorkin of the American Museum of Natural History in New York.

Other Press Releases From The NPA

J. New York Entomol. Soc. 112(1):87–95, 2004 4 COLLEMBOLA (SPRINGTAILS) (ARTHROPODA: HEXAPODA: ENTOGNATHA) FOUND IN SCRAPINGS FROM INDIVIDUALS DIAGNOSED WITH DELUSORY PARASITOSIS DEBORAH Z. ALTSCHULER,1 MICHAEL CRUTCHER, MD, MPH, FACPM,2 NECULAI DULCEANU, DVM, PHD (DECEASED),3 BETH A. CERVANTES,1 CRISTINA TERINTE, MD, PHD4 AND LOUIS N. SORKIN, BCE5 1National Pediculosis Association, 50 Kearney Road, Needham, Massachusetts 02494; 2 3 Commissioner of Health, Oklahoma State Department of Health, 1000 NE 10th Street, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73117; Department of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Iasi, Romania; Department of Pathology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi, Romania; and 5Division of Invertebrate Zoology, American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West at 79th Street, New York, New York 10024-5192 Abstract.—Twenty individuals diagnosed with delusory parasitosis participated in a single site clinical study under the auspices of the National Pediculosis Association (NPA) and the Oklahoma State Department of Health. The objective of this study was to determine if there were any common factors in skin scrapings collected from this population. These individuals, whose symptoms were originally attributed to lice or scabies, were part of a larger group reporting symptoms of stinging/biting and/or crawling to the NPA. Multiple skin scrapings from each person were microscopically examined. Any and all fields of view that appeared incongruous to normal human skin were digitally photographed. When the photographic images were initially evaluated, no common factor was identified. However, more extensive scrutiny using imaging software revealed evidence of Collembola in 18 of the 20 participants. Key words: Collembola, springtail, stinging, biting, crawling, Arthropoda, Hexapoda, Entognatha, pediculosis, human skin, lice and scabies. Delusory parasitosis, also known as Ekbom’s Syndrome (Ekbom, 1938), is a presumed psychiatric condition ascribed to individuals who are convinced, in the absence of any empirical evidence, that they are infested with an insect or parasite (Novak, 1988; Poorbaugh, 1993; Webb, 1993a). These individuals experience itching, stinging/biting, and crawling sensations on or under their skin, which are often associated with excoriations, discoloration, scaling, tunneling or sores. Their conviction that they are infested is reinforced by their observation of particles described as sparkly, crusty, crystal-like, white or black specks and/or fibers. Typically, these individuals have consulted extensively with general physicians, dermatologists, and entomologists (Kushon et al., 1993) who could not find physical cause for their complaints. Despite findings ruling out lice, scabies or other medical causes, patients refuse to accept the diagnosis of delusory parasitosis (Koblenzer, 1993; Webb, 1993b), become extremely focused on eradicating the pests, and further compromise their skin by frequent scratching, excessive cleaning, and the application of various remedies such as prescription pesticides for lice or scabies, household cleaning products, and organic solvents or fuels. The symptoms are debilitating and the sufferer’s distress is compounded by the lack of a concrete physical diagnosis. Vol. 112(1) JOURNAL OF THE NEW YORK ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 88 Hundreds of sufferers have reported symptoms to the National Pediculosis Association (NPA), as well as to the Oklahoma State Department of Health, similar to those described by Traver in reporting her own infestation (Traver, 1951). In response to the compelling nature of these reports, the NPA agreed to conduct a controlled research study of skin specimens in cooperation with the Oklahoma State Health Department. Twenty individuals diagnosed as having delusory parasitosis and ten non-symptomatic controls volunteered to participate in this effort. The clinical portion of the study was conducted at a single site during three weeks. Doctors with experience in the skin scraping method of specimen collection obtained and microscopically examined samples, and all anomalous findings were photographed. Procedures were instituted to preclude contamination, such as reported by Poorbaugh (1993). STUDY DESIGN Study Locale. The clinical portion of this study was conducted at the Oklahoma State Department of Health, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma between June 28 and July 20, 2000. Study Participants. Twenty symptomatic participants were selected from the hundreds of individuals who had previously contacted the NPA regarding an unknown condition possibly associated with lice and/or scabies but for which these parasites had been ruled out. Their physicians subsequently diagnosed them as suffering from delusory parasitosis. These volunteers were accepted on the basis of their willingness to travel to Oklahoma City at their own expense, complete questionnaires regarding their symptoms and medical history, and submit to multiple skin scrapings. Ten controls, randomly selected from employees of the Oklahoma State Health Department, were also enrolled. All participants signed a waiver of liability and understood that this was an initial research effort. Intake Evaluations. Intake consisted of having symptomatic participants complete a selfadministered questionnaire that was similar in content to the ‘‘not-lice’’ survey posted on the NPA website (www.headlice.org). Body diagrams of ventral and dorsal surfaces were marked to identify common areas of lesions. Two participants had symptoms without lesions or dermatitis at the time of the trial. Specimen Preparation. Trained personnel prepared all skin scrapings. Prior and subsequent to scraping the skin with a disposable scalpel, symptomatic areas and areas at or around lesions were cleansed with gauze and alcohol. Immediately after being obtained, the scraped material was transferred to a fresh microscope slide with a drop of sterile water, coverslipped and isolated. Between 15 and 35 slides were prepared and examined for each subject. Scrapings were obtained from non-symptomatic controls from regions of the body where most lesions were noted on symptomatic participants. Specimen Photography and Data Tracking. All slides were viewed using an Olympus BX60 Dual Viewing Microscope. The images that appeared incongruent with normal healthy skin were photographed using a SPOT RGB digital camera and SPOT software version 3.0. Each image was assigned a unique identifier and the magnification of the image was recorded. Images were sized by comparison with images of a B&L micrometer with marks for 0.1 mm and 0.01 mm that were taken at 1003, 2003 and 4003 magnification with the same camera and software used in the clinical study. Initial microscopy was non-blinded; i.e., the clinicians examining and photographing the slides knew that they were from either the study participant or control group. 89 SPRINGTAILS AND DELUSORY PARASITOSIS (COLLEMBOLA) 2004 RESULTS Over 300 microscopic fields from study participants who complained of stinging/biting and/ or crawling sensations in their skin appeared incongruent with normal skin and therefore were photographed for later scrutiny. Pollen, conidia or spores, hyphae, mycelium or fibers, or what appeared to be clumped skin or cellular debris were identified during the first six months of image analysis. One or two-cell algae, nematodes, or what appeared to be insect eggs, larvae or embryos were also identified. Although everyone in the group had at least one of the above findings, none of the findings were a common factor in every subject, making it necessary to continue looking for a common denominator. Because Collembola had been reported from individuals experiencing these symptoms (Dasgupta and Dasgupta, 1995; Frye, 1997; Scott et al., 1962), they became the focus of subsequent image analysis. Identification of Collembola in scrapings from symptomatic study participants required intensive scrutiny of the photographs and was initially very difficult. Most Collembola were enmeshed in accumulations of exuviae. Eggs ranged from 20 to 100 microns in diameter. The size of most Collembola noted was 50–300 microns in length, suggesting a predominance of nymphs as opposed to adults. To ensure reliability of results, researchers verified at least two sightings before a subject was considered to have positive Collembola findings. However, scrapings from 10 of the subjects showed an abundance of Collembola. Evidence of Collembola was found in images of scrapings from 18 of the 20 individuals that had been diagnosed as delusional. Of the two participants without lesions or dermatitis at the time of the trial, one had images positive for Collembola. Examples of some of these findings and the photographic fields in which they appeared are provided in Fig. 1–3. Each image was obtained from a different study participant. Fig. 1: Photomicrograph of debris that demonstrated at higher magnification the presence of Collembola. Two examples are highlighted and enlarged in Fig. 1a. Fig. 2: A clearly recognizable Collembola (approximately 100 microns in length) is resting on top of the debris in the lower right. Fig. 3: Provides an example of Collembola enmeshed in debris. Collembola were present in ninety percent of the study participants who complained of stinging/biting and/or crawling sensations on or under their skin. Microscopic examination of scrapings of control subjects appeared to be consistent with normal skin and therefore no photographic images were taken. More than 1,500 individuals registered with the NPA (data on file) as having stinging/biting and/or crawling sensations that they initially attributed to lice and/or scabies. Approximately half of these individuals described three or more abnormalities in skin appearance and observed two or more different types of skin particles. The demographics and symptoms of these individuals and the study participants were compared (see Table 1). DISCUSSION The findings of Collembola in images of scrapings from 18 of the 20 symptomatic study participants supports their contention that they actually have something crawling on or under their skin and are not delusional. The images were reviewed by entomologists and the presence of Collembola verified and identified as representative of the families Isotomidae and Entomobryidae. Vol. 112(1) JOURNAL OF THE NEW YORK ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 90 Fig. 1. Debris that demonstrated at higher magnification the presence of Collembola. 91 SPRINGTAILS AND DELUSORY PARASITOSIS (COLLEMBOLA) 2004 Fig. 2. Collembola in debris in lower right. The study was designed to minimize any possibility of sample contamination in the skin scrapings. All scrapings were done at a single site by clinicians skilled in the skin scraping method of collection. Microscopic evaluation of skin scrapings from the ten non-symptomatic controls showed nothing incongruous with normal skin and were therefore not photographed. This supports the contention that the methodology employed adequately protected against sample contamination during collection. A ‘‘classic’’ report of arthropod infestation was reported by Traver (1951) in which the author described an infestation by a mite species on her person. Traver (1951) has been referenced by various authors who gave validity to her infestation. Subsequently, papers were presented during the Symposium: Delusions of Parasitosis. 18 November 1991 refuting her findings and attributing them to equipment contamination. The mite was identified by Fain (1967) as the common house dust mite Dermatophagoides pteronyssus. The directive to photograph all images associated with abnormal skin was critical to identifying Collembola in the skin scrapings. The fields contained fungal mycelium, or what appeared at first glance to be cellular clumps or debris. The Collembola were extremely well hidden in the exuviae and therefore easy to miss. It was only after intense scrutiny that they were recognized. In addition, because the Collembola were not always intact or completely in focus, they were difficult to discern. Given these challenges, it is easy to appreciate why there have been only a few previous reports of Collembola in human skin. Vol. 112(1) JOURNAL OF THE NEW YORK ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 92 Fig. 3. Collembola enmeshed in debris. Collembola were identified in skin scrapings submitted to the Entomology Branch of the National Center for Infectious Diseases in 1995 (pers. comm.) by an oncology nurse diagnosed as having delusory parasitosis. Subsequently, there have been additional reports that provided evidence of Collembola in skin from one or more individuals diagnosed with similar symptoms (Dasgupta and Dasgupta, 1995; Frye, 1997). Because the samples were self-collected and contained a number of other anomalies, including fungi spores and filaments, foreign fibers, plus an assortment of ‘‘organisms,’’ the finding of Collembola was regarded as intentional or unintentional sample contamination. In the current study, in which pains were taken to avoid sample contamination, there were over 300 anomalous findings in skin scrapings from the 20 symptomatic study participants and none from controls. These findings included pollen, conidia or spores, hyphae, mycelium, algae or fibers, clumped skin or cellular debris, an occasional nematode, and what appeared to be insect eggs, larvae or embryos. These collective anomalies point to the compromised skin of most of the symptomatic study participants, and could directly or indirectly (through an immune or allergic response) produce sensations of stinging/biting and/or crawling, as well as some of the other symptoms. Collembola are abundant in wastewater and contaminated environments making them of growing ecotoxicologic importance (Hopkin, 1997). Generally, they feed on decaying matter, SPRINGTAILS AND DELUSORY PARASITOSIS (COLLEMBOLA) 2004 Table 1. Reporting Registry Data QTY Symptomatic Study Participants n ¼ 20 % Background 3 17 2 11 7 0 0 9 2 8 1 0 10 10 20 18 16 Sex male female Age 66 or over between 41 and 65 between 26 and 40 25 or under unknown General health before onset of symptoms excellent very good good fair poor Others with condition in household outside household Treatment attempts over the counter prescription home-remedy Specific abnormalities lumps on head, scalp hair breaking off eyes watery, itchy genital symptoms 16 13 13 12 Description of symptoms 18 20 16 Skin sensation crawling stinging/biting itching Skin findings crystals sparkly particles crusty particles sticky particles white specks black specks fibers hair, dust one or more of above 17 15 15 10 15 18 18 16 20 15% 85% 10% 55% 35% 0% 0% 45% 10% 40% 5% 0% 50% 50% 100% 90% 80% 80% 65% 65% 60% 90% 100% 80% 85% 75% 75% 50% 75% 90% 90% 80% 100% 93 Larger Symptomatic Population n ¼ 1681 % QTY 29% 71% 491 1,190 2% 23% 48% 23% 3% 42 394 804 391 50 45% 30% 18% 5% 2% 751 510 300 90 30 43% 33% 715 562 31% 29% 18% 526 484 296 43% 27% 33% 38% 720 458 559 632 83% 79% 94% 1,393 1,327 1,574 30% 25% 31% 19% 36% 36% 29% 26% 66% 511 423 529 314 602 600 485 441 1,116 JOURNAL OF THE NEW YORK ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 94 Table 1. Continued. two or more of above three or more of above Skin appearance sores rash scaling discoloration scarring tracks one or more of above two or more of above three or more of above algae, fungi and bacteria. In fact, a fungal infection appears to be a prerequisite condition before collembolans can gain access into the abdominal cavities of cabbage maggot flies Delia radicum (Griffiths, 1985). Some species of Collembola are known plant and mushroom pests and one species has been taken from dried milk powder (Scott, 1996). Typical collembolan habitats are moist environments with high humidity and abundant organic debris. These conditions are present in the lesions in symptomatic study participants; it is possible Collembola found in lesions are opportunistic and that fungal infections or allergic reactions to pollen, fungi, spores or other organisms may contribute to or be responsible for the symptoms these individuals experience. Collembola do not need to be human parasites in order to be present in the skin scrapings. Photographs were taken of all scrapings showing anything inconsistent with normal skin. After identifying these anomalies as pollen, spores, etc., more extensive scrutiny revealed the presence of Collembola. Since it was the pollen, spores, hyphae, fiber and other microorganisms that prompted the photography, it is not known if Collembola (without any pollen, spores, etc.) could have been present in the control group. The population studied in this trial was a subset of over 1,500 individuals registered with the NPA as experiencing crawling and/or biting/stinging sensations in the absence of lice or scabies. This general population shares many of the characteristics of those who participated in the study. Although the questionnaire utilized was self-administered and had its limitations, it is reasonable to postulate that a percentage of this more general population may very well have similar findings to the 20 symptomatic individuals who participated in this study. More research is required before the true prevalence and importance of Collembola in humans can be ascertained. The authors would like to acknowledge Ferris J. Barger for his help with microphotography and Dr. BethAnn Friedman and Jane Cotter for manuscript preparation. QTY Symptomatic Study Participants n ¼ 20 % 100% 95% 20 19 90% 60% 80% 75% 80% 80% 95% 95% 95% 18 12 16 15 16 16 19 19 19 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Vol. 112(1) Larger Symptomatic Population n ¼ 1681 % QTY 48% 36% 802 604 59% 51% 38% 32% 40% 35% 83% 64% 46% 990 856 639 541 668 585 1,398 1,084 772 95 SPRINGTAILS AND DELUSORY PARASITOSIS (COLLEMBOLA) 2004 LITERATURE CITED Dasgupta, R. and B. Dasgupta. 1995. 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Annals of the Traver, J. 1951. Unusual scalp dermatitis in humans caused by the mite Dermatophagoides (Acarina, Webb, J. P. 1993a. Delusions of parasitosis: a symposium: coordination among entomologists, Webb, J. P. 1993b. Case histories of individuals with delusions of parasitosis in southern California and Entomological Society of America 55(4): 428–430. Epidermoptidae). Proceedings of the Entomological Society of Washington 53(1): 1–25. dermatologists and psychiatrists. Bulletin of the Society for Vector Ecology 18(1): 1–2. a proposed protocol for initiating effective medical assistance. Bulletin of the Society for Vector Ecology 18(1): 16–25. Received 18 August 2003; accepted 15 February 2004.