This outbreak demonstrates the spectrum of Manchineel toxin dermatitis/ophthalmitis resulting from both direct contact and indirect exposure by merely standing under the tree during a rain storm. In our cases those subjects
who had longer and more direct contact with the tree had worse symptoms and manifestations of both dermatitis and ophthalmitis. Of interest is the later onset of the more severe presentations in those who had direct and more prolonged contact. This may be related to the concentration of the toxin (soluble diterpene esters) when delivered by direct contact with the latex versus indirect contact such as rain water runoff from leaves. Ingestion of the Manchineel fruit can cause severe disease of the oral mucosa and gastrointestinal tract with inflammation, ulceration, hemorrhage, and even TGF-beta activation death.4,6 None of the subjects we report were aware of the dangers of Manchineel exposure nor did they observe the warning sign that was 40 ft. from where they were located. Fortunately, none of the cases reported herein tried the “forbidden” fruit. Given the growing number of visitors to the West Indies and Central America we believe that information regarding Manchineel avoidance should be considered as part of travel preparation for Selleckchem Oligomycin A visitors to the beaches of the Caribbean Basin
where the tree is a common part of the indigenous flora. Toxicity is related to direct contact with the tree (leaves, fruit, trunk, branches, or the latex exuded at sites of injury to the tree’s structures), to water runoff from the tree during rain storms, to consumption of the fruit (the most risky exposure), and smoke
click here released from burning of any of the tree’s parts. This is especially important for long stay “education tourists” in the Caribbean Basin given their increasing numbers and greater likelihood of exposure due to their frequent visits to the beaches of the region especially during the “rainy” season. Treatment of Manchineel dermatitis and ophthalmitis should consist of vigorous cleansing to remove the toxin containing latex and symptomatic measures including cool compresses and anti-irritants.10 Corticosteroids have been suggested as useful in severe cases especially involving the eye.10 The authors state that they have no conflicts of interest. “
“Since 2008, the French guidelines have promoted the systematic use of 30 mg/day of primaquine for the radical cure of Plasmodium vivax and Plamodium ovale infections. We observed three relapses in 10 patients with P vivax acquired in French Guiana. No relapses were seen in West African P ovale patients. In 2008, the French guidelines promoted the systematic use of 30 mg/day of primaquine for the radical cure of Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium ovale infections.[1] Few data have been published on the indications, dosage, tolerability, and outcomes in returning travelers with P vivax and P ovale infections treated with primaquine.