| Abstrakt: |
Arthropods, including insects, spiders, mites, ticks, and scorpions,may affect human health by direct exposure, e.g., bites or stings, or indirectly by disease transmission and allergic reactions. Pathologies resulting from arthropod exposure may often be reliably describedand treated. Most treatments for direct exposure or allergic reactions involve counteracting immune responses to venoms, salivary secretions, or body parts. The identification of arthropods, a requirement for determining appropriate treatment, is aided by becoming familiar with each arthropod group's morphologic characteristics. Clinicians are often asked to identify arthropods involved in cases of stings, bites, myiasis, or food product infestations. Some arthropod groups require specialists in their field for specific identification. However, preliminary ID can often be made by the clinician. If more specific ID is required, then specimens should be sent to appropriate specialists. Good paperwork is important, especially since many cases involve lawsuits. Physicians and laboratory personnel may increase their identification skills and knowledge of medical entomology by reading key texts or attending courses or symposia. Just as is the case with microbial agents, treatment or control recommendations for arthropod problems hinge on a correct identification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
