Lupus pernio vs. lupic perniosis: a case report

Introduction: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that is difficult to diagnose due to the wide array of signs and symptoms it displays that may be associated to multiple clinical conditions, including perniosis (a rare inflammatory condition), lupus pernio (a manifestation of sarcoidosis), and lupus perniosis (a form of SLE), which can be easily mistaken. Case description: A 29-year-old Colombian mestizo woman with no family history of autoimmune, inflammatory or cutaneous diseases was diagnosed with SLE after ruling out several differential diagnoses. Although the patient presented with features of lupus pernioticus (lupus perniosis), it was established that she had lupus pernio, a type of sarcoidosis. The patient was given the indicated treatment, which led to an improvement in her quality of life. Conclusion: Based on the epidemiology, clinical history and histopathologic findings, it was possible to establish that the patient presented with lupus perniosis and not lupus pernio. In that regard, considering that these three conditions (perniosis, lupus pernio and lupic perniosis) can be easily confused, the present case highlights the importance of a thorough clinical evaluation and precise use of diagnostic terms, because these are three different conditions despite their similar names.

Introducción. El lupus eritematoso sistémico (LES) es una enfermedad autoin-munitaria difícil de diagnosticar debido a la gran variedad de síntomas y signos que ocasionan las múltiples condiciones clínicas que puede provocar, tales como la perniosis (una condición inflamatoria rara), el lupus pernio (una manifestación de la sarcoidosis) y la perniosis lúpica (una forma de LES), las cuales pueden ser fácilmente confundidas. Presentación del caso. Mujer colombiana de 29 años, mestiza y sin antecedente familiar de enfermedades autoinmunes, inflamatorias o cutáneas, quien luego del descarte de varios diagnósticos diferenciales, fue diagnosticada con LES. Aunque la paciente presentó características de lupus perniótico (perniosis lúpica), se estableció que presentaba lupus pernio, un tipo de sarcoidosis. A la paciente se suministró el tratamiento indicado, con lo cual logró una mejoría en sus condiciones de vida. Conclusión. Considerando la epidemiología, la historia clínica y los hallazgos histopatológicos, se puede establecer que la paciente presentó perniosis lúpica y no lupus pernio. En este sentido, teniendo en cuenta que la perniosis, el lupus pernio y la perniosis lúpica pueden confundirse, el presente caso pone de manifiesto la importancia de hacer una evaluación clínica completa y usar los términos diagnósticos más precisos, pues aunque sean similares en nombre, estas son tres condiciones diferentes.

Folliculitis decalvans: a case report of satisfactory recovery after implementing

ABSTRACT Introduction: Folliculitis decalvans is a rare skin disease characterized by the presence of painful papules and pustules with an underlying neutrophilic infiltrate, usually on the scalp. Its treatment is lengthy and challenging, and recurrence is relatively common. Although its etiology is unknown, several theories explaining its development have been proposed, including colonization by Staphylococcus aureus. Case description: This is the case of a 26-year-old male healthcare worker who visited the outpatient service after experiencing a 4-year history of painful pustules on the scalp; initially these lesions were located in the occipital region, but then also started to appear in the temporal and parietal regions. After being treated for bacterial folliculitis and having several recurrences, a skin biopsy was performed, which allowed diagnosing him with folliculitis decalvans. Once the diagnosis was made, isotretinoin (20mg) treatment was implemented for a year and a half, achieving complete remission of the lesions. Conclusion: Although this case has some limitations, such as the lack of histopathology images and some control laboratory tests, it clearly shows the difficulties faced when treating this type of skin disorders and presents an overview of the use of isotretinoin, evidencing that although this drug is well tolerated, possible adverse reactions from drug interactions with trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole may arise. In addition, this case is of great importance since the possible presence of a familial cluster of folliculitis decalvans could be confirmed, if further genetic testing is performed.

RESUMEN Introducción. La folliculitis decalvans es una enfermedad dermatológica rara caracterizada por la presencia de pápulas y pústulas dolorosas que están acompañadas de un infiltrado de neutrófilos subyacente. Esta condición suele aparecer en el cuero cabelludo, su recurrencia es relativamente común y su tratamiento, largo y difícil. Aunque su etiología es desconocida, se han propuesto muchas teorías que intentan explicar su aparición, siendo la colonización por Staphylococcus aureus una de ellas. Presentación del caso. Hombre de 26 años que se desempeñaba como trabajador de la salud y consultó por un cuadro clínico de 4 años de evolución caracterizado por la aparición de pústulas dolorosas en la región occipital, las cuales posteriormente se extendieron a la región temporal y parietal. Después de tratarlo como una foliculitis infecciosa y tras múltiples recurrencias, se realizó una biopsia de las lesiones que permitió diagnosticarlo con folliculitis decalvans. Se instauró un tratamiento consistente de 20mg de isotretinoina al día por un año y medio, con el cual se logró la resolución de la folicutis. Sin embargo, dos años después tuvo un relapso, pero, según el paciente, esto pudo ocurrir por el consumo de derivados lácteos, ya que, según indicó, cuando suspende el consumo de esta clase de productos no aparecen más lesiones luego de 2-3 semanas. Conclusión. Aunque este caso tiene algunas limitaciones como la ausencia de imágenes histopatológicas y algunos laboratorios de control, muestra las dificultades para tratar este tipo de condiciones dermatológicas y presenta un panorama del uso de la isotretinoina, ya que evidencia que este medicamento tiene una buena tolerancia, pero presenta interacciones medicamentosas adversas con la trimetoprima/sulfametoxazol. Además, este caso es de gran importancia, ya que, si se realizan más pruebas genéticas, podría confirmarse la posible presencia de un grupo familiar de foliculitis decalvante.

Atypical pityriasis rosea in a young colombian woman. case report

ABSTRACT Introduction: Pityriasis rosea is an acute and self-limited exanthem first described by Gilbert in 1860. Its treatment is symptomatic, and although there is no conclusive evidence, it has been associated with the reactivation of the human herpesviruses 6 and 7 (HHV-6 and HHV-7). Case presentation: A 28-year-old woman, from Bogotá, Colombia, a health worker, attended the emergency room due to the onset of symptoms that began 20 days earlier with the appearance of punctiform lesions in the left arm that later spread to the thorax, abdomen, opposite arm, and thighs. The patient reported a history of bipolar II disorder and retinal detachment. After ruling out several infectious diseases, and due to the evolution of the symptoms, pityriasis rosea was suspected. Therefore, treatment was started with deflazacort 30mg for 21 days, obtaining a favorable outcome and improvement of symptoms after 2 months. At the time of writing this case report, the patient had not consulted for recurrence. Conclusion: Primary care physicians should have sufficient training in dermatology to recognize and treat dermatological diseases since many of them are diagnosed based on clinical findings. This is an atypical case, in which the patient did not present with some of the pathognomonic signs associated with pityriasis rosea.

RESUMEN Introducción. La pitiriasis rosada es un exantema agudo y autolimitado que fue descrito formalmente por Gilbert en 1860. Su tratamiento es sintomático y, aunque faltan pruebas concluyentes, su aparición se ha asociado a la reactivación de los herpevirus humanos 7 y 6 (HHV6 y HHV7). Presentación del caso. Mujer de 28 años procedente de Bogotá, Colombia, quien se desempeñaba como trabajadora de la salud y consultó al servicio de urgencias por un cuadro clínico de 20 días de evolución que inició con la aparición de lesiones punteadas en el brazo izquierdo que se expandieron posteriormente a tórax, abdomen, brazo contralateral y muslos. La paciente informó antecedente de trastorno bipolar tipo II y desprendimiento de retina. Después de descartar varias enfermedades infecciosas, y debido a la evolución del cuadro clínico, se sospechó pitiriasis rosada, por lo que se instauró tratamiento con 30mg de deflazacort por 21 días, con el cual se logró una evolución favorable y la mejoría total de los síntomas a los 2 meses. Hasta el momento de la elaboración del presente reporte de caso la joven no había consultado por recurrencia. Conclusión. Es indispensable que los médicos de atención primaria tengan una educación adecuada en dermatología para poder reconocer y tratar la pitiriasis rosada, pues su diagnóstico es eminentemente clínico y puede tener múltiples presentaciones atípicas, como en el caso aquí reportado donde la paciente no tuvo algunos de los signos patognomónicos característicos.

A patient with dextrocardia and chagas disease: case report and literature review

ABSTRACT Introduction: About half a million patients in Colombia are currently infected with Trypanosoma cruzi. However, little is known about patients with Chagas disease and anatomical defects such as dextrocardia. Case presentation: A 52-year-old male patient with a 4-year history of dyspnea, chest pain, lower limb edema and syncope (requiring hospitalization), arrhythmias and dextrocardia, underwent serological tests for T. cruzi that were positive. A literature review was conducted to find case reports of patients with dextrocardia or situs inversus and Chagas disease in order to determine the proper treatment. Conclusion: Cases of patients with dextrocardia and Chagas disease are rare. Besides the reported case, only three other cases were found in the literature, which were relatively similar, although they could be considered more severe. According to the findings, the use of etiological treatment is acceptable in patients with coronary anatomic abnormalities and T. cruzi infection. The present case draws attention to the importance of adequately approaching and monitoring this type of patient.

RESUMEN Introducción. En la actualidad, en Colombia hay aproximadamente medio millón de personas infectadas con Trypanosoma cruzi; sin embargo, no hay mucha información sobre pacientes que viven con enfermedad de Chagas y anomalías anatómicas como la dextrocardia. Presentación del caso. Paciente masculino de 52 años con cuadro clínico de aproximadamente cuatro años de evolución consistente en disnea, dolor torácico, edema de extremidades inferiores, síncope (que requirió hospitalización), arritmias y dextrocardia, a quien se le practicaron pruebas serológicas para T. cruzi que resultaron positivas. Con el fin de establecer el tratamiento adecuado, se realizó una revisión de la literatura buscando reportes de casos de pacientes con dextrocardia o situs inversus y enfermedad de Chagas. Conclusión. Los casos de pacientes con dextrocardia y enfermedad de Chagas son poco frecuentes: además del caso reportado, en la literatura solo se encontraron tres reportes adicionales, los cuales fueron relativamente similares, aunque podrían considerarse más severos. Según los hallazgos, el uso de tratamiento etiológico es adecuado en pacientes con anormalidades anatómicas cardiovasculares e infección por T. cruzi. El presente caso llama la atención sobre la importancia de tener un enfoque y seguimiento adecuados en este tipo de pacientes.

Medically important ants: a systematic review of the global distribution and clinical consequences of their bites and stings / Hormigas de importancia médica: revisión sistemática de su distribución global y consecuencias clínicas de sus mordeduras y picaduras

Introduction: From the medical point of view, only some ants are of special interest. Due to the diversity of ants and the growing contact with humans, it is necessary to have a better understanding of the factors and problems, which lead to adverse clinical outcomes. Objective: The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review of published studies on ants and their impact on the medical field to synthesize fragmented knowledge and to inform the current state of this problem. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted in Medline, EMBASE, SciELO and Google Scholar, with no time threshold. The search strategy was limited to articles published in Portuguese, English and Spanish. Eligible studies were case reports and case series that reported outcomes in humans caused by ant stings. Patient-level and study-level information was extracted. Results: The literature search yielded 1909 studies; of which 30 case reports and 16 case series reporting a total of 95 cases were included. Of these 48 patients were women (50.5 percent, and the median age was 36.1 ± 25.5 years old. The most frequently reported complications were severe pain, anaphylaxis and acute respiratory distress syndrome. The death of eighteen patients was documented (18.9 percent). Ants from the genera Solenopsis spp., Myrmecia sp., Paraponera clavata, Pachycondyla sennaarensis, Myrmecia rubra caused most of the accidents Conclusions: Severe allergic reactions caused by ants are a rare event, however, mortality can be high. An increase of ant related accidents is expected, a quick diagnosis and treatment is necessary to avoid fatalities(AU)

Introducción: Desde el punto de vista médico, solo algunas hormigas son de especial interés. Debido a la diversidad de hormigas y al creciente contacto con humanos, es necesario comprender mejor los factores y problemas que conducen a resultados clínicos adversos. Objetivo: Realizar una revisión sistemática de estudios publicados sobre las hormigas y su impacto en el campo médico para sintetizar conocimientos fragmentados e informar sobre el estado actual del problema. Métodos: Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica sistemática en Medline, EMBASE, SciELO y Google Scholar, sin límite de tiempo. La estrategia de búsqueda se limitó a artículos publicados en portugués, inglés y español. Se seleccionaron informes y series de casos sobre consecuencias de las picaduras de hormigas en humanos. Se extrajo información a nivel de paciente y a nivel de estudio. Resultados: La búsqueda bibliográfica obtuvo 1 909 estudios, de los cuales se seleccionaron 30 informes y 16 series sobre un total de 95 casos. De estos, 48 pacientes eran mujeres (50,5 por ciento) y la media de edad era 36,1 ± 25,5 años. Las complicaciones más frecuentes fueron dolor intenso, anafilaxia y síndrome de dificultad respiratoria aguda. Se documentó la muerte de 18 pacientes (18,9 por ciento). Hormigas de los géneros Solenopsis spp., Myrmecia sp., Paraponera clavata, Pachycondyla sennaarensis y Myrmecia rubra causaron la mayoría de los accidentes. Conclusiones: Las reacciones alérgicas graves provocadas por hormigas son un evento raro; sin embargo, la mortalidad puede ser alta. Se espera un incremento de los accidentes relacionados con las hormigas. Se requiere un diagnóstico y tratamiento rápidos para evitar muertes(AU)

Chagas disease-related mortality in Colombia from 1979 to 2018: temporal and spatial trends.

INTRODUCTION: Studies on Chagas disease-related mortality assist in decision-making in health policies. We analyzed the epidemiological characteristics, temporal trends, and regional differences in Chagas disease-related mortality in Colombia from 1979 to 2018. METHODS: A time-series study was conducted using death records and population data from the National Administrative Department of Statistics, using categorizations from the International Classification of Disease (ICD)-9 and ICD-10 systems. All deaths with Chagas disease as an underlying or associated cause of death were included. Crude and age-sex standardized mortality rates per 100,000 inhabitants and the annual percent change (APC) were calculated. RESULTS: Of the 7,287,461 deaths recorded in Colombia during 1979-2018, 3,276 (0.04%) deaths were related to Chagas disease-2,827 (86.3%) as an underlying cause and 449 (13.7%) as an associated cause. The average annual age-sex standardized mortality rate was 0.211 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.170-0.252) deaths/100,000 inhabitants, with a significant upward trend (APC = 6.60%; 95% CI: 5.9-7.3). The highest Chagas disease-related death rates were in males (0.284 deaths/100,000 inhabitants), those ≥65 years old (1.296 deaths/100,000 inhabitants), and residents of the Orinoco region (1.809 deaths/100,000 inhabitants). There was a significant increase in mortality in the Orinoco (APC = 8.28%; 95% CI: 6.4-10.2), Caribbean (APC = 5.06%; 95% CI: 3.6-6.5), and Andean (APC = 4.63%; 95% CI: 3.9-5.3) regions. CONCLUSIONS: Chagas disease remains a major public health issue in Colombia with high mortality rates in older age groups, a wide geographic distribution, regional differences, and the potential to increase.

Chagas disease-related mortality in Colombia from 1979 to 2018: temporal and spatial trends

Abstract INTRODUCTIOn: Studies on Chagas disease-related mortality assist in decision-making in health policies. We analyzed the epidemiological characteristics, temporal trends, and regional differences in Chagas disease-related mortality in Colombia from 1979 to 2018. METHODS: A time-series study was conducted using death records and population data from the National Administrative Department of Statistics, using categorizations from the International Classification of Disease (ICD)-9 and ICD-10 systems. All deaths with Chagas disease as an underlying or associated cause of death were included. Crude and age-sex standardized mortality rates per 100,000 inhabitants and the annual percent change (APC) were calculated. RESULTS: Of the 7,287,461 deaths recorded in Colombia during 1979-2018, 3,276 (0.04%) deaths were related to Chagas disease-2,827 (86.3%) as an underlying cause and 449 (13.7%) as an associated cause. The average annual age-sex standardized mortality rate was 0.211 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.170-0.252) deaths/100,000 inhabitants, with a significant upward trend (APC = 6.60%; 95% CI: 5.9-7.3). The highest Chagas disease-related death rates were in males (0.284 deaths/100,000 inhabitants), those ≥65 years old (1.296 deaths/100,000 inhabitants), and residents of the Orinoco region (1.809 deaths/100,000 inhabitants). There was a significant increase in mortality in the Orinoco (APC = 8.28%; 95% CI: 6.4-10.2), Caribbean (APC = 5.06%; 95% CI: 3.6-6.5), and Andean (APC = 4.63%; 95% CI: 3.9-5.3) regions. CONCLUSIONS: Chagas disease remains a major public health issue in Colombia with high mortality rates in older age groups, a wide geographic distribution, regional differences, and the potential to increase.

Human taeniasis infection (taenia saginata): a complex public health problem. case report

ABSTRACT Introduction: Taeniasis is a zoonosis that can be found worldwide. It is relatively easy to diagnose and its treatment is currently effective. This paper describes the follow-up of a case with persistent refractory taeniasis. Case description: A 31-year-old female patient, street-food seller, was diagnosed with taeniasis when she was 21 years old. Since she was diagnosed, multiple treatments were administered, including albendazole, secnidazole, pirantel pamoato and several metronidazole schemes, which resulted in a partial improvement of the symptoms. In 2018, she expelled a parasite of ~1 meter in length, later described as Taenia saginata; praziquantel was prescribed, but it is not available in Colombia. The patient was referred to the Parasitology Service, and based on her medical history and a scientific review of literature, nitazoxanide (500mg, twice a day, for 3 days) and albendazole (400mg per day, for 3 days) were administered, eliminating the infection and improving the patient's quality of life. Discussion: This case exposes two important clinical aspects. The first is the difficulty of monitoring and treating taeniasis cases. The second is the presence of persistent refractory taeniasis cases. Conclusion: Secondary, tertiary and combination drugs are available for effective and safe treatment of taeniasis. However, there is a need to conduct further studies to achieve better diagnosis, prevention, education and control.

RESUMEN Introducción. La teniasis es una zoonosis global con diagnóstico simple y tratamiento efectivo. A continuación se describe el seguimiento de un caso con teniasis refractaria persistente. Presentación del caso. Paciente femenina de 31 años de edad y vendedora de comida callejera, quien fue diagnosticada con teniasis cuando tenía 21 años. Desde su diagnóstico, recibió múltiples regímenes terapéuticos (albendazol, secnidazol, pirantel pamoato y varios esquemas de metro-nidazol) que permitieron una mejoría parcial de los síntomas. En 2018, la paciente expulsó un parásito de ~1m de longitud, después descrito como Taenia saginata, por lo que se indicó manejo con praziquantel, un medicamento no disponible en Colombia. La paciente fue referida al Servicio de Parasitología, y basados en su anamnesis y la revisión de literatura relevante, se indicó manejo con nitazoxanida (500mg, dos veces al día, por 3 días) y albendazol (400mg por día, por 3 días), con lo cual fue posible eliminar la infección. Discusión. Este caso muestra dos aspectos clínicos importantes: la dificultad en el seguimiento y tratamiento de los casos de teniasis, y la presencia de casos de teniasis refractaria persistente. Conclusión. Existen opciones de medicamentos secundarios, terciarios y la combinación de estos que son eficaces y seguros para tratar la teniasis. Sin embargo, es necesario hacer más estudios sobre su diagnóstico, prevención, educación y control.

Envenomation by an arachnid (latrodectus or steatoda): case report involving a woman and her female dog

ABSTRACT Introduction: Accidents involving spiders bites usually cause mild medical reactions that lead to local symptoms and, less commonly, systemic effects. The most medically significant spiders belong to the genera Latrodectus and Loxosceles. This paper presents a possible case of steatodism in a young woman and her pet. Case description: 26-year-old female patient, who reports a clinical history characterized by paresthesia, malaise, fever, diarrhea and a painful papule in the left cheek after being bitten by a spider. Immediately after being bit, the patient hit the spider with the back of her hand and it fell to the ground, where her dog swallowed it. The dog presented with vomiting and general discomfort after ingestion. Symptomatic therapy was given for comfort, and neither the patient nor the dog required antivenin therapy. Both evolved favorably. Discussion: The relevance of this case is the involvement of two mammals (a human and her dog) due to the accidental contact with a spider, possibly of the genus Latrodectus or Steatoda. Conclusion: Two possible cases of steatodism are described. Since spider bites are a relatively frequent reason for medical consultation in Colombia, it is important to diagnose and manage them properly.

RESUMEN Introducción. Los accidentes producidos por arañas suelen ser eventos médicos poco severos. La mordedura provoca, por lo general, síntomas locales y, menos frecuente, efectos sistémicos. Las arañas más importantes desde el punto de vista médico pertenecen a los géneros Latrodectus y Loxosceles. Se reporta un posible caso de steatodismo en una mujer joven y su mascota. Presentación del caso. Paciente femenino de 26 años quien presenta cuadro clínico de 5 días de evolución caracterizado por parestesia, malestar general, fiebre, diarrea y una pápula dolorosa en la mejilla izquierda después de ser mordida por una araña. La joven golpea la araña inmediatamente con el dorso de la mano y esta cae al suelo, donde su perra la ingiere; esta última presenta vómito y malestar general después de la ingesta. Como tratamiento se administró terapia sintomática y ninguna de ellas requirió antiveneno. Ambas evolucionaron favorablemente. Discusión. Se presentan dos posibles casos de steatodismo, siendo el aspecto relevante del presente caso que tanto la paciente como su mascota presentaron síntomas debido al contacto accidental con una araña, posiblemente del género Latrodectus o Steatoda. Conclusión. Dado que los accidentes por mordedura de araña son relativamente frecuentes para la consulta médica en Colombia, es importante diagnosticarlos y manejarlos de forma adecuada.

The First Few Hundred Cases for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Colombia.

BACKGROUND: SARS-CoV-2 virus is the causative agent of COVID-19 disease. It is essential to understand the epidemiological characteristics of the first few cases in each country. This study aimed to describe the geographical distribution, and temporal appearance of the first few hundred cases in Colombia. METHODS: This observational study was conducted to review the literature and key documentary information from public health institutions, websites and news reports were examined. RESULTS: The first few 100 cases for COVID-19 were confirmed in Colombia. According to sex, men with 54% predominate, the most affected age group was 20 to 29 yr old (26%), 9% of the cases required hospitalization and no deaths were reported. Most of the confirmed subjects were from the departments of Cundinamarca. To date, most cases are imported (63%), especially from Spain. CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 pandemic puts in evidence the lack of understanding, prevention and contention power of the different countries around the world is not as good as it could be. Politics must not affect the different proposed measures.

Barriers to Diagnosis Access for Chagas Disease in Colombia.

Chagas disease is the leading cause of nonischemic cardiomyopathy in Latin America. Timely access to diagnosis and trypanocidal treatment and preventive tools for millions of infected people continues to be a challenge. The purpose of this study was to identify potential barriers for the diagnosis of Chagas disease in Colombia from the perspective of healthcare providers. Using a simultaneous mixed-methods study design, we analyzed trends in access to screening and diagnosis for Chagas disease in Colombia and assessed the national barriers to access. The main barriers to access at the national level included a limited governmental public health infrastructure for the diagnosis of Chagas disease and limited physician awareness and knowledge of the disease. Data indicate that 1.5% of total expected cases based on national prevalence estimates were reported. Few public health laboratories have the capacity to perform complementary tests for the diagnosis of Chagas disease and almost 6 months elapse between the requests of the tests and the confirmation of the disease. This study shows that infected people must overcome a number of barriers to achieve diagnosis. Reducing barriers to early diagnosis of Chagas disease is an important goal in the fight against the disease.

Delusional infestation. ekbom's syndrome in a 53-year old woman. case report

ABSTRACT Introduction: Delusional infestation is a rare psychiatric disorder defined as a condition in which the patient has the unshakable belief and perception of being infested with parasites. Its treatment is difficult, and frequently includes antipsychotic medications (such as olanzapine or aripiprazole). Non-pharmacological treatment, particularly psychotherapy, can be used for less severe cases. Dermatologists and psychiatrists must take a multi-disciplinary approach (preferably in a psycodermatology dedicated clinic) since this type of patients sometimes refuse treatment. Case description: A 53-year-old female businesswoman describes a clinical history of five years of visual hallucinations, depressive symptoms, and generalized pruritus, along with the use of toxic substances to "clean" her skin and cloths. She reports similar symptoms in some relatives but they were not evaluated. Blood tests and analyses of the "specimen" brought by the patient were performed, yielding negative results. The patient had never been assessed by any specialist, and showed disoriented during the consultation. Follow-up was not possible due to the reluctance of the patient to follow the indications and seek psychiatric treatment. Moreover, the patient did not respond to further communication attempts. Discussion: Delusional infestation is an uncommon disease that endangers the patients and the people around them. Its treatment is difficult and long, and not conducting proper follow-up is a great risk. Its prevalence and incidence is variable and generally unknown. It can affect the patient, their next of kin, pets or the environment, and the "pathogen" can be a living organism or an inanimate object. Conclusion: This case is important as it shows the hardships of treatment, adequate follow-up and care, as well as the need to improve how these patients are approached. Additionally, both classical and uncommon signs and symptoms could be observed as the patient stated that her relatives were affected (possible delusional infestation by proxy).