Prevalence of cutaneous reactions to the pine processionary moth (Thaumetopoea pityocampa) in an adult population.

BACKGROUND

Thaumetopoea pityocampa [pine processionary moth (PPM)] is one of the most important lepidopteran agents causing urticant cutaneous reactions in humans in Mediterranean countries. This species is also expanding northwards, because of global warming.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the prevalence, distribution by habitat group and possible risk factors of PPM cutaneous reactions in adults.

METHODS

A randomly designed survey was carried out on 1224 adults.

RESULTS

A point prevalence, estimated after corrections, of 8.7% was obtained (12% rural areas, 9.6% for semi-urban areas, and 4.4% for urban areas). The data showed a significantly higher risk of self-reported symptoms according to sex [p < 0.005; males, adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.84], habitat (p < 0.0005; rural, aOR 1.8; semi-urban, aOR 1.2), frequency of visits to pinewood areas (p < 0.005; daily exposure, aOR 2.1), and occupational exposure (p < 0.0001; aOR 5.04, 90% were males). Airborne contamination was the most important cause of reactions (83.3% of 48 participants who visited the hospital and fulfilled the criteria for a convincing reaction presented with symptoms after walking on/passing by pine tree areas).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings show that PPM cutaneous reactions are common in this southern European population, including peripheral urban areas, and that the main risk is related to exposure to this insect.