Lexic.us

Definition of Tunga penetrans

1. Noun. Small tropical flea; the fertile female burrows under the skin of the host including humans.

Medical Definition of Tunga penetrans

1. A member of the flea family, Tungidae, commonly known as chigger flea, sand flea, chigoe, or jiggers. The minute female penetrates the skin, frequently under the toenails; as she becomes distended with eggs to about pea size, a painful ulcer with inflammation develops at the site. Synonym: Sarcopsylla penetrans. (05 Mar 2000)

Lexicographical Neighbors of Tunga Penetrans

Literary usage of Tunga penetrans

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. In the Shade of an Acacia Tree: Memoirs of a Health Officer in Africa, 1945-1959 by Frank L. Lambrecht (1991)
"Poignant among Winnie's recollections of her stay in Mut- ara are the number of jiggers (tunga penetrans) that found their way under her toenails and grew ..."

2. Applied Entomology; an Introductory Text-book of Insects in Their Relations by Henry Torsey Fernald (1921)
"... and which on man burrows into the skin causing considerable irritation. FIo. 354.—Chigoe (tunga penetrans L.): a, an Unfertilized female; 6, ..."

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