Human dermatosis caused by vesicating beetle products (Insecta), cantharidin and paederin: An overview

Three major families in the order Coleoptera have been found to produce vesicant toxins, Meloidae (true blister beetles) and Oedemeridae (false blister beetles) produce cantharidin and Staphylinidae (rove beetles) produce paederin. Some of the most important distribution, biological and ecological aspects of these beetle families had been studied because of their products cause human dermatitis. The detection, biosynthesis and chemistry of both cantharidin and paederin were discussed. The prevalence of Paederus dermatitis (skin blistering inflammation) in the world was reviewed. Also, the diagnostic characterization, clinical symptoms of dermatitis and conjunctivitis, the mode of action and pharmacological properties of each vesicant product, preventive measures and curative treatments of the human dermatitis had been included in the present review. Copyright © WJMMS, all right reserved.