"Poison" - what is it, definition of the term
The term denotes a toxic agent that, upon absorption, inhalation, injection, or ingestion, interferes with normal biochemical pathways, causing cellular injury, organ dysfunction, or death; such agents may be synthetic chemicals, naturally occurring toxins, or biologically derived poisons and are commonly employed to eradicate ectoparasites including ticks, insects, lice, and fleas.
Detailed information
Toxic agents produced by arthropod parasites pose significant health risks. Ticks inject anticoagulant proteins and neurotoxins during blood meals, facilitating prolonged attachment and increasing the likelihood of pathogen transmission. These compounds impair clotting, suppress immune responses, and can cause localized inflammation, fever, and, in severe cases, neurological impairment.
Biting insects such as mosquitoes and sandflies deliver salivary enzymes that contain cytolytic factors. These substances break down cell membranes, produce itching, and may carry viral or parasitic agents. The enzymatic activity accelerates tissue damage, creating entry points for secondary infections.
Lice excrete irritant chemicals that degrade keratin in hair shafts and skin. The resulting dermatitis includes erythema, pruritus, and potential secondary bacterial infection. Persistent exposure can lead to chronic skin irritation and hypersensitivity reactions.
Fleas secrete anticoagulant peptides and digestive enzymes that disrupt host hemostasis. Their bites often provoke papular eruptions, intense itching, and can transmit bacterial pathogens such as Yersinia pestis. The combination of mechanical injury and biochemical irritation may trigger systemic allergic responses.
Key characteristics of these harmful substances:
- Mechanism of action – enzymatic degradation, anticoagulation, neurotoxicity.
- Physiological impact – inflammation, immune suppression, tissue necrosis.
- Potential complications – secondary infections, allergic reactions, disease transmission.
- Detection methods – microscopy of bite sites, immunoassays for specific toxins, molecular identification of pathogen DNA.
- Management strategies – immediate cleansing, topical corticosteroids for inflammation, antihistamines for itching, systemic antibiotics when bacterial infection is confirmed, and specific antitoxins where available.
Preventive measures focus on reducing exposure: regular inspection of skin and hair, use of repellents containing DEET or picaridin, maintaining clean living environments to limit infestations, and prompt removal of attached parasites with fine-tipped tweezers. Early identification of bite reactions and appropriate medical intervention limit the severity of toxin‑related effects.