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Pararamosis is a medical condition, described in the latex extracting areas of the Amazon (rubber tree regions), resulting from contact with the caterpillar of the Premolis semirufa moth. The disease can present itself in an acute form-similarly to other erucisms (injuries caused by moth larvae in humans)-or in a chronic form, typically characterized by the occurrence of changes in the joints of the hands. Because of its importance, in the context of tropical diseases, the objective of this article was to review the main facets of the disease, emphasizing the different pathogenic aspects of the interaction between the arthropod and man.

With the objective of estimating the prevalence of chronic joint symptoms and their determinants, a cross-sectional study was conducted with 2,953 adults 20 years or older in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. Pain, swelling, and stiffness in joints were investigated, plus demographic, socioeconomic, and health-related information. Multivariate analysis was performed with Poisson regression. Overall prevalence of chronic joint symptoms was 36.5% (42.4% in women and 28.7% in men). The threefold presence of pain, swelling, and stiffness in joints was 14.1% and 5.5% in women and men, respectively. Chronic joint symptoms showed a linear association with increasing age (PR: 2.9; 95%CI: 2.4-3.5), body mass index (PR: 1.6; 95%CI: 1.3-2.0), and less schooling (PR: 1.5; 95%CI: 1.3-1.8). Only 6% of men and 18% of women had a medical diagnosis of arthritis. Overall prevalence rates for limitations in activities of daily living and work secondary to chronic joint symptoms were 15% and 21%, respectively. Young people and men represent the majority of individuals with under-diagnosed chronic joint symptoms.