110 - Mites

Abstract

Cheyletiella spp. ('Walking Dandruff')•Cause: Cheyletiella yasguri, Cheyletiella blakei (family Cheyletidae, order Actinedida).•First Described: Cheyletiella parasitovorax was first described from the fur of rabbits by Megnin in 1878 as the genus “Cheyletus.” In 1885, Canestrini erected the genus Cheyletiella. Robert Smiley described Cheyletiella yasguri as a primary infestation on dogs in 1965, and Cheyletiella blakei as a new species from cats in 1970.•Affected Hosts: Dogs (C. yasguri), cats (C. blakei).•Geographic Distribution: Worldwide.•Primary Mode of Transmission: Direct contact with infested animals or with mites in the environment.•Major Clinical Signs: Mild to moderate dermatitis, excessive scaling, and alopecia usually along the dorsal aspect of the head, neck, and back. Pruritus may be the primary presenting complaint or, in subclinical carriers of mites, absent.•Differential Diagnoses: Flea allergy dermatitis, other mite infestations (Demodex spp.,Notoedres cati, Otodectes cynotis, Sarcoptes scabiei), lice, mosquito allergy, dermatophytosis, bacterial pyoderma, Malassezia dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, cutaneous adverse food reactions, autoimmune disease.•Human Health Significance: Humans, especially those in frequent contact with infested animals through shared households or animal care teams, are very susceptible to infestation with Cheyletiella spp. and may develop pruritus and a papular, erythematous dermatitis, particularly on regions of the body in direct contact while holding infested animals, such as the forearms or abdomen.