A Case Report of a 12-Year Old Boy Infested with Poultry Red Mites, Dermanyssus gallinae (Acari: Mesostigmata), Acquired from his Syrian Hamster

Abstract

The poultry red mite Dermanyssus gallinae, known as the primarily ectoparasite of laying hens and synanthropic birds (e.g. pigeons), can also bite humans, causing Red-Mite Dermatitis (RMD) with untypical symptoms of erythematous maculo-papular rash and urticaria-like lesions. In this study, we present the first case of RMD diagnosed in a 12 year old boy, resulting from bites of poultry mites derived from his pet hamster. The results show that the potential risk of human exposure to D. gallinae mites in the urban environment, is associated not only with the nesting and roosting feral pigeons in direct vicinity of human apartments, but may also result from the holding of hamsters. Since this hamster had no contact with other animals, we assume that its bedding was contaminated with D. gallinae, and played a role of the major source of these mites for the host and then the child. In conclusion, even if pet animals are rather accidental hosts for D. gallinae, effective measures to monitor and avoid cases of mite-dermatitis in urban dwellers require: (i) correct morphological identification of mite species, (ii) finding the sources of mite infestations, (iii) the removal of abandoned nests of their hosts, (iv) thorough disinfestation. Further eco-epidemiological research is urgently needed to identify non-avian host species including pet animals and mechanisms facilitating spreading of D. gallinae in urban environments.