Energetic relationships of Sarcoptes scabiei var. canis (Acari: Sarcoptidae) with the laboratory rabbit.

Abstract

This study examines the energy relationship between the host and the ectoparasitic mite Sarcoptes scabiei var. canis. Parasitized rabbits during the first 14-wk, post-initial infestation gained weight at approximately the same rate, but they consumed more food and water than uninfested control rabbits. During weeks 17–42 after the initial infestation, infestation levels increased until 10–30% of the body area was heavily parasitized. During this time, infested rabbits steadily lost weight even though there was no marked difference in food consumption between infested and control rabbits. Oxygen consumption rates were 0.00206 and 0.00076 μl O2/h/mite for female and male mites, respectively, at 75% RH and 34°C. Based on these rates, mite density on the host, and the infested host body surface area, the energy demand by the mites on a heavily parasitized host was insignificant relative to the metabolic rate of the host. Parasite energy demand was not responsible for the weight loss or reduced weight gains exhibited by the parasitized hosts. All of the infested rabbits became free of mites within 2 wk after treatment with an acaricide and rapidly regained the lost weight.