First record of the presence of skin mites (Demodex musculi) in wild house mice from the Canary Islands (Spain)

Abstract

ABSTRACT We determined the prevalence of skin mites in the hair follicles of the abdomen and caudal areas of 94 wild house mice (Mus musculus domesticus) from seven Canary Islands (Spain). We detected and identified mites through real-time qPCR by comparing nuclear 18S rRNA gene sequences and, for the first time, sequences of the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene. Three and one specimens from Fuerteventura and Tenerife, respectively, were positive for mites by qPCR. Demodex musculi was identified in all positive individuals. This result constitutes the first record regarding this species in the archipelago. The prevalence of mites within mice tested was of 4%, which was lower than that reported for other mammals such as dogs, cats, marmots and bats. This value was also lower than the percentages obtained in immunocompromised laboratory individuals or Robertsonian wild mice, but was similar to the value determined for wild standard specimens (2n = 40). Our results seem to indicate that skin mites are uncommon inhabitants of the Canary mice. Moreover, since the Canary mice harbour only one of the two species of skin mites that commonly infest mice, D. musculi and Myobia musculi may be restricted by the host species depending on the habitat.