Abstract
Otoacariasis is the ear canal infestation by the arthropod Subclass: Acari, usually ticks or mites. It is a common complaint seen in animals. However, there are relatively few documented cases of human otoacariasis. In August 2019, a physically healthy 53-year-old Cypriot man visited Near East University hospital complaining of a blockage, partial deafness, and minor pruritis in his left ear. During the examination of the patient, a mite infestation of his left external auditory canal (EAC) was determined. The mites were removed from the EAC and sent to the laboratory for identification. The mite samples were viewed under Olympus-CX31 light microscopy and identified as Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus. The patient was treated with Permethrin (cream), Xylocaine spray, dilute acetic acid (vinegar), and three ear canal aspirations. After three days, the patient’s ear was re-examined, and the number of mites had greatly decreased within the EAC. Follow up consultations confirmed the eradication of the mite infestation. This is the first case report of human otoacariasis from Cyprus.
Highlights
Otoacariasis is the ear canal infestation by the arthropod Subclass: Acari, usually ticks or mites
As a result of otoacariasis, mites can be present in different life stages such as egg, nymph, and adult (Ueda et al, 2017)
Examination of the light microscope images and slide-mounted specimens revealed the presence of dust mites, which were identified as Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus
Summary
Humans, feeding on the dead shed skin and organic materials (Arlian and Platts-Mills, 2001). House dust mites do not affect humans. They are a significant trigger in cases of rhinitis, asthma, and dermatitis (Arlian and Platts-Mills, 2001; Lau et al, 2000). The most common symptoms of otoacariasis are usually pruritis, otalgia, blockage of the ear canal. To relieve such symptoms, it may be necessary to provide anti-pruritic, antiinflammatory, and analgesic medication. It may be necessary to provide anti-pruritic, antiinflammatory, and analgesic medication In addition to such treatments, the physical removal of the infecting organism is paramount. This can be achieved through flushing the ear canal, ear drops, and the direct removal of the organism and its various life-stages (Ueda et al, 2017; Abi-Aki et al, 2017)
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