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Abstract
ObjectivesFew data are available concerning therapeutic aspects of feline trombiculiasis. This study evaluated the efficacy of a 10% w/v fipronil-based spot-on solution in 15 cats with natural Neotrombicula species infestation.MethodsTen cats received 1 drop per affected site on day (D)0 and D14, with the rest of the 0.5 ml pipette applied on the skin between the shoulders. Five cats served as non-treated controls. Parasite score (0 = absent; 3 = severe, >10 parasites/zone) was assessed on D0, D14 and D28 on all animals. Skin lesions (SCORing Feline Allergic Dermatitis lesion severity scale [SCORFAD]) and investigator pruritus scale (IPS; 0 = cat comfortable, grooming like any normal cat; 4 = cat uncomfortable, pruritic all the time) were assessed on treated cats on the same days. Global assessment of efficacy, tolerance and ease of use (GAS; 1 = very poor; 5 = excellent) was assessed on D28.ResultsAll the cats completed the study. Parasite scores of the control cats were maintained throughout the trial (mean ± SD: D0 4 ± 0.7, D14 3.2 ± 1.1 and D28 3.2 ± 0.4). In treated cats, SCORFAD (D0 3.2 ± 5.4, D14 1.1 ± 2.1 [P <0.002] and D28 0.5 ± 1.3 [P <0.002]), parasite (D0 3.9 ± 1.3, D14 1.2 ± 0.8 [P <0.005] and D28 0.4 ± 0.5 [P <0.005]) and IPS (D0 1 ± 1.2, D14 0.5 ± 1.1 [P <0.05] and D28 0.3 ± 0.7 [P <0.05]) scores significantly decreased throughout the trial. On D28, the GAS was 4.2 ± 0.9. There were no adverse effects from treatment.Conclusions and relevanceThe 10% w/v fipronil preparation appeared to be effective, safe and practical in the treatment of localised Neotrombicula species infestation in these cats.
Highlights
Neotrombicula autumnalis (Acari: Trombiculidae) mites, called harvest mites or chigger mites, are considered as the most frequent causative agents of trombiculiasis in people and animals.[1,2,3] The larval stage is the sole parasitic stage and individuals become infested from the outdoor environment
As trombiculiasis is a seasonal skin disease, five cats living in different households, but in the same geographical areas, were included in parallel and left untreated, serving as sentinels to ensure that the tested population would be exposed to potential re-infestations throughout the study
Parasite scores of the control cats were maintained throughout the study (4 ± 0.7 on day 0 (D0), 3.2 ± 1.1 on day 14 (D14) and 3.2 ± 0.4 on day 28 (D28)) allowing interpretation of the results in the treated group
Summary
Neotrombicula autumnalis (Acari: Trombiculidae) mites, called harvest mites or chigger mites, are considered as the most frequent causative agents of trombiculiasis in people and animals.[1,2,3] The larval stage is the sole parasitic stage and individuals become infested from the outdoor environment. Larvae have a seasonal activity, mainly between September and November.[4] in some countries, particular favourable climatic conditions may allow more than one complete life cycle in a year and larvae might be found during extra periods.[3] In cats, along with the presence of firmly attached mites, visible to the naked eye as characteristic orange spots, it is possible to observe erythema, papules and crusts, mostly on the ear margins, face, interdigital spaces and ventral abdomen.[3] Cats can be highly pruritic; some individuals can host high numbers of mites without showing any lesions or signs of discomfort.[3] Seasonality of the infestation and absence of experimental models may explain, at least partially, the lack of licensed products on the market. Previous studies have shown efficacy when treated with systemic selamectin[5,6] or fipronil spray directly applied on the infested body areas every 2 weeks.[3,7]
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