Fur Mites Research Articles

Leporacarus gibbus infestation in client‐owned rabbits and their owner

Leporacarus gibbus is a fur mite infesting both laboratory and pet rabbits; infestation is usually subclinical, but in some instances it has been associated with a highly pruritic dermatitis. A zoonotic potential has also been suggested. Two pet rabbits, living in the same household, were presented with moderate scaling, erythema, pruritus and alopecia. In both rabbits, the lesions were mainly localized around the neck. A pruritic papular dermatitis was also present on the owner's arms and legs. Parasitological examination of the rabbits' skin and fur revealed many mites of the species L.gibbus. Skin cytology and fungal culture were both negative for bacteria and fungi. Both rabbits were treated with a single application of a spot-on formulation of 1% moxidectin and 10% imidacloprid, as well as environmental disinfection with a miticide. After treatment, the rabbits improved markedly, and the lesions on the owner's arms and legs disappeared within a week. This is the second description of L.gibbus dermatitis in people. In the present case report, the lesions on the rabbits and their owner were very similar, a pruritic dermatitis with small papules, more evident on the owner's extremities. Due to its zoonotic potential, although uncommon, L.gibbus infestation should be considered as a possible differential in pet rabbits, particularly when owners have a papular eruption.

Prevalence of fur mites (Acari: Atopomelidae) in non-human primates of Costa Rica

Parasites have been investigated for some New World primates; however, very little is known about ectoparasites and specifically fur mites. In this study, Alouatta palliata, Cebus capucinus, Saimiri oerstedii, and Ateles geoffroyi monkeys from different areas of Costa Rica were searched for fur mites. A total of 276 monkeys were evaluated, and 51 of them were positive for mites of the family Atopomelidae. Listrocarpus alouattae was identified on 22.3% of A. palliata; Listrocarpus capucinus on 12.8% of C. capucinus; and Listrocarpus costaricensis on 36.8% of S. oerstedii; No fur mites were found on A. geoffroyi. Sex was not considered a determinant of mite infestation, but prevalence was significantly higher in the Central Volcanic Mountain Range Conservation Area for L. alouattae (p=0.01) and in the Central Pacific Conservation Area for L. capucinus (p=0.002). These primate fur mites are highly host-specific. Differences in the geographical distribution may be due to monkey behavior and history, as well as to environmental conditions.

Epidemiological and identification study of mange mites infestation in sheep in Al-Diwaniyah province

This study was conducted to investigate the percentages of infestation of mange Mites in sheep in different regions of Al-Diwaniyah province and the effects of age, sex of animals on the prevalence of the disease were studied also.The results of the microscopical examination of the skin scraping were revealed that 186 of the sheep were infested with mites with an overall percentage of infestation 3.65%.In this study four genera of Mange Mites were recorded that parasitized sheep: Sarcoptes scabiei , Psoroptes ovis , Chorioptes spp. , Chirodiscoides caviae (fur mite) with rates 31.18%, 52.15%, 8.06%, 2.15% respectively where the genera of Chorioptes spp. and Chirodiscoides caviae recorded for the first time in Iraq, in addition to the presence a mixed infestation such as Sarcoptes with Psoroptes 5.91% and Psoroptes with Chorioptes 0.53%.The prevalence of the infestation was highest in sheep more than two years old (3.74%) and the lowest in sheep with age less than two years old (3.40%). The prevalence of Mange Mites in male sheep was 3.93% versus 3.59% in females. Statistically there were no significant differences (P>0.05) according to the age and sex of animals, but the differences in percentages of infestation were significant ( p< 0.05) according to different regions of study.

Macrocyclic Lactones in the Treatment and Control of Parasitism in Small Companion Animals

Macrocyclic lactones (MLs) have many anti-parasitic applications in small companion animal medicine. They were first developed as chemoprophylactics against heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) infection to be applied monthly for retroactive killing of third- and fourth-stage larvae. ML-containing products formulated for oral (ivermectin, milbemycin oxime), topical (selamectin, moxidectin) or injectable sustained release (moxidectin, ivermectin) are approved for heartworm prevention in dogs or cats. Clearance of microfilariae and gradual or "soft" killing of adult heartworms constitute increasingly prevalent extra-label uses of MLs against D. immitis. Some commercial ML formulations contain sufficient levels of active ingredient (milbemycin oxime, selamectin, moxidectin) to support additional label claims against gastrointestinal nematode parasites such as hookworms (Ancylostoma spp.) and ascarid round worms (Toxocara spp. and Toxascaris leonina). Beyond these approved applications, safe, extra-label uses of MLs against nematodes parasitizing the urinary tract, such as Capillaria spp., and parasites of the tissues, such as Dipetalonema reconditum, Dirofilaria repens, Thelazia spp. and Spirocerca lupi, in dogs and cats as well as exotic pets have been reported. MLs as a group have intrinsic insecticidal and acaricidal activity, and topical or otic formulations of certain compounds (selamectin, moxidectin, milbemycin oxime or ivermectin) are approved for treatment and control of fleas, certain ixodid ticks, sarcoptiform and demodectic mange mites and psoroptiform ear mites. Extra-label applications of MLs against ectoparasites include notoedric mange mites, dermanyssids such as Ornythonussus bacoti, numerous species of fur mite (e.g. Cheyletiella spp. and Lynxacarus) and trombiculids ("chiggers") in cats, dogs and nontraditional or exotic pets.

Fur mites of the family Listrophoridae (Acariformes: Sarcoptoidea) associated with South American sigmodontine rodents (Cricetidae: Sigmodontinae)

Six species of 3 genera belonging to the fur mite family Listrophoridae were recorded on skins of South American rodents of the cricetid subfamily Sigmodontinae housed in the Bavarian State Collection of Zoology (Munich, Germany). Among them, Amlistrophorus geoxus sp. nov. from Geoxus valdivianus from Chile is described as a new for science, and males of Prolistrophorus amazonicus amazonicus Fain, 1971 are recorded for the first time. The full generic status for the subgenus Amlistrophorus of the genus Prolistrophorus proposed by Fain et al. (1996) is not supported, and Prolistrophorus musculinus Fain, 1973 stat. nov. (formerly a subspecies of P. amazonicus) from Mus musculus (Rodentia: Muridae) from Suriname is raised to species status. New hosts are recorded for the following species: Prolistrophorus argentinus (Hirst, 1921) from Holochilus brasiliensis and H. chacarius from Argentina, P. amazonicus from Calomys callosus from Argentina and Bolivia, C. laucha and C. musculinus from Argentina, P. akodon Fain and Lukoschus, 1982 from Akodon montensis from Argentina, P. nectomys Fain, 1971 from Nectomys palmipes from Peru and Melanomys caliginosus from Panama, and Sclerolistrophorus oxymycteris Fain, 1976 from Oryzomys laticeps from Brazil.

Five new species of fur mites (Acariformes: Sarcoptoidea) from small mammals in Laos

Five new species of fur mites (Acariformes: Sarcoptoidea) from small mammals in Laos

Five new species of fur mites (Acariformes: Sarcoptoidea) from small mammals in Laos

Five new fur-inhabiting mites of the superfamily Sarcoptoidea (Acariformes: Astigmata) are described from small mammals associated with tower karstic landscape in Khammouane Province of Laos: Listrophoroides oconnori sp. n. from Saxatilomys paulinae Musser et al. (Rodentia: Muridae) and Atopomelus megalotis sp. n. from Hylomys megalotis Jenkins and Robbinson (Erinaceomorpha: Erinaceidae)—Atopomelidae; Afrolistrophoroides laonastes sp. n. from Laonastes aenigmamus Jenkins et al. (Rodentia: Diatomyidae), A. saxatilomys sp. n. from Saxatilomys paulinae, and Pteromychirus menetes from Menetes berdmorei (Blyth) (Rodentia: Sciuridae)—Listrophoridae.

Arthropod Symbiotes of Laonastes aenigmamus (Rodentia: Diatomyidae)

Arthropod symbiotes of the Laotian rock-rat, Laonastes aenigmamus (Rodentia:Diatomyidae), from Laos are examined. This host is a member of Diatomyidae previously thought to have gone extinct >10 million yr ago. Permanent symbiotes are represented by 2 species, a new species of sucking louse, Polyplax sp., near rhizomydis (Phthiraptera:Polyplacidae), and a new species of fur mite, Afrolistrophorus sp., near maculatus (Acariformes:Listrophoridae). The temporary parasites are represented by 18 species, i.e., 1 mesostigmatan species, i.e., a new species of Androlaelaps near casalis (Parasitiformes:Laelapidae); immature stages of 2 tick species, Ixodes granulatus and Haemaphysalis sp. (Parasitiformes:Ixodidae); and a rich fauna of chiggers (Acariformes:Trombiculidae) comprising 8 genera and 15 species. It is hypothesized that this host completely lost its initial fauna of ectosymbiotes and that ancestors of the recorded symbiotes switched to this host from rodents of the superfamily Muroidea.

Prevalence of fur mites in pet rabbits in South Korea

The prevalence of fur mites, Cheyletiella parasitovorax and Leporacarus gibbus, in pet rabbits in South Korea was investigated by a diagnostic evaluation of skin surface tape strips and hair coat combings. C. parasitovorax was found in 80 of 140 rabbits (57.1%) and L. gibbus in six of 140 rabbits (4.3%). Clinical signs of pruritus and scaling were observed in 17 of 80 and 76 of 80 infested rabbits, respectively.

Parasitic and Phoretic Arthropods of the Oldfield Mouse (Peromyscus polionotus) from Burned Habitats with Additional Ectoparasite Records from the Eastern Harvest Mouse (Reithrodontomys humulis) and Southern Short-Tailed Shrew (Blarina carolinensis)

We recorded 12 species of parasitic or phoretic arthropods from 112 live-trapped oldfield mice (Peromyscus polionotus) in southeastern Georgia, U.S.A.: 1 species of sucking louse (Hoplopleura hesperomydis), 1 flea (Peromyscopsylla scotti*), 1 bot (Cuterebra fontinella*), 2 ticks (Dermacentor variabilis and Ixodes scapularis), 3 mesostigmatid mites (Androlaelaps fahrenholzi, Haemogamasus liponyssoides,* and Haemogamasus longitarsus*), 2 fur mites (Glycyphagus hypudaei, Radfordia subuliger*), and 2 chiggers (Euschoengastia peromysci* and Leptotrombidium peromysci*) including the first records (asterisked names) for 7 species from this host. We recorded 4 species of arthropods, all of them mites, from 1 eastern harvest mouse (Reithrodontomys humulis): A. fahrenholzi, R. subuliger, E. peromysci,* and L. peromysci,* including 2 new records (asterisked) from this host. We also recorded 6 species of mites from 5 southern short-tailed shrews (Blarina carolinensis): the mesostigmatids Echinonyssus blarinae and H. liponyssoides; the fur mites Asiochirus blarina,* Blarinobia simplex,* and Protomyobia blarinae;* and the chigger Comatacarus americanus,* including 4 new Georgia state records (asterisked) from this host.

New Building, Old Parasite: Mesostigmatid Mites--An Ever-Present Threat to Barrier Rodent Facilities

Mesostigmatid mites are blood-sucking parasitic mites found in wild rodent populations. Periodically they can also become a problem for laboratory rodent colonies, particularly when building construction or renovations disturb colonies of commensal (building) rodents that had been acting as hosts. Mesostigmatid mites infest both rats and mice and, unlike the more common rodent fur mites (Myobia, Myocoptes, and Radfordia sp.), can survive for long periods in the environment and travel considerable distances in search of new hosts. They easily penetrate barrier caging systems, including individually ventilated cages, thus circumventing the usual precautions to protect rodents from infection. The two mites reported in laboratory rodent colonies, Ornithonyssus bacoti and Laelaps echidnina, also bite humans and have the potential to transmit zoonotic diseases. Once the mites gain access to a colony, eradication requires elimination of commensal rodent reservoirs in addition to insecticide treatment of both the laboratory rodents and the environment. In view of the undesirability of insecticide use in the animal facility, it is advisable to investigate the effectiveness of preventive treatments, such as environmental application of insect growth regulators or silica-based products. This article summarizes available information on mesostigmatid mites and their laboratory incursions, and provides suggestions for diagnosis, treatment, and control based on the author’s experience with several outbreaks at a large academic institution.

BALB/c mice resistant to Toxoplasma gondii infection proved to be highly susceptible when previously infected with Myocoptes musculinus fur mites

The immune response induced by Toxoplasma gondii is characterized by Th1 immune mechanisms. We previously demonstrated that C57BL/6 mice infested with Myocoptes musculinus and infected with T. gondii by intraperitoneal route undergo accelerated mortality according to Th2 immune mechanisms induced by the acarian. To evaluate whether infection with M. musculinus influences T. gondii-induced Th1 response in a resistant mouse lineage, BALB/c, which develops latent chronic toxoplasmosis in a way similar to that observed in immunocompetent humans, this study was done. The animals were infected with T. gondii ME-49 strain 1 month after M. musculinus infestation, being the survival and the immune response monitored. The double-infected displayed higher mortality rate if compared with the mono-infected mice. In addition, infection with M. musculinus changed the T. gondii-specific immune response, converting BALB/c host to a susceptible phenotype. Spleen cells had increased the levels of IL-4 in double-infected mice. This alteration was associated with severe pneumonia, encephalitis and wasting condition. In addition, a higher tissue parasitism was observed in double-infected animals. It can be concluded that infection with these two contrasting parasites, M. musculinus and T. gondii, may convert an immunocompetent host into a susceptible one, and such a host will develop severe toxoplasmosis.

Induction of IgE and allergic‐type responses in fur mite‐infested mice

High serum IgE levels are characteristic of allergic diseases and immune responses to nematode parasites. A murine allergy model based on infestation with the fur mites Myocoptes musculinus and Myobia musculi was investigated. Analysis of mite infestation in various knockout mice revealed that IgE production in response to these ectoparasites was dependent on T cells, IL-4, and CD40L. Secretion of IL-4 by CD4+ T cells obtained from peripheral LN draining mite-infested skin sites was increased with progressing mite infestation and correlated with the serum IgE induction. A time course analysis of the mRNA expression of switched IgE, activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID), and epsilon germ-line transcripts (epsilonGLT) suggested that switching to IgE in response to fur mites occurred initially in skin-draining LN. In addition, mite infestation induced mast cell degranulation in the skin as well as mast cell infiltration into skin-draining LN. Analysis of the immune response generated in mite-infested mice is a valuable model for the investigation of allergic disorders and provides information for better understanding of mechanisms involved in IgE induction and regulation in a physiological way of allergen-exposure resembling atopic sensitization in humans.

Cover Picture – Eur. J. Immunol. 9/2006

AbstractThe cover shows an electron microscopy picture of a fur mite and illustrates the article by Pochanke et al. (pp. 2434–2445). In this article, the authors dissect the allergic reaction arising following murine mite infestation and demonstrate that IgE and IgG1 production is dependent on CD40‐mediated secretion of IL‐4 from CD4+ T cells. Moreover they indicate that the miteinduced switch to IgE production occurs in skin‐draining LN and is associated with skin mast cell degranulation and increased numbers of mast cells in the skin‐draining LN.

Effects of TNCB Sensitization in DS-Nh Mice, Serving as a Model of Atopic Dermatitis, in Comparison with NC/Nga Mice

Background: It has been predicted that a type-1 and type-2 helper T cell (Th1/Th2) imbalance exists in atopic dermatitis (AD). In DS-Nh mice, an AD mouse model, Staphylococcus aureus increases on the skin surface. Objective: To investigate whether the Th1-dominant response has an influence on the development of AD, we induced chronic allergic hypersensitivity with 2,4,6-trinitrochlorobenzene (TNCB ) in two AD mouse models: NC/Nga mice and DS-Nh mice. Th1 and Th2 cytokine production of splenocytes was assessed under stimulation with staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) which induces a Th1 response in DS-Nh mice with or without TNCB sensitization. Methods: We examined clinical skin changes, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), the number of S. aureus on the skin and the serum IgE levels in these mice treated repeatedly with TNCB under conventional conditions (free of fur mites). The splenocytes of DS-Nh mice were cultured with SEB and the cytokine levels in the supernatants were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: Significant skin changes were observed on the skin even where TNCB was not applied in both mice treated with TNCB. Increases in S. aureus on the skin and serum IgE levels were detected in DS-Nh mice, but not in NC/Nga mice. In DS-Nh mice, IFN-γ and IL-13 production of splenocytes increased in the mice treated with TNCB. Conclusion: These results suggest that there might be a different mechanism of dermatitis induction between NC/Nga and DS-Nh mice. Th1 responses might play an important role in the development of dermatitis and increase in serum IgE levels in DS-Nh mice through an increase in IL-13 production.

Fur mite, Listrocarpus alouattae Fain (Acari: Atopomelidae), from Alouatta palliata Gray (Primates: Cebidae) in Costa Rica

Preliminary results of a study on ectoparasites of Costa Rican monkeys are presented. Thirty six mantled howler monkeys (Alouatta palliata Gray, 1849) and 3 capuchin monkeys (Cebus capucinus Linnaeus, 1758) from different zones of the country were examined for ectoparasites. Fur mites of the family Atopomelidae were found on 2 of the individuals of A. palliata, which were identified as Listrocarpus alouattae Fain, 1972 (Acari: Astigmata). A statistical analysis showed differences between most measurements of these specimens and those described by Fain (1979) suggesting that there are intraspecific variations in L. alouattae.

Fur mites induce dermatitis associated with IgE hyperproduction in an inbred strain of mice, NC/Kuj

An inbred strain of mice, NC, has been introduced as an animal model for atopic dermatitis because the mice develop dermatitis associated with severe scratch preceded by elevated serum IgE level when kept in conventional conditions. Although hypersensitivity to some environmental factors is suggested to cause dermatitis, the precise factor remains unclear. As the mice maintained under conventional conditions were often infected with fur mites, we investigated whether an infection of fur mites induces skin lesions in NC. Infection with the fur mites induced NC to develop skin lesions associated with highly elevated serum IgE, whereas no obvious skin lesions were observed in BALB/c and C57BL/6, and the elevation of serum IgE level was minimal in these two strains of mice. The role of the fur mites in the manifestation of skin lesions and IgE hyperproduction was confirmed by eliminating the fur mites by treatment with ivermectin. In addition, the existence of specific IgE antibody to Myocoptes musculinus antigen in the sera of mite-infested NC was detected by the antigen-induced histamine release from bone marrow-derived cultured mast cells after sensitization with the serum. These results suggest that continuous exposure to fur mite antigen is a potential factor in the development of dermatitis in NC. We provide a new model system of antigen-induced dermatitis for investigating the role of IgE in eliciting dermatitis.

New fur mites of the family Listrophoridae (Acari: Astigmata) from Mexico

Abstract A small collection of Listrophoridae (Acari: Astigmata) taken from a rodent (Peromyscus sp.) and an insectivore (Sorex sp.) in Mexico was studied. This collection included 3 new species and a new subgenus: Prolistrophorus (Prolistrophorus) sclerobursatus n. sp. from Peromyscus sp., and Asiochirus (Mexicochirus) unilobatus n. subg. and n. sp. and A. (M.) bilobatus n. sp., both from Sorex sp. Prolistrophorus (P.) frontalis (Hirst) was also collected from Oryzomys fulvescens.

Ivermectin treatment of a colony of guineapigs infested with fur mite (Chirodiscoides caviae).

Ivermectin was used for treating a breeding colony of guinea pigs heavily infested with fur mite Chirodiscoides caviae. In preliminary experiments on different dosages and routes of administration, spraying with diluted Ivomec (ivermectin 0.2 mg/ml) as well as applying undiluted ivermectin (10 mg/ml) drops on the fur proved effective and practical. The breeding colony was treated with diluted ivermectin aerosol and retreated two weeks later with undiluted ivermectin drops applied to the coat. After 3 months neither mites nor mite eggs were observed on microscopic examination. Two-and-a-half years later, the guinea pigs are still free of mites.

Towards better pelts from possums; mite fauna ofTrichosurus vulpecula

Seven possums from north Taranaki were collected in November and December 1991. They were skinned and the skin was divided into 5 parts; the fur was sliped and hydrolyzed to leave mites for counting by 10% aliquot. Fur mites (Listrophoridae) comprising 3 species made up 1005 (94%) of the 1069 adult mites counted. They appeared to remain at their favoured position on the possum after death. A Murichirus species of fur mite comprised 34% of the total count and was mostly confined to the shoulders of the host. Atellana papilio Domrow (17% of total) was confined to the posterior dorsal (rump) region and Petrogalochirus (Austrochirus) dycei (Domrow) Fain the most numerous mite at 45% of the total, favoured the host's anterior. All 3 species of fur mite stick their egg to the host fur. Trichosurolaelaps crassipes Womersley contrasted with the fur clasping mites in being rare at 6% (64/1069) of the total count and showing no preferred pelt part. T. crassipes and A. papilio are the mite species most likely to deg...