Live Mites Research Articles

Efficacy of a spot-on formulation of pyriprole on dogs infested with Sarcoptes scabiei

To determine the efficacy of a 12.5 per cent spot-on formulation of pyriprole (Prac-Tic; Novartis Animal Health) and that of a combination of 10 per cent imidacloprid and 2.5 per...

Effect of Fungicides and Miticides with Mitochondria Electron Transport Inhibiting Activity on the Twospotted Spider Mite, Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae)

The twospotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae, is a major arthropod pest of many greenhouse-grown horticultural crops. Greenhouse producers use a variety of miticides to suppress twospotted spider mite populations. A group of miticides known as mitochondria electron transport inhibitors or METIs include acequinocyl, fenpyroximate, and pyridaben. In addition, there are strobilurin-based fungicides such as azoxystrobin, kresoxim-methyl, and trifloxystrobin that are also known as METIs. We conducted a study to determine if these METI fungicides had any miticidal properties against the nymph and adult stages of the twospotted spider mite. The designated treatments were applied to marigold (Tagetes erecta) plants naturally infested with twospotted spider mites. Assessments of live and dead twospotted spider mite nymphs and adults were conducted 3, 7, and 14 days after applying the treatments. None of the METI fungicides had any activity against the nymph and adult life stages of the twospotted spider mite, with percentage mortality values <18%. The METI miticides appeared to be more effective against twospotted spider mite nymphs than the adults based on percentage mortality values across the three evaluation periods (35.2% to 100% for nymphs and 11.4% to 87.9% for adults). This study demonstrated that the strobilurin-based fungicides have negligible negative effects on twospotted spider mites.

The effect of self-licking behavior on pharmacokinetics of eprinomectin and clinical efficacy against Psoroptes cuniculi in topically administered rabbits

Ear mange mite Psoroptes cuniculi, one of the predominant parasites in rabbits, can cause considerable weight loss, low favorable fee conversion rates, and meningitis. The present experiment was to investigate the difference of plasma disposition and the variation of clinical efficacy under the effect of animal self-licking behavior in topically administered rabbits. Ten rabbits for pharmacokinetic study in two groups (the self-licking and the nonlicking)were topically administered with 1 mg kg(-1) of eprinomectin. In the self-licking group, rabbits were allowed to self-lick freely, while, to prevent self-licking, each animal in the non-licking group was fitted with a pet collar. Compared to the non-licking group, self-licking behavior contributed to an extremely significant shorter half-life of absorption (14.85+/-2.79 h in licking group vs.29.44+/-7.81 h in non-licking group, p<0.01) and an extremely significant higher C(max) value for eprinomectin (21.95+/-5.36 h in licking group vs. 6.98+/-0.72 ng ml(-1) in non-licking group, p<0.01) in plasma disposition. An extremely significantly shorter mean residence time (50.72+/-3.45 h) in self-licking group was also determined compared with the value obtained in non-licking group (106.66+/-7.39 h; p<0.01). Clinical efficacy study of eprinomectin was examined in rabbits naturally infested with P. cuniculi which were randomly allocated in three groups: the self-licking, the non-licking, and control groups. All rabbits in the self-licking and the non-licking groups were treated with topical eprinomectin at a single dose of 2 mg kg(-1) (day 0). Topical eprinomection led to a complete parasitological recovery in both treated groups on day 14 and remained free of live mites and clinical lesions from day 21 to the end of the study period (day 35).

Treatment of canine‐generalized demodicosis: a blind, randomized clinical trial comparing the efficacy of Advocate®(Bayer Animal Health) with ivermectin

Advocate (moxidectin 2.5% + imidacloprid 10%) is a multiparasiticidal agent authorized for treating canine demodicosis in many countries. This blind, randomized clinical trial assessed the efficacy of Advocate at varying treatment intervals and compared it with that of oral ivermectin. Fifty dogs with generalized demodicosis were randomly assigned to one of four treatment groups: oral ivermectin (500 microg/kg once daily), Advocate applied at the authorized dose monthly (ADV1), every 2 weeks (ADV2) or weekly (ADV4). Each dog was evaluated every 4 weeks for 4 months or until negative scrapings at all sites resulted on two successive evaluations (parasitological cure). Miticidal efficacy was determined through deep skin scrapings taken from the same three sites on each occasion. Total numbers of live and dead adult mites, juveniles and eggs were determined. Thirty-five dogs completed the 4-month trial. Parasiticidal efficacy was assessed using several parameters including reduction in live adult mite counts. ancova analysis for this parameter confirmed that there were differences in efficacy among the treatment groups (P < 0.002). Tukey-Kramer all pairwise multiple comparison tests revealed that ADV4 was more effective than ADV1 (P = 0.016). Ivermectin was more effective than ADV1 (P = 0.003). Both ivermectin and ADV4 showed clinically substantial reductions in adult mite counts (89% for ADV4 and 98% for ivermectin). In conclusion, the efficacy of Advocate increased with the rate of application and weekly application may represent a new approach to the treatment of caninegeneralized demodicosis.

Stability of 5% Permethrin Cream Used for Scabies Treatment

To the Editors: Human scabies is caused by the human mite (Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis). In addition to the discomfort caused by the intensely itchy lesions, infestations often become secondarily infected.1 Scabies is transmitted by person-to-person body contact, and infants and children are particularly at a greater risk for infection.2 The American Academy of Pediatrics considers topical permethrin 5% the treatment of choice for scabies infestation because of its safety and efficacy profile.1,2 One treatment with permethrin 5% cream is usually effective in eradicating scabies.3 Some experts recommend retreatment one week later, while others recommend retreatment only if live mites are observed. A thin layer of the cream should be applied to all areas of the body including the face and scalp in infants and young children. The cream should be washed off after 8–14 hours.4 Under those conditions permethrin is exposed to normal body temperature of 37°C. This cream is usually kept in kitchen or bathroom cabinets exposed to wide temperature and humidity fluctuations. There are few studies published concerning permethrin stability. We assessed the stability of permethrin in a 5% cream formulation for the topical treatment of scabies and to provide information about the stability of the drug. Permethrin (cis:trans ratio of 25:75) (Supelco Inc; Bellefonte, PA) and drug formulation (permethrin 5% cream) were provided by UniPharma S.A. (El Papiol, Barcelona, Spain). We checked the stability of permethrin 5% cream stored at 40 ± 2°C and 75 ± 5% of relative humidity for up to 6 months. In these conditions 3 samples were periodically obtained from each batch (n = 3) of drug formulation tested. Sample treatment was carried out and concentration measurements were determined by using a newly developed and validated high-performance liquid chromatography method. There was no apparent degradation (less than 5% changes in assay from its initial value) of either isomer under the conditions of the study and for at least the 6-month period. In conclusion, permethrin appeared to be stable in a 5% cream formulation used for scabies treatment at 40°C ± 2°C and 75 ± 5% of relative humidity during at least 6 months. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This study received partial financial support from Unipharma S.A. and the Bosch i Gimpera Foundation of the University of Barcelona. Pilar Modamio, PhD Cecilia F. Lastra, PhD Joan Sebarroja, PharmD Eduardo L. Mariño, PhD Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacotherapy Unit Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology Faculty of Pharmacy University of Barcelona Barcelona, Spain

Anti-mite Covers: Potential Criteria for Materials Used Against Dust Mites

There are many types of material used to construct bedding encasing for dust mite and allergen protection, but relatively few have been evaluated for their anti-mite properties. This study surveyed the anti-mite/allergen properties and physical characteristics of covers with a view towards establishing potential parameters for evaluating the efficacy of such encasings. Fifty-three covers advertised as mite-proof were randomly purchased from local markets found in ten different countries. All fabrics were evaluated for their ability to block the movement of allergens and live mites. Air permeability, dust leakage, and thread count, where applicable, were also measured. The major finding was that plastic and the tightly woven covers completely prevented mite penetration while exhibiting &gt; 99 % allergen impenetrability. The film-coated fabrics, the mixed type, and the acaricidal-coated non-woven were successful in blocking allergens, but were commonly observed to allow some mite penetration. For the tightly woven fabrics, dust leakage and air permeability were minimal, while thread count was uniformly high. Cotton bed sheets were completely penetrable by mites and allergens. Overall, allergen impenetrability was negatively associated with dust leakage, thread count, and air permeability. Thread count also exhibited inverse relationships between dust leakage and air permeability. Dust leakage and air permeability were positively associated. The optimal characteristics for effective encasings include tightly woven covers with allergen impenetrability &gt; 99 %, resistance to live mite penetration, dust leakage of &lt; 4 %, air permeability between 2 and 6 cm3/sec/cm 2, a thread count ≥ 246/in2, and a pore size of 2—10 µm.

Treating Scabies

Question: In children or adults with a clinical or parasitological (microscopic) diagnosis of scabies, what is the evidence for effectiveness of available topical and systemic therapies? Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Data Sources: Data were obtained from the Cochrane Infectious Disease Group Specialized Register (to February 2007), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE (1966 to February 2007), EMBASE (1974 to February 2007), LILACS (1982 to February 2007), INDMED (February 2007), and the Gray literature and sources for registered trials in March 2007. Reference lists of all retrieved trials were checked for additional trials. Study Selection: The selection criteria for studies included randomized controlled trials that examined therapies used in children or adults with a clinical or parasitological diagnosis of scabies. Outcomes: The primary outcome measures included treatment failure in a clinically or parasitologically confirmed case; treatment failure was defined as the persistence of original lesions, appearance of new lesions, or confirmation of a live mite. The secondary outcome measure was the persistence of patient-reported itch. Results:Theauthorsanalyzed20randomizedcontrolledtrials thatmettheir inclusioncriteria, involvingatotalof2392participants.Seventeenofthe20includedstudieswereconducted in resource-poor countries. Of the other 3 trials, 1 was carried out in the United States and 2 in Italy. Altogether, the effectivenessof the followingdrugswas tested: topicalbenzylbenzoate,crotamiton,decamethrin, lindane,permethrin, synergized natural pyrethrins, sulfur, and oral ivermectin. Sixteen trials compared 1 drug with at least 1 other drug; 1 trialcomparedivermectinagainstplacebo;2trialscompared different drug treatment regimens; and 1 trial compared 2 different vehicles for the same drug. No randomized controlledtrials investigatingmalathionwereidentified,andthe only 3 trials of herbal remedies did not meet inclusion criteria. Although the treatment of family members and close contactssimultaneouslywithcasesisgenerallyrecommended, none of the trials tested this hypothesis. The authors extracted data to allow intention-totreat analysis. All included trials reported dichotomous outcomes. Results were presented as relative risks (RRs) of treatment failure with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) around these estimates. Therefore, RRs less than 1 favor the intervention of interest. Where significant heterogeneity was detected and it was appropriate to combine the trials in a meta-analysis, the authors used a random effects model; otherwise, a fixed-effect model was used. One potential source of heterogeneity was explored by stratifying the analyses into 2 groups on the basis of whether the diagnosis was clinical or microscopic. Microscopic confirmation of the diagnosis was thought to be more accurate than clinical assessment alone. The results (Table) indicated that among trial participants with clinically diagnosed scabies, oral ivermectin was less effective than topical permethrin. Topical permethrin was more effective than topical crotamiton and topical lindane. Significant study heterogeneity was detected in the 5 trials comparing permethrin and lindane in clinically diagnosed patients. The comparison of permethrin and lindane in trial participants with microscopically diagnosed scabies had a combined RR of 0.31 (3 trials), but the difference was not statistically significant (95% CI, 0.09-1.09). Permethrin also appeared to be more effective in reducing itch persistence than either crotamiton (RR, 0.26; 95% CI, 0.11-0.65) or lindane (combined estimate of 2 trials: RR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.44-0.87). In 1 small trial, permethrin was less effective than synergized pyrethrin (a topical preparation of natural pyrethrins synergized with piperonyl butoxide, used as an alterative to permethrin in some countries), but the difference did not reach statistical significance (Table). Ivermectin was more effective than placebo and topical

Certification scheme for strawberry

Certification scheme for strawberry

In Vivo Evidence That &lt;I&gt;Sarcoptes scabiei&lt;/I&gt; (Acari: Sarcoptidae) Is the Source of Molecules That Modulate Splenic Gene Expression

The clinical signs of a Sarcoptes scabiei (De Geer) (Acari: Sarcoptidae) infestation are initially delayed, which suggests that the mites can depress the immune/inflammatory response. The purpose of this study was to investigate the modulatory properties of scabies mites in vivo at the gene expression level in a secondary lymphoid organ that is involved in initiating an immune response to the parasite. We found that substances from scabies mites influenced the expression of mRNA for molecules that participate in the sequestering of lymphocytes in the periarteriolar lymphoid sheath, primary follicle, and marginal zone of the spleen. Mice exposed to live scabies mites exhibited decreased mRNA expression for the adhesion molecules intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1, ICAM-2 and L-selectin; the cytokines tumor necrosis factor (TNF)alpha and CCL5; and the receptors for several other cytokines including TNF and interferon gamma. In addition, exposure to live mites or vaccination with a scabies extract resulted in reduced expression of mRNA for B7-2, CD40, CD4, CD8, and CD45, thereby potentially reducing the physical interactions between B cells and T-helper (Th)2 helper cells, between Th1 and Tc cells, and between T-helper cells and antigen-presenting cells, thus depressing their function in response to thymus-dependent antigen. Live scabies mites also depressed expression of toll-like receptors 2, 4, and 6. In conclusion, our results indicate that live mites produce substances that can down-regulate expression of adhesion molecules, cytokines, chemokines, chemokine receptors, and lymphocyte surface molecules involved in leukocyte sequestering and the interaction of B and T cells during activation of an immune response in the spleen.

In Vivo Evidence ThatSarcoptes scabiei(Acari: Sarcoptidae) Is the Source of Molecules That Modulate Splenic Gene Expression

The clinical signs of a Sarcoptes scabiei (De Geer) (Acari: Sarcoptidae) infestation are initially delayed, which suggests that the mites can depress the immune/inflammatory response. The purpose of this study was to investigate the modulatory properties of scabies mites in vivo at the gene expression level in a secondary lymphoid organ that is involved in initiating an immune response to the parasite. We found that substances from scabies mites influenced the expression of mRNA for molecules that participate in the sequestering of lymphocytes in the periarteriolar lymphoid sheath, primary follicle, and marginal zone of the spleen. Mice exposed to live scabies mites exhibited decreased mRNA expression for the adhesion molecules intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1, ICAM-2 and L-selectin; the cytokines tumor necrosis factor (TNF)α and CCL5; and the receptors for several other cytokines including TNF and interferon γ. In addition, exposure to live mites or vaccination with a scabies extract resulted in reduced expression of mRNA for B7–2, CD40, CD4, CD8, and CD45, thereby potentially reducing the physical interactions between B cells and T-helper (Th)2 helper cells, between Th1 and Tc cells, and between T-helper cells and antigen-presenting cells, thus depressing their function in response to thymus-dependent antigen. Live scabies mites also depressed expression of toll-like receptors 2, 4, and 6. In conclusion, our results indicate that live mites produce substances that can down-regulate expression of adhesion molecules, cytokines, chemokines, chemokine receptors, and lymphocyte surface molecules involved in leukocyte sequestering and the interaction of B and T cells during activation of an immune response in the spleen.

Assessment of the Ear Mite (Otodectes cynotis) Infestation and the Efficacy of an Imidacloprid plus Moxidectin Combination in the Treatment of Otoacariosis in a Hungarian Cat Shelter

Two separated field studies were carried out in Hungary to assess Otodectes cynotis infestation and to evaluate the efficacy of 10% imidacloprid and 1.0% moxidectin spot-on for cats against ear mites in a cat shelter. Mite infestation was studied with direct, otoscopic examination of the external ear canals and with the presence or absence of live mites in samples taken with cotton-tipped swabs from both ears of each animal. Fifteen out of 100 cats selected randomly were found to be infested. Seven animals showed severe clinical signs of otitis externa consistent with O. cynotis infestation. These cats were restless, shaking their heads and scratching their ears. Alopecia, wounds caused by self-injuries and dermatitis were seen in and around the ears of the two cats having most severe clinical signs. The other infested cats did not show any clinical signs, only dark brown exudates ranging frommoist and waxy to crumbly and flaky accumulated at the deeper part of the external ear canals. Ten cats were randomly assigned to the treatment group and five animals to the untreated control group. Each cat of the treated group was weighed and treated with the recommended dosage of 10% imidacloprid and 1.0%moxidectin spot-on on day 0. Only those three cats were found to be infested with live ear mites on day 9, which had showed the most severe clinical signs of otitis externa before treatment. The black-brown cerumen or scab was drier in their ear canals than nine days earlier. Some live and dead mites were found only by microscopic examination of aural debris. The efficacy of 10% imidacloprid and 1.0%moxidectin against O. cynotis was 100% on days 16 and 30. Direct and otoscopic examinations of both ears of treated animals could not reveal mite movement. A very small amount of dry material was found in the ear canals of the formerlymost affected cats. No or some dried up mites occurred in samples taken with cotton-tipped swabs from all cats which had no clinical signs of otoacariosis. The external ear canals of untreated cats continued to contain large amounts of dark brown, waxy cerumen and their ear swab samples contained live ear mites until the end of study.

Scaling up tests on virulence of the cassava green mite fungal pathogen Neozygites tanajoae (Entomophthorales: Neozygitaceae) under controlled conditions: first observations at the population level

Virulence of entomopathogens is often measured at the individual level using a single host individual or a group of host individuals. To what extent these virulence assessments reflect the impact of an entomopathogen on their host in the field remains largely untested, however. A methodology was developed to induce epizootics of the cassava green mite fungal pathogen Neozygites tanajoae under controlled conditions to evaluate population-level virulence of two (one Beninese and one Brazilian) isolates of the entomopathogen--which had shown similar individual-level virulence but different field impacts. In unrepeated separate experiments we inoculated mite-infested potted cassava plants with either 50 or 25 live mites (high and low inoculum) previously exposed to spores of N. tanajoae and monitored the development of fungal infections for each isolate under the same conditions. Both isolates caused mite infections and an associated decline in host mite populations relative to the control (without fungus) in all experiments, but prevalence of the fungus varied with isolate and increased with inoculum density. Peak infection levels were 90% for the Beninese isolate and 36% for the Brazilian isolate at high inoculum density, and respectively 17% and 25% at low inoculum density. We also measured dispersal from inoculated plants and found that spore dispersal increased with host infection levels, independent of host densities, whereas mite dispersal varied between isolates. These results demonstrate that epizootiology of N. tanajoae can be studied under controlled conditions and suggest that virulence tests at the population level may help to better predict performance of fungal isolates than individual-level tests.

Diagnostic Dilemma: Crusted Scabies Superimposed on Psoriatic Erythroderma in a Patient With Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

A 45-year-old man with AIDS presented with extensive erythema and scaling involving the face, trunk, and upper and lower extremities, and mild nail dystrophy. The patient had been diagnosed with psoriasis 2 years previously, and at the time of presentation was using emollients and topical corticosteroid creams with little improvement. He was receiving zidovudine, lamivudine, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, acyclovir, rifabutin, and hydroxyzine. Pertinent laboratory data included CD4 lymphocytes (10 cells/mm(3)), viral load (32,000 copies per mL) white blood cell count (3.4 x 10(3)/microL), hemoglobin (13.5 g/dL), and platelets (204 x 10(3)/microL). Because of the extensive eruption and lack of response to topical agents, the patient was started on acitretin 25 mg daily. The patient had shown no signs of improvement 4 weeks later and was noted to have brownish gray crusted plaques involving the beard area, neck, upper part of the back, arms, trunk, genitals, and thighs in addition to his erythroderma (Figure 1 and Figure 2). Microscopic examination of scales from the upper part of the back revealed numerous scabies mites and eggs. He was then treated with lindane shampoo on the scalp and beard area and permethrin 5% cream to the body. The patient returned 2 weeks later with some improvement after thrice-weekly applications of this regimen; however, scrapings from the trunk once again revealed live scabies mites. Microscopic examination of scales that had fallen on the examination table revealed multiple mites and eggs. The patient was then given permethrin 5% cream, which he applied 3 times a week for 2 weeks, and 1 dose of oral ivermectin, 200 micro/kg. This resulted in a marked decrease in crusting and scaling. With resolution of the scabies lesions, the patient displayed marked erythema and scaling of the trunk and extremities consistent with generalized psoriasis (Figure 3). Treatment with acitretin resulted in gradual resolution of the erythroderma. A few months later, the patient presented with nodules on the upper part of the back, which on biopsy revealed a scabies mite (Figure 4).

Activated Charcoal Suppresses Breeding of the House Dust Mite, Dermatophagoides Pteronyssinus, in Culture

House dust mite sensitized asthmatics are advised to practice allergen avoidance. Charcoal pillows are used in Korea with unsubstantiated claims regarding their efficacy in alleviating asthma symptoms. We tested the effects of activated charcoal on breeding of house dust mites in culture. Twenty live adult house dust mites (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus) were inoculated, 10 replicates, on culture media containing 0%, 1%, 3%, 5%, 10%, and 20% activated charcoal and incubated at 25℃ and a relative humidity of 75%. After four weeks, the mean numbers of live house dust mites were 286, 176, 46, 16, 7, and 0 for the 0%, 1%, 3%, 5%, 10%, and 20% charcoal-containing culture media, respectively. Thus, activated charcoal suppresses breeding of house dust mites and offers a new promising method for house dust mite control.

Stimulation of the In Vitro Migration of Ovine Eosinophils by Factors Derived from the Sheep Scab Mite, Psoroptes ovis

The ectoparasitic astigmatid mite Psoroptes ovis causes sheep scab, a highly contagious, severe allergic dermatitis associated with damage to the fleece and hide, loss of condition and occasional mortality. The scab lesion is characterized by a massive infiltration of eosinophils that begins very rapidly after infection. This paper reports the finding that mite-derived factors directly enhance the migration of ovine eosinophils in vitro. Significant (p < 0.01) and dose-dependent (r = 0.972 +/- 0.018 (SD)) activity was initially identified in whole mite extracts, by comparison with medium controls in an assay based on modified Boyden chambers and ovine bone marrow target cells. Similar pro-migratory activity (p < 0.005; r = 0.928 +/- 0.069 (SD)) was detected in washes containing mite excretory/secretory material. By direct comparison with migration ratios (n = 3) for defined chemotactic (rmeotaxin = 3.430 +/- 0.360 (SD)) and chemokinetic (rminterleukin-5 = 0.982 +/- 0.112 (SD)) stimuli it was determined that the activity in both mite extracts (0.992 +/- 0.038 (SD)) and mite washes (0.969 +/- 0.071 (SD)) was chemokinetic. Subsequent experiments (n = 3) in which live mites were incorporated directly into the in vitro assay system indicated that they produced factors that significantly (p < 0.001) enhanced eosinophil migration to a degree directly related to mite numbers (r = 0.993 +/- 0.005 (SD)). The identity of the factor(s) responsible is uncertain, but their presence suggests that mites may be capable of directly activating eosinophils in vivo, and raises the possibility that mites could directly influence, perhaps even initiate, the rapid early tissue eosinophilic response observed in experimental sheep scab infections.

Evaluation of four isolates of Hirsutella thompsonii against coconut mite ( Aceria guerreronis) in Sri Lanka

Four Sri Lankan isolates of an entomopathogenic fungus, Hirsutella thompsonii, obtained from the coconut mite Aceria guerreronis, were tested as biopesticide treatments in two coconut mite-infested coconut estates. Two applications of a spore suspension, 2 weeks apart, were carried out on the five youngest coconut bunches, including the inflorescence. Two weeks following the second application the level of coconut mite infestation was lower in three of the four H. thompsonii treatments compared to controls, indicating a relatively quick impact on the coconut mite population. Less than 10% of the nuts receiving isolate IMI 391722 had high levels of coconut mites (>100 live mites) at 4 weeks, comparing favourably with all other treatments. As the sampling time progressed from 4 weeks until the completion of sampling at 30 weeks, efficacy was less consistent. However, with the exception of one sample date, nuts treated with IMI 391722 had a lower percentage of nuts with >100 live coconut mites than the control nuts. A significant proportion of nuts with dead coconut mites showing mycosis due to H. thompsonii was recorded for all isolates up to 6 weeks following the second application, with evidence of mycosis up to 18 weeks for isolates IMI 391722 and IMI 390486, and up to 14 and 10 weeks for IMI 391723 and IMI 391942, respectively. Nuts with dead coconut mites showing mycosis were rare on untreated palms throughout the study. Numbers of the predatory mite Neoseiulus baraki were significantly higher on the untreated nuts than the treated nuts. However, dead mites were rarely seen and there were no signs of H. thompsonii infection.

Detection of Dermatophagoides farinae in the Dust of Air Conditioning Filters

Background: The allergenic dust mite species Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Dermatophagoides farinae generally inhabit warm moist environments. This study tested the hypothesis that these allergenic species may thrive in air conditioner filters. Methods: A year-long investigation of the dust mite population densities and species identities living in air conditioner filters in Shenzhen City in Southern China was performed. Additional data describing the levels of major dust mite allergen proteins from samples collected in July and August 2004 were analyzed. Genetic polymorphism analysis of Der f 1 and Der f 2 genes in the collected animals was also conducted. Results: Our investigation revealed that larval dust mites started to grow in March, from which time their populations proceeded to steadily increase until reaching their population zenith in July and August. The dust mite populations decreased sharply in October and live dust mites were no longer observed in the winter. Among the mites collected in July and August, 30.1 and 25.8% were of the species D. farinae. The concentration of Der f 1 was 3.04 ± 1.75 and 3.21 ± 1.84 µg/g dust in July and August, respectively, and that of Der f 2 was 2.15 ± 0.82 and 2.04 ± 1.15 µg/g dust. Four types of Der f 1 and 5 types of Der f 2 cDNA sequences were cloned from collected Der f mites. Their sequences were highly homologous with those previously published in GenBank (No. AB034946.1 and No. AB195580.1). Conclusions: This research demonstrated that Der f allergens exist in the dust of air conditioner filters in this area.

Sobrevivência do ácaro Acarophenax lacunatus (Cross &amp; Krantz) (Prostigmata: Acarophenacidae) na ausência de alimento

The ability of a natural enemy to tolerate starvation increases its chances to survive in the absence of food, what is an important factor for its success in storage grain environment. The objective of the present work was to assess the survival of Acarophenax lacunatus (Cross & Krantz) in the absence of food. The experiment used individualized physogastric females of A. lacunatus placed in petri dishes (5 cm diameter) and maintained at 20, 25, 28, 30 and 32 degrees C, 50+/-5 % R.H. and 24h scotophase. The number of live mites was recorded every 6h thus assessing the progeny survival without food at different temperatures. The mites died within 60h at the temperatures 30 degrees C and 32 degrees C, while they survived for up to 108h at 20, 25 and 28 degrees C. The mean lethal time for death was 58.6h for the lowest temperatures and 39.3h for the highest temperatures. Thus, A. lacunatus subjected to starvation lived longer under lower temperatures, what is probably due to its lower metabolism. In contrast, the mites survived for about 90h at 28 degrees C, temperature commonly observed in tropical and subtropical climates, what may favor their use as control agents of stored product insects in these regions.

Compatibility of Three Miticides with the Predatory Mites Neoseiulus californicus McGregor and Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot (Acari: Phytoseiidae)

In this study, we report on the compatibility of two commercially available predatory mites, Neoseiulus californicus and Phytoseiulus persimilis, with three miticides used in greenhouse production systems to control the twospotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae. We determined the lethal effects of the miticides chlorfenapyr, spiromesifen, and bifenazate to both predatory mite species 24 hours after exposure to spray applications in petri dishes. Two rates of chlorfenapyr (0.40 and 0.81 mL/2-L) and spiromesifen (0.15 and 0.31 mL·L–1), and one rate of bifenazate (0.62 mL·L–1) were used. All rates were based on the manufacturer label recommendations for twospotted spider mite. Both rates of chlorfenapyr and spiromesifen, and the single rate of bifenazate were not harmful to N. californicus with percent live mite values ≥85% for chlorfenapyr and ≥95% for spiromesifen, and 93% for bifenazate. However, these same miticides were substantially toxic to P. persimilis with percent live mite values of ≤63% for all the miticides tested. Based on the results of this study, the miticides chlorfenapyr, spiromesifen, and bifenazate are compatible with N. californicus whereas these miticides are toxic to P. persimilis indicating a difference in susceptibility based on predatory mite species.

House Dust Mites Survive Travel in the Baggage Compartment of Commercial Jet Airliners

RATIONALE: No studies exist about whether or not house dust mites survive the conditions of decreased temperature and barometric pressure present in the luggage compartments of commercial jet airplanes.METHODS: The author brings D. pteronysssinus mite cultures to the annual AAAAI meeting every March as part of a commercial display. Travel to five of the last six meetings has been by commercial jet. To maximize their chance of surviving the trip, the mite cultures were brought to each meeting as a carry-on item in a temperature insulated bag. Out of scientific curiosity, however, they were returned from the meetings in checked luggage. The temperature and pressure in the luggage compartments in commercial airliners is higher than that of the outside air, but less than that of the passenger cabin. Flights were from San Diego, New Orleans, Denver, San Francisco, and San Antonio, respectively, all arriving in New York City. Mite cultures were examined microscopically immediately after the return trip.RESULTS: In every case live mites too numerous to count were seen on microscopic examination of the culture dishes following air travel.CONCLUSIONS: D. pteronyssinus mites survive travel in the luggage compartment of commercial jetliners.[Additional observation: At no time after 9/11 or the subsequent anthrax scares did TSA inspectors question the author about the contents of the Petri dishes being carried on board the outgoing flights.] RATIONALE: No studies exist about whether or not house dust mites survive the conditions of decreased temperature and barometric pressure present in the luggage compartments of commercial jet airplanes. METHODS: The author brings D. pteronysssinus mite cultures to the annual AAAAI meeting every March as part of a commercial display. Travel to five of the last six meetings has been by commercial jet. To maximize their chance of surviving the trip, the mite cultures were brought to each meeting as a carry-on item in a temperature insulated bag. Out of scientific curiosity, however, they were returned from the meetings in checked luggage. The temperature and pressure in the luggage compartments in commercial airliners is higher than that of the outside air, but less than that of the passenger cabin. Flights were from San Diego, New Orleans, Denver, San Francisco, and San Antonio, respectively, all arriving in New York City. Mite cultures were examined microscopically immediately after the return trip. RESULTS: In every case live mites too numerous to count were seen on microscopic examination of the culture dishes following air travel. CONCLUSIONS: D. pteronyssinus mites survive travel in the luggage compartment of commercial jetliners. [Additional observation: At no time after 9/11 or the subsequent anthrax scares did TSA inspectors question the author about the contents of the Petri dishes being carried on board the outgoing flights.]