Mites In Skin Scrapings Research Articles

Is Chorioptes texanus to Displace Chorioptes bovis? Notes on the Mites Causing Bovine Chorioptic Mange in Central Europe

Chorioptic mange is the most common type of bovine mange in central Europe, affecting mainly housed dairy cattle. Until 1976, when Chorioptes texanus were described for the first time from mangy cattle in Brazil, bovine chorioptic mange was thought to be caused only by C. bovis mites. In Europe, C. texanus parasitism in cattle was for the first time reported in Germany in 1998. Following the repeated diagnosis of C. texanus mites in skin scrapings from local cattle in recent years, scrapings from cattle that were clinically suspicious for chorioptic mange were requested and provided during the years from 2019 to 2022 from Austria, France, Germany, and Switzerland (from 6, 17, 28, and 7 farms, respectively) and from dairy cows of 1 farm in Canada. Mites were isolated from the scrapings, cleared, and microscopically identified based on their morphology. Examination of scrapings revealed the presence of C. texanus in the cattle from 2 farms in Austria, 13 farms in France, 7 farms in Germany, 1 farm in Switzerland, and in the specimens from Canada. Chorioptes bovis mites were recovered only in scrapings from 5 farms in Germany and Psoroptes ovis mites in scrapings of cattle from 2 farms in France. The scrapings did not reveal co-infestations of C. bovis and C. texanus or of Chorioptes species and P. ovis. The records of C. texanus from Austria, France, Switzerland, and Canada constitute the first descriptions of this mite species in these countries. Although this investigation was based on an opportunistic collection of the material and was of small extent, the results suggest a widespread occurrence of C. texanus in central Europe and may emphasize the need for studies to closely investigate the nature of the causative agents of chorioptic mange in cattle and other hosts.

Alleviating lesions of chronic progressive lymphedema in Belgian draft horses by successfully treating Chorioptes bovis infestation with moxidectin 0.5% pour-on

The aim of this prospective, randomized, single-blinded, and placebo-controlled clinical trial was to investigate the efficacy of a moxidectin pour-on solution for the treatment of Chorioptes bovis infestation in Belgian draft horses, and in addition, to evaluate the effect of this treatment on the clinical signs and lesions associated with chronic progressive lymphedema (CPL). Nineteen privately owned Belgian draft horses were randomly assigned to either a treatment group (moxidectin pour-on formulation, n = 10) or a placebo group (phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), n = 9). On Day 0, all 19 horses tested positive for the presence of C. bovis in superficial skin scrapings. Prior to treatment, all feathering on the distal limbs of the horses was clipped. Treatment was applied twice (Day 0 and 7). Pour-on moxidectin (Cydectin 0.5% Pour-On; Zoetis) was evenly distributed over the distal legs of the horses at a dose of 1.5 mg moxidectin/kg body weight. Animals in the placebo group were treated with PBS. Pretreatment and follow-up examinations consisted of counting living mites in superficial skin scrapings, scoring pruritus, and scoring mange-associated and CPL-associated lesions (skinfold score and skin lesion score). Horses in the placebo group and moxidectin group were followed up to 8 weeks and 24 weeks after the first treatment, respectively. On Day 14, no living mites were found in any of the horses in the moxidectin group (p = 0.013). These horses continued to remain free of mites, until the final sampling conducted at 24 weeks following the initial application of moxidectin, when three horses again showed living mites in skin scrapings. Treatment with moxidectin resulted in a significant reduction of both CPL-associated skin lesion scores (p = 0.003) and pruritus scores (p = 0.001) after only seven days. By Day 56, still no signs of pruritus (p < 0.0001) were detected, with significant improvement of mange-associated lesions (p < 0.0001). Although the skinfold score did not show a significant reduction by Day 56, the score for skin lesions associated with CPL had significantly improved (p < 0.0001). In conclusion, the results of this study demonstrate that pour-on moxidectin, at a high dose and applied directly to the mite predilection site, was an effective treatment for C. bovis infestation in feathered draft horses, providing positive effects on CPL lesions, pruritus and mange-associated lesions. Furthermore, these findings emphasize the therapeutic significance of addressing mange in the management of CPL-affected draft horses.

Efficacy of fluralaner (Exzolt) for the treatment of natural Allopsoroptoides galli infestations in laying hens

Mite infestations in laying hens can cause losses to producers due to stress, reduced egg production and even death of birds. A new species of mite, Allopsoroptoides galli (A. galli), Analgoidea: Psoroptoididae, was recently identified in commercial laying farms in Brazil, causing damage due to its highly aggressive infestation that results in a sharp drop in egg production and culling. The present study evaluated the acaricidal action of a formulation containing fluralaner (Exzolt) against A. galli. Thirty-four laying hens naturally infested with A. galli were equally divided into a fluralaner-treated group and an untreated control group. The fluralaner-treated group received Exzolt in drinking water at a dose of 0.05 mL/kg body weight (equivalent to 0.5 mg fluralaner/kg body weight), twice, 7 d apart. Both groups were followed for 70 d evaluating the level of infestation by counting mites in skin scrapings and assessment of skin lesions. The average mite count of the treated group decreased significantly, dropping from 61.6 to 3.8 mites (D+7 to D+70). The efficacy progressively increased on subsequent days, reaching 98.8% on d +56 post-treatment and 96.9% on d +70. Recovery of skin lesions was observed after administration of Exzolt, showing a marked remission in the degree of lesions (2.5 on d −14 to 0.2 on d +70). The mean number of mites in the untreated control group ranged from 79.3 to 124.1 and the lesion score from 2.6 to 2.9, thus remaining stable throughout the study. The results obtained in the present study demonstrated that Exzolt administered at a dose of 0.05 mL of product/kg body weight (equivalent to 0.5 mg of fluralaner/kg body weight), twice at a 7-d interval, in drinking water was effective in the treatment of the mite Allopsoroptoides galli in naturally infested laying hens.

Doramectin efficacy against Psoroptes ovis in sheep: Evaluation of pharmacological strategies

The aims of this study were to evaluate the efficacy of two injectable formulations of doramectin (DRM) against Psoroptes ovis in sheep infested under controlled experimental conditions and to characterize the DRM plasma disposition kinetics in the infested animals.To this end, sheep were experimentally infested with a P. ovis strain from a farm with a history of treatment failure, and then treated either with DRM 1% (traditional preparation) on days 0 and 7 or with DRM 3.15% (long-acting formulation) on day 0. The efficacy of each treatment was calculated by counting live mites in skin scrapings. Plasma samples were obtained from each animal and DRM concentrations were measured by HPLC. After the two doses of DRM 1%, the maximum efficacy (98.8%) was reached on day 28, whereas after the single dose of DRM 3.15%, the maximum efficacy (100%) was reached on day 35 and ratified on day 42. The long-acting formulation allowed obtaining higher exposure and more sustained concentrations of DRM than the traditional preparation. Although both DRM formulations studied were effective according to international protocols, they did not reach 100% effectiveness in the time required for approved pharmaceutical products against sheep scab, according to Argentine regulations.

The prevalence and risk factors of canine demodicosis: A retrospective long-term study of 409 cases.

Canine demodicosis is a common skin disorder with multiple risk factors, including age and breed predisposition. There is relatively limited information about the risk factors for canine demodicosis in large canine populations. This retrospective case-control study was conducted by searching the electronic records of dogs with skin lesions for the presence of Demodex mites in skin scrapings. Diagnosis of demodicosis was based on the presence of skin lesions and mites in skin scrapings. Multivariate analysis was conducted using logistic regression analysis to estimate the relative risk and odds ratio of variables hypothesized to influence the risk of canine demodicosis, such as age, sex, breed, season, and parasitic infection. The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed a positive correlation between the dogs' age and demodicosis. Dogs older than three years, as well as puppies, had a high risk of demodicosis (P0.05). Breeds with the greatest association (odds ratio) with demodicosis included the American Staffordshire Terrier (OR=0.9) and Moscow Watchdog (OR=0.2). The presence of intestinal parasites, such as Diphyllobothrium latum, was significantly associated with demodicosis.

Treatment of sarcoptic mange in llamas (Lama glama) and alpacas (Vicugna pacos) with repeated subcutaneous moxidectin injections

An outbreak of sarcoptic mange was investigated in a herd of llamas and alpacas in the Black Forrest (Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany). The diagnosis was made by clinical picture and detection of mites in skin scrapings and ear swabs. At the beginning numerous of Sarcoptes mites were found in the scraping samples. The llamas and alpacas were treated subcutaneously with 0,2 mg/kg bodyweight moxidectin every three weeks (2 mL per llama, 1,5 mL per alpaca). Because of the slow recovery of the South American Camelids it was necessary to repeat the treatment eight times. On days 0, 42, 84, 126, and 168, all animals were examined clinically, and epidermal debris were collected from both auricular areas and other body regions for microscopic examination. The alpacas recovered rapidly and mite counts declined steadily. Llamas showed a slower remission of mite counts and clinical condition. For complete healing of crusting skin reactions, and pruritus six months of treatment were necessary. Therapy of sarcoptic mange in South American Camelids with macrocyclic lactons usually takes a long duration of time.

Diagnosis of mange in West African Dwarf (WAD) and Red Sokoto (RS) goats

The diagnosis of mange is problematic in the absence of mites in skin scrapings because many skin diseases present similar gross features as mange. The study evaluated the stepwise procedure for herd diagnosis of mange in the West African Dwarf (WAD) and Red Sokoto (RS) goats with greater specificity and sensitivity. Twenty-seven WAD goats (n = 27) and forty RS goats (n = 40) goats with mange-like skin lesions (alopecia, scabs, crusts, and scratch injuries) out of a total herd population of 114 WAD goats and 317 RS goats respectively in Nsukka, Eastern Nigeria, were examined by directed sampling method. Skin scrapings and biopsies were collected from the goats and processed using standard procedures. The skin scrapings revealed Sarcoptes scabiei in 7 out of 27 WAD goats with mange-like gross lesions and Psoroptes spp. together with lice (Linognathus spp.) and their eggs in 2 out of 40 RS goats with mange-like gross lesions. Histopathological studies showed that 12 out of 27 WAD goats and 2 out of 40 RS goats with mange-like gross lesions had microscopic features highly suggestive of mange; in other words, the prevalence of mange was 44.4% in WAD and 5% in RS goats. The negative samples were diagnosed as fungal infections, neoplasms, nonspecific dermatitis, and dermatoses. The combination of directed sampling by gross appearance, a parasitological study of skin scrapings, and histopathological features of the skin biopsies were used to increase the sensitivity and specificity of mange diagnosis.

Evaluation of an Indirect ELISA Using Recombinant Arginine Kinase for Serodiagnosis of Psoroptes ovis var. cuniculi Infestation in Rabbits.

Psoroptes ovis var. cuniculi is a common ectoparasite of the wild and domestic rabbits worldwide, which causes significant economic losses in commercial rabbit breeding. In China, the diagnosis of rabbits infested with P. ovis var. cuniculi currently relies on detection of clinical signs and Psoroptes mites in skin scrapings by microscopy examination. However, this method is not very efficient in detection of the low mite loads and/or sub-clinical infections. In the present study, we cloned and expressed an arginine kinase homolog gene from P. ovis var. cuniculi (Poc-AK) and used its recombinant protein rPoc-AK to develop an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA) method for diagnosis of P. ovis var. cuniculi infestation in rabbits. The results showed that the rPoc-AK protein was ~61 kDa and had no signal peptide. The rPoc-AK-based iELISA achieved a 94.4% sensitivity and a 88.2% specificity, and was able to detect P. ovis var. cuniculi infection as early as the 1st week post-infection, prior to the appearance of clinical signs. Further field study showed 24.94% (66.33/266) clinically normal rabbits were seropositive with the highest and lowest seropositive rates for California (35.71%) and Belgian (15.14%), respectively. These results suggested that the rPoc-AK has potential as a diagnostic antigen for early P. ovis var. cuniculi infestation in rabbits.

Clinical Studies on the Efficacy of Different Topical Drugs with Ivermectin Injection in the Treatment of Egyptian Water Buffalo Calves Infested with Psoroptes Spp. Mites

A total of thirty water buffalo calves at smallholder farm suffering from skin lesions and clinical signs compatible with mange were investigated clinically and parasitologically. The efficacy of three topical drugs with ivermectin in the treatment of psoroptes mites was investigated. Infested calves were randomly allocated into four groups (6 calves each) in addition to a positive control group. The four uncontrolled groups were treated with a single subcutaneous injection of ivermectin at the rate of 1mL/50kg body weight. Three groups were treated with different topical agents including benzyl benzoate 25%, crotamiton 10% and permethrin 5% once daily for two consecutive days. The number of live mites in skin scrapings was obtained before and after treatment for eight weeks. Severity of skin lesions was evaluated and scored. The synergistic effect of each topical agent with ivermectin were compared for eliminating mites, aiming to obtain the ideal treatment model. Mite counts of the treated animals with ivermectin plus permethrin were significantly (p

Laboratory Diagnosis of Scabies Using a Simple Saline Mount: A Clinical Microbiologist's Report.

Scabies is a skin condition caused by infestation of the mite Sarcoptes scabiei. Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis is an arthropod member belonging to the order Acarina. Scabies is present throughout the world and is prevalent in all age groups, mostly involving people frequently in contact with animals, children, women, and elderly people. Predisposing factors for scabies include individuals with immunosuppressive conditions and people residing under low socioeconomic conditions. Skin lesions that occur during mite infestation closely resemble dermatological disorders caused by microbes, including fungi, parasites, and viruses. Laboratory diagnosis of scabies greatly relies on an accurate clinical suspicion and the demonstration of mites in the skin scrapings could be used for confirmation. It should be noted that a greater understanding between a clinician or a dermatologist and a clinical microbiologist is required to successfully diagnose scabies. This report details an easily performed, cost-effective method, the simple saline mount, that a clinical microbiology laboratory should follow to successfully identify mites in skin scrapings.

Notoedric Mange Associated With Malassezia in Cats

Notoedres cati associated with Malassezia was observed in a domestic cat. Cat exhibited crust formation, hyperkeratosis, alopecia, intense pruritus and seborrhoea over the ears, face, neck and ventral abdomen regions. Laboratory examination of samples revealed Notoedres cati mites in skin scrapings and Malassezia organisms in tape impression smears. Cat was treated with weekly thrice oral ivermectin @ 300 μg/kg body weight, supportive therapy and weekly twice bathing was advised with shampoo containing 2% miconazole and 2% chlorhexidine. Complete clinical recovery along with absence of mites in skin scrapings and absence of Malassezia organisms in impression smears were noticed after completion of six doses of oral ivermectin along with supportive therapy.

Notoedres cati in cats and its management.

Notoedres cati was observed in two domestic cats. Cats exhibited crust formation, hyperkeratosis, alopecia and intense pruritus. Distribution of lesions observed at the ear margins, face, and legs. Owners also had intense pruritus over the hands, small erythematic crusted papules on the wrists and both the legs. Laboratory examination of skin scrapings from the cat revealed the presence of ova, adult mites of N. cati. The infected cats were treated with weekly twice oral administration of ivermectin at 200μg/kg body weight, oral administration of 2ml of multi-vitamin and mineral syrup daily. Improvement was noticed by complete clinical recovery along with absence of mites in skin scrapings, after completion of four doses of oral ivermectin along with supportive therapy.

The treatment of bovine sarcoptic mange (Sarcoptes scabiei var. bovis) using eprinomectin extended-release injection

The efficacy of eprinomectin in an extended-release injection (ERI) formulation was evaluated in cattle harbouring induced infestations of Sarcoptes scabiei var. bovis (sarcoptic mange) in three studies conducted in Germany (two studies) and Austria (one study). A total of 44 cattle were included in the studies, 12 in one study and 16 in each of the other two studies. Approximately eight weeks following initial induced infestation, cattle in each study were formed into replicates of two animals each on the basis of pre-treatment bodyweights. Within replicates the animals were randomly allocated to one of two treatments: ERI vehicle (control) or Eprinomectin 5% (w/v) ERI (1.0mg eprinomectin/kg). Treatments were administered at 1mL/50kg bodyweight by subcutaneous injection in front of the shoulder once on day 0. The number of live mites in skin scrapings was determined prior to treatment and at weekly intervals for eight weeks after treatment. Severity of skin lesions was evaluated and scored when skin scrapings were taken. In all studies, animals were weighed before infestation and again prior to and at 56 days after treatment.Mite counts for treated cattle were significantly (p<0.05) lower than counts for controls from Day 7 onwards. Cattle treated with Eprinomectin ERI were Sarcoptes mite-free from seven, 21 or 28 days post-treatment to the end of the study in the three studies, and lesions regressed accordingly. Mean weight gain over the post-treatment period was significantly higher for treated cattle than for controls in two studies. All animals accepted the treatment well.

The use of a Psoroptes ovis serodiagnostic test for the analysis of a natural outbreak of sheep scab

BackgroundSheep scab is a highly contagious disease of sheep caused by the ectoparasitic mite Psoroptes ovis. The disease is endemic in the UK and has significant economic impact through its effects on performance and welfare. Diagnosis of sheep scab is achieved through observation of clinical signs e.g. itching, pruritis and wool loss and ultimately through the detection of mites in skin scrapings. Early stages of infestation are often difficult to diagnose and sub-clinical animals can be a major factor in disease spread. The development of a diagnostic assay would enable farmers and veterinarians to detect disease at an early stage, reducing the risk of developing clinical disease and limiting spread.MethodsSerum samples were obtained from an outbreak of sheep scab within an experimental flock (n = 480 (3 samples each from 160 sheep)) allowing the assessment, by ELISA of sheep scab specific antibody prior to infestation, mid-outbreak (combined with clinical assessment) and post-treatment.ResultsAnalysis of pre-infestation samples demonstrated low levels of potential false positives (3.8%). Of the 27 animals with clinical or behavioural signs of disease 25 tested positive at the mid-outbreak sampling period, however, the remaining 2 sheep tested positive at the subsequent sampling period. Clinical assessment revealed the absence of clinical or behavioural signs of disease in 132 sheep, whilst analysis of mid-outbreak samples showed that 105 of these clinically negative animals were serologically positive, representing potential sub-clinical infestations.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that this ELISA test can effectively diagnose sheep scab in a natural outbreak of disease, and more importantly, highlights its ability to detect sub-clinically infested animals. This ELISA, employing a single recombinant antigen, represents a major step forward in the diagnosis of sheep scab and may prove to be critical in any future control program.

Evaluation of a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the diagnosis of canine sarcoptic mange

This study was designed to assess the accuracy of a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the diagnosis of canine scabies. Serum samples from 37 dogs were examined blind; 12 had...

Effects of Psoroptes ovis infection and its control with an ivermectin controlled-release capsule on growing sheep : 1. Evaluation of weight gain, feed consumption and carcass value

To evaluate the prophylactic and therapeutic effects of an ivermectin controlled-release capsule (IVM-CRC) on the productivity of growing sheep infested with Psoroptes ovis 24 male and 24 female Merino landrace lambs, 5–6 months old and weighing 21.2–35.0 kg, were used. Sixteen replicates of three animals were formed based on sex and Day 0 body weight. Within each replicate animals were randomly allocated to one of three groups: untreated control; IVM-CRC on Day 0; IVM-CRC on Day 84. For treatment an IVM-CRC for sheep weighing 20–45 kg was used which is designed to deliver ivermectin at a minimum dose of 20 μg/kg per day for 100 days. The lambs were infested with 50–60 P. ovis mites each on Days 14 and 21. Mites in skin scrapings were counted on Days 70, 84, 98, 112 and 126. Body weight and feed consumption were measured every 2 weeks from Day 0 to 126. The animals were slaughtered on Day 127 and their carcasses evaluated. The IVM-CRC treatment on Day 0 prevented the establishment of P. ovis. All untreated lambs became infested. The lambs treated with an IVM-CRC on Day 84 became mite-free from Day 112 onwards. The lambs treated on Day 0 had significantly ( p<0.05) greater body weight gain from Day 0 to 84 (13.9 kg) and Day 0 to 126 (20.9 kg) than the untreated controls (9.6 and 12.8 kg, respectively) and the sheep treated on Day 84 (8.4 and 14.9 kg, respectively). Feed consumption (Days 0–126) for sheep treated with the IVM-CRC on Day 0 was higher than for sheep treated on Day 84 ( p<0.05) and for the untreated controls ( p<0.1). The carcasses of sheep treated with the IVM-CRC on Day 0 had significantly ( p<0.05) higher warm and cold weights, carcass yield, rib eye area and back fat thickness than the untreated control group and the sheep treated with the IVM-CRC on Day 84. The sheep treated with the ivermectin CRC on either Day 0 or 84 had significantly ( p<0.05) better muscle scores and lower muscle pH 1 h post-slaughter than the untreated controls. There was no significant ( p>0.1) difference between warm and cold carcass weights, carcass yield and rib eye area between sheep treated on Day 84 and untreated controls.

Efficacy of eprinomectin against mange mites in cattle

SUMMARY Objective To determine whether eprinomectin was effective against mange caused by Chorioptes bovis and Sarcoptes bovis in cattle. Animals 80 cows naturally infested with C bovis and 30 cattle experimentally infested with S bovis. Procedure 6 trials were performed to determine efficacy against C bovis, and 2 trials were performed to determine efficacy against S bovis. In each trial, a group of untreated animals or of animals treated with vehicle alone was compared with a group of animals treated with a 0.5% formulation of eprinomectin applied topically (500 μg/kg). Number of mites in skin scrapings was determined prior to treatment and at weekly intervals for 8 weeks after treatment. Severity of skin lesions was evaluated when skin scrapings were obtained. In 5 trials, animals were weighed before and 56 days after treatment. Results Mite counts for treated cattle were significantly less than counts for control cattle from day 14 onwards in trials to determine efficacy against C bovis and from day 7 onwards in trials to determine efficacy against S bovis. Mites were not detected in scrapings collected from treated cattle on day 56. Mean weight gain of treated cattle was not significantly different from mean weight gain of control cattle in trials evaluating efficacy against C bovis but was significantly greater in trials evaluating efficacy against S bovis. Conclusion and Clinical Relevance Eprinomectin was highly effective against C bovis and S bovis. Because eprinomectin can be administered to lactating cows, it may be useful for controlling mange in cattle. (Am J Vet Res 1997;58:1257–1259)

Prognosis for treatment of adult-onset demodicosis in dogs: 34 cases (1979-1990)

Summary Medical records of 41 dogs with adultonset generalized demodicosis diagnosed between 1979 and 1990 were reviewed. Of the 41 dogs, 8 had hyperadrenocorticism, 5 were suspected or confirmed to have hypothyroidism, 10 had allergic disease and had been treated with corticosteroids, and 6 were receiving chemotherapy because of a neoplastic or immune-mediated condition. In the remaining 12, a concurrent underlying condition was not identified. Thirty-four of the dogs were treated with amitraz dips: 7 were cured, 22 were clinically improved but still had Demodex canis mites in skin scrapings and needed amitraz dips on a maintenance basis, and 5 did not improve with treatment and were euthanatized. Of the 13 dogs with a definitively treatable underlying disease (hyperadrenocorticism or hypothyroidism), 9 were treated for the underlying disease and for demodicosis: 4 were cured, 3 were improved but still had D canis mites in skin scrapings and required maintenance amitraz dips, and 2 did not improve and were euthanatized. Of the 16 dogs that were receiving chemotherapy or had allergic disease, 15 were treated for the demodicosis while still receiving treatment for their underlying disease: 1 was cured, 13 were improved but needed maintenance amitraz dips, and 1 did not improve and was euthanatized. Of the 12 dogs without an identifiable underlying problem, 10 were treated: 2 were cured, 6 improved, but needed maintenance amitraz dips, and 2 did not improve and were euthanatized.

Reproductive success of Psoroptes ovis (Acari: Psoroptidae) on Hereford calves with a previous infestation of psoroptic mites.

Hereford calves with no previous exposure to Psoroptes ovis (Hering) (naive) developed mange with significantly greater numbers of mites at 3, 6, and 7 wk after exposure to mites than did calves that had been previously infested (PI) with P. ovis. Seven weeks after exposure there were 3-fold more mites in skin scrapings of naive calves than in scrapings of PI calves. Egg production by female P. ovis on naive calves was significantly greater than that by females on PI calves. The observed reduction in fecundity apparently was attributable to a lower rate of oviposition by females on PI calves rather than to inhibition of egg development.