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PubMed2001

The role of cuticular compounds in the resistance of honey bees (Apis mellifera) to tracheal mites (Acarapis woodi).

This study examined the migration of tracheal mites (Acarapis woodi) into honey bees (Apis mellifera) from different colonies and the relative attraction of mites to hexane extracts from the external body surfaces of young bees. Relative resistance of bees from different colonies initially was assessed with a field bioassay that involved tagging newly emerged bees, pooling them in heavily mite-infested colonies, retrieving them 7 days later, and examining them for tracheal mite prevalence and abundance. For those colonies identified as most resistant and least resistant, cuticular chemicals were extracted in hexane from frozen, newly emerged worker bees. These extracts were presented to individual tracheal mites in pairwise fashion in a laboratory bioassay. The results demonstrated that mites prefer extracts of bees from some colonies more than others, however, no consistent differences were demonstrated. Our inability to predict mite responses to extracts based on our initial assessment of relative resistance indicates that other mechanisms of resistance influence mite success in colonizing new host bees.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Ectoparasite infestations of red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in Hungary.

A survey was carried out to investigate the ectoparasite infestations of 100 red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in Hungary. The overall prevalence of flea and tick infestation was high (62 and 86% with the dominance of the anthropophil Pulex irritans and Ixodes ricinus), but the number of parasites was low to moderate. Felicola vulpis was not found in the present study, and the prevalence of Otodectes cynotis was only 2%. Based on prevalence (21%), mange lesion scores, and the negative correlation between lesion scores and condition of foxes, Sarcoptes infestation should be considered as the most important parasitosis of foxes in Hungary. Besides the ecological significance of these parasites, the high overall prevalence of mange and anthropophil flea and tick infestations of foxes and the appearance of these animals in the synanthropic environment as a result of the increasing population size, may result in the increasing incidence of flea, tick and accidental mite infestation of man and domestic animals, and may enhance the transmission rate of some vector-borne diseases.

Animals↗
PubMed1987

[Detection of Acari in Chiroptera in the Neubrandenburg District (East Germany)].

The following 10 species of bat ticks and mites have been determined in the material collected in the territory of the district: Ixodes (E.) vespertilionis, Argas (C.) vespertilionis, Spinturnix myoti, S. mystacinus, S. acuminatus, S. plecotinus, Macronyssus flavus, Steatonyssus (S.) periblepharus, S. (S.) spinosus and Notoedres chiropteralis. Some data concerning the frequency of the occurrence of mites from the family Spinturnicidae are given.

Animals↗
PubMed1988

Rat mite dermatitis.

Infestation by the tropical rat mite (Ornithonyssus bacoti) is presented with bizarre symptoms that made an accurate diagnosis difficult. The physical characteristics, life cycle, habits, and epidemiology of the tropical rat mite are discussed, as are the rat and other hosts, the rash produced by the mite, differential diagnosis of the dermatitis, and the treatment of the dermatitis and control of the infestation.

Aged↗
PubMed1998

Mite sensitization in the Scandinavian countries and factors influencing exposure levels.

Mites are the common sources of indoor allergen and play a major role in sensitization and elicitation of allergic disease. In the Scandinavian countries, mite infestations in the home were not common in the past decades. Recent studies show that sensitization to mites among children, particularly in Sweden, is increasing. Similar trends have also been reported in Norway. Poor indoor climate, e.g., high humidity and poor ventilation as a consequence of energy-saving measures, are cited as a possible explanation of this increase. Modern furnishings, e.g., carpets and various kinds of upholstery, may also serve as reservoirs of indoor allergens. At least 2 microg of mite allergen per g of dust is considered to be a risk level for sensitization and symptoms of asthma. As compared to experience from other parts of the world, mite-allergen levels are generally low in the northern Scandinavian regions. Recent studies from Sweden and other European countries show that mite sensitization may occur below 2 microg/g dust. Various environmental adjuvant factors may affect the threshold levels of allergen. In this review, the importance of the indoor environment for the accumulation of mite allergens, sensitization to mites in the Scandinavian countries, and various environmental factors that could influence exposure levels will be discussed.

Allergens↗
PubMed2002

Reproduction of Varroa destructor in worker brood of Africanized honey bees (Apis mellifera).

Reproduction and population growth of Varroa destructor was studied in ten naturally infested, Africanized honey bee (AHB) (Apis mellifera) colonies in Yucatan, Mexico. Between February 1997 and January 1998 monthly records of the amount of pollen, honey, sealed worker and drone brood were recorded. In addition, mite infestation levels of adult bees and worker brood and the fecundity of the mites reproducing in worker cells were determined. The mean number of sealed worker brood cells (10,070 +/- 1,790) remained fairly constant over the experimental period in each colony. However, the presence and amount of sealed drone brood was very variable. One colony had drone brood for 10 months and another for only 1 month. Both the mean infestation level of worker brood (18.1 +/- 8.4%) and adult bees (3.5 +/- 1.3%) remained fairly constant over the study period and did not increase rapidly as is normally observed in European honey bees. In fact, the estimated mean number of mites fell from 3,500 in February 1997 to 2,380 in January 1998. In May 2000 the mean mite population in the study colonies was still only 1,821 mites. The fertility level of mites in this study was much higher (83-96%) than in AHB in Brazil (25-57%). and similar to that found in EHB (76-94%). Mite fertility remained high throughout the entire study and was not influenced by the amount of pollen, honey or worker brood in the colonies.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

[Exposure status of East and West German households with house dust mites and fungi].

The interrelation between biological pollution of indoor spaces and health disorders, allergic symptoms and health issues in general is well known. Besides animal epithelia, the exposure to house dust mites and mould fungi is considered a serious risk factor. In the scope of a comparative study involving school beginners in East and West Germany (launched in 1991), dust was vacuumed from a total of 218 mattresses of children's beds and checked for their content of house dust mites and mould fungi. This investigation aimed at assessing the degree of exposure, to determine regional differences, if any, and to uncover the correlation between exposure and symptoms. Dust mite infestation was highest in the small town of Borken in Westphalia (in 86% of the specimens > 2 micrograms mite allergens/g of dust) and lowest in Magdeburg in Saxony-Anhalt (55.3%). Total concentrations of mould fungi varied from 1.4 x 10(3) CFU/g of dust and 300 x 10(3) CFU/g of dust with a geometric mean of 26.5 x 10(3) CFU/g of dust. A total of 41 different genera/species were identified. Most frequent were the following genera: Penicillium, Eurotium, Aspergillus, Alternaria, Epicoccum and Cladosporium. The importance of individual factors influencing was confirmed. Humidity decreases the higher the flat is situated in a building. This partly explains the differences in concentrations between Borken where children live mainly on the ground floor, and the other cities with taller buildings. Spores of mould fungi were discovered more frequently in mattresses from humid flats. An association between biological indoor space factors and some allergological parameters seemed obvious, however, due to the small size of the test group most of them were not significant.

Air Pollution, Indoor↗
PubMed2006

Survey of the prevalence, diagnosis and treatment of dermatological conditions in small animals in general practice.

A survey was made of the prevalence, diagnosis and treatment of dermatological conditions in small animals in general practice in the UK. Out of 3707 small animal consultations in general practice that were observed and recorded, 795 (21.4 per cent) involved animals that had a dermatological problem. In dogs and exotic species, pruritus was the most common presenting sign, accounting for 30 to 40 per cent of the dermatological consultations. In cats, cutaneous swellings were the most common presentation (36 per cent). A diagnosis or recommendation for treatment was made on the basis of the presenting clinical signs and physical examination alone in 576 (72 per cent) of the cases, and various diagnostic tests were performed in the other cases. In dogs, parasitic infestations, bacterial infections and neoplasia accounted for the majority of the diagnoses. In cats, parasites and bacterial infections were the most common. In exotic species, parasites accounted for over 80 per cent of the dermatological diagnoses. In dogs, the most common final diagnoses were otitis, pyoderma, anal sac impaction, flea infestation and atopic dermatitis. In cats, abscesses, flea infestation, and otitis were the most common diagnoses. In exotic species, the most common diagnosis was an unspecified mite infestation. Systemic antibiotics were prescribed in 196 cases (25 per cent), systemic glucocorticoids were prescribed in 162 cases (20 per cent) and treatment with an ectoparasiticide was prescribed in 167 cases (21 per cent).

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Does benzyl benzoate prevent colonization of new mattresses by mites? A prospective study.

In 12 house-dust-mite-infested double beds, one of the mattresses was replaced by a new one, the other being regarded as a mite source. All new mattresses were treated in a double-blind fashion, with either benzyl benzoate or placebo before being placed on the bed as well as 1 year later. They were examined for mites and allergen concentrations over a period of 18 months. This period of time covered two mite seasons. Dust samples were taken bimonthly and analyzed by guanine test strip, microscopic mite counting, and determination of the mite allergens Der p 1 (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus) and Der f 1 (D. farinae) by ELISA. Although, at the end of the observation period, the new mattresses still had significantly lower mite and allergen levels than the old mattresses, there were no significant differences between the placebo and the benzyl benzoate groups. In our setting, benzyl benzoate plus frequent cleansing was not significantly more effective in controlling mites than frequent cleansing alone.

Allergens↗
PubMed1995

Mite allergens in relation to home conditions and sensitization of asthmatic children from three climatic regions.

We investigated the levels of mite (Der p I and Der f I) allergen in dust from bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, and bathrooms from 130 homes of asthmatic children in three climatic zones of Sweden. Bedroom dust samples included the child's mattress, carpets, floors, and other plain surfaces. Living-room dust samples were taken from sofas and other furniture, carpets, floors, and other plain surfaces. The allergen levels were related to home characteristics, including absolute indoor humidity (AIH), relative humidity (RH), and air changes per hour (ach). Mite allergen was detected in 62% of the homes. Levels of Der p I varied between < 16 ng and 50 micrograms/g dust, and Der f I between < 16 ng and 73 micrograms/g dust. Because we have designed a composite type of dust collection in our study, the allergen levels found tend to average down the results. Mite allergen levels were higher in homes with dampness problems, in homes with a smoker, and in homes without a basement. Homes with high absolute humidity (> or = 7 g/kg) or relative humidity (> or = 45%) and poor ventilation (< 0.5 ach) contained higher levels of mite allergens than homes with lower humidity and better ventilation. However, the number of ach measurements in homes was not high, and few homes had > 0.5 ach. Sensitization to house-dust mites was more common in southern than in northern and central Sweden. High levels of house-dust mite allergen in a temperate climate where mites are not ubiquitous are thus associated with dampness problems in homes and with tobacco smoking. Our data confirm and extend previous findings that high AIH and RH and poor ventilation increase the risk of mite infestation in homes. It seems to be important and necessary to control indoor humidity and ventilation levels, to avoid high mite allergen exposure in a temperate climate, because 34% of mite-sensitized asthmatic children were exposed to levels of mite allergen < 2 micrograms/g dust in their homes. The study also shows that mite allergen levels below the suggested threshold level (2 micrograms/g dust) are associated with mite sensitivity in children with perennial symptoms of asthma.

Allergens↗
PubMed1968

Ecological considerations in scrub typhus. 2. Vector species.

Certain features, characteristic of outbreaks of scrub typhus, can be explained by the behaviour of the chigger vectors which are remarkably hardy and can survive weeks of freezing or immersion in water. The established vectors are all species of the genus Leptotrombidium (Leptotrombidium), i.e., L. (L.) akamushi (Brumpt, 1910), L. (L.) deliense (Walch, 1922), L. (L.) pallidum (Nagayo et al., 1919), and L. (L.) scutellare (Nagayo et al., 1921). These chiggers (i.e. larval mites) infest a broad variety of birds and mammals, and tend to be found in clusters on certain specific sites on the host. However, the precise site for any species of mite varies with the host, and it is believed that the grooming habits of the infested animal account for this "site preference". The degree of infestation cannot validly be ascribed to the size of the host. L. (L.) pavlovskyi (Schluger, 1948), L. (L.) orientale (Schluger, 1948), L. (L.) arenicola Traub, 1960, and L. (L.) tosa (Sasa & Kowashima, 1951) are regarded as probable vectors. Other species, some belonging to other genera, are under suspicion in this regard.L. (L.) subintermedium (Jameson & Toshioka, 1954) and certain other chiggers were found in "ecological islands" in all montane habitats studied in West Pakistan, despite the intervening high mountains, broad rivers and belts of semi-desert. The infection-rate of Rickettsia tsutsugamushi in vector species in nature is believed to be low, and chiggers may be serving as reservoirs of infection and not just as vectors.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Proliferation of protease-enriched mast cells in sarcoptic skin lesions of raccoon dogs.

Skin sites, tongue, lung, liver, jejunum and rectum from two raccoon dogs with Sarcoptes scabiei infestation and five normal (control) raccoon dogs were examined in terms of the distribution, proteoglycan properties and protease activity of mast cells. Infestation with S. scabiei caused a significant increase in the number of dermal mast cells. While the number of mast cells (average +/- standard deviation) in specimens of skin from the dorsum, dorsal neck, dorsal hind foot and dorsal fore foot was 40.0 +/- 19.8/mm2 in control animals, it was 236.1 +/- 58.9/mm2 in the skin of mange-infested animals. Histochemical analysis revealed the glycosaminoglycan, heparin, within the mast cells of all organs examined in both control and affected animals. Enzyme-histochemical detection of serine proteases demonstrated an increase in mast-cell-specific protease activity (i.e., chymase and tryptase) in the skin of infested animals. The percentage of mast cells demonstrating chymase activity was 53.0 +/- 27.4% in control animals and 73.8 +/- 19.4% in mite-infested animals. The corresponding results for tryptase activity were 53.5 +/- 25.2% and 89.4 +/- 9.8%. Increases in mast cell chymase or tryptase activity, or both, were also observed within other organs of the infected animals, but the total number of mast cells found at such sites (with the exception of liver and ventrolateral pinna) did not differ from those of control animals.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Ivermectin in human medicine.

Ivermectin is a potent macro-cyclic lactone causing paralysis in many nematodes and arthropods through an influx of chloride ions across cell membranes. It is currently the drug of choice for human onchocerciasis and shows potent microfilaricidal activity against the other major filarial parasites of human (Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi, Loa loa and Mansonella ozzardi) but not against M. perstans. Whether or not it also kills the adult-stage of these parasites is currently under study. Ivermectin also has excellent efficacy in both human strongyloidiasis and cutaneous larva migrans for which good alternative treatments have not been available; and it is as effective as currently available drugs against the intestinal nematodes Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura and Enterobius vermicularis; against the human hookworms it shows only partial efficacy. Preliminary studies indicate that ivermectin has the potential to become the drug of choice for ectoparasitic infestations (mites, lice) of humans as well.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

The decay of house dust mite allergens, Der p I and Der p II, under natural conditions.

BACKGROUND: Fluctuations in the level of mite allergens in domestic house dust are the result of changes in the balance between synthesis, removal and decay. Purely physical forces as well as enzymatic degradation, mediated by house dust inhabiting microbes, may contribute to the decay of allergens in domestic dust. Knowledge about the speed of decay is essential for an understanding of the dynamics of allergen levels. OBJECTIVE: The present study is a quantitative assessment of the speed of decay at nine combinations of temperature (15 degrees C, 20 degrees C and 25 degrees C) and relative humidity (33%, 55% and 75%). METHODS: Samples of mite infested material of an old rug were stored at these temperature/relative humidity-combinations for 6, 12 or 18 months, after the mites were killed by either a freezing treatment or an acaricide (lindane). The microbes living in the rug presumably survive these treatments. Concentrations of Der p I and Der p II + Der f II, in extracts of the rug material, were measured by radio immunoassay. RESULTS: No significant changes in the levels of der p I and Der p II + Der f II, could be detected even after 1 1/2 year at a high temperature and humidity. CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that mite allergens can be extremely stable under normal domestic circumstances.

Allergens↗
PubMed1983

Control of the northern fowl mite on inanimate objects by fumigation: field studies.

Field studies were conducted to determine the efficacies of methyl bromide and sulfur dioxide as fumigants for northern fowl mite, Ornithonyssus sylviarum (Canestrini and Fanzago), on egg flats and egg cases. Both fumigants killed the mites within 24 hr; however, sulfur dioxide had a repulsive irritating odor, which was retained in the cardboard egg flats and egg crates and persisted for several days after exposure to the gas. When used in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations for fumigating enclosed trailers and vans to control insects that attack food products, methyl bromide gave excellent control of northern fowl mites infesting inanimate materials.

Animals↗