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At least 433 records · Page 24Linked to original sources
PubMed2006

A simple model for predicting the effect of hygrothermal conditions on populations of house dust mite Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Acari: Pyroglyphidae).

A simple mite population index (MPI) model is presented which predicts the effect on house dust mite populations of any combination of temperature and relative humidity (RH). For each combination, the output is an index, or multiplication factor, such that 1.1 indicates 10% population growth and 0.9 indicates 10% population decline. To provide data for the model, laboratory experiments have been carried out using lab cultures of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus. The population change was observed for mites held in steady-state conditions at different combinations of temperature and RH over 21 days. From the results, a best-fit equation has been derived which forms the basis of the MPI model. The results also enable a new term to be defined: the Population Equilibrium Humidity, PEH, the RH for a given temperature at which house dust mite populations neither grow nor decline. It is similar to Critical Equilibrium Humidity, the RH below which house dust mites are unable to maintain water balance, but relates to a population of mites (rather than a physiological phenomenon) and is more able to take account of the observed effects of extremes of temperature and RH. Compared with previous population models, the MPI model is potentially more accurate and comprehensive. It can be combined with other simple models (described in previous papers), such as BED, which simulates the average hygrothermal conditions in a bed, given room conditions, and Condensation Targeter II, which simulates room conditions given a range of easily obtainable inputs for climate, house type and occupant characteristics. In this way it is now possible, for any individual dwelling, to assess the most effective means of controlling mite populations by environmental means, such as by improving standards of ventilation and insulation, or by modifying the occupant behaviour that affects the hygrothermal environment within a dwelling. Although the MPI model requires further development and validation, it has already proved useful for understanding more clearly how the different hygrothermal conditions found in beds and bedrooms can affect mite populations. It has also demonstrated that there is considerable scope for controlling mites by environmental means in cold winter climates such as the UK.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Sensitization and exposure to house dust and storage mites in high-altitude areas of ecuador.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have addressed exposure and sensitization to mite allergens in Andean countries. OBJECTIVES: To identify the main mite species in 3 locations at different altitudes in Ecuador and to verify skin test reactivity to various mite species in allergic individuals in Quito, Ecuador. METHODS: Mattress dust samples were collected in Quito (2,800 m above sea level), Cuenca (2,500 m above sea level), and Guayaquil (sea level). Mite species present in the samples were isolated, identified, and counted. Der p 1 and Der f 1 levels were measured using monoclonal antibody-based enzyme immunoassays. Four hundred thirty-five patients in Quito diagnosed as having allergic rhinitis or asthma underwent skin testing with commercial extracts of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Dermatophagoides farinae, Blomia tropicalis, Tyrophagus putrescentiae, and Lepidoglyphus destructor. In addition, Glycyphagus domesticus, Acarus siro, and Aleuroglyphus ovatus were tested in 362, 262, and 279 patients, respectively. RESULTS: Twenty-one mite species were identified. Large populations of mites were detected above 2,500 m of altitude. All the dust samples contained detectable levels of Der p 1 or Der f 1. Positive skin prick test reactions to D. pteronyssinus, D. farinae, B. tropicalis, L. destructor, T. putrescentiae, A. ovatus, A. siro, and G. domesticus were obtained in 60.9%, 56.8%, 17.0%, 19.3%, 10.6%, 15.8%, 8.8%, and 11.0% of the patients, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Most analyzed mattresses contained several species of mites. Mite allergen levels were high. This study confirms the importance of house dust and storage mite allergens in Ecuador in areas above 2,500 m of altitude, where humidity remains high year round.

Acaridae↗
PubMed2003

Comparison of house dust mites found on different mattress surfaces.

BACKGROUND: House dust mites have been considered the most important source of allergens for humans. These allergens have been encountered at different indoor sites, mainly on mattresses and pillows. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the number and different specimens of mites on Brazilian bunk-bed mattresses. METHODS: Dust samples were collected once using a standardized method on the upper mattress surface (US) and lower mattress surface (LS) (bed frame also included in the latter) of 58 mattresses. RESULTS: The total number of mite bodies on the LS was 3.5-fold higher than on the US, with a mean concentration of 932 mites per gram of fine dust (mites/g) on the US (range, 0-3,375 mites/g) and 3,254 mites/g on the LS (range, 125-14,500 mites/g) (P < .001). Additionally, the number of house dust mite bodies on the LS was 2.4 higher than on the US (P < .001); the mean concentration was 750 mites/g on the US (range, 0-2,875 mites/g) and 1,816 mites/g on the LS (range, 0-10,875 mites/g). Approximately 91% (n = 52) of the US and all LS dust samples had more than the limit of 100 mites/g. The most frequent family was Pyroglyphidae in both mattress surfaces, with Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus the most important species found. Storage mites, including Glycyphagidae (P < .001), Acaridae (P < .001), and other families (P < .001), also showed significant differences in the number of mites between both sample counts. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows a significant difference in US and LS mite counts, with higher counts on the LS. Mite allergen avoidance should include the LS and bed frame as potential targets.

Air Pollution, Indoor↗
PubMed2002

Prevention of sensitization to house dust mite by allergen avoidance in school age children: a randomized controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Sensitization to dust mites predisposes to asthma and allergic rhinitis, and prevention of this sensitization might reduce the rising prevalence of these disorders. OBJECTIVE: To test the effectiveness of dust mite avoidance measures on the development of sensitization to dust mites in children. METHODS: As part of a multicentre study (Study of Prevention of Allergy in Children of Europe), 242 children, aged 5-7 years, in three European countries (United Kingdom, Greece and Lithuania), were randomized to prophylactic group (n = 127) and control group (n = 115). At randomization these children were required to have a family history of atopy and positive skin test to an aeroallergen but not to house dust mite. Children in the prophylactic group were provided with dust mite impermeable mattress covers and advice on environmental measures to reduce exposure to dust-mite allergen. Control group children were given non-specific advice. After 12 months a standardized questionnaire was completed and skin prick tests were performed. RESULTS: Ten children in the prophylactic group and 19 in the control group were lost to follow-up. Three of 117 (2.56%) children in the prophylactic group and nine of 96 (9.38%) in the control group developed sensitization to dust mites. Logistic regression analysis confirmed an independent effect of prophylactic measures (adjusted odds ratio (OR): 0.14, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.03-0.79, P = 0.03). Fifteen children need to be treated to prevent sensitization in one child. CONCLUSION: Dust mite sensitization can be reduced in school age children with simple mite avoidance measures.

Air Pollution, Indoor↗
PubMed2002

Role of environmental exposure to spider mites in the sensitization and the clinical manifestation of asthma and rhinitis in children and adolescents living in rural and urban areas.

BACKGROUND: Spider mites such as the citrus red mite and the two-spotted spider mite have been demonstrated to be important allergens for fruit cultivating farmers. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of environmental exposure to spider mites in the sensitization and the clinical manifestations of asthma and rhinitis in children and adolescents living in urban and rural areas. METHODS: A total of 16,624 subjects (aged 7 to 18 years) living in urban (metropolitan and non-metropolitan) and rural areas (apple orchards and citrus orchards) in Korea were evaluated by questionnaire and skin prick test for 11 common aeroallergens, including citrus red mite (CRM) and two-spotted spider mite (TSM). RESULTS: The positive skin response rates to TSM were 4.2% of 1,563 metropolitan subjects, 3.8% of 5,568 non-metropolitan subjects and 6.5% of 1,464 subjects living nearby apple farms, and that to CRM 15.6% of 8,029 living nearby citrus farms. The prevalence of current wheeze and rhinitis as reported on a questionnaire was higher among those with a history of visiting fruit farms once or more per year than among those without it (10% vs. 7.1%, 32.8% vs. 26.7%, for wheezing and rhinitis, respectively). Among those with wheezing or rhinitis, the positive skin responses to TSM or CRM were also higher among those with a history of visiting fruit farms than among those without one (11.2% vs. 6.6%, 13.0% vs. 6.6%, respectively), although the positive skin responses to house dust mites were similar in the both groups. CONCLUSION: Spider mites are common sensitizing allergens in children and adolescents exposed to them, and environmental exposure to these mites may represent an important risk factor in the sensitization and the clinical manifestations of asthma and rhinitis in children and adolescents living in rural and urban areas.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

MAK, a computational tool kit for automated MITE analysis.

Miniature inverted repeat transposable elements (MITEs) are ubiquitous and numerous in higher eukaryotic genomes. Analysis of MITE families is laborious and time consuming, especially when multiple MITE families are involved in the study. Based on the structural characteristics of MITEs and genetic principles for transposable elements (TEs), we have developed a computational tool kit named MITE analysis kit (MAK) to automate the processes (http://perl.idmb.tamu.edu/mak.htm). In addition to its ability to routinely retrieve family member sequences and to report the positions of these elements relative to the closest neighboring genes, MAK is a powerful tool for revealing anchor elements that link MITE families to known transposable element families. Implementation of the MAK is described, as are genetic principles and algorithms used in its derivation. Test runs of the programs for several MITE families yielded anchor sequences that retain TIRs and coding regions reminiscent of transposases. These anchor sequences are consistent with previously reported putative autonomous elements for these MITE families. Furthermore, analysis of two MITE families with no known links to any transposon family revealed two novel transposon families, namely Math and Kid, belonging to the IS5/Harbinger/PIF superfamily.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Exposure to indoor allergens in homes of patients with asthma and/or rhinitis in southeast Brazil: effect of mattress and pillow covers on mite allergen levels.

BACKGROUND: Exposure and sensitization to indoor allergens have been associated with the development of asthma and other allergic diseases in many parts of the world. It is important to establish the degree of exposure, and to evaluate whether allergen control measures are effective in a particular area. METHODS: Concentrations of major allergens of mites, cockroach, cat and dog were measured in dust samples from homes of 24 mite-allergic patients living in Ribeirão Preto, Brazil. Allergen concentrations were quantitated by monoclonal antibody-based ELISA. Mite-impermeable mattress and pillow covers were applied to beds in the homes of 19 of the 24 patients, and group 1 mite allergen levels were measured 1 and 6 months following intervention. RESULTS: Patients were exposed to high concentrations of mite allergens in their homes. 87.5% of the homes presented concentrations of group 1 allergens >10 microg/g of dust in at least one site. Cockroach allergen concentrations were low in most samples. Dog allergen concentrations were significantly higher in homes with dogs as compared to those without dogs. Mean concentrations of cat allergen were 0.1 microg/g. Mite allergen concentrations in bedding samples dropped from 24 microg/g at baseline to 0.9 and 1.0 microg/g, respectively, 1 and 6 months following encasement of mattresses and pillows. CONCLUSIONS: Significant mite allergen reduction can be achieved in an area of high degree of exposure to mite allergens. Further studies evaluating the effect of this reduction on symptoms and airway inflammation will be necessary to establish the effectiveness of mite avoidance measures in our area.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Protozoal forms in house-dust mites and respiratory allergy.

The presence of mites in sputum smears has been described with possible implications through direct action of dust mites inside the lungs and of the possibility of them being a causal factor in asthma. Because of the impact and frequency of allergic respiratory diseases associated with exposure to dust mites, we examine extracts of the intestinal content of dust mites to find a special factor to link the allergic respiratory diseases and the dust mites. We examined 600 slides of household dust with an average of 5 (3-8 mites) mites being observed on each, approximately 3000 mites in all. Among the remains of intestinal contents of the mites, the presence was observed of various protozoal forms with filiform projections. These forms were very similar in morphology to those previously observed by us, under the same conditions of phase contrast, in the sputa of asthmatic patients and the nasal extrusions of patients with allergic rhinosinusitis. The discovery of these protozoal forms may be the nexus necessary to connect these diseases with the arthropods mentioned.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

[The regulatory effect of the supernatant of human airway epithelial cells transfected with DNA vaccine of 30-kilodalton major secretory protein of mycobacterium tuberculosis on the Th1/Th2 balance in mite allergic asthmatics].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the regulatory effect of the supernatant of human airway epithelial cells transfected with DNA vaccine of 30-kilodalton major secretory protein of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Ag85B) on the Th1/Th2 balance in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from mite allergic asthmatics. METHODS: Eukaryocytes expressing vectors of pMG-Ag85B were constructed. After sequential analysis, the DNA vaccine was transfected into human airway epithelial cells (16HBE) with lipofectin. By the use of reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), expression of Ag85B mRNA was detected in 16HBE cells. PBMCs were separated from 18 asthmatic patients who were allergic to house dust mites and from 13 non-allergic normal subjects. PBMCs were cocultured with mites, or the supernatant of 16HBE cells transfected with pMG-Ag85B or the combination of both. After 96 hours incubation, levels of IL-5 and IFN-gamma released in the culture medium were determined by enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay. RESULTS: The sequential analysis showed that the gene fragment was homogenous as that of original Ag85B gene. The plasmids of pMG-Ag85B had been successfully transfected into 16HBE cells and there was expression of Ag85B mRNA in 16HBE cells. Without any stimulus, no significant difference in IL-5 or IFN-gamma levels in PBMC culture medium was found between the patients and normal individuals. In the asthmatic group, there was an significant increase of IL-5 level after stimulation with mites as compared with control (17.8 +/- 1.9) pg/ml vs (11.9 +/- 0.9) pg/ml, P < 0.05. Level of IFN-gamma showed no difference after the stimulation by either mites or Ag85B transfected culture supernatant alone, but increased significantly by co-stimulation with mites plus Ag85B supernatant in comparison with the mites alone (111.5 +/- 15.9) pg/ml vs (58.8 +/- 7.8) pg/ml, P < 0.05. There were no difference in IL-5 or IFN-gamma levels among the four groups after above stimulation in normal subjects. CONCLUSIONS: In the presence of mites, PBMCs from mite allergic asthmatics demonstrated Th2 predominant reaction, and the culture medium from human airway epithelium cells transfected with Ag85B DNA vaccine upregulated Th1 response and the Th1/Th2 balance to some extent in asthmatics. As a subunit of DNA vaccine, Ag85B may play a role in the preventive management of allergic asthma in the future.

Acyltransferases↗
PubMed2006

House dust-mites: effect on antioxidant enzyme activities.

BACKGROUND: House dust-mites are potent allergens of the indoor environment and are common inhabitants of houses worldwide. Free radicals are constantly produced by cells, mostly as reactive oxygen species. Once produced, free radicals are removed by antioxidant defenses, including the enzymes SOD, GPx, and CAT. MATERIAL/METHODS: The aim was to describe the importance of the antioxidant enzymes SOD, GPx, and CAT co-acting in hunan cells against toxic reactive oxygen species and their relationship with pathophysiological processes in stubjects who have dust-mites in their homes. RESULTS: The activities of erythrocyte GPx and SOD in skin-test-positive (dust-mite-positive/negative) patients were significantly lower than those in dust-mite- and skin-test-negative controls (p < 0.05). Among the skin-test-positive patients, SOD activity was found to be lower in dust-mite-positive than in dust-mite-negative patients (p < 0.05). There was not a statistically significant difference between the CAT levels of skin-test-positive (dust-mite-positive/negative) patients and dust-mite- and skin-test-negative controls (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study clearly shows that dust-mite depresses the activities of SOD, GPx, and, to a small extent, CAT; which influence cellular reducing capacity and consequently may increase asthma risk more than other allergens.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

The respiratory effects of reduction of mite allergen in the bedrooms of asthmatic children--a double-blind controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Inhalation of house dust mite (HDM) allergen may provoke attacks of asthma. OBJECTIVE: We investigated whether a double-blind placebo-controlled community-based study aimed at reducing the HDM allergens in the bedrooms of HDM sensitive asthmatic children using the best methods available would prove beneficial to the children's health. METHODS: The children (mean age 9.9 years, 34 boys) were recruited by a questionnaire submitted to 7386 families in a geographically-defined area of the UK. Subjects were chosen to take part in the double-blind placebo-controlled trial if they were asthmatic, skin sensitive to mites, and had mite allergen in their mattresses. Seventy children were randomly allocated to groups. In the active group, the children's bedrooms were treated with an acaricide (Acarosan) and the mattresses, pillows and duvets were encased in exclusion covers. The control group received placebo treatments. RESULTS: Forty-nine complete data sets were obtained. Applying bedding covers and Acarosan led to a median reduction of 480 ng (100%) in mite allergen on the mattress vs 215 ng (53%) reduction in placebo-treated group by 6 weeks. No evidence was found that the acaricide reduced mite allergen level. A change in bronchial reactivity to histamine was observed in the children after 6 weeks. This was not associated with any change in thrice-daily records of peak expiratory flow rate. By 24 weeks, the actively-treated children had improved forced expiratory volume in 1s (FEV1) and fewer required bronchodilator therapy or reported asthmatic symptoms than did the controls. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that mite removal procedures may modestly improve mite-sensitive asthmatics and could perhaps be of value in exceptionally mite-sensitive and/or highly mite-exposed individuals whose response to the attempted removal should be measured.

Allergens↗
PubMed2000

The use of entomopathogenic fungi for the control of parasitic mites, Psoroptes spp.

In vitro trials were carried out to evaluate the potential of fungal pathogens as biological control agents of parasitic mites, Psoroptes ovis (Hering) (Acari: Psoroptidae) from rabbit hosts (synonym: Psoroptes cuniculi). The fungus Hirsutella thompsonii Fisher showed no pathogenicity. Metarhizium anisopoliae (Metschinkoff), however, showed a high level of pathogenicity; 3 days after exposure to fungal conidia all mites were dead and 6 days after exposure 60% of the dead adult females, 10% of the dead adult males and 30% of the dead female nymphs had fungal hyphae protruding from their cuticular surface. There was a significant effect of conidial concentration on the number of mite cadavers that displayed fungal infection. Exposure to between 1x10(4) and 1x10(6) conidiaml(-1) resulted in 2-25% of the mites being infected. Mean infection levels were highest, 71%, when the mites were exposed to 1x10(7) conidiaml(-1). Similarly, there was a significant effect of conidial concentration on the time taken for the mites to reach 50% levels of mortality (LT(50)) The mean LT(50) value was approximately 2.7 days, when the mites were exposed to a solution of 1x10(7) and 1x10(8) conidiaml(-1) which was significantly shorter than controls exposed to 0.03% Tween-80 solution only. There was no significant effect of passaging the fungus, either once or twice, through the host on the subsequent infectivity of M. anisopliae. The potential for use of entornopathogenic fungi for the control of parasitic mites, particularly in relation to sheep, is discussed.

Animals↗
PubMed1979

The role and allergenic importance of storage mites in house dust and other environments.

Skin tests were performed on 210 patients with house dust allergy and bronchial asthma or perennial rhinitis using extracts of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and of four storage mites most commonly found in house dust in the United Kingdom--Acarus siro, Tyrophagus putrescentiae, Lepidoglyphus (formerly Glycyphagus) destructor and Glycyphagus domesticus. The results of the skin tests were related to certain occupations and living conditions of the patients which could have exposed them to storage mites and some patients were included because their environment seemed especially likely to expose them to these species in order to assess the importance of these conditions. D. pteronyssinus was the most potent of the mite allergens and provoked the largest number of positive tests but a proportion of the storage mite species gave skin reactions which were larger or as large as those of D. pteronyssinus. No significant statistical correlation was found between reactions to D. pteronyssinus and any storage mite but highly significant correlations were found between some storage species. The frequency and strength of reactions to these species were unexpectedly high in view of their irregular occurrence and relative scarcity in house dust. It is suggested that sensitisation to these species occurs through exposure either to localised sources of infestation overlook during the random collection of floor or bedding dust or to infested materials encountered at work or other activities or to infested food or bedding of certain domestic pets. It is concluded that allergy to storage mites is more important and widespread that hitherto realised and is a considerable occupational hazard in farming communities and to those in occupations handling infested materials. Storage mites may also be important allergens for those living in very damp houses where the growth of moulds may encourage the development of Glycyphagus domesticus or other mites.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

The use of domestic steam cleaning for the control of house dust mites.

BACKGROUND: Control of dust mites using extremes of temperature is an alternative to the use of acaricides. In the past we have attempted control by freezing with liquid nitrogen. The present paper deals with the opposite extreme, the use of steam. OBJECTIVE: To assess the feasibility and effectiveness of a domestic steam cleaner for the control of dust mites, its effect on mite populations and concentrations of the allergen Der p 1. METHODS: A domestic steam cleaner was used to treat carpet squares that had been seeded in the laboratory with known numbers of dust mites (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus). The number of live mites was monitored for a period of 4 months in eight treated carpet squares and eight controls. Dust samples were taken from 12 standardized areas of carpet in a tenement flat in Glasgow, UK, before and after steam cleaning treatment, and the concentration of allergen Der p 1 was compared with 12 adjacent, control areas. RESULTS: No live mites were found at any time in the treated carpet squares, whereas in the control squares geometric mean mite population density rose from 11 after 3 days to 39 after 1 month, 66 after 2, 122 after 3 and 185 after 4 months. There was a mean reduction of 86.7% in Der p 1 concentration (3.3-0.44 microgram/g) compared with a reduction of 4.7% (2.22-2.116 micrograms/g) in control areas, a difference that was statistically significant at the 5% level. CONCLUSION: These data indicate that steam cleaning has considerable potential as an highly effective and efficient method of killing dust mites and reducing concentrations of Der p 1 in domestic premises.

Allergens↗
PubMed2001

Persistence and effectiveness of pyrethroids in plastic strips against Varroa jacobsoni (Acari: Varroidae) and mite resistance in a Mediterranean area.

An apiary trial was conducted in 1997 in Sardinia, Italy, to verify the effectiveness of fluvalinate in polyvinyl chloride strips and flumethrin in polyethylene strips against Varroa jacobsoni Oudemans. Two indices to evaluate the efficacy of the treatments were adopted: percentage change in mite infestation of worker-sealed brood cells considering only treated hives and percentage change in mite mortality, and the natural variation in mite populations recorded in control hives during the trial. All acaricide treatments reduced the level of mite infestation of both sealed brood and adult bees. However, their effectiveness was slightly reduced in comparison to previous studies because of mite resistance phenomena. Portions of polyethylene strips of flumethrin from treated hives were sampled weekly to determine acaricide persistence using gas chromatography. After 4 wk, a slight reduction (approximately 9%) of the active ingredient content was observed. A laboratory bioassay also was performed to establish the resistance of adult female mites to fluvalinate. Mites were sampled from the experimental apiary and from various Sardinian apiaries which had primarily been subjected to fluvalinate applications in plastic strips or wood inserts for years. Mite resistance varied from 0 to 96%, depending on the acaricide management adopted. The lowest resistance level occurred in an apiary where pyrethroids had never been used, whereas the highest level occurred in an apiary, with intensive use of fluvalinate in wood inserts.

Animals↗
PubMed1983

Northern fowl mite population development on laying hens caged at three colony sizes.

Beginning 5 weeks after being experimentally infested with known numbers of northern fowl mites, Ornithonyssus sylviarum (Canestrini and Fanzago), White Leghorn pullets caged alone supported a significantly higher mite population than did pullets housed two and three per cage. During the following 6 weeks, mite populations remained high on the birds caged singly whereas mite populations drastically declined on the birds housed two or three per cage. Eleven weeks after the experiment was initiated, all hens caged alone were infested with northern fowl mites, whereas 22% of the birds housed two per cage and 43% of the birds housed three per cage were free of mites. These data support the hypothesis that social stress in birds influences the development of northern fowl mites (more stress, higher resistance to mites).

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Avian mite bites acquired from a new source--pet gerbils: report of 2 cases and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Cutaneous manifestations of avian mite bites are not well recognized by physicians or patients. Clinical signs and symptoms are usually caused by bites from avian mites that have infested domestic poultry or birds nesting in or near human habitation. This report details 2 cases of pruritic papules acquired from avian mites that had infested pet gerbils and reviews the dermatologic literature about avian mites. OBSERVATIONS: An 11-year-old boy and an unrelated 10-year-old girl each had mysterious, pruritic papules for many months before their pet gerbils were found to be infested with Ornithonyssus sylviarum (the northern fowl mite) and Dermanyssus gallinae (the chicken mite), respectively. Symptoms resolved when the gerbils were removed from the home. CONCLUSIONS: Because infestation of pet gerbils with avian mites has never been reported, cases of avian mite bites and dermatitis may have gone unrecognized or misdiagnosed. Inquiry about ownership of pet gerbils may be helpful in patients with mysterious bites.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

A histologic demonstration of siliceous materials in simian lung mite infected lung tissues by microincineration.

Approximately 90% of freshly imported macaques and other Old World Monkeys are known to be infected with respiratory mites. The lung associated pigments are integral components of pulmonary acariasis in Old World Monkeys; at least three distinctive pigmental bodies are identified in association with lung mite infection. Two major components of pigments are recently identified as silica by using elemental analysis using a high voltage electron microscope and an energy-dispersive X-ray analysis technique. Since a limited number of infected monkey lung tissues and associated pigments can be examined by this tedious procedure, it was important for us to examine much greater number of specimens to verify our initial observation. Ten microincineration technique described provided a unique and practical way to identify the mineral elements in as many 27 histologic sections within a short span of time. Silica and silicates are heat resistant whereas majority of organic materials including lung mite parasites disintegrated under the extreme temperature. Mineral elements were exclusively located within the polarizable white ash. More than 90% of total pigmental bodies identified were found to be related to siliceous materials in 20 incinerated infected monkey lung tissues whereas five noninfected lungs similarly examined did not reveal any pigmental bodies. Other than a small of fine granular mucin substances which were PAS positive, the majority of lung mite associated pigments such as large granules of hemosiderin, needle-like crystals and other fine granules engulfed by macrophages were identified to be siliceous materials as they have persisted even after microincineration. Mite parasites and other organic materials were completely disintegrated. Similar pigmental bodies examined by microscope X-ray analysis were positive for silicate. This finding suggests that lung mite infection in Old Monkeys apparently predisposed silicosis. Therefore, until the link between lung mite infection and silicosis is clarified, experimental inhalation toxicologic findings in mite-infected Old World monkeys should be interpreted cautiously.

Animals↗