Trixacarus caviae Fain,Howell & Hyatt 1972 (Acari: Sarcoptidae) as a cause of mange in guinea-pigs and papular urticaria in man

The clinical symptoms of infestation with Trixacarus caviae in guinea-pigs are described. In general large areas of thickened, denuded skin, with a heavy secondary bacterial infection, and sometimes neurological signs, are observed in mangy cases. Antiparasitic therapy was successful with one or several washings with 0.15% trichlorphon or 0.07% lindane solutions.Histological examination of the skin of mangy guinea-pigs revealed acanthosis, pronounced thickening of the epidermis and increased indentations of the cutis. The mites were embedded in epidermal debris in the folds of the skin. They were often found in the superficial part of the hair follicles. Inflammation of the subcutis was pronounced.Healthy guinea-pigs developed mild signs of mange approximately 10 days after exposure by skin contact to heavily infested animals. These experimentally infested guinea-pigs recovered without treatment. An itching papular urticarial condition in three human patients was found associated with trixacariasis of guinea-pigs. The lesions were usually located on the skin areas in frequent contact with the infected animals. This human affliction cleared after terminating contact with the mangy pig or after antiparasitic treatment of the animal.     

The use of moxidectin for the prevention and treatment of psoroptic mange (scab) in sheep.

The introduction of systemic injectable products, belonging to the avermectin/milbemycin class of antiparasitic compounds, has provided an alternative to dips for sheep scab control. Their main advantages are that they are quicker and safer to use, cause less stress to the sheep (hence can be used in heavily pregnant ewes), do not require any special handling facilities for their use and do not present the same environmental concerns over disposal of spent product. Moxidectin, a second generation milbemycin, has recently been registered as an injectable product for the prevention and treatment of sheep scab. Laboratory and field studies carried out in the UK and Ireland have shown that two injections at a dose rate of 200 mg/kg bwt., 10 days apart, are 100% effective in the treatment of scab. Further studies have shown that a single injection at the same dose rate will protect against infestation or reinfestation for a period of at least 28 days. This long persistent activity has been evaluated in two large-scale field prophylactic trials, one in Ireland and one in the UK, involving over 16,000 sheep, in which it was demonstrated that a single injection of moxidectin is a safe and effective alternative to dips for routine prevention of scab.     

Evaluation of a serological test (indirect ELISA) for the diagnosis of sarcoptic mange in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes)

Sarcoptic mange occurs in many parts of the world and is common in populations of domestic and wild canids, including red foxes (Vulpes vulpes). In recent years, an indirect antibody enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), with higher sensitivity and specificity than traditional diagnostic methods, has been successfully applied in the diagnosis of sarcoptic mange in dogs. The same ELISA has also demonstrated specific antibodies to Sarcoptes scabiei in experimentally infected red foxes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the indirect ELISA when used to detect antibodies to S. scabiei in field sera from Swedish red foxes. One cohort of both infected and non-infected red foxes (cohort 1; n = 88), and one cohort of apparently non-infected foxes (cohort 2; n = 67) were examined for skin lesions and presence of S. scabiei by thorough visual examination at autopsy and skin scrapings. Samples of blood-tinted body liquid from the abdomen or thorax cavity were collected and analysed by the indirect ELISA. The relative sensitivity and specificity of the ELISA at different cut-offs (OD values) were estimated by comparing the test results to the infection status as determined by examination and skin scrapings. The highest combination of relative sensitivity and specificity, calculated based on cohort 1, was 95.4 and 100.0%, respectively. These estimates were constant for cut-offs 0.150-0.225, which included the cut-off based on the mean plus three standard deviations of test results from cohort 2 (0.165). It is concluded that this test can be useful in diagnosis and epidemiological studies of S. scabiei infection in red foxes.     

Evaluation of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the serological diagnosis of sarcoptic mange in dogs

Canine scabies is a challenging disease to diagnose because sarcoptic mites are hard to find on skin scrapings. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a serologic enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) as an aid in the diagnosis of canine scabies. In addition, serum samples were obtained post treatment to determine the duration and persistence of circulating scabies antibodies after resolution of natural infection. Nineteen dogs diagnosed with sarcoptic mange and 38 control dogs were tested. Sixteen scabies-infested dogs showed positive pretreatment ELISA results (84.2% sensitivity). Thirty-four control dogs showed negative ELISA results (89.5% specificity). In the 11 scabies dogs from which multiple post treatment serum samples were obtained, detectable antibodies were not present 1 month after treatment in four cases, but were present for 1-4.5 months post treatment in seven dogs. Our results suggest that this scabies ELISA test is useful in the diagnosis of canine scabies.     

Evaluation of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the serological diagnosis of canine sarcoptic mange

Abstract The purpose of this study was to evaluate a serodiagnostic test (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; ELISA) for sarcoptic mange in dogs and to characterize the assay antigen, based on the mite Sarcoptes scabiei var. vulpes. The ELISA, applied to sera from 359 dogs suspected of having sarcoptic mange, showed a sensitivity and specificity of 92 and 96%, respectively. Sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) of the antigen employed in the ELISA revealed polypeptide bands with molecular weights ranging between 14 and 164 kDa. In Western blot analyses antigens of molecular weights between 62 and 64 kDa dominated. Particularly dominant were antigens of 164 and 147 kDa. These were found to have isoelectrical points in the range of 5.7–6.9. Sera from dogs infected with Cheyletiella sp., Demodex canis, Linognathus setosus and Otodectes cynotis, as well as from dogs allergic to fleas, were negative in the ELISA. Résumé— Le but de cette étude est d'évaluer un test sérologique ELISA pour le diagnostic de la gale sarcoptique chez le chien et de caractériser l'antigène révélateur, extrait de l'acarien Sarcoptes scabiei var. vulpes. Le test ELISA, lors d'une étude conduite avec les sérums de 359 chiens suspects de gale sarcoptique a démontré une sensibilité et une spécificité de 92 et 96%, respectivement. L'électrophorèse en gel polyacrilamide dodécyl sulfate de sodium de l'antigène utilisé dans l'ELISA a révélé des bandes polypeptidiques de poids moléculaire compris entre 14 et 164 kDa. Dans l'analyse en Western blot, les antigènes de poids moléculaire compris entre 62 et 164 kDa étaient les plus abondants, notamment ceux de 164 et 147 kDa. Ces derniers ont des points isoélectriques compris entre 5.7 et 6.9. Les sérums de chiens infectés par des Cheyletiella sp. Demodex canis, Linognathus setosus et Otodectes cynotis, ou par des chiens allergiques aux puces, se sont révélés négatifs en ELISA. [Bornstein, S., Thebo, P., Zakrisson, G. Evaluation of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the serological diagnosis of canine sarcoptic mange (Evaluation d'un test ELISA pour le diagnostic sérologique de la gale sarcoptique canine). Veterinary Dermatology 1996; 7 : 21–28.] Resumen El objetivo de este estudio fue el de evaluar una pruba serodiagnóstica (prueba de inmunoadsorción ligada a enzima; ELISA) para la sarna sarcóptica en el perro y caracterizar el antigeno prueba, basado en el ácaro Sarcoptes scabei, var. vulpes. El ELISA, aplicado a sueros de 359 perros sospechosos de padecer sarna sarcóptica, mostró una sensibilidad y especificidad del 92 y 96%, respectivamente. La electroforesis en gel de poliacrilamida dodecil sulfato sódico (SDS-PAGE) del antigeno usado en el ELISA reveló bandas de polipétidos con peso molecular entre 14 y 164 kDa. En el análisis Western blot, predominaron los antigenos de pesos moleculares entre 62 y 164 kDa. Los antigenos entre 164 y 147 kDa fueron especialmente predominantes. Estos tuvieron puntos isoeléctricos entre 5.7 y 6.9. Los sueros de perros infectados por Cheyletiella sp., Demodex canis, Linognathus setosus y Otodectes cynotis, asi como el de perros alérgicos a las pulgas fueron negativos en el ELISA. [Bornstein, S., Thebo, P., Zakrisson, G. Evaluation of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the serological diagnosis of canine sarcoptic mange (Evaluation de una prueba de immunoadsorcion ligada a enzima (ELISA) para el diagnostico serologico de la sarna sarcóptica canina). Veterinary Dermatology 1996; 7 : 21–28.] Zusammenfassung— Ziel dieser Studie war, einen Serodiagnostiktest (Enzyme-Linked-Immunosorbent-Assay, ELISA) für Sarkoptesräude des Hundes zu überprüfen und das Testantigen zu charakterisieren, das auf der Milbe Sarcoptes scabiei var. vulpes basiert. Der ELISA-Test, der bei den Sera von 359 Hunden mit Sarkoptesverdacht angewendet wurde, zeigte eine Sensitivität von 92% bzw. 96%. Die Natriumdodecylsul-fatpolyacrylamid-Gelelektrophorese (SDS-PAGE) des Antigen, das im ELISA verwendet wurde, zeigte Polypeptid-Banden mit Molekulargewichten zwischen 14 und 164 kDa. In der Wester-blot-Analyse dominierten Antigene mit einem Molekulargewicht zwischen 62 und 164 kDa. Besonders dominierend waren Antigene von 164 und 147 kDa. Bei diesen stellte man isoelektrische Punkte im Bereich von 5,7 bis 6,9 fest. Die Sera von Hunden, die mit Cheyletiella sp., Demodex canis, Linognathus setosus und Otodectes cynotis infiziert waren, fielen ebenso wie die Hunde mit Allergie auf Flöhe im ELISA negativ aus. [Bornstein, S., Thebo, P., Zakrisson, G. Evaluation of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the serological diagnosis of canine sarcoptic mange (Die Auswertung eines Enzym-Linked-Immunosorbent-Assay (ELISA) für die serologische Diagnose der kaninen Sarkoptesräude). Veterinary Dermatology 1996; 7 : 21–28.]     

Efficacy of 1.25% amitraz solution in the treatment of generalized demodicosis (eight cases) and sarcoptic mange (five cases) in dogs

Eight dogs with generalized demodicosis and five with sarcoptic mange were treated with 1.25% amitraz solution applied weekly and associated with an antidote treatment (atipamezol, 0.1 mg kg⁻¹ IM once: and yohimbine 0.1 mg kg⁻¹ once daily for 3 days, orally). Results of skin scrapings were used to determine whether therapy should be continued or stopped. The median number of treatments for demodicosis and sarcoptic mange was three (range 2–5) and two (range 1–3), respectively. Some side-effects were observed but all were stopped with antidote treatment; no failure or relapses occurred at 6–36 months after treatment.     

A case of feline leprosy caused by Mycobacterium lepraemurium originating from the island of Kythira (Greece): diagnosis and treatment

A 2-year-old, 4 kg, healthy, domestic shorthair female cat presented with ulcerated subcutaneous nodules on the commissures of its mouth. The cat was negative for feline leukaemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus. Skin mycobacteriosis was diagnosed after detection of numerous acid-fast bacilli in Ziehl Neelsen-stained smears from the ulcers. Feline leprosy was suspected following preliminary polymerase chain reaction results: positive for Mycobacterium genus but negative for Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium avium complexes. Mycobacterium lepraemurium was later identified following DNA sequence analysis of the 5' end of the 16S rRNA gene and the 16S-23S internal transcribed spacer region. Microscopic lesions consisted of pyogranulomas containing mainly large foamy macrophages with 10-100 intra-cellular acid-fast bacilli per field. The cat was cured after surgery and a 14-week course of clofazimine (30 mg daily) and clarithromycin (50 mg twice daily).     

Knemidokoptic mange of the budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus) in New Zealand

Abstract

Extract

A budgerigar brought to the Wallaceville Animal Research Station for examination showed a severe chronic lesion of the beak and ceres. The lesion was heavily encrusted and showed honey-comb-like pitting (Fig. 1). Four birds of a flock of fifty were similarly affected. Mites were found in scrapings taken from the base of the beak and were identified as Knemidokoptes pilae, Lavoipierre and Griffiths, 1951 Evans, G.O. and Browning, E. 1955. Econ. Ser. Brit. Mus., 17 [Google Scholar].     

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 (1.0 mg eprinomectin/kg). Treatments were administered at 1 mL/50 kg 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.     

Psoroptic ear mange (Psoroptes cuniculi, Delafond, 1859) in domestic and wild ruminants in Israel

Otoacariasis, caused by Psoroptes cuniculi (Delafond, 1859) is reported in sheep (Ovis aries), domestic goats (Capra aegagrus hircus), mountain goats (Capra ibex nubiana) and Yaez (a cross between domestic and mountain goats). Captive and captured deer (Gazella gazella and Gazella dorcas) were found negative for ear mites. Sheep and mountain goats were found to be the most affected while goats and Yaez only sporadically so. The clinical manifestations are described and the results are discussed in the light of the pertinent literature.     

Epidemiology of sarcoptic mange in free-ranging raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides) in Yokohama,Japan

Free-ranging raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides) from Nogeyama Zoological Gardens, Kanazawa Zoological Gardens, and Yokohama Zoological Gardens frequently rescued dogs having Sarcoptes scabiei infestation. However, the epidemiology of S. scabiei infestation has not yet been elucidated. In the present study, we investigated the epidemiology of S. scabiei infestation in raccoon dogs and its influence on the population of masked palm civets in Yokohama, Japan. We examined records of raccoon dog rescue between 1981 and 2010 and classified the dogs into the following 4 categories on the basis of the reason for rescue: dogs with S. scabiei infestation, scabies-infested dogs involved in car accidents, uninfested dogs involved in car accidents, and other reasons for rescue. We found that the number of dogs rescued due to car accidents and other reasons increased from 1989 onwards, and an S. scabiei outbreak was recorded since 1993. The infestation spread from the southern to the northern regions of Yokohama. The total number of raccoon dogs rescued annually peaked in 1995 and declined thereafter. The number of masked palm civets (Paguma larvata) rescued gradually increased with a decline in the number of raccoon dogs rescued. In the present study, we revealed the epidemiology of S. scabiei infestation in the raccoon dog. The outbreak might be induced by the increased population density, and the infestation spread immediately from the southern to the northern regions of Yokohama since 1993. Further, the population of masked palm civets may have increased due to the decrease in the population of the raccoon dog.     

Comparative study of doramectin and fipronil in the treatment of equine chorioptic mange

In equids, chorioptic mange is a common dermatitis for which there are no licensed medications in the uk. Doramectin and fipronil are licensed for the control of ectoparasites in other species and were evaluated for the treatment of 17 cases of chorioptic mange in 13 equids. Equids were included if clinical findings were indicative of chorioptic mange, chorioptes mites were positively identified and concurrent disease that could affect response to disease was not evident. A random number table was used to allocate subjects to receive doramectin (group D, eight animals) or fipronil (group F, nine animals). Each of the horses in group D were given 0.3 mg/kg doramectin (Dectomax; Pfizer) on two occasions 14 days apart by subcutaneous injection. All limbs of the horses in group F were sprayed with fipronil 0.25 per cent solution (Frontline; Merial) to the level of the stifles and elbows. Both groups were examined on the day of treatment and 14 and 28 days later to assess the behavioural signs of pruritus and the severity of the dermatological lesions. Acetate tape impressions were collected from the distal limbs and the degree of mite infestation was assessed. By day 28 there were no behavioural signs of chorioptic mange in any of the animals, and there were significant reductions in the numbers of mites in both groups. However, there were no significant reductions in the mean lesion score in either group. There was no significant difference between the effectiveness of the two treatments.