Oxidant/antioxidant balance, minerals status and apoptosis in peripheral blood of dogs naturally infected with Dirofilaria immitis

The present study was aimed to examine lipid peroxides, antioxidants, zinc, copper, iron panels and apoptosis in peripheral blood of dogs with clinical dirofilariosis. In comparison to healthy control, erythrocytic lipid peroxides level and superoxide dismutase activity were significantly (P<0.01) higher in diseased dogs. However, level of reduced glutathione and activities of glutathione peroxidase, glutathione-S-transferase and catalase were significantly (P<0.01) lower in diseased dogs. Blood zinc, copper and iron levels in dogs with dirofilariosis were significantly (P<0.01) lower than the healthy control. The percent apoptotic peripheral leukocytes were significantly higher in dogs with dirofilariosis in comparison with healthy control. From the present study, it is concluded that significant alterations in oxidant/antioxidant balance, mineral status and rate of apoptosis in peripheral blood may be implicated in the pathogenesis of clinical canine dirofilariosis.     

Alterations in hepatic lipid peroxides and antioxidant profile in Indian water buffaloes suffering from sarcoptic mange

The present study was aimed to examine the status of antioxidants in water buffaloes with sarcoptic mange. Sixty-three buffaloes were divided into three groups, healthy control (group I, n=19), subclinical sarcoptic mange (group II, n=22) and clinical sarcoptic mange (group III, n=22). Lipid peroxides (LPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), zinc and copper in hepatic tissues and serum alpha-tocopherol concentrations were measured. In comparison to group I, LPO was significantly (P<0.05) higher, while SOD and CAT were significantly (P<0.05) lower in group III. LPO and SOD activities were comparable between group I and II, but CAT was significantly (P<0.05) lower in group II. In group III, zinc, copper and alpha-tocopherol concentrations were significantly (P<0.05) lower than group I. Decrease in antioxidant enzyme activities and trace mineral concentrations suggested that sarcoptic mange in buffaloes is associated with compromise in antioxidant defense and oxidative stress may play important role in pathogenesis.     

Treatment with ivermectin of sarcoptic mange in pigs

Ivermectin injectable solution (1% w/v) was highly effective against Sarcoptes scabiei var suis when administered subcutaneously once to swine at 300 mcg/kg body weight. There were significantly (P < 0.05) fewer Sarcoptes mange mites counted on pigs treated with ivermectin than on untreated pigs at each count up to day 56 after treatment. The results indicate ivermectin should provide an efficient, practical means of control of sarcoptic mange in intensive piggeries.     

米尔贝肟对自然感染疥螨病犬的治疗效果

为了评价米尔贝肟对临床自然感染疥螨犬的治疗效果,选用自然感染疥螨犬65例,随机选择5条服用伊维菌素,另外60条随机分为3组,分别服用高剂量(2g/kg体重)、中剂量(1g/kg体重)、低剂量(0.5g/kg体重)的米尔贝肟。给药后2、14、28、42d和56d,刮取皮屑,检查螨虫和虫卵,同时观察临床症状。试验结束时米尔贝肟高剂量组、伊维菌素组的无螨虫犬的比例和螨虫的下降率均为100%,临床症状如红疹、结痂、过度角化等现象均消失,所有动物毛发都开始大范围重生;米尔贝肟中、低剂量组结果稍差。米尔贝肟按2g/kg体重剂量,每周1次,连续用药3周,给药对自然感染疥螨病犬有很好的治疗效果。     

Long-term study of Sarcoptes scabiei infection in Norwegian red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) indicating host/parasite adaptation

The red fox (Vulpes vulpes) population, in Norway, was na?ve to Sarcoptes scabiei prior to the late 1970s when this parasite was first recorded and a still ongoing epidemic started. During the course of this protracted epidemic some degree of host/parasite adaptation, with the occurrence of healthy antibody positive foxes, might be expected. In the present study the prevalence of sarcoptic mange and serologically identified S. scabiei exposure was investigated in 363 Norwegian red foxes, shot by hunters during two different study periods (1994-1995 and 2002-2005). The sarcoptic mange diagnosis was based upon the presence of clearly visible lesions in the skin of the cadaver with confirmatory demonstration of S. scabiei. The serodiagnosis was based on an indirect-ELISA. There was a significant decrease in prevalence of both mange cases and seropositive animals from the first to the second study period. Whilst the mange prevalence fell more than threefold, from 30.0% to 6.6%, the seroprevalence dropped less dramatically from 53.3% to 19.1%. The smaller decrease in seroprevalence compared to mange cases reflected a significantly higher ratio of seropositive-mange negative versus seropositive-mange positive foxes, during the second study period, 40:18, compared to the first, 14:18. These findings indicate that the red fox population is adapting to live with the parasite and that low-grade or sub-clinical infections, and even recoveries, occur amongst exposed foxes. Mange positive foxes had significantly poorer body condition than those without sarcoptic mange. No significant difference in body condition was seen between seropositive-mange negative versus seronegative-mange negative foxes. The ELISA sensitivity was found to be 95% and proved a useful tool for investigating the exposure to S. scabiei in wild foxes. This study is believed to be the first pointing to a long-term Sarcoptes/fox adaptation, combining long-term prevalence studies of clinical sarcoptic mange and serological evidence of exposure to the parasite in the general fox population.     

Effects of sarcoptic mange on serum proteins and immunoglobulin G levels in chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica) and Spanish ibex (Capra pyrenaica)

Three groups of chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica) and three groups of Spanish ibex (Capra pyrenaica) were established to study the effects of sarcoptic mange on serum proteins and immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels. The first group of chamois consisted of 22 healthy Pyrenean chamois (R. pyrenaica pyrenaica) from a non-infested area, the second group consisted of 20 healthy Cantabrian chamois (R. p. parva) from an area where sarcoptic mange has been reported since 1994 and the third group consisted of 16 Cantabrian chamois from the same area but naturally infested by Sarcoptes scabiei. The first group of Spanish ibex was 39 healthy animals from a sarcoptic mange non-infested area, the second group was 23 healthy animals from a sarcoptic mange infested area and the third group consisted of 20 animals from the same area but naturally infested with the parasite. Blood samples were taken after killing the animals as part of hunting programmes. Values for total proteins, gamma-globulin and IgG were higher in infested and healthy chamois from the infested area compared to healthy chamois from the non-infested area, and IgG levels were higher in infested chamois compared to healthy-exposed chamois. Values for alpha2-globulin were higher in healthy Cantabrian chamois. In Spanish ibex, albumin, alpha2-globulin and IgG levels were lower in the healthy Spanish ibex from the non-infested area than in healthy animals from an infested area. The differences found in the chamois were indicative of the establishment of a humoral antibody response in the animals in contact with the disease. As the IgG levels were not significantly different between healthy and infested Spanish ibex from the same area, a different pattern of chronic infection with humoral response to the disease was suggested.     

The curative and antioxidative efficiency of ivermectin and ivermectin + vitamin E-selenium treatment on canine <Emphasis Type="Italic">Sarcoptes scabiei</Emphasis> infestation

The objective of the present study was to investigate the curative and antioxidative efficacy of ivermectin and ivermectin + vitamin E-selenium, and the influence of these agents on oxidative stress parameters in canines infested by Sarcoptes scabiei. Twenty two sarcoptic mites infested dogs and nine healthy dogs of 6 months to 2 years of age were divided into three groups. Group I comprised of healthy dogs (n = 9) whereas animals in group II (n = 11) and III (n = 11) were positive for scabies. Group II animals were treated with only 1% ivermectin @ 0.2 mg/kg SC whereas group III were additionally treated with Vitamin E and selenium (tocopherol 50 mg + Se 1.5 mg/ml) @0.5 ml/20 kg IM at weekly intervals for three times. Blood samples were collected on day 0 and 28 post therapy. The values for hemato-biochemical parameters and activities of antioxidant enzymes were significantly decreased (P < 0.05) whereas level of lipid peroxidation was significantly increased in all the infested dogs in comparison to the healthy dogs on day 0 which approached normalcy by day 28 post therapy. The dogs of group III showed better clinical recovery in comparison to group II at the end of therapy. Thus, administration of vitamin E and selenium in addition to standard therapy can alleviate these alterations hastening the clinical recovery of diseased dogs and can be recommended as an adjunct therapy with miticides for canine sarcoptic mange.     

FC-44 The therapeutic effect of selamectin and ivermectin regimens in canine sarcoptic mange

Worldwide, sarcoptic mange in cats is seldom reported, and then only in sporadic individual cases. We describe an epidemic in a household with a dog and 25 cats. From September 2002, the dog was repeatedly treated with ivermectin for sarcoptic mange. The diagnosis was confirmed by skin scrapings. Fifteen months later, cats from the same household were diagnosed with severe sarcoptic mange. Twenty-one of the cats were euthanized and necropsies were performed. Skin samples were taken from all cats from different body sites for histology, and skin scrapings were examined for ectoparasites. Samples for bacterial and dermatophyte culture were taken from six cats. Smears for cytology were made from lesions on four cats with severe mange. Sera from 21 cats and the dog were analysed for specific antibodies to Sarcoptes scabiei . Molecular characterizations of six individual mites were done. Large numbers of S. scabiei were isolated from the infected skin of most of the cats. Two-thirds of the cats showed skin lesions compatible with chronic sarcoptic mange. Macroscopically, internal organs exhibited no obvious pathology. Yeast organisms and coccoid bacteria were found in the smears; penicillinase-negative Staphylococcus aureus was isolated from all samples and Malassezia pachydermatis was identified from four cats. Sarcoptes scabiei was seen histologically in all cats showing chronic skin lesions. No other ectoparasites were found. All analysed cats had specific antibodies against S. scabiei . Twenty-one cats tested negatively for FeLV and FIV. The mites had DNA sequences identical to S. scabiei from naturally infected dogs and Swedish wildlife.
Funding: Self-funded.     

Efficacy of a novel formulation of metaflumizone plus amitraz for the treatment of sarcoptic mange in dogs

A novel spot-on formulation containing metaflumizone plus amitraz (ProMeris/ProMeris Duo for Dogs, Fort Dodge Animal Health, Overland Park, KS) was evaluated for efficacy against sarcoptic mange mites in naturally infested dogs. Sixteen dogs were allocated to two equal groups and were housed individually. Eight of the dogs were treated topically with metaflumizone plus amitraz at the proposed minimum dose rate (20mg/kg of each of metaflumizone and amitraz, at a dose volume of 0.133ml/kg) on Days 0 and 28. The other eight were treated with metaflumizone plus amitraz at the proposed minimum dose rate on Days 0, 14, 28 and 42. To enumerate Sarcoptes scabiei mites, skin scrapings were taken on each of Days 2, 14, 28, 42 and 56. Clinical signs of mange and the extent of sarcoptic lesions were evaluated on each dog when scrapings were made. Evaluation of the efficacy of the treatment was based on the absence of mites supported by the absence of clinical signs associated with canine sarcoptic mange. Treatment with metaflumizone plus amitraz at the minimum proposed dose rate at monthly (two treatments) or two-weekly (four treatments) intervals resulted in a rapid reduction of mites and improved clinical signs. The overall cure rates at Day 56, based on zero mite counts and/or resolution of clinical signs were 75% and 83% of dogs for the monthly and two-weekly regimens, respectively.     

The efficacy of an imidacloprid/moxidectin combination against naturally acquired Sarcoptes scabiei infestations on dogs

The study was undertaken to evaluate and compare the efficacy of an imidacloprid (10% w/v)/moxidectin (2.5% w/v) combination (Advocate Bayer HealthCare, Animal Health) with that of selamectin for the treatment of Sarcoptes scabiei on dogs. Thirty naturally infested dogs, of which one was later withdrawn because of distemper, were allocated to two equal groups and individually housed. The dogs in each group were treated twice, four weeks apart, with either the combination product (0.1 mL/kg body weight) or with selamectin (0.05 mL/kg body weight) administered topically. Skin scrapings were made every 14 days over a period of 50 to 64 days after the first treatment to quantify mite numbers. Clinical signs and the extent of sarcoptic lesions were assessed on each dog when skin scrapings were made. Efficacy was based on the presence or absence of mites, supported by clinical signs associated with canine sarcoptic mange. From Day 22 and onwards no Sarcoptes mites were found in the skin scrapings of any of the treated dogs. Treatment with the imidacloprid/moxidectin formulation or with selamectin was highly effective against Sarcoptes scabiei and resulted in an almost complete resolution of clinical signs within 50 to 64 days after the initial treatment.     

Current distribution of sarcoptic mange in wombats

Objective To determine the distribution and prevalence of sarcoptic mange in wombats, particularly the common wombat ( Vombatus ursinus ).
Design Questionnaire survey in two parts.
Procedure Questionnaires were distributed to biologists, rangers, animal carers and naturalists. Part 1 of the questionnaire aimed to determine the present distribution of sarcoptic mange in wombats (103 responses). Part 2 invited respondents to assess the prevalence of sarcoptic mange in wombats over a 3 month period (four responses). Information on wombats from 66 localities was received. Each locality represented an area of about 2500 km².
Results Mange was observed at 93% of localities surveyed and Sarcoptes scabiei was present in common wombats at 52% of localities. Sarcoptic mange was highly prevalent (22%) in two common wombat populations in Victoria. Anecdotal evidence suggested that mange epizootics are sporadic, cause significant morbidity and mortality and have a substantial effect on local abundance. The respondents did not report sarcoptic mange in either northern hairy-nosed wombats ( Lasiorhinus krefftii ) or southern hairy-nosed wombats ( Lasiorhinus latifrons ).
Conclusions Sarcoptic mange occurs in common wombat populations throughout the range of the common wombat including Tasmania and Flinders Island. While mange epizootics are sporadic, they have the potential to threaten the long-term survival of small, remnant populations.     

Sensitisation to the House Dust Mite, Dermatophagoides farinae, in Dogs with Sarcoptic Mange

Abstract— Sensitisation to the house dust mite, Dermatophagoides farinae , was demonstrated by skin testing and allergen-specific IgG determination in 15 out of 20 dogs in which a definitive diagnosis of sarcoptic mange was made following recovery of Sarcoptes scabiei mites on skin scrapings. After therapy, no dogs exhibited clinical signs of atopic dermatitis. Intradermal skin testing and 40 per cent of specific IgG assays for Dermatophagoides farinae were negative 90–180 DAys after the original diagnosis.
Résumé— Une sensibilisation a l'acarien de la poussière de maison, Dermatophagoides farinae , est demontrée par tests cutanés et dosage d'immunoglobulines IgG specifiques d'allergenes sur 15/20 chiens atteints de gale sarcoptique prouvée par la presence de nombreux sarcoptes aux raclages cutanés. Après traitement, aucun chien n'a présenté des signes cliniques de dermatite atopique. Les tests cutanés intradermiques et 40 plus des posages IgG pour Dermatophagoides farinae sont negatifs 90 à 180 jours après le diagnostic initial. [Prélaud, P., Guaguère, E. Sensitisation to the house dust mite, Dermatophagoides farinae , in dogs with sarcoptic mange (Une sensitisation à l'acarien de la poussière de maison sur les chiens atteints de gale sarcoptique).     

The role of apoptosis in immunosuppression of dogs with demodicosis

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the status of apoptosis in peripheral blood leukocytes of dogs with demodicosis. A total of 26 dogs suffering from demodicosis, and positive for Demodex canis mites by skin scraping, participated in the study, 13 with localized demodicosis (LD) and 13 with generalized demodicosis (GD). A further 13 clinically healthy dogs, all of whom were negative for mites upon skin scraping, were used as controls. The dogs with GD revealed significantly higher (P ≤ 0.0001) percentage of leukocytes with externalization of phosphatidylserine (PS) and depolarized mitochondrial membrane potentials (ΔΨm) as compared with the dogs with LD and healthy controls. These dogs also revealed significantly lower values (P ≤ 0.0001) of hematological parameters viz. hemoglobin, total erythrocytes count total leukocytes count, lymphocytes, monocytes and neutrophils. Significantly higher (P ≤ 0.0001) percentages of leukocytes with externalization of PS and depolarized ΔΨm were also found in dogs with LD as compared with the healthy controls. These dogs also revealed significantly lower values of Hb (P ≤ 0.0001), TEC (P=0.025), TLC (P ≤ 0.0001), lymphocytes (P=0.008), monocytes (P ≤ 0.0001) and neutrophils (P=0.03). It is concluded that premature apoptosis of PBL may be implicated in the immunosuppression of the dogs with demodicosis.     

Sarcoptic mite hypersensitivity and skin lesions in slaughtered pigs

The association between papular skin lesions in slaughtered pigs and hypersensitivity to Sarcoptes scabiei var suis was examined in experimental and field studies, and by the retrospective analysis of monitoring records obtained at slaughter. A causal role for S scabiei was indicated by the production of lesions in experimentally infested pigs, by increased clinical mange in herds having high lesion scores, and by a reduction in the severity of lesions after the implementation of more intensive mange control measures. The specificity of the lesions as an indicator of sarcoptic mite hypersensitivity was estimated to be 0.92 from experimental data and 0.79 from field data. Generalised lesions were rare in mange free pigs, indicating that such lesions were highly specific (1.0 from experimental data, greater than 0.98 from field data) for mange. The assessment of the severity of the lesions in samples of slaughtered pigs appears to be a useful aid to assessing the severity of sarcoptic mange in pig herds.     

Control of cattle mange in southern africa using ivermectin

Seven trials including 768 cattle were conducted in South Africa and Namibia to evaluate the efficacy of the systemic parasiticide ivermectin when administered subcutaneously at a dose rate of 200 micrograms/kg against sarcoptic (Sarcoptes scabiei var. bovis), chorioptic (Chorioptes bovis) and psoroptic (Psoroptes ovis var. bovis) mange mites. The efficacy of a single treatment against Psoroptes and Sarcoptes was greater than against Chorioptes. There was marked clinical cure in all treated cases with loss of crusts and hair regrowth. The number of cases of psoroptic mange in two large herds, of which 42.4% of 724 animals were clinically affected prior to mass treatment, was reduced by 99.3% following a single subcutaneous treatment with ivermectin; a single animal from which mites were recovered may not have been treated. The apparent prevalence and prospects for control and eradication of cattle mange in South Africa and Namibia are discussed.     

Sarcoptic mange in a wild swamp wallaby (Wallabia bicolor)

A wild adult male swamp wallaby from Victoria was found to be infested with Sarcoptes scabiei. Hyperkeratotic skin lesions were confined predominantly to the head and shoulders. This is the first report of sarcoptic mange in a swamp wallaby.     

The effect of sarcoptic mange on growth performance, leukocytes and lymphocyte proliferative responses in pigs

The effects of a single artificial infestation with sarcoptic mite (Sarcoptes scabiei var. suis DeGeer) on weight gain and lymphocyte blastogenic responses were studied in untreated and fenvalerate-treated pigs. Average daily feed intake, average daily gain and feed efficiency were monitored for 5 weeks in 32 infested and 16 uninfested pigs. Total and differential leukocyte counts were determined and lymphocyte proliferative responses, using a mitogen-stimulated lymphocyte blastogenesis assay, were evaluated in 24 pigs. Sarcoptic mite infestation or treatment for sarcoptic mange did not affect total or differential leukocyte counts (P greater than 0.10). Differences were not observed in weight gain or lymphocyte blastogenic responses between infested and uninfested pigs.     

Udder cleft dermatitis and sarcoptic mange in a dairy herd

OBJECTIVE: To determine prevalence of udder cleft dermatitis in a dairy herd that was experiencing an outbreak of sarcoptic mange. DESIGN: Clinical survey. ANIMALS: 1,597 Holstein cows and late-gestation heifers. PROCEDURE: Animals were examined for udder cleft dermatitis and for skin lesions consistent with sarcoptic or chorioptic mange. Skin scrapings were collected from 56 cows and examined for ectoparasites. The herd was revisited 1 year later, and prevalences of udder cleft dermatitis and lesions consistent with mange were determined in 506 cows. RESULTS: Of the 1,597 cattle examined, 280 (18%) had udder cleft dermatitis, and 1,397 (87.5%) had lesions consistent with mange. In 43 of 56 (77%) cows, skin scrapings revealed Sarcoptes mites. Udder cleft dermatitis was significantly more common in older than in younger cows. In first-lactation cows, udder cleft dermatitis was less common during the first 4 months of lactation than in the later stages of lactation, but udder cleft dermatitis was identified in cows in all stages of lactation and in cows that were not lactating. The herd was treated with eprinomectin to control mites, and prevalence of lesions consistent with mange 1 year later was only 2.8%. However, prevalence of udder cleft dermatitis was still 12%. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that cows in any stage of lactation and cows that are not lactating can have udder cleft dermatitis but that lesions are more common in older cows. Control of sarcoptic mange was accompanied by a moderate reduction in the prevalence of udder cleft dermatitis but did not eliminate the condition.     

New techniques for an old disease: sarcoptic mange in the Iberian wolf

Sarcoptic mange, a parasitic skin infection caused by the burrowing mite Sarcoptes scabiei, has been reported in over 100 mammals, including humans. In endangered species, mange causes conservation concerns because it may decimate isolated populations and contribute to extinction. The Iberian Peninsula still maintains one of the largest wolf (Canis lupus) populations in Europe. In Iberia, sarcoptic mange is endemic in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and the first confirmed wolf mange cases were recently reported. However, knowledge on S. scabiei in wolves is scarce because of the sampling difficulties inherent to research on scarce species. In order to describe wolf mange epidemiology and to infer conservation implications, this study combined traditional laboratory techniques with the revision of wolf carcass pictures taken by field biologists and original information obtained by camera trapping. A total of 125 necropsies and 8783 camera-trap days allowed insights into wolf mange epidemiology between 2003 and 2010. Living Sarcoptes mites were detected in 19% of the fresh carcasses. Alopecic (delayed) type IV hypersensitive response reactions were observed, while parakeratotic lesions were infrequent. The number of mites isolated per wolf ranged from 1 to 78, and had a negative correlation with the percentage of alopecic skin. No effect by sex on mange prevalence was found. Yearlings showed a lower probability to present mange-compatible lesions than pups or adults. Wolves with mange-compatible lesions had a lower kidney fat index than apparently healthy ones. ELISA testing of 88 sera yielded an antibody prevalence of 20%. Photo-trapping recorded mange-compatible lesions since 2003 with a peak in 2008. The percentage of wolves with mange-compatible lesions registered in camera-traps during 1 year correlated with the percentage of red foxes with lesions in the previous year. This is the first large survey on sarcoptic mange in the Iberian wolf. Necropsy data, with alopecia as the main feature and a slight effect on body condition, and trends derived from camera trapping coincided in showing a rather low prevalence and an apparently stable situation of the disease and its host, suggesting that this parasite is currently not a major threat for this wolf population. However, more information is needed in order to assess the effect of mange on aspects such as pup survival.     

THE USE OF AMITRAZ IN THE CONTROL OF AN OUTBREAK OF SARCOPTIC MANGE IN A COLONY OF KOALAS

SUMMARY: An outbreak of sarcoptic mange in a colony of koalas was effectively controlled by the topical application of amitraz as a 0.025% aqueous suspension. Several koalas died in the 9 months preceding treatment, with lesions suggestive of Sarcoptes scabiei ; however, no further deaths occurred following treatment and there was complete recovery of all affected animals.