Tropical rat mite(Ornithonyssus bacoti)infestation in pet Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) and their owner

Case report: Identification of the tropical rat mite (Ornithonyssus bacoti) on a domestic donkey in France

A 25-year-old donkey was referred for a generalized, pruritic and severe exfoliative dermatitis that had been evolving for several years, with deterioration in the last few months. Close examination of the skin surface revealed numerous small, dark, mobile elements identified as Ornithonyssus bacoti confirmed by DNA sequencing. The severity, type and topography of the lesions called for complementary examinations, leading to a second diagnosis of cutaneous epitheliotropic T-cell lymphoma. The lack of clinical improvement after antiparasitic therapy despite parasite clearance, suggests opportunistic behavior of Ornithonyssus bacoti. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the presence of a tropical rat mite on a donkey, thus expanding the known host spectrum of this zoonotic parasite. Further potential questions concern the implication of this new host as a possible source of human contamination.

Zoonotic Dermatoses of Exotic Companion Mammals

Integumentary disorders caused by zoonotic agents are very common in exotic companion mammals. This article provides an understanding of the main zoonotic dermatoses including parasitic, fungal, bacterial, and viral diseases to provide the most updated information on their epidemiology, diagnosis, reported clinical signs, and therapies.

Rodent Dermatology

This article reviews the most common dermatologic conditions of the pet rodent population, including the prevalence, clinical signs, diagnosis, and treatment recommendations.

Problem-Oriented Approach in Exotic Companion Mammals

Dermatologic disorders are some of the most common conditions affecting exotic companion mammals. This article provides a clinical approach of the conditions presenting with alopecia, pruritus, scaling/crusting, erosion/ulceration, and nodules in order to select and interpret the appropriate diagnostic tests to achieve a diagnosis for a successful treatment.

Prevalence and zoonotic risk of tropical rat mite (Ornithonyssus bacoti) in exotic companion mammals in southern Italy

BACKGROUND

Exotic companion mammals are popular pets worldwide. They are a potential source of zoonotic infections transmissible to their owners.

HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES

To determine the prevalence and zoonotic risks of tropical rat mite (Ornithonyssus bacoti) in exotic companion mammals in Italy.

ANIMALS

The records of 782 exotic pet mammals seen in multiple veterinary clinics (n = 20), pet shops (n = 10) and private breeders (n = 2) around Naples (Italy) were searched.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The isolation of O. bacoti was the only inclusion criterion. Relative (in the subgroups) and absolute prevalence (in the entire population sampled) of clinical signs in pets and owners were calculated. The prevalence of clinical signs in pets and their owners was also calculated based on their housing (pet shops versus private housing) using Fisher's exact test. A P-value < 0.05 was considered significant. Seventy seven records (9.8%) of animals infested were identified. Of those, 33.8% (26 of 77) were hamsters, 25.9% (20 of 77) gerbils, 11.7% (nine of 77) guinea pigs, 7.8% (six of 77) rabbits, 7.8% (six of 77) degus, 5.2% (four of 77) kangaroo mice, 2.6% (two of 77) hedgehogs, 2.6% (two of 77) squirrels and 2.6% (two of 77) were sugar gliders. The frequency of owners affected by the rat mite dermatitis was very high in gerbils (20 of 20), hamsters (21 of 26) and guinea pigs (seven of nine).

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE

The results of the present survey indicate that exotic pet mammals may serve as an active reservoir for O. bacoti infestation. The results of this study also suggest a lack of species specificity for O. bacoti when favourable conditions are present (overcrowding).