First report of Neotrombicula inopinata infestation in domestic cats from Portugal.

Trombiculids parasitize a wide variety of terrestrial vertebrates, including domestic animals, throughout the world. They are parasites only during their larval stages, causing several dermatological lesions on their hosts, such as acute dermatitis, erythema, excoriation, erosion, papules, crusts and alopecia on the ear margins, face, interdigital spaces and abdomen. Neotrombicula is one of the several genera in Trombiculidae family, which cause trombiculosis. The most common species implicated in clinical cases is Neotrombicula autumnalis. However, several reports have shown that Neotrombicula inopinata (Oudemans, 1909) can also play a role in trombiculosis. Here, we describe the first case of N. inopinata infestation in domestic cats from mainland Portugal. Since nucleic acids of Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Borrelia burgdorferi have been found in Neotrombicula autumnalis and Rickettsia spp. in Neotrombicula inopinata, a correct taxonomical identification is essential to understand the role of these mite species as possible vectors of pathogens.

Trombiculiasis: not only a matter of animals!

Trombiculiasis represents a striking emerging infestation in humans. In fact, modified lifestyles and easy and quick traveling around the globe, together with the altered ecology and habits of the parasite Neotrombicula autumnalis, make this original epizoonosis an extraordinary example of synanthropic dermatosis. We present an additional clinical image of this unusual parasite transmission from animals to humans occurring in a trekker in Calabria, Italy.

Feline trombiculosis: a retrospective study in 72 cats.

BACKGROUND: Trombiculosis is the infestation of a host by the larval form of mites belonging to the Trombiculidae family. Few data are available regarding this infestation in cats. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: The aim of this retrospective study was to report data, clinical signs, diagnostic and therapeutic features of feline trombiculosis. METHODS: Clinical records of cats presented for dermatological examination or annual vaccination in Italy, from 2002 to 2012, were retrospectively searched using the key words trombiculosis, cat and Neotrombicula. RESULTS: Seventy-two indoor/outdoor domestic short-hair cats with infestation by Neotrombicula autumnalis were enrolled. Pruritus was reported by the owners in 43% of cases, while 57% of cats were asymptomatic. The most common clinical signs included sudden onset of pruritus and the appearance of orange-coloured granules on the skin. Mites were found incidentally in 12 cats. The larvae were localized in multiple sites in 68% of cases. The most frequently affected area was the ear (80.5% of cases). Mites were more often identified in autumn (41 cases). Eleven cats were diagnosed during winter, 13 in spring and seven in summer. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: This retrospective study suggests that feline trombiculosis is probably underestimated as a cause of pruritus and dermatological lesions. Epidemiological data regarding this infestation in cats are still lacking, and it will be interesting to perform a multicentre study to increase knowledge of this disease.

Conjunctivitis induced by a red bodied mite, Neotrombicula autumnalis.

This is a description of an unusual case of conjunctivitis caused by a trombiculid red mite, Neotrombicula autumnalis. The patient's condition improved only after its removal and with application of carbomer gel eye drops. There have been reports of increasing numbers of severe cases of trombiculosis over the last 15 years particularly in Germany and a number of cases have also been reported in the United Kingdom. Cases where trombiculid larvae feed on any region of the head or face of humans are unknown. In addition it is most likely the patient acquired the infection from her pet cat and this is the first description of acquisition from this animal.

[Trombiculiasis in humans]. / Trombidiose des Menschen.

Trombiculiasis is an epizoonosis that occurs worldwide and is caused by various types of chiggers. Clinical findings after accidental contact with the parasitic mite larvae include erythematous papules and urticarial plaques, to some extent with vesicular transformation, which can lead to excoriations due to the intense pruritus. Prophylaxis against exposure is recommended when visiting areas known to be colonized by mites. Reactions to bites can be treated by local application of alcohol compresses or zinc lotions and external application of agents containing polidocanol or glucocorticosteroid. Systemic antihistamines are indicated to control itching.

Treatment of Neotrombicula autumnalis dermatitis in dogs using two topical permethrin-pyriproxyfen combinations.

Few data are available in the literature on the dermatological consequences and treatment of Neotrombicula autumnalis infestation in dogs and cats. In this study, 15 dogs naturally infested with Neotrombicula were affected with moderate to severe pruritic dermatitis. The dermatitis resolved with successful treatment of the parasitic infestation. In 14 dogs, treatment using a topical permethrin-pyriproxyfen combination (pump-spray or 'line-on') was effective within one to three weeks. Two applications were necessary in four dogs. Careful follow-up was conducted in all cases. Statistical analysis was performed to assess the impact of treatment on the parasite population and clinical signs over the three-week study period.

Large-bodied Demodex mite infestation in 4 dogs.

Large-bodied Demodex mites were detected in 4 dogs. The mites were readily detected in material obtained via deep skin scrapings and were most commonly found on the trunk. The mites were distinguishable from D. canis, because adult males were approximately 100% longer and adult females were approximately 50% longer than adult male and female D. canis mites, respectively. The large-bodied mites were found in the hair follicles, sebaceous ducts, and sebaceous glands in histologic sections of skin from 2 dogs. All dogs had adult-onset generalized demodicosis. Two dogs had coexistent iatrogenic hypercortisolism, 1 dog had hypothyroidism, and 1 dog did not have coexistent disease. Infestations responded to miticidal therapy, control of the coexistent disease, or both.

Treatment of Trombicula autumnalis infestation in dogs and cats with a 0.25 per cent fipronil pump spray.

To evaluate the efficacy of fipronil in controlling trombiculid infestations, 18 dogs and three cats infested with Trombicula autumnalis larvae were treated monthly from examination to the end of the Trombicula season (range one to four months) with a 0.25 per cent fipronil spray applied to the whole body, with particular emphasis on the feet, face, ears, perineum and tail. No other antiparasite measures were used. Follow-up was by clinical examination and telephone interview until the end of the Trombicula season (range one to four months). No adverse effects were seen. Monthly treatment controlled trombiculids in 15 dogs. In two dogs localised pedal reinfestations were controlled with additional local application of fipronil to the feet every 14 days. In one dog therapy was of no benefit. In the three cats, treatment was initially effective, but generalised infestations recurred after seven to 10 days. Fipronil is a safe and effective treatment for trombiculid infestations in dogs. Residual activity lasts for 14 to 30 days. Further studies are required to examine the apparent short duration of efficacy in cats.

Tunguíase / Tunguiasis

O autor faz uma revisäo da história, morfológia, biologia, clínica e terapêutica da tunguíase. Relata suas observaçöes destacando nove casos generalizados tratados com tiabendazol

[Trombiculid mite--Neotrombicula autumnalis (Shaw 1790)--in veterinary medicine. Nervous systems in dogs following massive infestation]. / Zur Bedeutung der Herbstgrasmilbe--Neotrombicula autumnalis (Shaw 1790)--in der Veterinärmedizin: Nervale Symptome bei Hunden nach massiver Infestation.

Initially the biology of chigger mites and the clinical course of Trombiculosis is reviewed. This is followed by a case study dealing for the first time with nervous symptoms associated with this disease. Twenty-four hours after a massive infestation of at least 2000 larvae of N. a. autumnalis two male Yorkshire terriers of approximately three years of age showed initial stages of paresis of the rear extremities in a few hours. The lameness worsened to such an extent that the front extremities were also affected and the dogs could no longer stand. After repeated acaricide treatments and symptomatic therapy these nervous symptoms disappeared within three days.