Rodent mite dermatitis | |
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Other names | Rat mite dermatitis |
Specialty | Dermatology |
Rodent mite dermatitis (also known as rat mite dermatitis) is an often unrecognized ectoparasitosis occurring after human contact with haematophagous mesostigmatid mites that infest rodents, such as house mice, [1] rats [2] and hamsters. [3] The condition is associated with the tropical rat mite ( Ornithonyssus bacoti), spiny rat mite ( Laelaps echidnina) and house mouse mite ( Liponyssoides sanguineus) [4] which opportunistically feed on humans. Rodent mites are capable of surviving for long periods without feeding and travelling long distances when seeking hosts. [4] Cases have been reported in homes, libraries, [5] hospitals [6] and care homes. [7] A similar condition, known as gamasoidosis, is caused by avian mites. [8]
Rodent mite bites leave multiple groups or individual small itchy papules (around 1–2 mm in diameter) [7] on the skin ( papular urticaria). [9] [10] These are found mostly "on the upper extremities, neck, upper trunk and face". [7]
Diagnosis requires species identification of the parasite, which will be likely to be found in the environment of its host rather than on the host's skin. [10] Rodent mites are very small, for O. bacoti "female mites reach a size between 0.75 and 1.40 mm, males are a little smaller". [7]
The original rodent host of the mites must be located and eradicated, [11] and their nests removed. [12] Steps should also be taken to prevent future infestations, such as by blocking the rodents means of entry into the building. The patient's environment should then be treated, [10] using both non-residual and residual insecticides, mites crawling in the open can be removed by vacuuming or with a cloth moistened with alcohol. [12]
Bites can be treated with antihistamines and corticosteroids, to relieve the associated itching and allergic reactions. [7]
L. sanguineus has been implicated in the spread of Rickettsialpox. [13]
Rodent mite dermatitis | |
---|---|
Other names | Rat mite dermatitis |
Specialty | Dermatology |
Rodent mite dermatitis (also known as rat mite dermatitis) is an often unrecognized ectoparasitosis occurring after human contact with haematophagous mesostigmatid mites that infest rodents, such as house mice, [1] rats [2] and hamsters. [3] The condition is associated with the tropical rat mite ( Ornithonyssus bacoti), spiny rat mite ( Laelaps echidnina) and house mouse mite ( Liponyssoides sanguineus) [4] which opportunistically feed on humans. Rodent mites are capable of surviving for long periods without feeding and travelling long distances when seeking hosts. [4] Cases have been reported in homes, libraries, [5] hospitals [6] and care homes. [7] A similar condition, known as gamasoidosis, is caused by avian mites. [8]
Rodent mite bites leave multiple groups or individual small itchy papules (around 1–2 mm in diameter) [7] on the skin ( papular urticaria). [9] [10] These are found mostly "on the upper extremities, neck, upper trunk and face". [7]
Diagnosis requires species identification of the parasite, which will be likely to be found in the environment of its host rather than on the host's skin. [10] Rodent mites are very small, for O. bacoti "female mites reach a size between 0.75 and 1.40 mm, males are a little smaller". [7]
The original rodent host of the mites must be located and eradicated, [11] and their nests removed. [12] Steps should also be taken to prevent future infestations, such as by blocking the rodents means of entry into the building. The patient's environment should then be treated, [10] using both non-residual and residual insecticides, mites crawling in the open can be removed by vacuuming or with a cloth moistened with alcohol. [12]
Bites can be treated with antihistamines and corticosteroids, to relieve the associated itching and allergic reactions. [7]
L. sanguineus has been implicated in the spread of Rickettsialpox. [13]