First report of a hawfinch (Coccothraustes coccothraustes) parasitized by Harpirhynchus nidulans in the Iberian Peninsula.

Some avian Harpirhynchidae mites live under the skin and develop cutaneous cysts. Despite the obvious lesions that these parasites can produce, little is currently known about the behavioural disturbances that cyst-forming mites may cause in infected wild birds. We report an infection by Harpirhynchidae mites in a hawfinch (Coccothraustes coccothraustes) in southeast Spain. The bird was easily captured due to its inability to fly. During clinical examination it was found to have multiple severe traumatic injuries, possibly due to a blow or a fall, as result of which the bird was euthanized. At necropsy, the hawfinch was found to be in good body condition. Two yellowish and friable mite-filled cysts were detected in the subalar region of both wings. Mites were morphologically identified as Harpirhynchus nidulans, and histological analysis of the cystic lesions was also performed. This is the first time that the occurrence of a hawfinch infected by H. nidulans in the Iberian Peninsula has been reported.

New record of Cheyletiella parasitivorax (Mégnin, 1878) (Trombidiformes: Cheyletidae) from Brazil with an illustrated key to species for the genus / Novo registro de Cheyletiella parasitivorax (Mégnin, 1878) (Trombidiformes: Cheyletidae) para o Brasil, com uma chave ilustrada das espécies deste gênero

Abstract The cheyletid mites that parasitize mammals have been neglected for a long time in Brazil, although they can be common on pets and cause injury to their hosts. Recently, Cheyletiella parasitivorax was found parasitizing a rabbit in Brazil which represents a new host and distribution record for the mite species. An illustrated dichotomous key for the identification of the species in this genus and data from the literature are provided.

Resumo Os ácaros da família Cheyletidae que parasitam mamíferos são negligenciados há muito tempo no Brasil, embora eles sejam comuns em animais domésticos. Considerando as dificuldades morfológicas para diagnosticar as espécies dessa família que infestam mamíferos, este estudo refere-se a uma nova ocorrência de Cheyletiella parasitivorax incluindo os poucos registros de literatura. Além disso, também está sendo apresentada uma chave dicotômica ilustrada para identificação de espécies desse gênero.

Ultrastructure and functional morphology of dermal glands in the freshwater mite Limnochares aquatica (L., 1758) (Acariformes, Limnocharidae).

This study is the first attempt to describe the ultrastructure and functional morphology of the dermal glands in Limnochares aquatica (L., 1758). The dermal glands were studied using light-optical, SEM and TEM microscopy methods during different stages of their activity. In contrast to the vast majority of other fresh water mites, dermal glands of the studied species are originally multiplied and scattered freely over the mite body surface. The opening of the glands is saddle-like, formed of several tight cuticular folds and oriented freely to the long axis of the mite body. Either a small cuticular spine or, rarely, a slim sensitive seta is placed on one pole of the opening. On the inside, the central gland portion is provided with a complex cuticular helicoid armature. The glands are composed of prismatic cells situated around the intra-alveolar lumen, variously present, and look like a fig-fruit with the basal surface facing the body cavity. The glands are provided with extremely numerous microtubules, frequently arranged in bundles, and totally devoid of synthetic apparatus such as RER cisterns and Golgi bodies. Three states of the gland morphology depending on their functional activity may be recognized: (i) glands without secretion with highly folded cell walls and numerous microtubules within the cytoplasm, (ii) glands with an electron-dense granular secretion in the expanded vacuoles and (iii) glands with the secretion totally extruded presenting giant empty vacuoles bordered with slim cytoplasmic strips on the periphery. Summer specimens usually show the first gland state, whereas winter specimens, conversely, more often demonstrate the second and the third states. This situation may depend on some factors like changes of the seasonal temperature, pH, or oxygenation of the ambient water. On the assumption of the morphological characters, dermal glands may be classified not as secretory but as a special additional excretory organ system of the body cavity. Despite the glands lack cambial cells, restoration of functions after releasing of 'secretion' looks possible. Organization of dermal glands is discussed in comparison to other water mites studied.

Dermatoses associated with mites other than Sarcoptes.

Mites are arthropods of the subclass Acari (Acarina). Although Sarcoptes is the mite most commonly recognized as a cause of human skin disease in the United States, numerous other mite-associated dermatoses have been described, and merit familiarity on the part of physicians treating skin disease. This review discusses several non-scabies mites and their associated diseases, including Demodex, chiggers, Cheyletiella, bird mites, grain itch, oak leaf itch, grocer's itch, tropical rat mite, snake mite, and Psoroptes.

Infestation of two brown-headed cowbirds (Molothrus ater) with the hunchback mite (Harpirhynchus quasimodo).

A recently described North American mite, Harpirhynchus quasimodo (Acariformes: Harpirhynchidae), was identified in a wild brown-headed cowbird (Molothrus ater) from Tennessee and another from Arkansas, U. S. A., during 2010 and 2011, respectively. Consistent with a single previous report of H. quasimodo infestation, both cowbirds had multiple skin masses composed of epidermal cysts filled with harpirhynchid mites, keratin, and cellular debris. Although very little is currently known about this avian mite, these three reports suggest that H. quasimodo infestation is a rare source of overt disease in free-ranging brown-headed cowbirds from the southeastern United States; however, further research and surveillance efforts are needed.

Morphometric variations of laelapine mite (Acari: Mesostigmata) populations infesting small mammals (Mammalia) in Brazil / Variações morfométricas de populações de ácaros lelapíneos (Acari: Mesostigmata) que infestam pequenos mamíferos

The goal of this study was to evaluate the morphometric variation of laelapine populations (Acari, Mesostigmata) associated with neotropical oryzomyine rodents at different geographic localities in Brazil. Three nominal mite species were selected for study, all infesting the pelage of small mammals at different localities in Rio de Janeiro, Espírito Santo, Bahia, and the Federal District, Brazil. To analyse morphometric characteristics, thirty-seven morphological characters distributed across the whole body of each specimen were measured. We use the Analysis of Principal Components, extracting the three first axes and projecting each mite in these axes. Major species level changes in the taxonomy of the host mammals allows an independent examination of morphometric variation of mites infesting a set of distinctly different host species at different geographic localities. Gigantolaelaps vitzthumi and Laelaps differens are associated with oryzomyine rodents of the genus Cerradomys, and consistently showed a tendency to cluster by host phylogeny. Laelaps manguinhosi associated with Nectomys rattus in central Brazil is morphometrically distinct from mites infesting N. squamipes in the coastal restingas of Rio de Janeiro and Espírito Santo. The results obtained here indicate that laelapine mite populations can vary among geographic areas and among phylogenetically related host species. Clearly, the study of these mites at the population level can be an important tool for clarifying the taxonomy of both mites and hosts.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a variação morfométrica de populações de lelapíneos (Acari, Mesostigmata) associados com pequenos roedores oryzomíneos neotropicais, em diferentes localidades geográficas do Brasil. Três espécies nominais de ácaros foram selecionadas para este estudo, sendo aqueles que infestam a pelagem de pequenos mamíferos em diferentes localidades nos Estados de Rio de Janeiro, Espírito Santo e Bahia, e no Distrito Federal. Para analisar as características morfométricas, 37 caracteres morfológicos, distribuídos por todo o corpo de cada espécime, foram medidos. Nós usamos a Análise de Componentes Principais, extraindo os três primeiros eixos e projetando as medidas de cada ácaro nesses eixos. Mudanças importantes na taxonomia dos mamíferos hospedeiros permitem um exame independente da variação morfométrica de ácaros que infestam um grupo de espécies de hospedeiros distinto, em diferentes localidades geográficas. Gigantolaelaps vitzthumi e Laelapsdifferens estão associados com roedores orizomíneos de gênero Cerradomys e, consistentemente, mostraram uma tendência a se agrupar pela filogenia do hospedeiro. Laelaps manguinhosi associado com Nectomys rattus no Brasil Central é morfometricamente distinto das populações de ácaros que infestam N. squamipes nas restingas costeiras de Rio de Janeiro e Espírito Santo. Os resultados obtidos neste estudo indicam que populações de ácaros laelapíneos podem variar entre áreas geográficas e, especialmente, entre espécies hospedeiras relacionadas filogeneticamente. Claramente, o estudo desses ácaros em nível populacional pode ser uma importante ferramenta para esclarecer a taxonomia tanto dos ácaros quanto de seus hospedeiros.

Genetic variation underlying the expression of a polyphenism.

Polyphenic traits are widespread and represent a conditional strategy sensitive to environmental cues. The environmentally cued threshold (ET) model considers the switchpoint between alternative phenotypes as a polygenic quantitative trait with normally distributed variation. However, the genetic variation for switchpoints has rarely been explored empirically. Here, we used inbred lines to investigate the genetic variation for the switchpoint in the mite Rhizoglyphus echinopus, in which males are either fighters or scramblers. The conditionality of male dimorphism varied among inbred lines, indicating that there was genetic variation for switchpoints in the base population, as predicted by the ET model. Our results also suggest a mixture between canalized and conditional strategists in R. echinopus. We propose that major genes that canalize morph expression and affect the extent to which a trait can be conditionally expressed could be a feature of the genetic architecture of threshold traits in other taxa.

[Chronic blepharitis: which role for Demodex folliculorum? A case report]. / Blépharite chronique : quel rôle pour Demodex folliculorum ? A propos d'un cas.

We present a 73-year-old woman presented to our hospital with a 2 years history of eyes itching. The ophthalmological testing was normal. Physical examination revealed blepharitis and lesions acnea-like on mouth, nose and chest. Biological testing revealed no abnormalities. Histologic study and direct immunofluorescence on a cutaneous biopsy were no contributive. The research of an allergic origine was practised by cutaneous and serological tests and negative. An examination of eyelashes was performed and yielded Demodex. Demodex folliculorum is a mite that is the most common permanent ectoparasite of humans, which is thought to be linked to blepharitis and allergic blepharoconjunctivis with rosacea, although much controversy persists. Recent studies demonstrate a high frequence of chronic blepharitis when Demodex are abundant. Several molecules can be used to treat this infestation. Parasiticide as oral ivermectine may be useful when the infestation is important.

Geographic pattern of morphological variation of the coconut mite, Aceria guerreronis Keifer (Acari: Eriophyidae), using multivariate morphometry / Padrão geográfico de variação morfológica do ácaro do coqueiro, Aceria guerreronis Keifer (Acari: Eriophyidae), utilizando morfometria multivariada

The coconut mite, Aceria guerreronis Keifer, has become one of the most important pests of coconut in the Americas and Africa and recently in Southeast Asia. Despite the great economic importance of this mite, there is a lack of information on its origin and invasion history that are important to guide the search of biological control agents as well as the adoption of quarantine procedures. This study evaluates morphometric variation among A. guerreronis populations throughout its occurrence area, relates this variation with historical sequence of records, looking for information on its biogeography. Samples of 27 populations from the Americas, Africa and Asia were analysed using Principal Component Analysis and Canonical Discriminant Analysis. Results showed significant morphometric variability of A. uerreronis throughout its distribution area, with a high variability among American populations and otherwise a high similarity among African and Asian populations. The geographic pattern of variation of mite populations observed supports the hypothesis that A. guerreronis originated in the Americas and was introduced into Africa and Asia. Some inferences related to taxonomy of Eriophyoidea mites were included.

O ácaro do coqueiro, Aceria guerreronis Keifer, se tornou uma das pragas mais importantes do coqueiro nas Américas e África e, recentemente, no sudeste da Ásia. Apesar da importância econômica deste ácaro, faltam informações sobre sua origem e seu histórico de invasão, o que é importante para orientar a busca de agentes de controle biológico assim como a adoção de medidas quarentenárias. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a variação morfométrica entre populações de A. guerreronis ao longo de sua área de ocorrência, relacionar esta variação com a sequência histórica de registros, buscando informações sobre sua biogeografia. Amostras de 27 populações das Américas, África e Ásia foram analisadas utilizando-se Análise dos Componentes Principais e Análise Discriminante Canônica. Os resultados mostraram uma significante variabilidade de A. guerreronis ao longo de sua área de distribuição, com uma alta variabilidade entre as populações americanas e, por outro lado, uma alta similaridade entre populações africanas e asiáticas. O padrão geográfico de variação de populações do ácaro observado suporta a hipótese de que A. guerreronis é originário da América e foi introduzido na África e Ásia. Algumas inferências relacionadas à taxonomia de ácaros Eriophyoidea foram incluídas.

Organization of unusual idiosomal glands in a water mite, Teutonia cometes (Teutoniidae).

The unusual idiosomal glands of a water mite Teutonia cometes (Koch 1837) were examined by means of transmission and scanning electron microscopy as well as on semi-thin sections. One pair of these glands is situated ventrally in the body cavity of the idiosoma. They run posteriorly from the terminal opening (distal end) on epimeres IV and gradually dilate to their proximal blind end. The terminal opening of each gland is armed with the two fine hair-like mechanoreceptive sensilla ('pre-anal external' setae). The proximal part of the glands is formed of columnar secretory epithelium with a voluminous central lumen containing a large single 'globule' of electron-dense secretory material. The secretory gland cells contain large nuclei and intensively developed rough endoplasmic reticulum. Secretory granules of Golgi origin are scattered throughout the cell volume in small groups and are discharged from the cells into the lumen between the scarce apical microvilli. The distal part of the glands is formed of another cell type that is not secretory. These cells are composed of narrow strips of the cytoplasm leaving the large intracellular vacuoles. A short excretory cuticular duct formed by special excretory duct cells connects the glands with the external medium. At the base of the terminal opening a cuticular funnel strengthens the gland termination. At the apex of this funnel a valve prevents back-flow of the extruded secretion. These glands, as other dermal glands of water mites, are thought to play a protective role and react to external stimuli with the help of the hair-like sensilla.

A cytogenetics study of Hydrodroma despiciens (Müller, 1776) (Acari: Hydrachnellae: Hydrodromidae)

The karyotypes of water mites (Acari: Hydrachnellae: Hydrodromidae) are largely unknown. The present investigation is the first report of a study designed to characterize the chromosomes of water mites. The study was carried out with specimens of Hydrodroma despiciens collected from Eber Lake in Afyon, Turkey. Several different methods were tried to obtain chromosomes of this species. However, somatic cell culture proved to be the most effective for the preparation of chromosomes. In the present study, we determined the diploid chromosome number of Hydrodroma despiciens to be 2n = 16. However, a large metacentric chromosome was found in each metaphase, which we believed to be the X chromosome. We could not determine the sex chromosomes of this species. This study is the first approach to the cytogenetic characterization of this water mite group. Furthermore, these cytogenetic data will contribute to the understanding of the phylogenetic relationship among water mites. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the cytogenetics of water mites.

Ontogenetic changes in the chemistry and morphology of oil glands in Hermannia convexa (Acari: Oribatida).

As a first example for the chemistry of oil gland secretions in the Hermannioidea (one of the three superfamilies of desmonomatan Oribatida), the oil gland secretion of Hermannia convexa was investigated by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Hexane extracts of all juvenile stages showed a multicomponent chromatographic pattern, mainly consisting of well-known oil gland secretion components such as neral, geranial, gamma-acaridial and the unsaturated C17-hydrocarbons, 6,9-heptadecadiene and 8-heptadecene. The secretion profiles of juveniles varied slightly between samples of two different collections, namely in the presence of gamma-acaridial and 8-heptadecene. Furthermore, a minor component, identified as 1,8-cineole (= eucalyptol) and hitherto not known from oil gland secretions of other species, was recorded in both juvenile and adult extracts. In adult profiles, 1,8-cineole, in low amounts, represented the only detectable component; thus, their profiles fundamentally differed from those of juveniles. A subsequent histological investigation revealed well developed oil glands in all juvenile stages, but degenerated oil glands in adults, consistent with the chemical data. So far, apart from H. convexa, degeneration of oil glands in the course of ontogenetic development is only known from a brachypylid species; on the other hand, chemical oil gland-polymorphism between juveniles and adults may occur in closely related Nothridae while it does not occur in oil glands of early- and middle-derivative Oribatida (Parhyposomata, Mixonomata, trhypochthoniid Desmonomata), nor in astigmatid mites.

[Demodicidosis in humans as a current problem in dermatology]. / Demodekoza u ludzi jako aktualny problem w dermatologii.

Demodex mites are common parasites in the hair follicles and in the pilosebaceous glands. Demodex folliculorum and D. brevis have been identified in humans and play a role in three facial conditions: Pityriasis folliculorum, rosacea-like demodicidosis and Demodicidosis gravis. The highly infected sites by this mites are: forehead, area around the orbit, area around the nose, chin and area around the mouth. Infection of the skin by D. folliculorum is more frequent among females and in the elderly people. The presence of mites can be determined by microscopic inspection of secretion from sebum glands and skin surface biopsy. The aim of our study was to report a 25-year-old woman suffering from skin diseases with high D. folliculorum density.

Male genital system and spermiogenesis of Nanorchestes amphibius (Acari: Endeostigmata: Nanorchestidae): anatomy, histology, and evolutionary implications.

In the present article the anatomy and histology of the male genital system of an endeostigmatid mite are described for the first time. The Endeostigmata probably are a paraphyletic group supposed to include the most primitive actinotrichid mites. In Nanorchestes amphibius, the testis comprises a paired germinal region connected with an unpaired glandular region. In the germinal region, spermiogenesis takes place in cysts of a somatic cell containing germ cells representing the same developmental stage. In the lumen of the glandular region, the spermatozoa are stored together with secretions of the glandular epithelium. These secretions are probably involved in the formation of spermatophores. From the glandular region, spermatozoa and secretions are released into the vasa deferentia that histologically can be divided into three sections, beginning with a short paired region with strong circular muscles serving as a sphincter, continuing with a paired proximal zone, followed by a short unpaired distal section. The distal vas deferens leads into the chitinous, unpaired ductus ejaculatorius which is followed by the progenital chamber. The ductus ejaculatorius is composed of a proximal section and a proximal, central, and anterior chamber. It is accompanied by a complex system of muscles and sclerites probably involved in the formation and ejaculation of the spermatophore. A similar organization can also be found in Prostigmata, but not in Oribatida. Anterior to the progenital chamber is located a paired accessory gland that probably produces a lipid secretion. Spermiogenesis is characterized by disintegration of the nuclear envelope, condensation of chromatin, and extensive reduction of the amount of sperm cell cytoplasm. The mature aflagellate, U-shaped spermatozoa are simple in structure and lack mitochondria and an acrosome complex. The results do not support the current view that Nanorchestidae are more closely related to Sarcoptiformes, i.e., Oribatida and Astigmata, than to Prostigmata.

Androlaelaps rotundus Fonseca (Acari: Laelapidae) associated with akodontine rodents in Paraguay: a morphometric examination of a pleioxenous ectoparasite

A multivariate analysis of morphometric data suggests that the nominally pleioxenous ectoparasite, Androlaelaps rotundus, includes at least three distinct host-associated populations in Paraguay. Where multiple akodontine hosts occur sympatrically, each host species is accompanied by a morphologically distinct mite population. These host-mite associations were consistent across all localities, implying that A. rotundus is a complex of unrecognized species

Oribatid mites (Acari, Oribatida) as intermediate hosts of tapeworms of the Family Anoplocephalidae (Cestoda) and the transmission of Moniezia expansa cysticercoids in South Africa.

Six species of adult oribatid mites (Galumna racilis, Kilimabates pilosus, Kilimabates sp., Scheloribates fusifer, Muliercula ngoyensis and Zygoribatula undulata) and two immature stages belonging to the superfamilies Galumnoidea and Ceratozetoidea were isolated from a lawn (mixed Pennisetum and Cynodon spp.) at Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute, South Africa. The mites were subsequently used in an infection trial using Moniezia expansa eggs. Tapeworm cysticercoids were recovered in G. racilis, K. pilosus, Kilimabates sp., S. fusifer, M. ngoyensis and Z. undulata, as well as in immatures of Ceratozetoidea. The percentage of infected mites was 7,6, 6,3, 16,4, 66,7, 57,1, 60,0 and 46,7% respectively. Immatures of Galumnoidea did not become infected. The highest number of cysticercoids isolated from one individual was six from an adult S. fusifer.

New feather mite species of the family pteronyssidae (Astigmata: Analgoidea) from South African passerines (Aves: Passeriformes).

Four new species of feather mites belonging to three different genera of the family Pteronyssidae are described from passerine birds of South Africa: Pteroherpus africanus sp. n. from the garden bulbul Pycnonotus barbatus (Desfontaines) (Pycnonotidae), Pteroherpus cysticolae sp. n. from the wing-snapped cisticola Cisticola ayresii Hartlaub (Sylviidae), Pteronyssoides promeropis sp. n. from the Gurney's sugarbird Promerops gurneyi Verreaux (Promeropidae), and Sturnotrogus creatophorae sp. n. from the wattled starling Creatophora cinerea Menschen (Sturnidae). A brief review of recent publications on the taxonomy of the family Pteronyssidae is given.

Sarna EM agapornis causada por megninia cubitalis, (acarina, analgidae) e seu tratamento / Depluming itch in agapornis caused by megninia cubitalis (acarina; analgidae) and its treatment

Se estandarizó la reacción de polimerización en cadena (PCR) para el diagnóstico parasitológico de la enfermedad de Chagas. Se determinó condiciones de estandarización de DNA, así como las concentraciones óptimas de dNTPs, partidores, Taq DNA polimerasa y las condiciones de termociclación. Se determino que el ensayo es capaz de amplificar hasta 100 fg de DNa templado de Trypanosoma cruzi, con una sensibilidad diagnóstica de 2 x 10-² parásitos/ml. Los productos de PCR amplificados demostraron ser específicos mediante ensayos de hibridación con una sonda de DNA kinetoplastídico de T. cruzi

[Demodex in a needle puncture of the skin of the cheekbone area. Report of a case and short description of the parasite]. / Le Demodex dans une cytoponction de la peau de la pommette. Rapport d'un cas et brève description du parasite.

A fine-needle aspiration performed in the cheekbone area of a 59-years old man detected Demodex mites. It is a fortuitous discovery in this patient with rosacea and maxillary sinusitis, which permitted to identify and describe this parasite rarely found in cytological smears.