[Animal mites transmissible to humans and associated zoonosis]. / Acarosis y zoonosis relacionadas.

Mites that affect animals (acariasis) can occasionally be transmitted to humans by incidental contact producing pruritus and dermatitis. Animals such as dogs, cats, mice, birds and reptiles, harbour several mite species. Hemophage mites and those that feed on lymph have the potential of transmitting important zoonotic agents (cuales??). The presence of lesions of unclear origin and a history of contact with pets or wild animals should alert towards the possibility of acariasis. Diagnosis is based on direct visualization of the mite,analysis of its morphology and obtaining information on the animal host. Awareness of these acarosis and the responsible care of pets and animals are the most relevant preventive measures.

Acarosis y zoonosis relacionadas / Animal mites transmissible to humans and associated zoonosis

Mites that affect animals (acariasis) can occasionally be transmitted to humans by incidental contact producing pruritus and dermatitis. Animals such as dogs, cats, mice, birds and reptiles, harbour several mite species. Hemophage mites and those that feed on lymph have the potential of transmitting important zoonotic agents (cuales??). The presence of lesions of unclear origin and a history of contact with pets or wild animals should alert towards the possibility of acariasis. Diagnosis is based on direct visualization of the mite,analysis of its morphology and obtaining information on the animal host. Awareness of these acarosis and the responsible care of pets and animals are the most relevant preventive measures.

Los ácaros de animales (acariasis) pueden transmitirse en forma accidental al hombre al estar en contacto con ellos, produciendo lesiones características (pápulas o vesículas) y ocasionando una dermatitis pruriginosa (acarosis). Existen diversas especies de ácaros, que se encuentran en perros, gatos, roedores, aves y reptiles. Los ácaros hematófagos o los que se alimentan de linfa tienen el potencial de transmitir importantes agentes zoonóticos. La presencia de lesiones sin una etiología clara y el antecedente de contacto con animales, tanto mascotas como animales silvestres, ayudan a plantear esta etiología. El diagnóstico se realiza con la visualización del acaro, morfología y tipo de hospedero animal. El conocimiento de estas acarosis y el control responsable de mascotas y animales, son las principales medidas de prevención.

Circulating IgE in patients with ordinary and crusted scabies.

Serum from seven patients with ordinary scabies and six with crusted scabies were screened by immunoblotting for IgE- and IgG-specific proteins in an extract of the mite, Sarcoptes scabiei variety canis. Sera from atopic individuals without sensitivity to house dust mites were used as controls. Serum from all of the patients with crusted scabies showed strong IgE binding to 11-21 and IgG binding to 1-7 scabies proteins. In contrast, three of the seven patients with ordinary scabies showed IgE binding to one to six scabies proteins, and their antibody binding was much weaker. Patients with crusted scabies had serum antibody that reacted with larger molecular weight proteins compared with patients with ordinary scabies. The results of this study indicate that patients with crusted scabies showed a pronounced IgE response to scabies mites, whereas patients with ordinary scabies did not.

A DNA fingerprinting system for the ectoparasite Sarcoptes scabiei.

We describe multiple hypervariable microsatellites that will provide a highly informative genetic marker system for the sarcoptid mite Sarcoptes scabiei. Eighteen positive clones containing the highly repetitive sequence (GA)n were isolated from a partial genomic library of S. scabiei. Ten of these clones were characterised by sequencing and primers were designed from the unique sequences flanking eight microsatellite loci. Genomic DNA was subsequently extracted from individual mites and the repeat blocks were amplified by way of [gamma 33P] ATP end-labelled polymerase chain reaction. Fragment length polymorphisms were revealed in three of the loci when resolved on polyacrylamide sequencing gels. The high levels of allelic variability demonstrated between individual mites enable these three loci to form a DNA fingerprinting system that will be suitable for epidemiological and taxonomic studies both within and between host species.

Scabies: the diagnosis of atypical cases.

In the current scabies pandemic, classic scabies is seen less frequently and special forms are becoming more common. The diagnosis of scabies has become, therefore, a challenge for clinicians. The well-known scabietic burrow is seen only very rarely today and, therefore, pathognomonic as it is, the diagnosis of scabies should not rely on this clinical sign. In our experience, examination of skin scrapings mounted on a slide with saline is the most practical bedside method and ideal for screening patients with suspected scabies. It is easy to perform, requires neither sophisticated tools nor special skill, and can be done in less than five minutes by every practitioner.

Scabies therapy--1993.

The addition of permethrin as a scabicide with low toxicity adds significantly to our therapeutic options for typical and special forms of scabies. Detailed specific management suggestions, as well as a scabies instruction sheet, are included. The management of crusted (Norwegian) scabies and scabies in human immunodeficiency virus-acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) is more difficult and may require, particularly in those intensely immunosuppressed, repeated treatment with scabicides and sometimes sequential use of several agents. Tolerance (resistance) to lindane was suggested in Central America but also in South America, Haiti, Egypt, and in clusters in the United States.

Scabies and pediculosis.

There has been a recent notable increase in scabies and pediculosis pubis and pediculosis capitis. Once the diagnosis is established (preferably by demonstrating the mite or louse), therapy includes consideration of a risk to benefit ratio, explanation of the nature of the infestation to the patient, application of appropriate therapeutic techniques, and follow-up procedures. Resistance of the Sarcoptes mite to modern scabicides has been suggested but not proved. Resistance of the head louse and body louse to modern pediculicides has been reported in other countries but not in the United States.