Acariasis: Difference between revisions

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Acariasis

Acariasis is a condition caused by infestation with mites, which are small arthropods belonging to the subclass Acari. Mites are closely related to ticks and are found in a variety of environments, including soil, water, and as parasites on plants and animals. Acariasis can affect humans, domestic animals, and wildlife, leading to a range of clinical manifestations depending on the species of mite involved.

Etiology

Acariasis is caused by various species of mites. Some of the most common mites that cause acariasis in humans include:

Sarcoptes scabiei: This mite causes scabies, a contagious skin condition characterized by intense itching and a pimple-like skin rash.
Demodex spp.: These mites are part of the normal skin flora but can cause demodicosis when they proliferate excessively, leading to skin conditions such as rosacea.
Trombiculidae: Also known as chiggers, these mites can cause intense itching and dermatitis.

In animals, acariasis can be caused by mites such as:

Otodectes cynotis: The ear mite, which commonly affects cats and dogs, leading to otitis externa.
Psoroptes spp.: These mites cause psoroptic mange in livestock.
Sarcoptes scabiei: Also affects animals, causing sarcoptic mange.

Pathophysiology

The pathophysiology of acariasis varies depending on the mite species and the host's immune response. Mites can cause direct damage to the skin by burrowing or feeding, leading to inflammation and irritation. The host's immune response to mite antigens can also contribute to the clinical symptoms, such as itching and rash.

In some cases, mites can act as vectors for other pathogens, transmitting diseases such as rickettsialpox or scrub typhus.

Clinical Manifestations

The clinical manifestations of acariasis depend on the mite species and the host. Common symptoms include:

Itching: Often severe and worse at night.
Rash: May appear as papules, vesicles, or pustules.
Secondary infections: Due to scratching and skin barrier disruption.

In animals, symptoms may include:

Hair loss
Thickened skin
Ear discharge

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of acariasis is based on clinical examination and identification of mites. Techniques include:

Skin scraping: To collect mites for microscopic examination.
Dermatoscopy: To visualize mites in the skin.
Biopsy: In some cases, to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment of acariasis involves eliminating the mites and managing symptoms. Options include:

Topical scabicides: Such as permethrin or ivermectin.
Oral medications: Ivermectin may be used for systemic treatment.
Antihistamines: To relieve itching.

In animals, treatment may involve topical or systemic acaricides and supportive care.

Prevention

Preventive measures include:

Good hygiene: Regular washing of clothing and bedding.
Avoiding contact: With infested individuals or animals.
Environmental control: Reducing mite habitats in homes and farms.

Also see

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-<br>== Acariasis ==
+Acariasis
-'''Acariasis''' is a condition caused by infestation with mites, which are small arthropods belonging to the subclass Acari. Mites are closely related to ticks and are found in a variety of environments, including soil, water, and as parasites on plants and animals. Acariasis can affect humans, animals, and plants, leading to a range of symptoms depending on the type of mite involved.
+Acariasis is a condition caused by infestation with mites, which are small arthropods belonging to the subclass [[Acari]]. Mites are closely related to ticks and are found in a variety of environments, including soil, water, and as parasites on plants and animals. Acariasis can affect humans, domestic animals, and wildlife, leading to a range of clinical manifestations depending on the species of mite involved.
-=== Types of Acariasis ===
+== Etiology ==
+Acariasis is caused by various species of mites. Some of the most common mites that cause acariasis in humans include:
-Acariasis can be classified based on the type of mite causing the infestation:
+* '''[[Sarcoptes scabiei]]''': This mite causes [[scabies]], a contagious skin condition characterized by intense itching and a pimple-like skin rash.
+* '''[[Demodex]] spp.''': These mites are part of the normal skin flora but can cause [[demodicosis]] when they proliferate excessively, leading to skin conditions such as rosacea.
+* '''[[Trombiculidae]]''': Also known as chiggers, these mites can cause intense itching and dermatitis.
-* '''Sarcoptic Acariasis''': Caused by the ''Sarcoptes scabiei'' mite, this condition is commonly known as scabies. It is characterized by intense itching and a rash, often in the form of small red bumps or blisters. The mites burrow into the skin to lay eggs, leading to an allergic reaction.
+In animals, acariasis can be caused by mites such as:
-* '''Demodectic Acariasis''': Caused by ''Demodex'' mites, which are typically found in the hair follicles and sebaceous glands of mammals. In humans, ''Demodex folliculorum'' and ''Demodex brevis'' are the most common species. While often asymptomatic, heavy infestations can lead to skin conditions such as rosacea or demodicosis.
+* '''[[Otodectes cynotis]]''': The ear mite, which commonly affects cats and dogs, leading to otitis externa.
+* '''[[Psoroptes]] spp.''': These mites cause psoroptic mange in livestock.
+* '''[[Sarcoptes scabiei]]''': Also affects animals, causing sarcoptic mange.
-* '''Trombiculiasis''': Caused by the larvae of trombiculid mites, also known as chiggers. These mites attach to the skin and cause intense itching and dermatitis.
+== Pathophysiology ==
+The pathophysiology of acariasis varies depending on the mite species and the host's immune response. Mites can cause direct damage to the skin by burrowing or feeding, leading to inflammation and irritation. The host's immune response to mite antigens can also contribute to the clinical symptoms, such as itching and rash.
-* '''Psoroptic Acariasis''': Caused by ''Psoroptes'' mites, which affect animals such as sheep, cattle, and rabbits. This condition is characterized by severe itching and skin lesions.
+In some cases, mites can act as vectors for other pathogens, transmitting diseases such as [[rickettsialpox]] or [[scrub typhus]].
-* '''Otodectic Acariasis''': Caused by ''Otodectes cynotis'', commonly known as ear mites, which infest the ear canals of animals, particularly cats and dogs.
+== Clinical Manifestations ==
+The clinical manifestations of acariasis depend on the mite species and the host. Common symptoms include:
-=== Transmission ===
+* '''Itching''': Often severe and worse at night.
+* '''Rash''': May appear as papules, vesicles, or pustules.
+* '''Secondary infections''': Due to scratching and skin barrier disruption.
-Mites can be transmitted through direct contact with an infested host or through contact with contaminated environments. For example, scabies is highly contagious and can spread through skin-to-skin contact or sharing of clothing and bedding. In animals, mites can spread through close contact in crowded conditions, such as in shelters or farms.
+In animals, symptoms may include:
-=== Symptoms ===
+* '''Hair loss'''
+* '''Thickened skin'''
+* '''Ear discharge'''
-The symptoms of acariasis vary depending on the type of mite and the host's response to the infestation. Common symptoms include:
+== Diagnosis ==
+Diagnosis of acariasis is based on clinical examination and identification of mites. Techniques include:
-* Intense itching
+* '''Skin scraping''': To collect mites for microscopic examination.
-* Redness and rash
+* '''Dermatoscopy''': To visualize mites in the skin.
-* Skin lesions or blisters
+* '''Biopsy''': In some cases, to confirm the diagnosis.
-* Hair loss (in animals)
-* Secondary bacterial infections due to scratching
-In severe cases, mite infestations can lead to systemic symptoms such as fever or lymphadenopathy.
+== Treatment ==
+Treatment of acariasis involves eliminating the mites and managing symptoms. Options include:
-=== Diagnosis ===
+* '''Topical scabicides''': Such as permethrin or ivermectin.
+* '''Oral medications''': Ivermectin may be used for systemic treatment.
+* '''Antihistamines''': To relieve itching.
-Diagnosis of acariasis typically involves a clinical examination and history taking. Skin scrapings, biopsies, or adhesive tape tests may be used to identify mites or their eggs under a microscope. In some cases, dermoscopy can aid in visualizing mites in the skin.
+In animals, treatment may involve topical or systemic acaricides and supportive care.
-=== Treatment ===
+== Prevention ==
+Preventive measures include:
-Treatment of acariasis depends on the type of mite involved. Common treatments include:
+* '''Good hygiene''': Regular washing of clothing and bedding.
+* '''Avoiding contact''': With infested individuals or animals.
+* '''Environmental control''': Reducing mite habitats in homes and farms.
-* Topical or oral acaricides, such as permethrin or ivermectin, to kill mites.
+== Also see ==
-* Antihistamines or corticosteroids to alleviate itching and inflammation.
+* [[Scabies]]
-* Antibiotics for secondary bacterial infections.
+* [[Demodicosis]]
+* [[Mange]]
+* [[Rickettsialpox]]
+* [[Scrub typhus]]
-Environmental decontamination, such as washing bedding and clothing in hot water, is also important to prevent reinfestation.
+{{Infectious diseases}}
+{{Parasitic diseases}}
-=== Prevention ===
+[[Category:Parasitic diseases]]
+[[Category:Arthropod infestations]]
-Preventive measures include maintaining good personal hygiene, avoiding close contact with infested individuals or animals, and regular cleaning of living environments. In agricultural settings, proper management and treatment of livestock can help reduce the spread of mites.
+[[Category:Skin conditions]]
-=== Conclusion ===
-Acariasis is a common condition caused by mite infestations, affecting both humans and animals. Understanding the types of mites, their transmission, and effective treatment options is crucial for managing and preventing this condition. Ongoing research into mite biology and control measures continues to improve our ability to address acariasis effectively.