Parasitic mites of mammals, birds and humans:Members of the parasitic mite families listed here under are
those usually encountered on or in mammals, birds and even humans. Family Sarcoptidae (sarcoptic mites) - sarcoptic mange
(Sarcoptidae) mites are tiny arachnids that are parasites of mammals and humans
causing mange infection and the mites spend their life in the epidermis of the
skin of their host causing various skin disorders Family Psoroptidae (psoroptic mites) - Psoroptes
ovis is the well-known sheep mange mite causing serious damage to fleece
and can even cause deaths Family Knemidocoptidae (scaly-leg mite)- species of this
family burrow in the non-feathered areas around the beak, eyes, vent and legs of
birds (ex. canaries, budgies, finches, etc.), causing tiny non-itching,
wart-like lesions Family Myocoptidae (myocoptic mange mite) Family Atopomelidae (fur mite) – presence of even large
numbers is usually not harmful, although itching and hair loss may occur if the
host is in poor condition Family Laminosioptidae (fowl cyst, flesh or subcutaneous
mites) Family Pyroglyphidae (house dust mites) - Members of this
family are the well-known house dust mites causing asthma, rhinitis and
allergies in humans due to an antigen they produce. They are mainly a problem
along the South African coast line and especially KwaZulu/Natal where the
humidity is very high Family Cytoditidae (air sac mites) Family Analgidae (feather mites) Family Demodicidae (follicle mites) - Members of this family
cause symptoms in mammals characterized by itching, inflammation and other skin
disorders. Blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids) can also be caused by
Demodex mites. Demodex brevis and D. folliculorum
live in total harmony in the hair follicles of humans Family Trombiculidae (chiggers) – members of this family are
parasitic in the larval stage on vertebrates and can be vectors of diseases like
typhus. The nymphs and adults are free living predators Family Cheyletiellidae (walking dandruff) - symptoms in
animals vary from no signs to intense itching, scales on the skin, and hair
loss. The lesions are usually on the dorsum of the animal. Symptoms in humans
include multiple red, itchy bumps on the arms, trunk and buttocks. Because
humans are an irregular host for the mite, the symptoms usually go away in about
three weeks Family Psorergatidae (sheep itch mite) - infested flocks
usually show a range of signs. Most sheep show no fleece damage at all, or may
have some tufting of wool along the flanks. Very few sheep (usually one per
cent) have severely damaged fleeces. Itch mites mainly affect older sheep and is
rarely seen in young sheep Family Myobiidae (fur mites) - infestations of these mites
may produce local and systematic effects on the host. Local effects vary from no
lesion to pruritis and mild scurfiness and in serious cases to ulceration and
bacterial pyoderma, chronic inflammation, fibrosis, hyperkeratosis,
parakeratosis and acanthosis. Systematic effects include decreased life span and
body weight Family Macronyssidae (fowl or tropical rat mites)- this
family contains species of economical importance to poultry farmers and they can
even be a nuisance to humans causing itching or even dermatitis.
Ornithonyssus bacoti on rodents can even be vectors of various
diseases Family Dermanyssidae (red poultry mites)- the family
Dermanyssidae contains species of economical importance to poultry farmers and
they can even be a nuisance to humans causing itching or even dermatitis Family Rhinonyssidae (bird lung mites) – feeds on the host’s.
Causes pneumonia and severe inflammation of the respiratory system; infestations
are often fatal Family Halarachnidae (lung and ear mites of mammals) –
reported to feed on blood, lymph and epithelial cells. Clinical symptoms are
often ansent, although coughing and sneezing episodes have been reported; only
massive infections are thought to be a direct cause of death
Parasitic mites of invertebrates:Family Varroidae - Varroa destructor posses a
serious threat to honey bees world wide, fortunately the South African bees
apparently have a “natural” immunity against these mites Family Tarsonemidae - Acarapis woodii lives in the
tracheae of bees and can cause their death, though not of economical importance
yet in South Africa Family Pyemotidae - pyemotids or “straw-itch” mites can cause
serious problems in insect cultures because they are very small and thus
difficult to control. They poison their hosts. In humans they can cause
dermatitis and allergies Family Trombidiidae - Members of this family are parasitic on
arthropods in their larval stage, but nymphs and adults are free living
predators.
Research projects: Presently we are involved in the following research projects: In collaboration with the Department of Conservation Ecology
and Entomology, Stellenbosch University we are doing taxonomic research on the
ectoparasitic mites of rodents in southern Africa In collaboration with ARC-Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute
the parasitic mites of veterinary and medical important mites are
investigated.
| Family Sarcoptidae (sarcoptic mites)
Family Psoroptidae (psoroptic mites)
Family Pyroglyphidae (house dust mites)
Dermanyssidae
Demodicidae (follicle mites)
Listrophoridae (fur mites)
Family Pyemotidae - pyemotids
Family Tarsonemidae - Acarapis woodii Family Trombidiidae
|