Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Can my dog be allergic to poultry red mites?
By Martins, Luís M L et al.·Published in Veterinary dermatology·2020·Departamento de Medicina Veterinaria·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: An investigation of cross-reactivity between the poultry red mite and house dust and storage mites in dogs with contact with chickens infested with red mites.
- Species:
- bird
Plain-English summary
A group of 16 dogs that had been in contact with chickens infested with poultry red mites (PRM) showed signs of potential allergic reactions. When tested, 10 of these dogs reacted positively to the mites, while some control dogs with no exposure also showed reactions. This suggests that while these dogs may become sensitized to PRM, it doesn't necessarily mean they will develop allergies, and there was no link found between reactions to PRM and common house dust or storage mites. Understanding this can help veterinarians better assess and manage skin issues in dogs exposed to these mites.
People also search for: dog skin problems from chicken mites · dog allergy testing for mites · why is my dog itching after contact with chickens
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The European poultry red mite (PRM) Dermanyssus gallinae, a common ectoparasite of laying chickens and pigeons; it also can feed on other birds, humans and domestic animals, causing clinical signs ranging from mild discomfort to severe dermatitis. Little is known about possible hypersensitivity to PRM or cross-sensitization with house dust or storage mites. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: Knowledge on possible PRM immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated allergy and possible cross-sensitization with house dust and storage mites may facilitate the clinical approach. The aim herein was to clarify possible evidence of type I hypersensitivity to PRM in dogs and possible occurrence of cross-sensitization with house dust and storage mites. ANIMALS: Sixteen dogs with chronic contact with PRM-infested chickens from traditional bird houses and 10 control dogs with no contact with birds. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Dogs were subjected to intradermal testing (IDT) and serum specific IgE (sIgE) determination for house dust and storage mites and D. gallinae. RESULTS: The highest wheal score was obtained with 0.1 mg/mL D. gallinae extract. Positive IDT reactions to PRM were found in four of 10 control dogs and in 10 of 16 from the chicken-exposed group. SIgE to PRM was detected in one control and in seven dogs exposed to chickens. No significant correlation was found between IDT or sIgE scores to PRM and house dust and storage mites. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Contact with PRM-infested chickens may lead to sensitization without allergy, independently from sensitization to house dust and storage mites.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31808208/