Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
New type of Demodex mite found in shelter cats
By Moriello, Karen A et al.·Published in Veterinary dermatology·2013·School of Veterinary Medicine, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Five observations of a third morphologically distinct feline Demodex mite.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
This study looked at a new type of mite that affects cats, specifically in those from animal shelters. Researchers found this mite, which is longer than one type of Demodex mite (D. gatoi) but shorter than another (D. cati), in ten cats. The cats often had other health issues and showed varying levels of itching. When examined, the mites were found on the hairs and skin of the cats, especially near the roots of the hairs. The findings suggest that this mite may be a different species or a variation of the known types, but more research is needed to confirm this.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Feline demodicosis is caused by infestation with Demodex cati and/or Demodex gatoi. These two mites have distinctive morphological appearances. OBJECTIVES: To describe five observations of a morphologically distinct feline Demodex mite in 10 cats. All cats were in or adopted from an animal shelter. RESULTS: A mite with blunted ends longer than D. gatoi but shorter than D. cati was observed in one or multiple cats from animal shelters. Mean mite size was 139 ± 4.5 μm (n = 41 mites). Similar features among the cases included a history of recent recovery or presence of concurrent illness at the time of diagnosis. Pruritus was variable. Hairs were easily epilated in large amounts, and mites were found on either skin scrapings or hair trichograms; mites were most commonly found on the proximal third of hairs examined via trichogram. CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Reports of this mite are uncommon but when present tend to be in cats with concurrent illnesses. Awareness of this mite morphology will hopefully provide other investigators with specimens for molecular testing to determine whether this is a third species or a variant of D. gatoi or D. cati.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23627423/