Difference between revisions of "Demodex"
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| − | + | [[Image:Demodex canis.jpg|right|thumb|150px|''Demodex canis'' - Wikimedia Commons]] | |
| − | + | ''Demodex spp.'' are found on all domestic mammals as well as in humans and are usually a commensal organism. It is a [[Burrowing Mites|burrowing mite]] as opposed to a surface mite meaning that it penetrates into the hosts tissue. Each host has a specific species of the ''Demodex'' mite. A clinical infection of ''Demodex spp.'' is termed demodicosis. | |
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| − | [[Image:Demodex canis.jpg|right|thumb|150px|''Demodex canis'' - | ||
| − | ''Demodex spp.'' are found on all domestic mammals as well as in humans and are usually a commensal organism. It is a [[Burrowing Mites|burrowing mite]] as opposed to a | ||
| − | ==Identification== | + | ===Identification=== |
| − | The ''Demodex'' species have a distinctive cigar shaped appearance under microscopic examination. | + | The ''Demodex'' species have a distinctive cigar shaped appearance under microscopic examination. They have four pairs of stumpy legs on the anterior portion of the body.These species are prostigmata, with their breathing apparatus on the anterior portion of their bodies. This distinctive long and narrow appearance allows them to burrow into and remain inside hair follicles. |
| − | ==Detection== | + | ===Detection=== |
| − | Detecting ''Demodex'' species on animals requires the use of either a deep skin scrape or a hair pluck. These samples can then be prepared in liquid paraffin and analysed under a microscope | + | Detecting ''Demodex'' species on animals requires the use of either a deep skin scrape or a hair pluck. These samples can then be prepared in liquid paraffin and analysed under a microscope. Detection of a single mite is not diagnostic as they are common commensals, instead the observation of concurrent clinical signs should be used to diagnose demodicosis. |
| − | ==Life cycle== | + | ===Life cycle=== |
| − | ''Demodex'' species complete their | + | ''Demodex'' species complete their entire life cycle within the hair follicles and sebaceous glands of a single host. Transmission between hosts occurs by close contact usually these will be commensals of the host from a young age due to maternal transfer to the neonate during suckling. Their life cycle takes 3 weeks to complete. <br/> |
| + | '''Eggs''' | ||
| + | *20-24 laid at a time into hair follicles. | ||
| + | '''Larvae''' | ||
| + | *Hexapod | ||
| + | *3 larval stages before becoming adult | ||
| − | + | ===Important Species=== | |
| − | + | *''Demodex canis'' | |
| − | ==Important Species== | + | ::This is by far the most commonly seen species of Demodex causing clinical problems. Its host species is the dog and demodicosis is usually a secondary opportunistic pathogen due to other underlying conditions. |
| − | ''Demodex canis'' | + | *''Demodex criceti'' & ''Demodex aurati'' |
| − | ::This is by far the most commonly seen species of | + | ::Cause hair loss in Hamsters. |
| − | + | *''Demodex bovis'' | |
| − | ''Demodex criceti'' & ''Demodex aurati'' | ||
| − | ::Cause | ||
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| − | ''Demodex bovis'' | ||
::Causes pea shaped nodules in cattle. | ::Causes pea shaped nodules in cattle. | ||
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[[Category:Burrowing_Mites]] | [[Category:Burrowing_Mites]] | ||
| − | [[Category: | + | [[Category:To_Do_-_NickJ]] |
Revision as of 16:54, 6 July 2010
Demodex spp. are found on all domestic mammals as well as in humans and are usually a commensal organism. It is a burrowing mite as opposed to a surface mite meaning that it penetrates into the hosts tissue. Each host has a specific species of the Demodex mite. A clinical infection of Demodex spp. is termed demodicosis.
Identification
The Demodex species have a distinctive cigar shaped appearance under microscopic examination. They have four pairs of stumpy legs on the anterior portion of the body.These species are prostigmata, with their breathing apparatus on the anterior portion of their bodies. This distinctive long and narrow appearance allows them to burrow into and remain inside hair follicles.
Detection
Detecting Demodex species on animals requires the use of either a deep skin scrape or a hair pluck. These samples can then be prepared in liquid paraffin and analysed under a microscope. Detection of a single mite is not diagnostic as they are common commensals, instead the observation of concurrent clinical signs should be used to diagnose demodicosis.
Life cycle
Demodex species complete their entire life cycle within the hair follicles and sebaceous glands of a single host. Transmission between hosts occurs by close contact usually these will be commensals of the host from a young age due to maternal transfer to the neonate during suckling. Their life cycle takes 3 weeks to complete.
Eggs
- 20-24 laid at a time into hair follicles.
Larvae
- Hexapod
- 3 larval stages before becoming adult
Important Species
- Demodex canis
- This is by far the most commonly seen species of Demodex causing clinical problems. Its host species is the dog and demodicosis is usually a secondary opportunistic pathogen due to other underlying conditions.
- Demodex criceti & Demodex aurati
- Cause hair loss in Hamsters.
- Demodex bovis
- Causes pea shaped nodules in cattle.