Rodent mite dermatitis (also known as rat mite dermatitis) is an often unrecognized
ectoparasitosis occurring after human contact with
haematophagousmesostigmatidmites that infest
rodents, such as
house mice,[1]rats[2] and
hamsters.[3] The condition is associated with the tropical rat mite (Ornithonyssus bacoti), spiny rat mite (Laelaps echidnina) and
house mouse mite (Liponyssoides sanguineus)[4] which opportunistically feed on humans. Rodent mites are capable of surviving for long periods without feeding and travelling long distances when seeking hosts.[4] Cases have been reported in homes, libraries,[5] hospitals[6] and care homes.[7] A similar condition, known as
gamasoidosis, is caused by avian mites.[8]
Symptoms and signs
Rodent mite bites leave multiple groups or individual small itchy papules (around 1–2 mm in diameter)[7] on the skin (
papular urticaria).[9][10] These are found mostly "on the upper extremities, neck, upper trunk and face".[7]
Diagnosis
Diagnosis requires species identification of the parasite, which will be likely to be found in the environment of its host rather than on the host's skin.[10] Rodent mites are very small, for O. bacoti "female mites reach a size between 0.75 and 1.40 mm, males are a little smaller".[7]
Treatment
The original rodent host of the mites must be located and eradicated,[11] and their nests removed.[12] Steps should also be taken to prevent future infestations, such as by blocking the rodents means of entry into the building. The patient's environment should then be treated,[10] using both non-residual and residual insecticides, mites crawling in the open can be removed by vacuuming or with a cloth moistened with alcohol.[12]
^Reeves, Will K.; Cobb, Kristin D. (2005-07-01). "Ectoparasites of House Mice (Mus musculus) from Pet Stores in South Carolina, U.S.A". Comparative Parasitology. 72 (2): 193–195.
doi:
10.1654/4178.
ISSN1525-2647.
S2CID85650971.
^Creel, Naomi B.; Crowe, Mark A.; Mullen, Gary R. (2003). "Pet hamsters as a source of rat mite dermatitis". Cutis. 71 (6): 457–461.
ISSN0011-4162.
PMID12839256.
^Chung, Sang Lip; Hwang, Sung Joo; Kwon, Soon Baek; Kim, Do Won; Jun, Jae Bok; Cho, Baik Kee (1998). "Outbreak of rat mite dermatitis in medical students". International Journal of Dermatology. 37 (8): 591–594.
doi:
10.1046/j.1365-4362.1998.00558.x.
ISSN0011-9059.
PMID9732004.
S2CID34760181.
^Kowalska, M.; Kupis, B. (1976). "Gamasoidosis (gamasidiosis)-not infrequent skin reactions, frequently unrecognized". Polish Medical Sciences and History Bulletin. 15–16 (4): 391–394.
ISSN0301-0236.
PMID826895.
^
abcBeck, W. (2007-11-01). "Tropical Rat Mites as newly emerging disease pathogens in rodents and man". Travel Medicine and Infectious Disease. 5 (6): 403.
doi:
10.1016/j.tmaid.2007.09.016.
ISSN1477-8939.