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Published on: July 4, 2014
Detection of fowl mites inside two hospital rooms
K Nagakura1, F Osaka, S Tazume
1Department of Infectious Diseases, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Kanagawa, Japan. nagakura@is.icc.u-tokai.ac.jp
Abstract:
Many mites were found on bookshelves near the windows in 2 rooms of the Department of Pediatrics on the 4th floor in the Tokai University Hospital. Fortunately, nobody reported being bitten by, or experiencing itching due to, the mites. The arthropods were tentatively identified as adults of the northern fowl mite, Ornithonyssus sylviarum (Canestrini et Frazago, 1877), commonly called "Torisashi-dani" in Japanese. It appears the mites came from an empty wagtail nest which was outside the windows. Since migrating birds like the wagtail may carry O. sylviarum and other pests and pathogens, and their possible transfer to domestic birds, more attention should be paid to the danger posed by bird mites.
Insights
Northern fowl mites (Ornithonyssus sylviarum) infested hospital rooms near windows. These bird mites likely originated from a nearby wagtail nest, highlighting potential risks from avian pests.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Entomology
- Urban Entomology
- Public Health
Background:
- Bird mites, such as Ornithonyssus sylviarum, can infest human environments.
- Migratory birds pose a potential risk for disease transmission.
- Hospital environments require stringent pest control measures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and report an unusual mite infestation in a hospital setting.
- To determine the potential source and species of the mites.
- To assess the public health implications of bird mite presence.
Main Methods:
- Visual inspection and arthropod collection from affected areas.
- Tentative identification of collected arthropods to the species level.
- Environmental assessment to identify potential mite sources.
Main Results:
- Mites were discovered on bookshelves in pediatric rooms on the 4th floor of Tokai University Hospital.
- The mites were tentatively identified as adult northern fowl mites (Ornithonyssus sylviarum).
- An empty wagtail nest outside the windows was identified as the likely source of the infestation.
Conclusions:
- Ornithonyssus sylviarum infestations can occur in unexpected urban environments like hospitals.
- Migratory birds are potential vectors for bird mites and associated pathogens.
- Increased vigilance regarding bird mite presence is necessary to prevent potential health risks.
