Dermanyssosis in the Urban Context: When the One Health Paradigm Is Put into Practice

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Parasitology
• Urban Entomology
• Dermatology

Background:

• Poultry red mites (Dermanyssus gallinae) are common ectoparasites of birds, increasingly found in urban settings.
• These mites can occasionally parasitize humans, leading to dermatitis, posing a growing public health concern.
• Zoonotic Mesostigmata mite attacks are an under-recognized issue in urban environments.

Observation:

• Two health workers in a hospital developed dermatitis attributed to Dermanyssus gallinae.
• The mite infestation was linked to outdoor air conditioning units colonized by pigeons.
• Environmental contamination by D. gallinae was documented, tracing the infestation source.

Findings:

• The study reviews over 240 reported urban cases of Dermanyssus gallinae infestations.
• Dermatitis caused by these mites is frequently misdiagnosed due to lack of awareness.
• Rapid resolution of the reported cases was achieved through collaboration between veterinary parasitologists and allergologists.

Implications:

• Highlights the need to increase awareness of zoonotic mite-borne diseases among healthcare professionals.
• Suggests reconsidering urban architectural designs that facilitate synanthropic bird populations and associated health risks.
• Emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary approaches for managing and treating urban dermanyssosis.