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Current status of mites and mite-borne diseases in India
R Govindarajan1, V Rajamannar1, Ashwani Kumar2
1Division of Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases, ICMR-Vector Control Research Centre Field Station, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India.
Abstract:
Mites act as the vectors of zoonotic vector-borne disease scrub typhus caused by the rickettsial pathogen Orientia tsutsugamushi. In India, scrub typhus is transmitted by the mite Leptotrombidium deliense. Rodents are the reservoirs and support the spread of this disease. Sarcoptes scabiei or the itch mite is causing scabies which is a common skin infection in India. Dermatitis, trombiculosis, and mite dust allergy are common mite-borne diseases transmitted by Pyemotidae family. D. brevis folliculorum and Demodex brevis are two major mite species found on humans also causing a disease; "Demodicosis", common in India. Dermanyssus gallinae, fowl mite causes pruritis in poultry birds, transmits infections to poultry workers when they come into contact with birds. There is a re-emergence of mite-borne diseases, especially scrub typhus, in many parts of India requiring urgent attention for its control. This review is aimed to update the available information on mites and mite transmitted diseases prevalent in India to highlight the importance of rodent and chigger mite vector control to prevent forthcoming mite-borne diseases in India.
Insights
Mites transmit diseases like scrub typhus and scabies in India. Controlling rodent and chigger mite vectors is crucial to prevent the re-emergence of these mite-borne illnesses.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Entomology
- Medical Entomology
- Public Health
Background:
- Mites are vectors for zoonotic diseases, including scrub typhus (Orientia tsutsugamushi) transmitted by Leptotrombidium deliense in India.
- Common mite-borne diseases in India include scabies (Sarcoptes scabiei), dermatitis, trombiculosis, mite dust allergy, and Demodicosis (Demodex brevis, D. folliculorum).
- The fowl mite (Dermanyssus gallinae) affects poultry and can transmit infections to humans.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current information on mites and mite-transmitted diseases in India.
- To emphasize the need for controlling rodent and chigger mite vectors.
- To highlight the re-emergence of mite-borne diseases, particularly scrub typhus.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of mite-borne diseases in India.
- Analysis of disease transmission cycles involving mites, rodents, and humans.
- Identification of key mite species and associated pathogens.
Main Results:
- Scrub typhus, transmitted by Leptotrombidium deliense with rodents as reservoirs, is re-emerging in India.
- Other prevalent mite-borne conditions include scabies, Demodicosis, and allergies.
- Poultry workers are at risk from fowl mites.
Conclusions:
- Urgent attention and control measures are needed for mite-borne diseases in India.
- Effective control of rodent and chigger mite vectors is essential for disease prevention.
- Integrated strategies are required to manage the increasing threat of mite-transmitted illnesses.
