Recent Advances in Vaccine Development Against Poultry Red Mite (Dermanyssus gallinae): A Literature Review on Native...

The poultry red mite, Dermanyssus gallinae (De Geer, 1778), is a significant ectoparasite affecting the poultry industry, leading to considerable economic losses and potential zoonotic risks. Vaccines provide attractive alternatives to acaricides for various reasons, including the lack of residues in food products, reducing resistance in target populations, and ease of administration. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of current research on vaccine development against D. gallinae, with particular emphasis on previously reported native and recombinant antigen candidates and their immunological potential.

A narrative review of the literature was conducted using major scientific databases to identify studies related to vaccine development against D. gallinae. Emphasis was placed on studies investigating antigen discovery strategies, immunogenicity, and protective efficacy.

Candidate antigens for D. gallinae have mainly been identified using two main approaches: a pragmatic method that involves fractionating native protein extracts from the mites and a rational-type approach that selects appropriate antigens based on their homology with protective antigens from other ectoparasite species. Vaccination with several antigens has been shown to induce partial protective immune responses in chickens, but variability in efficacy remains a major limitation, and no fully effective commercial vaccine is currently available.

Vaccination represents a promising alternative to acaricides for the control of D. gallinae. However, the variable efficacy observed across studies remains a major challenge. Therefore, further research is needed to identify highly efficacious antigens and to develop practical, field-applicable vaccines for sustainable control strategies.