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Updated: Aug 7, 2026
09:23
Parasite Induced Genetically Driven Autoimmune Chagas Heart Disease in the Chicken Model
Published on: July 29, 2012
[Parasitic pruritus: bird mite zoonosis]
M Prins1, I H Go, R J van Dooren-Greebe
1Maria-Ziekenhuis, afd. Dermatologie, Tilburg.
Nederlands Tijdschrift Voor Geneeskunde
|December 21, 1996
Summary
Bird or chicken mites (Dermanyssus gallinae) can cause persistent itching and skin rashes in humans. Removing mite nests and symptomatic treatment are key for managing this bird mite infestation.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Parasitology
- Public Health
Background:
- Persistent pruritus can significantly impact quality of life.
- Identifying the causative agent of pruritus is crucial for effective treatment.
- Zoonotic diseases, or epizoonoses, require consideration in differential diagnoses.
Observation:
- Three patients (49, 28, and 4 years old) presented with persistent pruritus.
- Infestation with Dermanyssus gallinae, commonly known as the bird or chicken mite, was confirmed.
- These mites typically inhabit bird nests and feed on birds at night, but may bite humans when hosts are absent or nests are near dwellings.
Findings:
- Bird mite bites can lead to urticarial and papulovesicular skin eruptions.
- The presence of Dermanyssus gallinae was confirmed as the cause of pruritus in the affected individuals.
- The study highlights the potential for bird mites to cause human infestation.
Implications:
- Dermanyssus gallinae infestation should be considered in the differential diagnosis of unexplained pruritus.
- Environmental control, such as removing old nests, is essential for treating bird mite infestations.
- Symptomatic treatment is necessary for patients suffering from mite bites.
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