Cheyletiella

Cheyletiellose is a parasitic disease of the skin that occurs primarily in lagomorphs and carnivores, but can also infect humans. It is caused by mites of the genus Cheyletiella.

Pathogen

The mites are up to 0.4 mm in size, have four pairs of legs and live on the host without having to exit through intermediate stages, so that the whole cycle is executed on the affected animal. The infection occurs through direct or indirect contact.

Cheleytiellen have a rather broad host range.

Clinic

A Cheyletiellose is highly contagious and plays an important role especially in larger conversations ( breeders, pet shops ).

Are feeding Cheleytiellen mainly of skin secretions and other harmless skin dwellers, the infection can remain asymptomatic. Especially in young animals, typical small dry scales occur with or without itching. In cats, miliary dermatitis can occur. When itching can be caused by self-injury also heavier lesions. People, the disease can also infect and thereby cause severe changes in the form of itchy papules on the abdomen or arms, but which heal without further contact with infected animals after about three weeks.

Even at low magnification, the white mites and adhering to the hair nits are visible. Since the mites are very mobile and live on the skin surface, is able to detect, especially a poor imitation preparation with a transparent adhesive tape, which is then examined microscopically.

Acaricidal agents for the control action, such as pyrethroids, amitraz, ivermectin, selamectin, doramectin, or can be used.