DOCSLIB.ORG

Sgienge Bulletin

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Sgienge Bulletin THE UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS SGIENGE BULLETIN Vol. XXXVII, Px. II] June 29, 1956 [No. 19 of The Chigger Mites Kansas (Acarina, Trombiculidae ) BY Richard B. Loomis Abstract: Studies of the chigger mites in Kansas revealed 47 forms, con- sisting of 46 species in the following genera: Leeuwcnhoekia ( 1 ), Acomatacarus (3), Whartoraa (1), Hannemania (3), Trombicula (21), Speleocola (1), Euschbngastia (10), Pseudoschongastia (2), Cheladonta (1), Neoschongastia (2), and Walchia (1). Data were gathered in the period from 1947 to 1954. More than 14,000 mounted larvae were critically examined. All but one of the 47 forms were obtained from a total of 6,534 vertebrates of 194 species. Larvae of eight species of chiggers also were recovered from black plastic sampler plates placed on the substrate. Free-living nymphs and adults of all species seem to be active in warm weather. The time of oviposition differs in the different kinds, but there is little variation within a species. The exact time of emergence, abundance and disappearance of the larvae depends on the temperature of the environment. The species can be arranged according to their larval activity in two seasonal groups: the summer group (26 species) and the winter group (20 species). The seasonal overlap between these groups is slight. Rainfall and moisture content of the substrate affect the abundance of the larvae, but not the time of their emergence or disappearance. The summer species often have two genera- tions of larvae annually, but in the winter species no more than one generation is known. The larvae, normally parasitic on vertebrates, exhibit little host specificity. Exceptions are Hannemania restricted to amphibians, Acomatacarus arizonensis seemingly limited to lizards, possibly Neoschongastia brennani, known only from birds, and several of the 20 species known only from mammals. Host specificity usually seems to result from limitation of certain chiggers to specific habitats. Ordinarily only one kind of host is available in such a restricted habitat. The numbers of species found on animals of each class of vertebrates are as follows: 5 on amphibians, 11 on reptiles, 14 on birds, and 40 on mam- mals. The larvae of a given kind of chigger seem to select the same general site or sites for attachment on different hosts. On mammals of different sizes, however, the larvae of a given kind of chigger select different sites. The wet mucous skins of amphibians and the tough dry skins of reptiles seem to repel larvae of many species. Also, the absence of suitable niches, such as those in the ears of mammals, seems to prevent certain species of chiggers from attach- ing. (1195) 1196 The University Science Bulletin Larvae with flagelliform sensillae (usually with few branches), eyes 2/2 and red, body red to orange, legs long, with mastisetae on leg III usually live in relatively open situations, move rapidly, have a wide range of hosts, including reptiles and birds for many species, and occur in large numbers. Larvae with expanded or plumose flagelliform sensillae, eyes normal to absent, body usually pale yellow or whitish, legs and leg segments usually short, without mastisetae on leg III seem to be restricted to specific habitats, such as decaying logs, tree- holes, and burrows and nests of mammals, and are almost always in close as- sociation with mammals, using one or several species as their regular hosts, frequently attaching in the ears. Expanded sensillae seem to be adaptations for detecting motion in the hosts, thus allowing the larvae to detach at the times most advantageous to them, normally when the host is inactive in its nest or shelter. TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE Introduction 1197 Public Health 1197 Acknowledgments 1 199 Topography 1200 Climate 1201 Vegetation 1203 Faunal Divisions of Kansas 1204 Effect of Human Disturbances on Chigger Mites 1206 Descriptions of Study Areas 1207 Materials and Methods 1218 Treatment 1223 Check List of the Chigger Mites of Kansas 1227 Accounts of Species and Subspecies of Family Trombiculidae 1229 Subfamily Leeuwenhoekiinae 1231 Subfamily Trombiculinae 1250 Subfamily Walchiinae 1362 Hypothetical List 1366 The Species of Hosts From Kansas and Their Chiggers 1368 The Species of Vertebrates Examined From Kansas and Not Found to Have Chiggers 1374 Vertebrates as Hosts of Chiggers in Kansas 1376 Amphibians 1377 Reptiles 1381 Birds 1388 Mammals 1395 Correlation of the Characteristics of the Larvae With the En- VHtONMENT 1413 Climatic and Seasonal Factors in the Distribution of Chigger Mites in Kansas 1424 LrTERATURE ClTED 1428 Maps 2-29 1434 Figures 13-49 1439 Chigger Mites of Kansas 1197 INTRODUCTION Chigger mites of the family Trombiculidae (Order Acarina) have a parasitic larval stage but are predaceous as free-living nymphs and adults. Larvae differ from eight-legged adults in having only six legs and normally attach to vertebrates and engorge on the tissue of the skin. Few species of chiggers are host specific, and those few seem to be restricted to a particular order or class of vertebrate. Numerous species have been found on a large variety of hosts; some of the species are known from all four classes of land vertebrates: amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. When feeding has been completed after a period of from two days to several weeks, the engorged larva drops from the host and seeks a suitable habitat for the quiescent prenymphal stage. The nymph emerges, in from one to several weeks with eight legs and a setose, figure-eight-shaped body (diamond-shaped in some species of Leeuwenhoekiinae . The feeds on or ) nymph eggs early stages of small arthropods, increases in size and enters the quiescent pre- adult stage. The adult closely resembles the nymph, but possesses fully de- veloped reproductive organs, and is somewhat larger, reaching 1 mm. in length. The sexes are separate and presumably the eggs are fertilized internally. The sexes seem to occur approximately in ratio 1 to Fuller the of to 1, according Wharton and ( 1952:16). PUBLIC HEALTH Chigger mites are vectors of Tsutsugamushi Fever or Scrub Typhus in eastern Asia and the South Pacific and also may be vectors of other diseases of man including Murine or Endemic Typhus, Toxoplasmosis and Epidemic Hemorrhagic Fever. Scrub Typhus, caused by a rickettsia, R. tsutsugamushi, has been demonstrated in lots of chiggers recovered from wild hosts and has been transmitted by larvae in the laboratory. The species of chiggers most frequently incriminated are Trombicula deliensis Walch and T. akamushi (Brumpt), which range over much of the Asiatic- Pacific region. Early work in japan recently has been augmented by studies by members of research teams from the United States, Australia, Malaya, India, England and Japan (See Audy, 1954: 29-44). In Africa, Giroud and LeGac (1952:1924) reported the isola- tion of two strains of Toxoplasma gondii from Trombicida legaci Andre, taken from wild mammals, and innoculated into mice. 1198 The University Science Bulletin Further studies are needed to verify the presence of toxoplasma in chiggers, and to determine their possible role as natural vectors. Epidemic Hemorrhagic Fever, known from Korea, possibly is transmitted by larvae of chiggers. Chigger mites may be vectors of other diseases, both in man and other mammals and in other vertebrates. The chigger mites should be investigated to determine if they are vectors of disease organisms between reservoir hosts, or between man and the reservoir host. In the New World, chigger mites are not known as vectors of any diseases affecting humans; however, common pest chiggers, es- pecially T. alfreddugesi and T. splendens, produce intense irritation and swelling at the sites of attachment. Severe cases of chigger bites occur, especially in the southeastern part of the United States. Wharton and Fuller (1952:3-10) discuss this aspect of public health in detail. In eastern Kansas, T. alfreddugesi, the common pest chigger, is widespread and abounds in summer, causing considerable discom- fort for individuals attacked by these larvae. The larvae attach most frequently at sites where clothing is pressed against the skin, such as the belt line, around the ankles, arm pits, and other moist protected areas, where there is a barrier to further movement and a sheltered site for attachment. CHIGGER MITES IN KANSAS 1921 a Ewing ( ) reported chigger mite, Leptus irritans ( = Trom- bieula in residents alfreddugesi) , Kansas, although had long known of this and other pest chiggers prior to 1921. Jameson (1947) listed Ascoschongastia brevipes (= Euschongastia peromysci) from sev- eral species of small mammals in eastern Kansas. Brennan and Wharton (1950), in a study of the North American species of the subgenus Neotrombicula (genus Trombicula), reported T. whartoni and described T. lipovskyi and T. sylvilagi from Kansas. In 1947 a contract was made between the University of Kansas and the Office of Naval Research, for the study of chigger mites in the Central United States. Specimens gathered from Kansas in this study have been described and reported in many publications in- cluding those by Brennan and Wharton (1950), Greenberg (1951 and 1952), Jones, et al. (1953), Wolfenbarger (1953), Kardos (1954), Crossley, Lipovsky and Loomis (1951 to 1955). The chigger fauna of Kansas discussed below consists of 47 kinds (46 species) placed in 11 genera and 3 subfamilies. Hannemania Chigger Mites of Kansas 1199 multifemorala sp. nov. is described and the following 17 species are reported from Kansas for the first time: Leeuwenhoekia americana, Acomatacarus arizonensis, A. galli, Hannemania eltoni, H. dunni, Trombicula splenderis, T. myotis, T. montanensis, T. cynos, T. jone- sae, Euschongastia lacerta, E. trigenuala, E. setosa, E. diversa, E. criceticola, Speleocola tadaridae and Walchia americana. Taxo- nomic changes of previously reported species include the transfer of Acomatacarus senase Greenberg to the genus Whartonia and the synonymy of Acomatacarus angulatus Greenberg with A. galli Ewing.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • A Case Study of the Cuban Iguana (Cyclura Nubila)
    Animal Conservation (1998) 1, 165–172 © 1998 The Zoological Society of London Printed in the United Kingdom The need for pre-release health screening in animal translocations: a case study of the Cuban iguana (Cyclura nubila) Allison C. Alberts1, Marcie L. Oliva2, Michael B. Worley1, Sam R. Telford, Jr3, Patrick J. Morris4 and Donald L. Janssen4 1 Center for Reproduction of Endangered Species, Zoological Society of San Diego, P.O. Box 551, San Diego, CA 92112, USA 2 Department of Pathology, Zoological Society of San Diego, P.O. Box 551, San Diego, CA 92112, USA 3 Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA 4 Department of Veterinary Services, San Diego Zoo, P.O. Box 551, San Diego, CA 92112, USA (Received 21 October 1997; accepted 23 February 1998) Abstract A serious concern with the increasing use of translocation and reintroduction in animal conservation programs is the potential for disease transmission between captive and free-ranging populations. As part of an experimental headstarting program, 45 juvenile Cuban iguanas, Cyclura nubila, were artificially incubated, maintained in captivity for six to 18 months, and subsequently released into natural areas on the US Naval Base at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba. Prior to release, all animals under- went physical examinations, hematological analyses, plasma biochemical determinations, and blood and fecal parasite screening. Comparable data were collected from free-ranging juveniles to establish normal baseline values. Although all hematological parameters were within expected ranges for healthy reptiles, captive juveniles exhibited higher total leukocyte counts and percent lymphocytes, but lower percent heterophils, than free-ranging juveniles.
    [Show full text]
  • Androgens and Ectoparasites As Proximate Factors
    ANDROGENS AND ECTOPARASITES AS PROXIMATE FACTORS INFLUENCING GROWTH IN THE SEXUALLY DIMORPHIC LIZARD, SCELOPORUS UNDULATUS By NICHOLAS POLLOCK A dissertation submitted to the Graduate School-New Brunswick Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey In partial fulfillment of the requirements For the degree of Doctor of Philosophy Graduate Program in Ecology & Evolution Written under the direction of Dr. Henry B. John-Alder And approved by ____________________________________ ____________________________________ ____________________________________ New Brunswick, New Jersey October 2016 ABSTRACT OF THE DISSERTATION Androgens and ectoparasites as proximate factors influencing growth in the sexually dimorphic lizard, Sceloporus undulatus By NICHOLAS POLLOCK Dissertation Director: Dr. Henry B. John-Alder A growing body of evidence indicates that testosterone (T) plays an important role in regulating patterns of growth in lizards. Testosterone has also been found to facilitate the development of male-typical coloration and a suite of male behaviors that increase reproductive success. However, while T promotes male fitness through these characteristics, it appears to hinder fitness through direct molecular inhibition of growth and through indirect potential costs associated with increased parasitism. The relationship between T and ectoparasitism is complicated by seasonal variation in host circulating T levels and ectoparasite life cycles. It is unclear whether sex differences in ectoparasite loads are present year-round, are present only when circulating T is high in males, or are present only when ectoparasite abundances are high. Furthermore, it is often assumed that because ectoparasites feed by taking nutrients and energy from their hosts, then ectoparasites likely impact host growth. Effects of ectoparasitism on host growth may be particularly high in males if they have greater ectoparasite loads than females.
    [Show full text]
  • (12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2014/0187776 A1 HOLYOKE, JR
    US 20140187776A1 (19) United States (12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2014/0187776 A1 HOLYOKE, JR. et al. (43) Pub. Date: Jul. 3, 2014 (54) MIXTURES OF MESOIONIC PESTICIDES (71) Applicant: E I DUPONT DE NEMOURS AND COMPANY, Wilmington, DE (US) (72) Inventors: CALEB WILLIAM HOLYOKE, JR., NEWARK, DE (US); WENMING ZHANG, NEWARK, DE (US); MY-HANH THITONG, BEAR, DE (US): THOMAS FRANCIS PAHUTSKI, JR., ELKTON, MD (US) (73) Assignee: E I DUPONT DE NEMOURS AND wherein COMPANY, Wilmington, DE (US) R" is phenyl optionally substituted with up to 5 substituents independently selected from R, or pyridinyl optionally (21) Appl. No.: 14/184,778 substituted with up to 4 substituents independently selected from R: (22) Filed: Feb. 20, 2014 R’ is C-C haloalkyl; or thiazolyl pyridinyl or pyrimidi Related U.S. Application Data nyl, each optionally substituted with up to 2 substituents independently selected from the group consisting of (63) Continuation of application No. 13/386,160, filed on halogen and C-C alkyl; Jan. 20, 2012, now Pat. No. 8,697,707, filed as appli each R is independently halogen, cyano, C-C alkyl, cation No. PCT/US2010/044285 on Aug. 3, 2010. C-Chaloalkyl, C-C alkoxy, C-Chaloalkoxy, C(R) (60) Provisional application No. 61/231,483, filed on Aug. —NOR or Q; 5, 2009. each R is independently C-C alkyl: Publication Classification Z is CH=CH or S; and (51) Int. Cl. each Q is independently phenyl or pyridinyl, each option AOIN 43/90 (2006.01) ally substituted with up to 3 substituents independently (52) U.S.
    [Show full text]
  • THE GENUS GUNTHERANA (Acarina, Trombiculidae)
    Pacific Insects 2 (2) : 195-237 July 31, 1960 THE GENUS GUNTHERANA (Acarina, Trombiculidae) By Robert Domrow QUEENSLAND INSTITUTE OF MEDICAL RESEARCH, BRISBANE ABSTRACT The genus Guntherana is enlarged to include the chiggers from Australia and New Guinea previously assigned to Euschongastia s. 1. (except those of the subgenus Walchiel- la, which should be restored to generic rank). Two subgenera, Eerrickiella and Gun­ therana s. s., are recognized on both nymphal and larval characters, and each contains 2 species groups recognizable on larval characters alone. The subgeneric division by lar­ val characters parallels that by nymphal characters. Twenty-six species have been transferred, and 4 new species described, bringing the total to 33, including the 3 species already in the genus (kallipygos, tindalei, trans­ lucens'). Keys are given to the larval subgenera, species groups and species, but the nymphs are too alike morphologically to be profitably keyed, except at a subgeneric level. The following 26 larval names are combined for the first time with Guntherana: andromeda Womersley, antipodiana Hirst, cassiope Worn., coorongensis Hirst, dasycerci Hirst, derricki Worn., dumosa Worn., echymipera Worn. & Kohls, foliata Gunther, heaslipi Worn. & Heaslip, innisfailensis Worn. & Heas., mackerrasae Worn., mccullochi Worn., parva Worn., perameles Worn., peregrina Worn., Petrogale Worn., pseudomys Worn., queensland­ ica Worn., shieldsi Gun., similis Worn. & Heas., smithi Worn., trichosuri Worn., newmani Worn., womersleyi Gun., & wongabelensis Worn. Four new larval species are described from Queensland—G. (D.) petulans from Rattus assimilis, Melomys cervinipes and Hypsi­ prymnodon moschatus; G. (Z>.) rex from R. assimilis; G. (G.) emphyla from Isoodon macrourus, Perameles nasuta and M. cervinipes; and G.
    [Show full text]
  • What's Eating You? Chiggers
    CLOSE ENCOUNTERS WITH THE ENVIRONMENT What’s Eating You? Chiggers Dirk M. Elston, MD higger is the common name for the 6-legged larval form of a trombiculid mite. The larvae C suck blood and tissue fluid and may feed on a variety of animal hosts including birds, reptiles, and small mammals. The mite is fairly indiscrimi- nate; human hosts will suffice when the usual host is unavailable. Chiggers also may be referred to as harvest bugs, harvest lice, harvest mites, jiggers, and redbugs (Figure 1). The term jigger also is used for the burrowing chigoe flea, Tunga penetrans. Chiggers belong to the family Trombiculidae, order Acari, class Arachnida; many species exist. Trombiculid mites are oviparous; they deposit their eggs on leaves, blades of grass, or the open ground. After several days, the egg case opens, but the mite remains in a quiescent prelarval stage. Figure 1. Chigger mite. After this prelarval stage, the small 6-legged larvae become active and search for a host. During this larval 6-legged stage, the mite typically is found attaches at sites of constriction caused by clothing, attached to the host. After a prolonged meal, the where its forward progress has been impeded. Penile larvae drop off. Then they mature through the and scrotal lesions are not uncommon and may be 8-legged free-living nymph and adult stages. mistaken for scabies infestation. Seasonal penile Chiggers can be found throughout the world. In swelling, pruritus, and dysuria in children is referred the United States, they are particularly abundant in to as summer penile syndrome.
    [Show full text]
  • Fitness Implications of the Mating System and Reproductive Ecology of Tuatara
    Fitness Implications of the Mating System and Reproductive Ecology of Tuatara Jennifer Ann Moore A thesis submitted to Victoria University of Wellington in fulfilment of the requirement for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Ecology and Biodiversity Victoria University of Wellington Te Whare Wānanga o te Ūpoko o te Ika a Māui 2008 No matter how much cats fight, there always seem to be plenty of kittens. Abraham Lincoln i Abstract Sexual selection and reproductive strategies affect individual fitness and population genetic diversity. Long-standing paradigms in sexual selection and mating system theory have been overturned with the recent integration of behavioural and genetic techniques. Much of this theory is based on avian systems, where a distinction has now been made between social and genetic partners. Reptiles provide contrast to well-understood avian systems because they are ectothermic, and phylogenetic comparisons are not hindered by complicated patterns of parental care. I investigate the implications of the mating system and reproductive ecology on individual fitness and population genetic diversity of tuatara, the sole extant representative of the archaic reptilian order Sphenodontia. Long-term data on individual size of Stephens Island tuatara revealed a density-dependent decline in body condition driven by an apparently high population growth rate resulting from past habitat modification. Spatial, behavioural, and genetic data from Stephens Island tuatara were analysed to assess territory structure, the mating system, and variation in male fitness. Large male body size was the primary predictor of 1) physical access to females, 2) competitive ability, and 3) mating and paternity success. Seasonal monogamy predominates, with probable long-term polygyny and polyandry.
    [Show full text]
  • VII Conference of the European Wildlife Diseases Association VII
    VII Conference of the European Wildlife Diseases Association 27thth-30thth September 2006 Aosta Valley, ITALY Contents Welcome 3 Conference programme 5 Abstracts Oral Presentations 13 Poster Presentations 37 Conference Committee 79 Index by Authors 85 List of Participants 1 2 Welcome! On behalf of the Wildlife Diseases Association, the National Reference Centre for Wildlife Diseases (Ce.R.M.A.S.) and the Italian Society of Ecopathology (SIEF) we are happy to welcome you to S.Vincent and the 7th Conference of the European section of the Wildlife Diseases Association. The scientific programme is really varied and ranges from invertebrate to mammals. We have chosen some topics that are of great concern among professional and ordinary people, such as wildlife and emerging diseases, wildlife diseases and conservation, wildlife diseases monitoring and risk of disease transmission between wildlife and domestic animals. Data exchange and discussion are the goal of every scientific meeting. We hope our organization efforts will create a friendly and stimulating environment and allow all of us to increase not only our culture, but also our friendship. The front line of wildlife diseases research in Europe, but also from other continents, is presented in the more than 120, oral or poster, presentations. We can learn from them and increase our ability to preserve both wildlife and public health. We hope you will enjoy the conference and your stay in Italy! Ezio Ferroglio Riccardo Orusa SIEF Ce.R.M.A.S 3 4 Conference Programme 5 6 Conference Programme Wednesday 27th September 2006 14:30-15:30 Registration 15:30-18:00 Opening Ceremony 18:00 Welcome cocktail Thursday 28th September 2006 8:00-9:00 Registration “Wildlife Disease surveillance in Key Note Speaker 9:00-10:00 Europe“.
    [Show full text]
  • ESCCAP Guidelines Final
    ESCCAP Malvern Hills Science Park, Geraldine Road, Malvern, Worcestershire, WR14 3SZ First Published by ESCCAP 2012 © ESCCAP 2012 All rights reserved This publication is made available subject to the condition that any redistribution or reproduction of part or all of the contents in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise is with the prior written permission of ESCCAP. This publication may only be distributed in the covers in which it is first published unless with the prior written permission of ESCCAP. A catalogue record for this publication is available from the British Library. ISBN: 978-1-907259-40-1 ESCCAP Guideline 3 Control of Ectoparasites in Dogs and Cats Published: December 2015 TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION...............................................................................................................................................4 SCOPE..............................................................................................................................................................5 PRESENT SITUATION AND EMERGING THREATS ......................................................................................5 BIOLOGY, DIAGNOSIS AND CONTROL OF ECTOPARASITES ...................................................................6 1. Fleas.............................................................................................................................................................6 2. Ticks ...........................................................................................................................................................10
    [Show full text]
  • Whartonacarus Floridensis Sp. Nov. (Acari: Trombiculidae)
    MORPHOLOGY,SYSTEMATICS,EVOLUTION Whartonacarus floridensis sp. nov. (Acari: Trombiculidae), With a Taxonomic Review and the First Record of Whartonacarus Chiggers in the Continental United States 1 2 2 JAMES W. MERTINS, BRITTA A. HANSON, AND JOSEPH L. CORN J. Med. Entomol. 46(6): 1260Ð1268 (2009) ABSTRACT Among several unusual species collected during surveillance of ectoparasites on wild- life hosts in the southeastern United States and Caribbean Region, the larvae of a new species of Whartonacarus were encountered in 2003 on a cattle egret, Bubulcus ibis (L.), in the Florida Keys. This is the Þrst record for a member of Whartonacarus in the continental United States. The mite is described and named as Whartonacarus floridensis Mertins, and the possible signiÞcance of this discovery with respect to the “tropical bont tick,” Amblyomma variegatum (F.), is discussed. A brief taxonomic review of Whartonacarus raises questions about the putative synonymy of Whartonacarus nativitatis (Hoffmann) and Whartonacarus thompsoni (Brennan) and suggests that Whartonacarus shiraii (Sasa et al.) may include two distinct taxa. Whartonacarus is redeÞned, and a revised key to the known taxa is provided. Toritrombicula oceanica Brennan & Amerson is placed in the genus Whartonacarus. Also, Whartonacarus palenquensis (Hoffman) is rejected as a member of this genus and placed in its own new genus, Longisetacarus Mertins. KEY WORDS Whartonacarus floridensis sp. nov., Longisetacarus gen. nov., Amblyomma variegatum, chiggers, cattle egret Since the 1960s, the United States Department of Ag- Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Targeted survey sites are riculture (USDA), Animal and Plant Health Inspec- natural areas where introduced exotic arthropods tion Service, Veterinary Services and the Southeastern might be most likely to survive and establish them- Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study have jointly par- selves unobserved on wildlife hosts.
    [Show full text]
  • Identification of Trombiculid Chigger Mites Collected on Rodents from Southern Vietnam and Molecular Detection of Rickettsiaceae Pathogen
    ISSN (Print) 0023-4001 ISSN (Online) 1738-0006 Korean J Parasitol Vol. 58, No. 4: 445-450, August 2020 ▣ ORIGINAL ARTICLE https://doi.org/10.3347/kjp.2020.58.4.445 Identification of Trombiculid Chigger Mites Collected on Rodents from Southern Vietnam and Molecular Detection of Rickettsiaceae Pathogen 1, 2, 1 3 4,5, 4,5, Minh Doan Binh †, Sinh Cao Truong †, Dong Le Thanh , Loi Cao Ba , Nam Le Van * , Binh Do Nhu * 1Ho Chi Minh Institute of Malariology-Parasitology and Entomology, Ho Chi Minh Vietnam; 2Vinh Medical University, Nghe An, Vietnam; 3National Institute of Malariology-Parasitology and Entomology, Ha Noi, Vietnam; 4Military Hospital 103, Ha Noi, Vietnam; 5Vietnam Military Medical University, Ha Noi, Vietnam Abstract: Trombiculid “chigger” mites (Acari) are ectoparasites that feed blood on rodents and another animals. A cross- sectional survey was conducted in 7 ecosystems of southern Vietnam from 2015 to 2016. Chigger mites were identified with morphological characteristics and assayed by polymerase chain reaction for detection of rickettsiaceae. Overall chigger infestation among rodents was 23.38%. The chigger index among infested rodents was 19.37 and a mean abun- dance of 4.61. A total of 2,770 chigger mites were identified belonging to 6 species, 3 genera, and 1 family, and pooled into 141 pools (10-20 chiggers per pool). Two pools (1.4%) of the chiggers were positive for Orientia tsutsugamushi. Rick- etsia spp. was not detected in any pools of chiggers. Further studies are needed including a larger number and diverse hosts, and environmental factors to assess scrub typhus. Key words: Oriental tsutsugamushi, Rickettsia sp., chigger mite, ectoparasite INTRODUCTION Orientia tsutsugamushi is a gram-negative bacteria and caus- ative agent of scrub typhus, is a vector-borne zoonotic disease Trombiculid mites (Acari: Trombiculidae) are ectoparasites with the potential of causing life-threatening febrile infection that are found in grasses and herbaceous vegetation.
    [Show full text]
  • Die Herbstmilbe Neotrombicula Autumnalis Und Andere Parasitische Laufmilben (Acaria, Trombiculidae) Als Verursacher Von Hauterkrankungen in Mitteleuropa
    ZOBODAT - www.zobodat.at Zoologisch-Botanische Datenbank/Zoological-Botanical Database Digitale Literatur/Digital Literature Zeitschrift/Journal: Denisia Jahr/Year: 2002 Band/Volume: 0006 Autor(en)/Author(s): Kampen Helge Artikel/Article: Die Herbstmilbe Neotrombicula autumnalis und andere parasitische Laufmilben (Acaria, Trombiculidae) als Verursacher von Hauterkrankungen in Mitteleuropa. 461-476 © Biologiezentrum Linz/Austria; download unter www.biologiezentrum.at Die Herbstmilbe Neotrombicula autumnalis und andere parasitische Laufmilben (Acari, Trombiculidae) als Verursacher von Hauterkrankungen in Mitteleuropa Helge KAMPEN 1 Einleitung 462 2 Systematik 462 3 Morphologie 463 4 Verbreitung und Ökologie 464 5 Lebenszyklus 466 6 Klinik der Trombidiose 468 7 Diagnostik und Therapie 470 8 Bekämpfung und Prophylaxe 470 9 Trombikuliden als Krankheitsüberträger 472 10 Zusammenfassung 474 11 Literatur 474 Denisia 6, zugleich Kataloge des OÖ. Landesmuseums, Neue Folge Nr. 184 (2002), 461-476 © Biologiezentrum Linz/Austria; download unter www.biologiezentrum.at Abstract: the population's sometimes enormous suffering, research on this group of mites has been neglected for decades. Hence, our The harvest mite Neotrombicula contemporary knowledge on the biology and ecology of the Trombiculidae is fragmentary only and requires furthear re- autumnalis and other parasitic search. At present, neither can typical habitats be defined nor trombiculids (Acari, Trombiculidae) effective control measures recommended. In Asia the trombi- as the etiologic agents of dermatoses culids have been known for a long time as vectors of Tsutsu- in Central Europe gamushi-disease (scrub typhus), a rickettsiosis of man. As far as Central Europe is concerned, they are not regarded as vec- For several years, but for unknown reasons, the harvest mite tors of disease, but cannot be excluded as such, because syste- Neotrombicula autumnalis and related trombiculid species matic scientific studies are lacking.
    [Show full text]
  • Biodiversity from Caves and Other Subterranean Habitats of Georgia, USA
    Kirk S. Zigler, Matthew L. Niemiller, Charles D.R. Stephen, Breanne N. Ayala, Marc A. Milne, Nicholas S. Gladstone, Annette S. Engel, John B. Jensen, Carlos D. Camp, James C. Ozier, and Alan Cressler. Biodiversity from caves and other subterranean habitats of Georgia, USA. Journal of Cave and Karst Studies, v. 82, no. 2, p. 125-167. DOI:10.4311/2019LSC0125 BIODIVERSITY FROM CAVES AND OTHER SUBTERRANEAN HABITATS OF GEORGIA, USA Kirk S. Zigler1C, Matthew L. Niemiller2, Charles D.R. Stephen3, Breanne N. Ayala1, Marc A. Milne4, Nicholas S. Gladstone5, Annette S. Engel6, John B. Jensen7, Carlos D. Camp8, James C. Ozier9, and Alan Cressler10 Abstract We provide an annotated checklist of species recorded from caves and other subterranean habitats in the state of Georgia, USA. We report 281 species (228 invertebrates and 53 vertebrates), including 51 troglobionts (cave-obligate species), from more than 150 sites (caves, springs, and wells). Endemism is high; of the troglobionts, 17 (33 % of those known from the state) are endemic to Georgia and seven (14 %) are known from a single cave. We identified three biogeographic clusters of troglobionts. Two clusters are located in the northwestern part of the state, west of Lookout Mountain in Lookout Valley and east of Lookout Mountain in the Valley and Ridge. In addition, there is a group of tro- globionts found only in the southwestern corner of the state and associated with the Upper Floridan Aquifer. At least two dozen potentially undescribed species have been collected from caves; clarifying the taxonomic status of these organisms would improve our understanding of cave biodiversity in the state.
    [Show full text]