Canine demodicosis is a cutaneous parasitic disease caused by excessive proliferation of mites of the genus Demodex. This study reports a case of localized demodicosis associated with a concurrent infestation by Demodex canis and Demodex cornei in an adult mixed-breed female dog from the state of Coahuila, northern Mexico. The animal presented two focal alopecic lesions in the nasal and perioral regions, with no evidence of secondary infection. Deep skin scrapings were collected and examined by light microscopy. Species-level identification was based on diagnostic morphological characters, including opisthosomal shape and proportions, supracoxal spine morphology, and pharyngeal bulb structure, confirming the simultaneous presence of both species. This study represents the first confirmed record of D. canis and D. cornei in domestic dogs from the state of Coahuila and contributes to the knowledge of geographic distribution and diversity of demodecid mites in Mexico.

Tungiasis is a skin-related neglected tropical disease affecting vulnerable communities, with significant risk to both human and animal health. We investigated knowledge and practices of veterinarians in Bahia State, Brazil, regarding animal tungiasis. An online questionnaire was sent to 600 veterinarians, with a response rate of 209/600 (34.8%). A total of 197/600 (32.8%) questionnaires were valid and included in the analysis. The majority of veterinarians (158/190; 83.2%) self-reported knowledge about Tunga sp., 136/197 (69.0%) had previously treated animals with tungiasis, and 136/183 (74.3%) mentioned dogs as the most commonly affected species. Summer was considered as the season with highest incidences (76/197; 38.6%), and rural areas were the primary origin of affected animals (94/242; 38.8%). A total of 170/197 (85.3%) reported knowledge of transmission between animals and humans, and 139/197 (71%) had observed tungiasis lesions in humans. A total of 153/197 (77.7%) veterinarians answered that they had treated patients with tungiasis lesions in their clinical practice. Systemic nitenpyram was the most commonly used treatment. This study shows that tungiasis is a zoonotic disease of public health importance in Bahia State, and that the zoonosis is well known - but still neglected - by veterinarians. Veterinarians should consider tungiasis in their clinical practice. Intervention measures considering a multidisciplinary One Health Approach are warranted.

Jingmen tick virus (JMTV) is a single-stranded RNA virus transmitted to humans through tick bites and classified within the Flaviviridae family. It has been detected in various arthropods and mammals. JMTV causes an acute febrile illness with symptoms such as skin lesions, fatigue, headache, nausea, and vomiting; however, limited research exists on its clinical impact and pathogenesis in humans. This study aims to report the first detection and molecular characterization of JMTV in patients with Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) in Türkiye. During the 2022 outbreak, serum samples from 206 hospitalized CCHF-suspected patients were retrospectively analyzed. JMTV was identified in 3 (1.5%) cases using nested PCR. The nucleotide similarity within the three JMTV sequences was found to be between 98.0% and 99.0%. Phylogenetic analysis showed 82-98% similarity with previously identified JMTV isolates in Türkiye. This study presents the first detection and molecular characterization of JMTV in humans in Türkiye. Clinicians should consider JMTV in patients with a history of tick bites, especially in CCHF-endemic regions.

Ursicoptes americanus is a follicular mite that can cause ursicoptic mange in bear species; however, its biology, epidemiology, and clinical significance remain poorly understood. First described in the 1970s from a captive American black bear (Ursus americanus) in Kansas, USA, this mite has since been reported sporadically in both captive and free-ranging black bears, predominately in the western United States. This study aimed to detect and characterize U. americanus in Georgia black bears, assess clinical presentations, estimate prevalence across distinct subpopulations, and analyze phylogenetic relationships with related mites. In August 2022, Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GADNR) submitted the carcass of a black bear from Pickens County to the Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study (SCWDS), and a skin scrape revealed the first confirmed detection of U. americanus in Georgia. Following this discovery, three additional cases were identified, prompting an expanded surveillance effort across Georgia's three geographically distinct black bear subpopulations (north, central, and south). Skin scrapings from 56 bears collected between 2022 and 2024 were examined for mites and subjected to molecular analysis. U. americanus was detected in bears with a diversity of clinical presentations, ranging from apparently healthy to mild and moderate dermatologic lesions. These efforts uncovered an overall apparent prevalence of 10.7 % (6/56) in Georgia black bears, challenging the assumption that U. americanus is associated solely with debilitating mange. Instead, these results suggest a broader clinical spectrum and a more widespread distribution than previously thought. Molecular characterization of the mitochondrial 16S rRNA, nuclear 28S rDNA and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) genes revealed close associations to other avian and mammalian mite species in the Parvorder Psoroptidia, as well as relatively low genetic diversity of mites between different sampled bear populations. Collectively, these clinical, epidemiologic, and molecular data represent one of the most comprehensive assessments of U. americanus to date. Moving forward, U. americanus should be included in differential diagnoses when alopecia or crusted lesions are observed in bears, even in mild cases. Ongoing surveillance is critical as sarcoptic mange, caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei, continues to impact black bear populations across eastern North America.

Crusted scabies is a rare and severe variant of scabies, typically associated with immunosuppressed states. It presents with extensive hyperkeratotic lesions, high mite burden, and often minimal pruritus. Atypical signs and symptoms can delay diagnosis. We report a case of crusted scabies with erythroderma in an 80-year-old woman residing in a long-term care facility. The patient presented with progressive erythematous and hyperkeratotic skin lesions, mild pruritus, and systemic inflammation markers. Initial differential diagnoses included psoriasis and erythroderma of unclear origin. Only after family members developed pruritic lesions was scabies suspected. Microscopic examination of skin crusts using potassium hydroxide preparation revealed numerous Sarcoptes scabiei mites, eggs, and scybala, confirming the diagnosis. The patient was treated with oral ivermectin and topical benzyl benzoate, resulting in significant clinical improvement and resolution of the lesions. This case highlights the diagnostic challenges posed by atypical presentations of scabies in older adults, particularly when symptoms mimic those of other dermatologic conditions. It also underscores the importance of maintaining clinical suspicion and promptly using simple diagnostic tools, such as skin scrapings, to identify infestations early. Early recognition and treatment are crucial not only for patient outcomes but also to prevent institutional outbreaks.

Buffalo fly (Haematobia irritans exigua) infestation in cattle poses a significant challenge to animal health and welfare, causing blood loss and often painful skin lesions. These lesions can reduce the value of cattle in saleyards, make cattle unacceptable for certain markets, and provide a focus for secondary infections; yet, the underlying mechanisms of susceptibility remain poorly understood. In this study, we performed longitudinal serum proteomic profiling of high-lesion (HL; lesion-susceptible) and no-lesion (NL; lesion-resistant) cattle (n = 5 per group per time point) at baseline, after lesion development, and following an antigen challenge stage using data-independent acquisition mass spectrometry. Using MSstats linear mixed-effects modelling with Benjamini-Hochberg correction (adjusted P < 1 × 10⁻⁵), we identified 149, 146, and 162 differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) at baseline, post-lesion, and post-challenge stages, respectively. At baseline, NL cattle exhibited higher levels of proteins involved in the immune response, such as complement factors, immunoglobulins, and mannose-binding lectin, suggesting a robust immune system. Lesion formation in HL cattle was accompanied by marked increases in acute-phase proteins and coagulation factors, indicating a strong inflammatory and procoagulant response. Following antigen challenge, NL cattle displayed enrichment of antioxidant and immune-regulatory proteins. These findings highlight candidate serum biomarkers associated with susceptibility to buffalo fly-related skin lesions.

Leishmaniasis is a neglected parasitic disease prevalent in tropical and subtropical areas and remains a significant public health issue in Iran. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) among residents of western Khuzestan. This cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study was carried out among residents in the cities of Susangerd, Bostan, Hoveyzeh, Hamidiyeh, and Shush in western Khuzestan. Data were gathered using a researcher-designed questionnaire consisting of 31 questions divided into four sections covering demographic information, knowledge, attitudes, and practices concerning CL. Out of 780 participants (48.6% male, 51.4% female), 31.8% held university degrees. Less than half of the respondents had awareness of CL. Skin lesions (44.1%) and sand flies (59.6%) were most frequently recognized as the primary symptoms of the disease and its vectors, respectively. Only 23.2% could correctly distinguish sand flies from other insects like flies and mosquitoes. Awareness about sand fly breeding sites and biting times was low, though 44.1% identified summer as the peak season for the disease. The majority viewed bed nets as essential health tools (69.1%), with 73.1% supporting health education as an effective preventive measure and 71.1% endorsing bed net use for protection. Common preventive practices included proper waste disposal and avoiding travel to endemic areas. Overall, attitudes and practices regarding CL in the studied population were good, but notable gaps in knowledge remain. The limited understanding of the disease and its vector highlights the need for targeted health education and awareness programs to reduce future CL risk.

Lepidopterism, a condition resulting from accidents by caterpillars or the adult forms of moths and butterflies, typically manifests as mild and self-limited hypersensitivity reactions. In August 2023, an unexpected number of accidents by caterpillars were noted in Valle de Caracas, Venezuela. This prospective descriptive study was conducted from August to September 2023. The sample includes both sightings and accidents reported in three regions of Valle de Caracas. A total of 32 sighting reports were recorded, including 13 accidents and 117 caterpillars. The caterpillars primarily belonged to the family Saturniidae, including genus Dirphia (86%) (Hübner, 1819) and Automeris (9%) (Hübner, 1819). Two caterpillars (2%) were identified as Megalopyge opercularis (Smith, 1797). Over half (54%) of the accidents involved children under nine years. Accidents were most common in residential gardens and parks (54%) and public parks and footpaths (31%). Skin lesions were present in all patients, and six patients exhibited systemic symptoms, primarily fever and palpitations. The study highlights a period of increasing accidents by caterpillars in Valle de Caracas, coinciding with multiple sightings of several species of caterpillars, mainly of the genus Dirphia. Not only were cutaneous manifestations reported, but cases of lepidopterism were previously unreported for this species in the country.

Tick infestations compromise canine health and facilitate zoonotic pathogen transmission. This randomized, investigator-blinded, multicenter field study evaluated the efficacy and safety of fluralaner chewable tablets against natural tick infestations in dogs in China. Dogs naturally infested with ≥ 5 ticks were enrolled and randomized 1:1 to receive either a laboratory-developed fluralaner chewable tablet (experimental) or the reference product BRAVECTO® (control), with dosing according to body-weight bands. At baseline (Day 0), whole-body tick counts (≥10 min), lesion-severity scoring, and microscopic identification of a tick subsample were performed; follow-up assessments occurred on Days 7, 14, 28, 56, and 84, with the final visit on Day 56 for dogs infested with Rhipicephalus sanguineus and on Day 84 for those with other species, notably Haemaphysalis longicornis. A total of 120 dogs were enrolled, and two tick species were identified: H. longicornis and R. sanguineus. Relative to baseline, mean tick counts were reduced by 99.95 % (experimental) and 99.83 % (control); 98.33 % of dogs were tick-free on Day 7, and 100 % were tick-free from Day 14 through the final visit (Day 56/84). Skin lesions improved significantly, with complete resolution by Day 28 and no recurrence thereafter. No treatment-related adverse events were observed. These findings indicated that fluralaner chewable tablets provided effective control of natural tick infestations and achieved complete tick-free status for 12 weeks against H. longicornis and 8 weeks against R. sanguineus under field conditions.

The role of Demodex mites in the pathogenesis of skin diseases still needs updating. The aim of the study was to determine the relationship between Demodex sp. infestation and ocular and skin lesions in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) and psoriasis (PsO). The control group comprised subjects that had not been diagnosed with any inflammatory skin disease. Direct microscopic examination (DME) was applied to analyze eyelashes and skin scraping samples. Demodex mites were detected more often in the eyelash samples than in the skin in both the AD (16.7% vs. 6.7%) and PsO (18.5% vs. 7.4%) patients as well as in the control group (25.8% vs. 3%). The mean intensity of Demodex infestation was 4.25 in the AD patients, 3.4 in the PsO patients, and 2.8 in the control group. Emollients were used in the treatment by 76.7% of the AD patients and 64.8% of patients with PsO; however, this type of skin care did not significantly increase the risk of skin colonization by Demodex. AD and PsO do not seem to facilitate excessive Demodex sp. proliferation. Nevertheless, diagnosis of the presence of these mites should be considered in patients with facial skin and ocular lesions that do not respond to the treatment.

Sarcoptic mange, commonly known as scabies, is a highly contagious skin condition caused by the burrowing mite Sarcoptes scabiei (Astigmata: Sarcoptinae). This parasitic disease significantly impacts livestock and human health, particularly in underserved regions. Current treatments rely on synthetic acaricides like permethrin and ivermectin, which suffer from limitations such as toxicity, resistance development, and environmental contamination. Essential oils from Apiaceae plants represent a promising natural alternative. This study reviewed 122 volatile constituents from Apiaceae plants and conducted comprehensive in silico analyses to identify potential antiparasitic agents. Geraniol emerged as a potent acaricidal candidate due to its strong binding affinity to acetylcholinesterase (AChE) (docking score: - 7.85 kcal/mol). In vitro testing revealed geraniol achieved a 100% mite mortality rate at concentrations as low as 6.25% within 15 min (LT50 = 9.5 min). In vivo studies using scabies-infected rabbits demonstrated that geraniol-treated animals exhibited complete clinical recovery by two weeks post-treatment, with disappearance of crusts, itching, and skin thickening. Histopathological examination showed near-complete skin regeneration with minimal inflammatory infiltrates, in contrast to control groups which exhibited severe lesions and active mite presence. Furthermore, geraniol-treated rabbits displayed new hair growth and improved general condition, with no observed adverse effects. These findings highlight geraniol's potential as a safe, effective, and eco-friendly treatment for scabies, offering a 100% improvement in clinical and histological recovery within two weeks. Further research should focus on optimizing delivery systems and evaluating its efficacy in human clinical trials.