The poultry red mite Dermanyssus gallinae as a potential carrier of vector-borne diseases

Carlos J. De Luna, Samuel Arkle, David Harrington, David R. George, Jonathan H. Guy, Olivier A.E. Sparagano

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference proceedingpeer-review

35 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The poultry red mite Dermanyssus gallinae is an obligatory blood-sucking parasite that is considered to be one of the most important ectoparasites in the poultry industry, mainly because it is responsible for important economic losses, leads to a reduction of welfare of laying hens, and may pose a disease risk to humans. As a result of these problems, much of the current research on this parasite targets new methods of control. Less attention has been paid to the importance of D. gallinae as a carrier of vector-borne diseases. Some authors have mentioned the possible involvement of D. gallinae in the transmission (both in vitro and directly isolated from the mites) of viral and bacterial agents. Our research group has demonstrated the presence of Mycobacterium spp. within D. gallinae. DNA coding for Mycobacterium spp. was successfully amplified from unfed adult D. gallinae, larvae, and eggs by using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction targeting the 16S rRNA gene. The results have suggested the possible transovarial and transstadial transmission of pathogens by D. gallinae.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationAnimal Biodiversity and Emerging Diseases Prediction and Prevention
PublisherWiley
Pages255-258
Number of pages4
Volume1149
ISBN (Print)9781573317146
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 15 Dec 2008
Externally publishedYes

Publication series

NameAnnals of the New York Academy of Sciences
Volume1149
ISSN (Print)0077-8923
ISSN (Electronic)1749-6632

Keywords

  • Dermanyssus gallinae
  • Ectoparasites
  • Poultry red mite
  • Vector

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology(all)
  • History and Philosophy of Science

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