Dermanyssosis in the Urban Context: When the One Health Paradigm Is Put into Practice

Abstract

Poultry red mites (Dermanyssus gallinae) are primarily ectoparasites of laying hens but also parasitize synanthropic birds in urban contexts. This mite can occasionally attack mammals, including humans, and cause mild to severe dermatitis. Attacks by zoonotic Mesostigmata mites are currently an increasing but still neglected problem of urban life. The authors present two cases of dermanyssosis involving two health workers at a hospital, linked to air conditioning outdoor units colonized by pigeons. Videos that describe the environmental contamination by D. gallinae and show where the infestation originated are presented. In addition, the authors update the literature of all urban cases, which, to date, reports over 240 clinical cases, mostly in private homes but also in public buildings. Dermatitis due to these mites is often unrecognized and, therefore, misdiagnosed. This report describes how the two cases herein reported were rapidly resolved thanks to the close cooperation between veterinary parasitologists and allergologists. It is crucial to raise awareness of the problem among general practitioners and specialists. In addition, the authors suggest a reconsideration of urban architectural choices that increase the public health risk posed by dermanyssosis and other diseases related to synanthropic birds.

Keywords: Italy; human dermatitis; one health paradigm; pigeons; poultry red mite.

Figure 1

Dermanyssus provoked multiple, reddish and itchy papules. (a) Patient 1, base of the neck; (b) Patient 2, back of the neck.

Figure 2

Several external air conditioning units installed under the windows of public offices.