A clinical retrospective study of Caparinia tripilis (Psoroptidae) mite dermatitis in pet African pygmy hedgehogs (Ateletrix albiventris) in southern Italy

Abstract

Background Caparinia tripilis is a common ectoparasitic mite affecting African pygmy hedgehogs, and is associated with pruritus and self‐trauma. There have been no published surveys on the prevalence of such mites in pet African pygmy hedgehogs in Italy. Objective To evaluate the prevalence and clinical signs of C. tripilis infestation in African pygmy hedgehogs. Animals Clinical records of hedgehogs examined between December 2017 and December 2020 were searched retrospectively. Methods and materials The prevalence of C. tripilis infestation was evaluated and exposure variables were assessed using stepwise conditional logistic regression and odds ratios (OR) were calculated. Results The overall prevalence of C. tripilis was 39.5% (81 of 205) in client‐owned and 81.5% (66 of 81) in pet shop‐housed affected hedgehogs. Fifty‐two hedgehogs (64.2%) showed clinical signs of pruritus, scales, erythema, spine loss, crusting, alopecia and lichenification, while 29 infested hedgehogs (35.8%) were asymptomatic. The head was the most frequently affected area in 30 of 81 (37%) animals. In a multivariable analysis, affected hedgehogs were significantly younger [OR 0.27, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.1–0.73; P = 0.0097] and more likely to be from a pet shop (OR 2.1, 95%CI 1–4.4; P = 0.04) than unaffected hedgehogs. Conclusions and clinical importance The results of this study indicate a prevalence rate of C. tripilis infestation that is consistent with trends observed in other studies. African pygmy hedgehogs, especially younger animals and those originating from a pet shop, should always be evaluated for C. tripilis.

Successful treatment of Caparinia tripilis infestation with ivermectin in an African pygmy hedgehog

“…African pygmy hedgehogs are solitary animals, except during courting and when females rear babies. In contrast to their natural behaviour, hedgehogs kept in pet stores are confined to dense groups and small cages, which may encourage stress and poor cleanliness, resulting in unusual multiplication and transmission (d'Ovidio et al 2021). Finally, to the best of our knowledge, this study is the first description of mange infestation by C. tripilis in an African pygmy hedgehog in Indonesia and a report describing successful ivermectin treatment of the disease.…”

“…Mange lives its whole life on its host, with all phases of development visible on the surface of the hedgehog's skin and "running up and down" on the hedgehog's quills. Disease contraction between hosts may occur via direct contact (d'Ovidio et al 2021).…”

“…The African pygmy hedgehog belongs to the order Eulipotyphla and includes moles and shrews. However, it was formerly classified under the order Insectivora (d'Ovidio et al 2021). Acariasis is a dermatological problem in pygmy hedgehogs.…”

“…Scabies lesions caused by C. tripilis infestation occur in various anatomical areas (e.g. the ears, heads, dorsum, and abdominal area, and between the limbs), producing skin inflammation, irritation, and itching, which can lead to selfinjury, secondary infections, and even death(Antelo et al 2020;Bezerra-Santos et al 2021;d'Ovidio et al 2021;Eo…”