Feline Demodicosis Case Report—First Molecular Characterization of Demodex Mites in Romania

Abstract

Cat demodicosis is uncommon to rare, and is caused by Demodex cati, Demodex gatoi and another unnamed species. The investigated patient was a mix-breed, 10-year-old feline with no dermatological history. Alopecia, erythema, minor erosions and ulcerations and crusts, associated with pruritus and self-trauma, were observed on the head. Dark, agglutinated cerumen was also present in the external ear canal. The agent causing the skin condition in the feline patient was identified as being a Demodex genus mite, based on the specific, morphological characteristics noticed upon the microscopic examination of deep skin scrapes. Biological samples were collected from the patient with to perform a PCR assay for clear species-determination and morphological assessment. PCR amplification of DNA extracted from the Demodex mites produced a single band of ~330 bp, indicating the presence of the D. cati species. The acaricidal treatment consisted of topical treatment using a fluralaner and moxidectin-based spot-on. Upon follow-up appointments, scheduled three times at a monthly interval, the patient failed to provide a positive result upon deep skin scrapes. The negative scrapes were also accompanied by the complete resolution of the existing lesions. In conclusion, this is the first molecular study to highlight the presence of Demodex cati within the feline population of Romania, and the fluralaner-moxidectin spot-on therapy has led to a complete recovery of the feline patient affected by feline demodicosis.

Demodex murilegi and Demodex obliquus, two new specific skin mites from domestic cat Felis catus, with notes on parasitism

“…Although molecular methods in isolation have been not sufficient for taxonomy thus far, they can nevertheless be used to confirm the presence of obscure parasites in demodecosis diagnostics (Frank et al, 2013), provided that reliable, well verified sequences are used. For example, a combination of molecular data and the use of morphometric traits and photographic documentation allowed D. cati infestation to be verified in studies from Romania (Ilie et al, 2021).…”

“…For example, a combination of molecular data and the use of morphometric traits and photographic documentation allowed D. cati infestation to be verified in studies from Romania (Ilie et al, 2021).…”

First Morphological and Molecular Identification of Demodex injai in Golden Jackal (Canis aureus Linnaeus, 1758) in Romania

“…The PCR reaction was carried out according to the technique described by Frank et al 2013 [ 23 ] and was also used to identify D. cati in the same location [ 24 ]. The amplification was carried out by classical PCR and was based on the amplification of a sequence of the ~330 bp (fragment of the 16S rDNA) for Demodex spp., modified for the requirements of the mixture.…”