First in vitro cycle of the chicken mite, Dermanyssus gallinae (DeGeer 1778), utilizing an artificial feeding device

Abstract

The red poultry mite, Dermanyssus gallinae, is one of the most economically deleterious ecto-parasites of layer hens worldwide. D. gallinae is difficult to eliminate from infested poultry farms, and even to study, because it resides on the host only during the bloodmeal at night, and hides in the crevices of poultry houses during the day. Here, the life-cycle of D. gallinae was reproduced entirely in vitro. Mites were incubated in a glass pipette at 30 degrees C, 60-95 degrees relative humidity and total darkness. A feeding apparatus, composed of a membrane, reservoir and blood was fitted on the pipette during bloodmeals. We tested feeding rates on blood mixed with 1 of 3 anti-coagulants (EDTA, heparin and trisodium citrate) at different concentrations, and biological and artificial membranes. The best engorgement and survival rates for all 3 haematophagous life-stages of the parasite were observed in 1-day-old chick membranes and heparinized (0.02 mmo/ml) blood. We then describe the steps in developing a complete self-sustaining in vitro life-cycle. A colony of mites was maintained in vitro for 7 generations. Losses in the first generation were heavy, but survival had multiplied 5-fold by the fifth generation. We hypothesize that heavy mortality rates during the first life-cycle correspond to selective pressure: only the mites which fed and survived in vitro were able to reproduce.

The poultry red mite (Dermanyssus gallinae): a potential vector of pathogenic agents

“…Two methods of infecting the mites were tested: infection via the blood meal and via cuticular contact. The methodology of Bruneau et al (2001) was modified slightly to create an in vitro feeding device to infect the mites during the blood meal. To ensure that any bacteria subsequently detected were those located inside the mite, we cleaned them following the protocol described by Zeman et al (1982) using 4% w/v paraformaldehyde followed by rinsing with sterile distilled water.…”

Immunological effects and productivity variation of red mite (Dermanyssus gallinae) on laying hens- implications for egg production and quality

“…Red mite shows preference for laying hens, although they have been known to engorge on a range of hosts, including man (Bruneau et al, 2001). In commercial egg production, red mite is a serious problem, not only as a potential vector of several avian of pathogens, but more importantly as a direct parasite effecting both production and welfare (Nordenfors, et al, 1999).…”

Vectorial role of some dermanyssoid mites (Acari, Mesostigmata, Dermanyssoidea)

“…From a biological point of view, we need to precisely define the various types of vector in relation to the pathogenic agents. To do this, it will be necessary to develop models based on either Dermanyssus gallinae or Ornithonyssus bacoti and to repeat the previous studies using modern techniques of molecular biology to detect the pathogens (Cortinas et al, 2002) and study the life-cycles in vitro of these acarians (Bruneau et al, 2001). The role of these vectors in the epidemiology of these zoonoses in relation to the principal vector (notably ticks) and to the continued survival and dissemination of these pathogens still remains to be defined.…”