Straelensiosis in two cats and ten dogs from Israel

Abstract

Straelensiosis is uncommonly described outside Europe. This report describes straelensiosis in two cats and in ten dogs diagnosed with the disease outside Europe. Both cats displayed erythematous macules or nodules on the abdominal skin. One cat was extremely pruritic, while in the other the lesions were incidental findings when the cat was presented for neutering. The mites were noted in skin scrapings in both cats and histopathologically in one cat. All dogs showed a general distribution of papules, and intense pruritus was noted in six dogs. The diagnosis in all dogs was based on histopathology. Treatment of the animals in this study varied, and among the various administrated treatments, amitraz showed promising results.

First report of straelensiosis in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes)

“…2,4 Histologically, all biopsies showed pseudoepitheliomatous follicular hyperplasia and perifollicular mucinosis, features that are considered pathognomonic for straelensiosis. 2,4,6,7 The foxes' lesions were similar to those described in domestic dogs with mild inflammation in the dermis surrounding the affected follicles, predominating plasma cells and lymphocytes. 1,2,4,6,7 However, in this case series, as well as in the previous cases reported in dogs and cats, molecular methods were not performed, making it more difficult to identify the parasite at the species level.…”

“…1 The first cases of straelensiosis in cats then suggested a broader host range for S. cynotis. 6 In the present report, two of the red foxes were admitted from North Portugal, where straelensiosis already has been described in dogs. 4,7 The other red fox was referred from Central Portugal and represents the first report of straelensiosis in the Lisbon region.…”

“…Animals infested show erythematous papules and nodules, usually on the skin of the head, neck, dorsum, limbs and lumbar region. The lesions are often both nonpruritic and painful 2–4,6–8 …”

“…5 Straelensia cynotis larvae feed for a longer time in the host and have a predilection for the follicular lumen, resulting histopathologically in pathognomonic lesions. [2][3][4]6 Animals infested show erythematous papules and nodules, usually on the skin of the head, neck, dorsum, limbs and lumbar region. The lesions are often both nonpruritic and painful.…”

“…The lesions are often both nonpruritic and painful. [2][3][4][6][7][8] The higher prevalence in hunting dogs and domestic animals from rural areas has led to the suggestion that foxes may be a reservoir host. 2 These claims seem to lack proof because no cases of straelensiosis have been documented in red foxes.…”