Trombiculidae (chigger mite)
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Epidemiology
- normally feed on mice in grassy or brush-covered sites in tropics
- Trombiculid mites are vectors for transmission of the etiologic agent of scrub typhus in tropical & subtropical parts or Asia
Pathology
- larvae attach themselves host & pierce the skin of host with stylostome
- saliva may produce large wheal & flare reactions with intense pruritus
- scratching invariably destroys the body of a mite attached to a person
- lesions vesiculate & form a hemorrhagic base
Clinical manifestations
- itching & burning lasts for weeks
- rash is most common areas of skin where clothing restricts movement of mites (ankles, waistline, armpits & wrists)
- erythematous, excoriated papules, occasionally with central punctum
Laboratory
- larvae are 6-legged, often red in color
Management
- antihistamines reduce pruritus
- topical steroids reduce pruritus
- camphor & menthol lotion[3]
More general terms
References
- ↑ Clinical Diagnosis & Management by Laboratory Methods, 19th edition, J.B. Henry (ed), W.B. Saunders Co., Philadelphia, PA. 1996, pg 1306
- ↑ Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 13th ed. Isselbacher et al (eds), McGraw-Hill Inc. NY, 1994, pg 935
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Medical Knowledge Self Assessment Program (MKSAP) 15, American College of Physicians, Philadelphia 2009