Suzana Tasić-Otašević1,2, Milan Golubović3,4, Jairo Alfonso Mendoza-Roldan5, Riccardo Paolo Lia5, Domenico Otranto5. 1. Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Niš, Blvd. Dr Zorana Djindjica 81, Niš, Serbia. otasevicsuzana@gmail.com. 2. Public Health Institute Niš, Niš, Serbia. otasevicsuzana@gmail.com. 3. Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Niš, Blvd. Dr Zorana Djindjica 81, Niš, Serbia. 4. Clinic of Pediatrics, Clinical Center Niš, Niš, Serbia. 5. Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Bari, Italy.
Abstract
PURPOSE: Dermatophagoides spp. (Acariformes; Pyroglyphidae), house dust-mite well known as the causative agent of atopic hypersensitivity and allergy could potentially cause severe dermatitis. Herein we report an uncommon case of scalp dermatitis associated with the presence of Dermatophagoides spp. METHODS: A 17-year old male presented with patchy alopecia on the scalp without intense peeling or itching, surround by unchanged skin and hair. Initially, superficial fungal infection was suspected; however, parasitological examination revealed the presence of live mites. RESULTS: All the anatomical measurements and parameters from the specimens were compatible with Dermatophagoides spp. CONCLUSIONS: Dermatophagoides spp. are not yet confirmed as causative agents of parasitic infestation, but the presence of these mites could have caused an allergic reaction followed by dermatitis with mild-to-moderate clinical manifestations. However, true parasitism as well as phoresy could also be considered. The clinical manifestations caused by house-dust mite cannot be easily recognized and the lack of diagnostic tools is a hindrance that often leads to misdiagnosis and inadequate therapy.
PURPOSE: Dermatophagoides spp. (Acariformes; Pyroglyphidae), house dust-mite well known as the causative agent of atopic hypersensitivity and allergy could potentially cause severe dermatitis. Herein we report an uncommon case of scalp dermatitis associated with the presence of Dermatophagoides spp. METHODS: A 17-year old male presented with patchy alopecia on the scalp without intense peeling or itching, surround by unchanged skin and hair. Initially, superficial fungal infection was suspected; however, parasitological examination revealed the presence of live mites. RESULTS: All the anatomical measurements and parameters from the specimens were compatible with Dermatophagoides spp. CONCLUSIONS: Dermatophagoides spp. are not yet confirmed as causative agents of parasitic infestation, but the presence of these mites could have caused an allergic reaction followed by dermatitis with mild-to-moderate clinical manifestations. However, true parasitism as well as phoresy could also be considered. The clinical manifestations caused by house-dust mite cannot be easily recognized and the lack of diagnostic tools is a hindrance that often leads to misdiagnosis and inadequate therapy.
Authors: Valery Teplitsky; Kosta Y Mumcuoglu; Ilan Babai; Ilan Dalal; Rifka Cohen; Amir Tanay Journal: Int J Dermatol Date: 2008-08 Impact factor: 2.736