First report of Demodex bovis infestation in bovine besnoitiosis co-infected dairy cattle in Italy. (April 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Villa, Luca; Gazzonis, Alessia Libera; Perlotti, Chiara; Zanzani, Sergio Aurelio; Sironi, Giuseppe; Manfredi, Maria Teresa
• Is Part Of: Parasitology international. Volume 75(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-04
• Subjects: Demodex bovis -- Besnoitia besnoiti -- Co-infection -- Dairy cows -- Histology -- Eprinomectin; Parasitology -- Periodicals; Parasites -- Periodicals; Parasitic Diseases -- Periodicals; Parasitology -- Periodicals; Parasitologie -- Périodiques; 571.99905
• DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2019.102021
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1383-5769

Abstract

Abstract: A form of generalized demodectic mange in two dairy cows infected with Besnoitia besnoiti is described. The herd was endemically infected with bovine besnoitiosis; an overall seroprevalence of B. besnoiti antibodies of 23.5%, that increased up to 43.5% considering only cows, was reported. Two out of the cows seropositive to B. besnoiti, at clinical examination presented skin nodules, widespread all over the body, and in particular in anterior regions. Skin biopsies from the region of the neck were collected and the nodules were microscopically examined through compression method. B. besnoiti tissue cysts were not revealed but a semi-solid yellowish content was evidenced with the presence of several mites, morphologically identified as Demodex bovis . Histological examination of skin biopsies evidenced slight acanthosis and hyperkeratosis of the epidermis and superficial dermatitis with oedema and macrophagic and eosinophilic infiltration. Cystic formations located in the deep dermis were lined by metaplastic squamous epithelium and severe cellular infiltration. A treatment with eprinomectin was attempted and clinical improvement of both cows was observed, particularly at the fifteenth day after treatment, with nodules reduced in size and mites in there degenerated. This is the first report of the co-infection of D. bovis infestation and bovine besnoitiosis in cattle. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that D. bovis circulates in the Italian cattle population, but subclinical forms could be underdiagnosed. Graphical abstract: Unlabelled Image Highlights: A case report of a generalized form of demodectic mange in two dairy cows in Italy. Demodex bovis infested cows were also seropositive to Besnoiti besnoiti. First report of the co-infection of D. bovis and bovine besnoitiosis. A treatment with Eprinomectin lead to an improvement of the clinical signs. D. bovis circulates in the Italian cattle but subclinical forms could be underdiagnosed.