Histopathological study of the mite biting (Dermanyssus gallinae) in poultry skin

The red mite of poultry, Dremanyssus gallinae, is the most important hematophagous ectoparasite of poultry. In this study, pathologic changes of its biting on the poultry skin have been investigated. Thirty-two (Control = ۱۶ and Treatment = ۱۶) four weeks old Ross broilers (۳۰۸) were infested with the mite on skin of hock joins. Samples were collected after ۱, ۲۴, ۷۲ hours and ۱۰ days. The skin samples were fixed in ۱۰% buffered formalin and histological sections were prepared using routine Hematoxylin & Eosin staining method. Results showed that in all cases, except within first hour of infestation, lymphocytic infiltration was always a constant pathologic feature. Necrosis of feather's follicles was a prominent pathologic feature ensued due to vascular disturbances and resulted in loss of feather. Hyperkeratosis, parakeratosis and acanthosis were observed after ۷۲ hours. These findings reveal that mite biting induces local epidermal hyperplasia.

Keywords:

Dermanyssus gallinae , Poultry , Pathologic changes , Mite , Skin