Epizoonoses (overview) B88.9

Epizoonoses are non-viral, non-bacterial, non-mycotic infections of the skin caused by external animal parasites (ectoparasites). In most cases, the triggers are arthropods (arthropods, which include insects and arachnids).

• Epizoonoses in the narrower sense are diseases of the skin in which the parasite runs its entire life cycle in or on the skin (permanent ectoparasites). These include e.g. lice and scabies mites.
• Epizoonoses in the broader sense are skin diseases caused by temporary-accidental parasites (e.g. mosquitoes) that live on humans or warm-blooded animals but only stay there for a short time.

Epidemiologically, mosquitoes and flies, scabies mites, lice, bedbugs and fleas play a special role. Epizoonoses increase in times of misery, but also due to promiscuity and close living arrangements; they occur less frequently under good hygienic conditions.

Ectoparasites that cause epizoonosis include:

• Bugs: S.a.u. Cimicosis.
• Lice: S.a.u. Pediculosis.
• Fleas: S.a.u. Pulicosis.
• Mosquitoes/flies: S.a. Culicosis.
• Mites: Diseases caused by mites.
• Ticks: Diseases caused by ticks.

Epizoonoses can play a role in occupational dermatology as BK no. 3102.

1. Agathos M (2010) Epizoonoses, basics. In: Plettenberg A, Meigel W, Schöfer H Infectious diseases of the skin. Georg Thieme Publishing House, Stuttgart S. 371