Guinea pig herd B88.-

The guinea-pig weed caused by the strictly host-specific grave mites(Trixacarus caviae) is one of the most frequent dermatoses of this small mammal (White SD et al. 2016). The mange is accompanied by a typical clinical symptomatology of the animals: pronounced restlessness, itching, circumscribed, diffuse or spot-like alopecia of the affected areas, extensive skin thickening and increased scaling. The changes often begin on the head, but can also affect other parts of the body. Detection can be done microscopically from scraping material.

Trixacarus caviae may occasionally spread to the human skin, especially in close physical contact.

Mostly children, animal keepers

Contact points (arms, neck and abdomen).

Clinically there are at the contact points, often grouped, about 0.2-0.4cm large, itchy, urticarial papules, often with central hemorrhagic crust formation. Gang structures are not detectable.

Medical history and clinic; mites are no longer detectable on the skin.

Antiparasitic therapy is not indicated in humans. Short-term treatment with a glucocorticoid externum is sufficient. Caution: Pets, on the other hand, must be treated by a veterinary (ivermectin/selamectin injection into the skin of the guinea pig's nacus).

Sarcoptes species that are foreign to the host are not able to permanently colonize the inadequate organism. They survive there for a maximum of 5-6 days. The mite bores into the stratum corneum, but does not dig any corridors and is not able to reproduce by laying eggs.

Caution: In case of stinging, itchy efflorescences, pet owners should always check their pets for ectoparasites.

1. Fuentealba C et al (1996) Mange induced by Trixacarus caviae in a guinea pig. Can Vet J 37:749-750
2. Kutzer E et al (1969) Transmission of animal sarcoptic mange to human beings. Berl Munch Veterinary surgeon week 82:311-314.
3. White SD et al (2016) Skin diseases in companion guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus): a retrospective study of 293 cases seen at the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, University of California at Davis (1990-2015). Vet Dermatol 27:395-e100.
4. Zenoble RD et al (1980) Sarcoptic mite infestation in a colony of guinea pigs. JAV-MA 177: 898-900