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An Introduction to Medical Entomology

For educational purposes.

TYROGLYPHOIDEA

(Mites causing Dermatitis)

(Contact)

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These tiny mites are very numerous on roots, bulbs and dried fruits. Humans become infested when working with infested products. The heaviest infestations frequently occur on vanilla pods and beans so that the dermatitis caused by them has been called "Vanillism." Various species of Tyroglyphus are usually associated with humans, with Acarus siro L., T. longior var. castellani Hirst and Glyciphagus prunorum Hermann being most commonly found.

EFFECTS ON HUMANS

The dermatitis caused by these mites is frequent among workers in the copra industry. Species that are known to cause infections in the urinary tract are Tarsonemus floricolus C. & F., Glyciphagus domesticus DeGeer and Tyroglyphus longior Gerv. Some cases of intestinal myiasis by Tyroglyphus longior Gerv. are also known. Because these mites abound in foods they inevitably end up in animal and human feces, and avoidance of such infestations are sensible.

CONTROL

As with other mites that afflict humans and animals, cleanliness is paramount to control, whether it be by washing clothing, sleeping linens or fumigation. The use of sprays containing acaricides can at best offer only temporary solutions as resistance to such products develop rapidly.

Key References: <medvet.ref.htm>

Matheson, R. 1950. Medical Entomology. Comstock Publ. Co, Inc. 610 p.

Mekie, E. C. 1926. Parasitic infections of the urinary tract. Edinb. Med. 33: 708-719.

Service, M. 2008. Medical Entomology For Students. Cambridge Univ. Press. 289 p