Histopathological effects of the chigger, Eutrombicula lipovskyana, on the mite pockets of neonatal, juvenile and adult Yarrow's spiny lizard, Sceloporus jarrovii, were investigated. Focal ulcerative dermatitis was noted in all age classes. This reaction was more diffuse in older animals in which penetration as deep as the panniculus occurred. Based on the occurrence of inflammatory reactions in neonatal lizards, S. jarrovii appears capable of recognizing foreign antigens shortly after birth. There was an increased inflammatory response in older lizards that may have been an augmented host sensitivity following repeated exposure to chiggers. Granulomas, which were interpreted as an attempt to isolate the effects of chigger bites, were noted in juveniles and adults. We propose that S. jarrovii does not develop resistance after repeated exposures to E. lipovskyana.
How to translate text using browser tools
1 October 1992
ECTOPARASITE-INDUCED LESIONS IN MITE POCKETS OF THE YARROW'S SPINY LIZARD, SCELOPORUS JARROVII (PHRYNOSOMATIDAE)
Stephen R. Goldberg,
H. J. Holshuh
Journal of Wildlife Diseases
Vol. 28 • No. 4
October 1992
Vol. 28 • No. 4
October 1992
chigger
ectoparasite
Eutrombicula lipovskyana
granuloma
histopathology
Inflammation
mite pocket