Prevalence of fur mites (Chirodiscoides caviae) in pet guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) in southern Italy.
BACKGROUND
Chirodiscoides caviae is the most common fur mite affecting guinea pigs; infestation is generally asymptomatic. No studies have been published on the prevalence of such mites in guinea pigs in southern Italy.


OBJECTIVE
We sought to evaluate the prevalence and the clinical signs of C. caviae infestation in guinea pigs in southern Italy.


METHODS
Clinical records of guinea pigs evaluated from August 2012 to July 2013 were retrospectively searched.


METHODS
In this retrospective matched case-control study, records of guinea pigs with evidence of C. caviae infestation were selected. The prevalence of C. caviae infestation was evaluated and exposure variables were assessed among guinea pigs with and without infestation using stepwise conditional logistic regression. Guinea pigs seen during the same time period, but without a diagnosis of C. caviae, were included as control animals.


RESULTS
The prevalence of C. caviae was 32% (42 of 131); 66.6% of affected guinea pigs (28 of 42) originated from pet shops, whereas 28% (14 of 42) were privately owned. Thirty-one guinea pigs (73.8%) were asymptomatic, whereas 11 (26.1%) showed clinical signs (pruritus, alopecia, erythema and scaling). The most frequently affected area was the lumbosacral region (38 of 42). Guinea pigs in pet shops were more likely to be affected by C. caviae than owned guinea pigs (odds ratio, 5.12; 95% confidence interval, 2.32-11.29; P < 0.0001).


CONCLUSIONS
The results of this study indicate a high prevalence of C. caviae infestation in guinea pigs in southern Italy. Chirodiscoides mites should be sought in guinea pigs, particularly in animals coming from pet shops.
Private practitioner, Via C. Colombo 118, Arzano (Napoli), 80022, Italy.
Dario
D
d'Ovidio
Domenico
D
Santoro
D000818:Animals; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D006168:Guinea Pigs / Q000469:parasitology*; D007558:Italy / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008924:Mite Infestations / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000469:parasitology / Q000662:veterinary*; D008925:Mites / Q000145:classification*; D057805:Pets; D015995:Prevalence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012376:Rodent Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000469:parasitology