title: Parasitic mites of medical and veterinary importance--is there a common research agenda?
abstract: There are an estimated 0.5-1 million mite species on earth. Among the many mites that are known to affect humans and animals, only a subset are parasitic but these can cause significant disease. We aim here to provide an overview of the most recent work in this field in order to identify common biological features of these parasites and to inform common strategies for future research. There is a critical need for diagnostic tools to allow for better surveillance and for drugs tailored specifically to the respective parasites. Multi-'omics' approaches represent a logical and timely strategy to identify the appropriate mite molecules. Recent advances in sequencing technology enable us to generate de novo genome sequence data, even from limited DNA resources. Consequently, the field of mite genomics has recently emerged and will now rapidly expand, which is a particular advantage for parasitic mites that cannot be cultured in vitro. Investigations of the microbiota associated with mites will elucidate the link between parasites and pathogens, and define the role of the mite in transmission and pathogenesis. The databases generated will provide the crucial knowledge essential to design novel diagnostic tools, control measures, prophylaxes, drugs and immunotherapies against the mites and associated secondary infections.
authors.affiliation: QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Infectious Diseases Program, Biology Department, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. Electronic address: katja.fischer@qimrberghofer.edu.au.
authors.forename: Katja
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Fischer
authors.affiliation: Inflammation and Healing Research Cluster, School of Health and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland, Australia. Electronic address: swalton1@usc.edu.au.
authors.forename: Shelley
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Walton
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D016678:Genome; D023281:Genomics; D006790:Host-Parasite Interactions; D006801:Humans; D064307:Microbiota; D008924:Mite Infestations / Q000469:parasitology* / Q000662:veterinary; D008925:Mites / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics / Q000382:microbiology / Q000472:pathogenicity
keywords: Acari; Parasitic mite; Pruritus; Pyoderma; Skin infection