First report of a parasitic mite, Leptotrombidium (Hypotrombidium) subquadratum (Lawrence) (Acari : Trombiculidae : Trombiculinae), from dogs and children in the Bloemfontein area, South Africa : case report

Abstract

Leptotrombidium subquadratum larvae were collected for the first time in 1994 from dogs in Bloemfontein. The larvae have been collected annually, during the summer months, over a period of 6-7 years. Previously the only known hosts were scrub hare (Lepus saxatilis) (locality unknown) and short-snouted elephant shrew (Elephantulus brachyrhynchus) (Kruger National Park). These mites cause severe itching and dermatitis in humans and dogs.