Leptotrombidium deliense infestation in domestic dogs from India, a vector of scrub typhus: a case report

Scrub typhus is a vector-borne, zoonotic disease caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi. Several members of the genus Leptotrombidium have gained importance due to their potential role as vectors as well as reservoirs for O. tsutsugamushi. The larvae of Leptotrombidium species are primary parasites of ground-dwelling rodents. However, changes in climate, and host specificity makes them adapt to other animals and play a role in the perpetuation of various (re)- emerging pathogens between animals and humans. Two male mongrel dogs aged six months were presented to the College of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Central Agricultural University, Mizoram, India with a history of skin lesions and intense pruritus. Routine skin scraping examination of samples revealed the presence of Leptotrombidium deliense larvae. Considering the public health importance of L. deliense infestation, an attempt was made to screen the dogs for O. tsutsugamushi and other haemoprotozoans. Microscopic and molecular tests were negative for haemoprotozoan parasites and O. tsutsugamushi, respectively. Both the dogs were successfully treated with parenteral ivermectin and topical fipronil spray