Bird Mite Battle: An 80-Year-Old's Struggle with Gamasoidosis

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Emily Cleary
Howard Russell
Dr. Michelle Gallagher

Keywords

gamasoidosis, northern fowl mite, Ornithonyssus sylviarum, avian-mite dermatitis

Abstract

The differential diagnosis for a pruritic, erythematous rash caused by insect bites can be very long. One etiology that should be kept in mind is gamasoidosis caused by avian mites. While birds are the primary host of these mites, reports of gamasoidosis have increased in frequency over recent years. We present a case of an 80-year-old female who developed an unexplained pruritic, erythematous papular eruption with discussion of avian-mite dermatitis etiology and treatment. 

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