Avian mite bites acquired from pigeons: Report of three cases and review of the literature

Abstract

Background: Skin lesions caused by avian mite bites are uncommon and often misdiagnosed. They are usually caused by bites from avian mites that have infested domestic poultry or birds nesting in or near human habitation. We report three cases of human skin lesions from avian mites infesting pigeons.
Observations: Three persons working in the same place developed similar skin pruritic papules simultaneously. The diagnosis remained unknown until Dermanyssus gallinae (chicken mite) was found on the computer’s table of the three individuals workplace, situated near a window where pigeons used to live. Antihistaminic treatment was carried out with a skin disinfestation. In two cases, symptoms resolved after one week of treatment. In the third case, corticosteroids were needed.
Conclusions: Avian mite bites skin lesions can remain unrecognized or misdiagnosed. Inquiry about contact with pigeons or poultry may be helpful in patients with nonspecific skin lesions.