Etiology:  Trixacarus caviae is asarcoptid mange mite of guinea pigs.

Incidence:  Incidence of mange mites in guinea pigs is rare.

Transmission: Transmission occurs by direct contact.

Distribution:  Mites are distributed on the back, neck and shoulders. Mites may spread over the entire body.

Clinical Signs:  Clinical signs range from alopecia and pruritus to hyperkeratotic dermatitis. Lethargy, secondary bacterial infection, anorexia and emaciation may occur in severe cases.

Diagnosis:  Diagnosis can be made by deep skin scraping at the edges of suspected lesions.

Diagnostic Morphology:

Pedicel:  Unsegmented

Ambulacral Suckers, Female:  Leg pairs 1 & 2

Arabulacral Suckers, Male: Leg pairs 1, 2 & 4

Bilobed Idiosoma: None

Female Size: 380 x 270 µm

Male Size: 220 x 170 µm

Anal Slit Position: Terminal

Rear Leg Length: Do not extend beyond body margin

Public Health Significance:  Trixacarus caviae may spread by direct contact to human handlers and cause transient pruritic dermatitis.

Please see guinea pig Parasitic Diseases for more detailed information.