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

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.