Hi elegantlybitten!
...your worry could be justified: not just a mite test bite.
Pet-related infections.
Rabinowitz PM, Gordon Z, Odofin L.Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06510, USA. Peter.Rabinowitz@yale.edu
Human contact with cats, dogs, and other pets results in several million infections each year in the United States, ranging from self-limited skin conditions to life-threatening systemic illnesses. Toxoplasmosis is one of the most common pet-related parasitic infections. Although toxoplasmosis is usually asymptomatic or mild, it may cause serious congenital infection if a woman is exposed during pregnancy, particularly in the first trimester. Common pet-borne fungal infections include tinea corporis/capitis (ringworm); campylobacteriosis and salmonellosis are among the most common bacterial infections associated with pet ownership. Less commonly, pets can transmit arthropod-borne and viral illnesses (e.g., scabies, rabies). Infection in a pet can provide sentinel warning of local vectors and endemic conditions, such as Lyme disease risk. Treatment is infection-specific, although many infections are self-limited. Prevention involves common sense measures such as adequate hand washing, proper disposal of animal waste, and ensuring that infected animals are diagnosed and treated. Special precautions are indicated for immunocompromised persons. Increased communication between primary care physicians and veterinarians could improve treatment and prevention of these conditions.
Am Fam Physician. 2007 Nov 1;76(9):1314-22.
(https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Feuropa.redjupiter.com%2Fimages%2Fpediatriceducation%2F020705ScabiesMite.jpg&hash=6acd3eabb26f6114da0e5646775dab7d)
http://europa.redjupiter.com/images/pediatriceducation/020705ScabiesMite.jpg
...but they will go away, in the end!
...
Human scabies is caused by the S scabiei mite, var hominis, an obligate human parasite (see Media File 1). Animal scabies mites may result in transient symptoms in humans, but they are not a cause of persistent infestations. The most efficient means of transmission is via direct and prolonged contact with an infected individual. Mites can survive up to 3 days away from human skin, so fomites such as infested bedding or clothing are an alternate but infrequent source of transmission.
...
more from: http://www.emedicine.com/DERM/topic382.htm
Thank you so much iko, super informative and reassuring!
You are welcome.
Have a wonderful 2008!
ikod
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