Students discover tropical mites in Scottish city

Students from the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies (R(D)SVS) have played a key role in identifying two rare cases of tropical mites in Edinburgh, in one of very few confirmed instances in northern Europe. 

Their discoveries have helped shed light on a potential public health concern linked to urban rodent populations.

The undergraduate students’ proactive approach, alongside expert guidance from R(D)SVS researchers, led to a study combining traditional identification techniques with advanced DNA sequencing. 

Rare discovery

The mites, known as Ornithonyssus bacoti, are parasites typically found in warmer climates, with most recorded cases occurring in parts of the Americas, southern Europe and Asia. 

However, when two students and their flatmates in Scotland’s capital city experienced unexplained skin irritation, they used their scientific training to investigate further.

Mite identification

Under a microscope, the insect looks similar to other species, making visual identification unreliable. 

To confirm the type of mite, scientists extracted genetic material from the insects and pinpointed a specific gene that acts as a barcode for different species, allowing researchers to identify the mites with precision.

Further research into the bacteria present within the mites revealed microbes associated with infections in humans. 

Using genetic sequencing techniques on these microbes, researchers were able to identify potentially harmful bacteria. These findings suggest that mites carried by rodents in urban settings could play a role in spreading bacterial infections,  the research team says.

Public health

While the cases, which occurred in 2021 and 2024, were isolated and do not indicate a widespread issue, they highlight the importance of monitoring urban rodent populations as potential carriers of parasites, experts say. 

The research team emphasises that cases like these are rare, and there is no cause for alarm. However, the discovery has opened new avenues for further study into urban pest control and public health awareness.

This research was published in Veterinary Parasitology: Regional Studies and Reports.

Related links

Research publication