The occurrence of Otodectes cynotis in owned cats: prevalence, morphometry and risk factors in Egypt

Feline otoacariasis is a worldwide parasitic infestation caused by the common ear mite, Otodectes cynotis Hering, 1838 (Family: Psoroptidae). The current study aimed to detect the occurrence of Otodectes cynotis in owned cats of various breeds in Cairo, Giza and Beni-Suef provinces, Egypt. The life cycle and risk factors including age, sex, breed and seasons were considered. Questionnaire of cat owners was done. Data including age, sex, season, breed and residence assessed. Mites were collected from cats and underwent laboratory investigations for further identification. The recovered mites were microscopically identified. Adult males, females as well as developmental stages, including eggs, protonymphs and deuto-/tritonymphs, were recognized. The overall prevalence of mites was 25.47% (174/683). The mite was predominant in the ear canal of infested cats. Among risk factors, it has been found that age, seasons and breed significantly influenced the prevalence of otoacariasis. On the other hand, no statistical significance relative to the sex was obtained. Based on the revealed criteria, it has been found that the recovered mite was Otodectes cynotis . Further investigations are needed for molecular identification of the mites as well as control programming in terms of hygiene.