Mite Be Dangerous

Rickettsia bacteria cause rickettsiosis in humans – a condition which often carries a spotty rash or flu-like symptoms, but can also be lethal if treatment is delayed. So epidemiologists are interested in how and where these bacteria thrive, and how they might come into contact with humans. This Italian wall lizard (Podarcis siculus) may hold the answers – in some areas of the world they become infested with Trombicula autumanlis mites, their bright orange larvae finding an unusual shelter in the cracks between this lizard’s belly scales. In turn, the mites are known hosts of Rickettsia bacteria. The wall lizards are certainly not shy – often spotted darting across paths and tables in outdoor restaurants around the Mediterranean – but may present a public health risk in places where they pick us these tiny passengers.

Written by John Ankers

John Ankers

Writer

A former researcher in systems biology, John is now an online biology tutor and professional coach supporting the wellbeing of scientists and NHS professionals. He's writing, too, of course.

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• Image from work by Jairo Alfonso Mendoza-Roldan and colleagues
• Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
• Image originally published with a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)
• Published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, February 2021