Pigeon tick

Author: Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer

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Last updated on: 29.10.2020

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Synonym(s)

Argas reflexus

Definition
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Pigeon ticks belong to the group of leather ticks (arachnids). The pigeon tick has an egg-shaped, flattened body with a length of 0.5 to 1.0 cm. Its larvae are up to 0.1 cm in size. The mouth parts are hidden underneath the body, which is why it is often confused with bugs. When sober, pigeon ticks have a yellowish colour. They turn brownish-red after a blood meal. Pigeon ticks are active at night.

They keep themselves in cracks of pigeon nests. Pigeon ticks are not distributed individually: they live in nests which can hold up to 500 animals. In places with a growing pigeon population, an increased incidence of pigeon ticks can therefore be expected. In winter, pigeon ticks can migrate from the colder areas of pigeon breeding grounds (e.g. attics) into heated living spaces and thus enter the direct human habitat in search of food.

The parasites "visit" their host for food intake when needed. The pigeon tick is host-bound, but can also occasionally infest the false host "humans". However, they then die within a few days. Without food, pigeon ticks can survive up to 10 years.

Complication(s)
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The sting of A. reflexus generally leads to an uncomplicated, sensitively itchy inflammatory local reaction.

After repeated stings, IgE-mediated allergic reactions may occur (Spiewak R et al. 2006, Weckesser S et al. 2010). System reactions such as urticaria, angioedema, dyspnoea, cardiovascular dysregulations are not uncommon. They were detected in a larger collective of sensitised persons in 12 of 148 (8%) (Kleine-Tebbe J et al. 2006). Arg r1, a lipocalin, was identified as the allergen (Hilger C et al. 2005).

It is further assumed that the pigeon tick is a possible vector for the bacterium Coxiella burnetii (trigger of the so-called Q fever).

Note(s)
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If there is a suspicion that pigeon ticks have colonized a room, professional removal of the pests with suitable insecticides by pest controllers is necessary.

Literature
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Hilger C et al (2005) IgE-mediated anaphylaxis caused by bites of the pigeon tick Argas reflexus: cloning and expression of the major allergen Arg r 1 J Allergy Clin Immunol 115:617-622.

Kleine-Tebbe J et al (2006) Bites of the European pigeon tick (Argas reflexus): Risk of IgE-mediated sensitizations and anaphylactic reactions. J Allergy Clin Immunol 117:190-195.

Spiewak R et al (2006) Allergy to pigeon tick (Argas reflexus) in Upper Silesia, Poland. Ann Agric Environ Med 13:107-112.

Weckesser S et al. (2010) Anaphylactic reactions to bites of the pigeon tick Argas reflexus. Eur J Dermatol 20: 244-245.

Incoming links (1)

Ticks;

Outgoing links (1)

Q fever;

Authors

Last updated on: 29.10.2020