The Effect of Biotin Deficiency in Mesocricetus auratus on Parasites of the Genus Demodex

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Abstract
Seventy-two golden hamsters were made biotin deficient and their ectoparasites (Demodex spp.) compared to 33 controls 40, 60, 80, and 100 days of age. Both forms of Demodex (D. criceti and D. sp.) were markedly reduced in numbers in the biotin deficient animals. Histological examination indicated that this reduction was due to a physical change in the epidermis and upper hair follicle - specifically increased keratinization. Although the mites were drastically reduced under this deficiency they rapidly repopulated the host upon alleviation of the symptoms with biotin injection. The poor nutritional condition in biotin deficiency is thus associated with a reduction in the parasite population.