Histiogaster

HISTIOGASTER, a genus of mites of the family Tyroglyphidae. Histiogaster entomophagus (Laboulbene) was found in cyst pus. Histiogaster spermaticus (Trouessart) was discovered in large numbers in the pus-like fluid of a testicular cyst in one Indian. Cases of finding these small mites in various diseases of the sexual organs are very rare, which makes it difficult to judge the actual pathogenic significance for humans of mites of the genus H. It is very probable that in the case mentioned above, the mite was introduced by an unclean probe. Histiogaster entomophagus may be the cause of 'vanillism'—an itchy rash that appears on open parts of the body of workers who handle vanilla. In the etiology of this dermatitis, the cheese mite Tyroglyphus siro plays a major role (see). When sorting vanilla, 'vanilla with mites' and 'moldy vanilla' are cleaned with brushes, as a result of which dust from mites and mold is carried in the air. The dust gets into the eyes, settles on the face and hands. The face swells, a papular rash appears, the skin on the face peels off and is replaced by new skin. The eyes water. Sometimes chronic blepharitis develops. The nasal mucosa is irritated, there is a runny nose. Such a form of 'professional vanillism' apparently depends both on mites and on the action of mold.