Parasitic Perifollicular Dermatitis in the Egyptian Lesser Blind Mole Rat (Spalax Leucodon Egyptiacus)

The study conducted between 2010 and 2013 in the Western Desert of Egypt examined skin lesions on the Egyptian lesser blind mole rat, revealing alopecia and nodules caused by ectoparasites such as Lynxacarus egyptiacus, Polyplax serrata, and gamasid mites. Histopathological analysis showed perifollicular inflammation, destroyed hair follicles, and fibroblastic proliferation. This was the first study to report mixed lice infestations and their histopathological effects on this species, which is significant due to the declining population of the Egyptian mole rat.