Comparative histopathologic changes in rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) (Mammalia: Lagomorpha: Leporidae) skin in relation to degree of infestation with sarcoptes scabiei (Arachnida: Acari: Sarcoptidae)

The aim of this research was to observe the histopathological changes in rabbit ear skin tissue caused by varying degrees of Sarcoptes scabiei infestation. This study used twelve 7-12 months old female local rabbits obtained from rabbit farms with poor sanitation. Clinical symptoms of ear infection include presence of papules, vesicles, erythema, crusta and alopecia in the ear, nose, eyes and feet. Twelve local rabbits infected by S. scabiei were divided into three groups with four rabbits each: P1 with mild scabies, P2 with moderate scabies and P3 with severe scabies. Histopathologic changes, which manifested in lesions, varied from parasitic infestation, parakeratosis, acanthosis, congestion, inflammation and cell degeneration. These were given scores from 0 to 4 (0, not seen; 4, highly visible). The mean score was highest in those with severe scabies. Histopathological changes in rabbit ear skin tissue using Mann-Whitney U test was significant (P<0.05): mild scabies (4.625±0.75), moderate scabies (8.8125±1.95) and severe scabies (17.5625±1.59). Severe scabies had the highest degree of damage, defined by parakeratosis, acanthosis, substantial cell degeneration and congestion and serious inflammation. This study suggests significant differences in histopathologic changes in skin tissue of rabbits with mild, moderate and severe scabies.