Dynamics of swine mange: a critical review of the literature.

This paper summarizes the literature on swine mange, incorporating relevant literature on human scabies and on acarine associations with other mammals. Discussed are how mite populations affect immune development, how immune hypersensitivity affects host behavior and performance, and how immune hypersensitivity determines whether or not crusted lesions develop. Several key gaps in our understanding of swine mange are identified. The temporal pattern of immunity has not been studied beyond the 20th week of infestation. Desensitization as occurs in other host-parasite systems has not been documented. It is unclear if components of immune hypersensitivity regulate mite populations. Location of mites on the body and movement of mites among hosts have not been studied. And finally, improved methods for judging the severity of mange are needed to understand the biological and economic effects of mange on the swine industry.