Mite bite on chest Diagnosis can be challenging as the small size of avian mites make them "barely visible to the unaided eye". Identification of the species is best carried out by a medical entomologist using a microscope, positive identification of species is critical for recommendation of suitable treatment. Samples can be obtained using corrugated cardboard traps, left in infested areas. Diagnoses of<unk>  have a long history, with "cases ... reported since the 17th century, documented in the leading medical literature since at least the 1920s." Avian and rodent mites have been documented infesting residential buildings, work spaces, schools and hospitals. Despite this, there is considered to be widespread ignorance and misinformation "regarding human infestation with D. gallinae across healthcare, science and pest control fields", which in turn has led to increasing numbers of infestations and a dangerous propagation of the disease. Due to it being an uncommon diagnosis, physicians are generally not aware of the condition, meaning<unk>  may be misdiagnosed as scabies or pediculosis or bites mistakenly identified as coming from bed bugs. Many cases of<unk>  go unreported, suggesting that the actual incidence is higher than generally believed. As a result, in cases of unexplained bites in residential areas, the involvement of D. gallinae should always be considered, especially during late spring and early summer when wild birds make their nests. The life cycle of the mite is another important method of diagnosis. Hematophagic mites generally feed at night but may also feed during the day if the room is sufficiently dark. Attacks in public and office buildings tend to occur during the daytime. O. bursa is an exception as it generally remains on its hosts and will feed during the day. D. gallinae may be commonly found in the bedroom or where the patient sleeps, as they prefer to stay close to their host for optimal feeding. They are attracted to warm hiding places that simulate the body temperature of birds (e.g. pigeons 42 °C), "such as the electrical devices running in stand-by mode (e.g. laptop computers, television, radio clocks etc.)" which generate heat. As a result, "it is strongly recommended to check these electrical appliances for the mite detection". D. gallinae generally visit their host for up to 1–2 hours, leave after completing their blood meal and typically feed every 2–4 days. They are able to move extremely quickly and can take less than 1 second to bite, enough time to inject their saliva and to induce rash and itching. They locate potential hosts through temperature changes, vibrations, chemical signals and . It has been hypothesized the D. gallinae is capable of 'learning' "to associate non-host skin with a blood-meal if the host selection process permitted feeding." Combined with a generalist approach to finding hosts and the capability of digesting non-avian blood could potentially explain their documented host expansion to mammals and humans. There is documented "co-occurrence of<unk>  and various immunosuppressive disorders" and physicians should bear in mind that immunocompromised patients, patients that take corticosteroids, and patients with dementia may have a more severe infestation than healthy patients, Despite this, while immunosuppression can "increase susceptibility, it is not necessarily a pre-requisite for infestation". Dermatoscopy can help to exclude the diagnosis of delusional parasitosis. Pets such as canaries, cats, dogs and gerbils can be infested also, diagnosis can be made by examining their feathers or fur for mites and is best carried out by a veterinary professional.
Gamasoidosis
Amyloidosis
Sarcoidosis
Melioidosis
Neurosarcoidosis
Acrokeratoelastoidosis of Costa
Extrapulmonary tuberculosis
Chronic multifocal Langerhans cell histiocytosis