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[Sarcoptes
scabiei] |
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Although they do not cause scabies in humans, the
follicle mites, Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis,
are sometimes found in human skin biopsies and should not be confused
with the human scabies mite (Sarcoptes scabiei). The adult
Demodex mites are long and slender, measuring approximately 0.30 mm
long by 0.05 mm wide, and can be found in the pilosebaceous follicles on
the face, nose, forehead, and eyelids; they usually do not cause
problems in humans. A different species of Demodex mite (Demodex
canis) causes demodectic mange in dogs but does not affect humans.
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A |
B |
A: Adult
Demodex mite. Image courtesy of Dr. CSBR Prasad, Vindhya Clinic
and Diagnostic Lab, India.
B: Close-up of the anterior end of the mite in Figure A,
showing the mouthparts (gnathosoma) and legs (podosoma).
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C |
D |
C, D: Cross-sections
of skin showing Demodex mites, stained with hematoxylin and eosin
(H&E). Images courtesy of the Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla,
NY.
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