Scabies
Guides
Astigmata
Astigmata is a diverse suborder of mites characterized by the absence of stigmata (respiratory openings) and tracheal systems. The group encompasses three major ecological radiations: permanent ectosymbionts of birds (feather mites), inhabitants of decaying organic matter and stored products, and parasites of vertebrates and arthropods. Feather mites represent the most species-rich component, with three superfamilies (Analgoidea, Pterolichoidea, Freyanoidea) colonizing all feather types of birds worldwide. Many non-feather-associated lineages exhibit a specialized dispersal stage, the heteromorphic deutonymph (hypopus), adapted for phoretic transport on arthropods. The suborder shows remarkable morphological and ecological diversification, with life cycles ranging from entirely host-bound to complex multi-habitat strategies.
Sarcoptes
itch mite, mange mite
Sarcoptes is a genus of parasitic mites in the family Sarcoptidae. The genus contains species that are permanent obligate ectoparasites of mammals, most notably *Sarcoptes scabiei*, which causes scabies in humans and sarcoptic mange in livestock, wildlife, and companion animals. These mites burrow into the epidermis of their hosts, where they feed, reproduce, and complete their entire life cycle. Infestations cause intense pruritus, skin lesions, and significant economic and health impacts globally. Taxonomic treatment varies: some authorities recognize multiple host-specific varieties of *S. scabiei*, while others treat these as distinct species.
Sarcoptes scabiei
Scabies Mite, Itch Mite
Sarcoptes scabiei is a parasitic mite that burrows into the epidermis of mammals, causing scabies in humans and sarcoptic mange in animals. The mite has a cosmopolitan distribution and infests numerous host species including humans, domestic animals, and wildlife. Adult females create characteristic S-shaped burrows in the stratum corneum where they deposit eggs. The disease produces intense pruritus through host immune responses to mites, eggs, and fecal pellets. Different host-adapted variants exist, though cross-infectivity between closely related hosts has been documented.
Sarcoptidae
Itch Mites
Sarcoptidae is a family of parasitic mites in the order Sarcoptiformes, commonly known as itch mites. The family includes the genus Sarcoptes, whose members cause sarcoptic mange in mammals. These mites are obligate parasites that burrow into host skin, causing intense pruritus, crusting lesions, and potentially fatal secondary infections. Sarcoptes scabiei, the most studied species, infests over 200 million humans worldwide and numerous domestic and wild mammal species.
parasitemitescabiesmangezoonosisveterinarywildlife-diseaseneglected-tropical-diseaseburrowingepidermal-parasitedirect-life-cyclehost-specific-strainsimmunologyemerging-infectious-diseasebiodiversity-threatcross-species-transmissionferal-dog-reservoirquantitative-surveillancetissue-digestion-protocolivermectin-treatmentcrusted-scabiesordinary-scabiespruritusalopeciahyperkeratosissecondary-bacterial-infectionWHO-neglected-tropical-diseaseover-200-million-human-casesmammalian-host-specificityAstigmataSarcoptiformesArachnidaAcari