Scientific Name: Sarcoptes scabiei
![](https://parasiteguide.libbymitchell.dcreate.domains/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/4-A-1.jpg)
Morphological Characteristics
These parasites have an ovular turtle-like body. The legs are short with claws.
Identification Methods
Can be identified by the presence of a rash or burrows in the skin. Skin scraping can be viewed under the microscope as well.
LIFE CYCLE
- Females deposit 2-3 eggs per day as they burrow under human skin
- The eggs hatch and the larvae migrate to skin surface to construct burrows. This stage lasts 3-4 days
- The larvae molt to the nymph stage
- The nymphs molt to the adult stage. Mating occurs once and then the female is fertile for life
HOST INFORMATION
- Only humans get this parasite
- Spreads from person to person via close body contact
- Children, mothers of young children, sexually active young adults, residents of nursing homes, and hospitalized patients are at higher risk due to increased skin-to-skin contact
- Can also get scabies through contact with an infested object like a towel, bedding, or furniture on which the parasites are still alive
- A weakened immune system also makes a person more susceptible
GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION
Distribution occurs worldwide.
SOURCES
https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/scabies/biology.html
https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/scabies-causes
https://parasitesandvectors.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13071-017-2234-1