Scabies

Lisa A. Spacek, M.D., Ph.D.

PATHOGENS

Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis, an obligate parasite that burrows and reproduces in stratum corneum of human skin.[3]
Scabere, to scratch, from Latin. Pruritis is due to intense hypersensitivity reaction generated by mite, ova, and excrement. Hypersensitivity and pruritis occur 2-6 wks after infestation.[11]
- Symptomatic pruritis occurs once host it sensitized to mite antigens.
- Mite cannot survive outside human skin for more than 2-3 days.

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