Diagnostic Findings [Last Modified: ]
Scabies
[Sarcoptes scabiei]
Causal Agent Life Cycle Geographic Distribution Clinical Features Laboratory Diagnosis Treatment

Microscopy

Adult females of Sarcoptes scabiei mites are 0.30-0.45 mm long by 0.25-0.35 mm wide; males are smaller at 0.20-0.24 µm long by 0.15-0.20 mm wide.  Adults live in the skin and are usually found in skin scrapings.

Sarcoptes scabiei mite Sarcoptes scabiei mite
A B

A, B:  Sarcoptes scabiei mites in a skin scraping, stained with lactophenol cotton-blue.

 
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