Scabies is caused by:

Scabies is caused by:

• A. Trombicula species
• B. Otodectes species
• C. Melophagus species
• D. Sarcoptes species

Answer: (D)

Scabies is caused by a burrowing mite called Sarcoptes species. These mites tunnel into the outer skin layers, triggering an intense itchy inflammatory reaction and often crusting. Transmission occurs through close or direct contact with an infested host. The other mites listed cause different conditions: trombiculids (chiggers) bite and irritate the skin, Otodectes species are ear mites that cause otitis externa, and Melophagus species are wingless lice (sheep ked) that infest sheep. The distinctive cause of scabies is Sarcoptes species.

Scabies is caused by a burrowing mite called Sarcoptes species. These mites tunnel into the outer skin layers, triggering an intense itchy inflammatory reaction and often crusting. Transmission occurs through close or direct contact with an infested host. The other mites listed cause different conditions: trombiculids (chiggers) bite and irritate the skin, Otodectes species are ear mites that cause otitis externa, and Melophagus species are wingless lice (sheep ked) that infest sheep. The distinctive cause of scabies is Sarcoptes species.