Sarcoptes species of animal origin on people

Sarcoptes mites from animals can infest people (especially from dogs, and much less commonly pigs), although such infestations are usually short-lived, resolving spontaneously in a couple of weeks following loss of access to the infested dog.


Public health overview

Sarcoptes mites from animals can infest people (especially from dogs, and much less commonly pigs), although such infestations are usually short-lived, resolving spontaneously in a couple of weeks following loss of access to the infested dog. The most obvious clinical sign of canine scabies in people is intense pruritus accompanying a papular rash, which is often worse when the skin is warm, for example when in a warm bed or after a warm shower.  The most common sites for the rash seem to be the arms and torso, and it is possible that this distribution is associated with areas of frequent contact between the human and animal hosts.  It appears that Sarcoptes mites can transmit either by skin-to-skin contact or through clothing.

Additional information about Sarcoptes is available under Dogs.
Share this story