Which mite is known for causing scabies in humans and mange in dogs?

• A. Demodex canis
• B. Otodectes cynotis
• C. Sarcoptes scabiei
• D. Cheyletiella yasguri

Answer: (C)

Sarcoptes scabiei is the mite that causes scabies in humans and mange in dogs. This tiny parasite burrows into the outer skin layers, provoking intense itching and a skin inflammatory response. In people, the itching and rashes commonly appear in the finger webs, wrists, elbows, and other skin folds; in dogs, sarcoptic mange presents as severe itching with hair loss and crusting, often on the ears, elbows, and ventral abdomen. The key idea is that this mite is highly contagious and crosses between hosts through close contact, which is why it’s classically linked to both human scabies and canine mange. Other mites cause different conditions—Demodex canis tends to cause demodectic mange in dogs but not human scabies, Otodectes cynotis is an ear mite, and Cheyletiella yasguri causes walking dandruff—so they don’t fit the same human–dog scabies/mange pattern.