Which organism is a hair follicle mite associated with mange in animals?

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

Answer: (B)

Hair follicle mites live inside hair follicles and nearby sebaceous glands, not on the skin surface. When their numbers grow out of balance, they cause demodectic mange (follicular mange). These mites are often part of the normal skin flora, and disease typically arises when the animal’s immune system is compromised, leading to patches of hair loss, scaling, and sometimes facial or limb involvement that may become generalized. Other mites listed occupy different skin niches: Sarcoptes scabiei burrows in the outer skin layer and causes very itchy, contagious mange; Otodectes cynotis lives in the ear canal and causes ear irritation; Cheyletiella yasguri is a fur mite known for “walking dandruff.” Since the question targets the hair follicle–associated mange, Demodex is the best fit.