title: Scabies.
abstract: Scabies is a mite infestation caused by Sarcoptes scabiei. Varieties of this organism can produce disease on 40 different species of animal, including humans. The organisms mature, burrow, and lay eggs. The newly hatched larvae mature and mate on the skin, causing itching and excoriated papules on humans, and mange, with crusts and oozing, on hair-bearing animals. Treatment with the gamma isomer of hexachlorobenzene or with pyrethrins is effective. Care must be taken that all infected or exposed individuals are treated. The role of fomites in the transmission of the disease is not clear. Most cases seem to be transmitted by close personal contact.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, George Washington University Medical Center, Washington, DC.
authors.forename: M L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Elgart
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D012520:Sarcoptes scabiei; D012532:Scabies