title: Laboratory identification of arthropod ectoparasites.
abstract: The collection, handling, identification, and reporting of ectoparasitic arthropods in clinical and reference diagnostic laboratories are discussed in this review. Included are data on ticks, mites, lice, fleas, myiasis-causing flies, and bed bugs. The public health importance of these organisms is briefly discussed. The focus is on the morphological identification and proper handling and reporting of cases involving arthropod ectoparasites, particularly those encountered in the United States. Other arthropods and other organisms not of public health concern, but routinely submitted to laboratories for identification, are also briefly discussed.
authors.affiliation: Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
authors.forename: Blaine A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Mathison
authors.forename: Bobbi S
authors.initials: BS
authors.lastname: Pritt
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001181:Arthropods / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology*; D002965:Classification; D004478:Ectoparasitic Infestations / Q000469:parasitology*; D006801:Humans; D007753:Laboratories / Q000592:standards*; D013048:Specimen Handling; D014481:United States