Validation of PCR Assay for Identification of Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis.
BACKGROUND
Infestation of the skin by the "itch mite" Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis results in a contagious skin infection in humans called "scabies". By resolving morphology issues, the present study was designed to be acquainted with itch mite by molecular markers.


METHODS
The mite samples were collected from scabies patients by visiting government hospitals of twin City, Pakistan. For successful molecular detection approach, preparation of Sarcoptes mite DNA by commercial DNA extraction kit method. Furthermore, two primers i.e. Sarms 15 F/R and 16S D1/D2 were used to amplify target sequence by using PCR. The amplified products were then separated by agarose gel, electrophoresis and analyzed after staining and visualizing in UV transilluminator.


RESULTS
Analysis of PCR product showed one specific band of 178 bp with primer Sarms 15 F/R, while, with primer 16S D1/D2 bands of 460 bp and 600 bp were observed on 2% agarose gel. The appearance of different band of 600 bp revealed that it might be due to heteroplasmy state present in the Pakistani Sarcoptes mites population.


CONCLUSIONS
Current study adds validity to the claim that PCR is more accurate, specific and sensitive in the detection of the ectoparasites even in smallest amount.
Dept. of Zoology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Pir Mehr Ali Shah- Arid Agriculture, Rawalpindi, Pakistan.
Shumaila
S
Naz
Institute of Dermatology, Military Hospital of Rawalpindi, Pakistan.
Dilwar Abbas
DA
Rizvi
Institute of Biomedical and Genetic Engineering, Islamabad, Pakistan.
Amara
A
Javaid
Institute of Biomedical and Genetic Engineering, Islamabad, Pakistan.
Muhammad
M
Ismail
Dept. of Zoology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Pir Mehr Ali Shah- Arid Agriculture, Rawalpindi, Pakistan.
Farhana Riaz
FR
Chaudhry
DNA extraction; Itch mite DNA; PCR technique; Sarcoptes scabiei