Which parasite burrows into the skin?

Study for the VTNE Laboratory Procedures Test. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question offers hints and explanations, enabling increased understanding and retention. Prepare effectively for your exam!

Multiple Choice

Which parasite burrows into the skin?

Explanation:
Burrowing into the skin is a trait of Sarcoptes mites. They tunnel through the epidermis (the stratum corneum) and lay eggs in those tunnels, causing intense itching and crusting from the inflammatory response. Demodex mites, by contrast, live in hair follicles and sebaceous glands rather than making tunnels in the skin, so they’re not described as burrowing. Chorioptes mites stay on the surface of the skin, not underground, so they don’t create burrows either. Otodectes mites inhabit the ear canal and cause ear irritation rather than skin burrowing. For diagnosis, skin scrapings can reveal the burrowing mites and their eggs in cases of sarcoptic mange.

Burrowing into the skin is a trait of Sarcoptes mites. They tunnel through the epidermis (the stratum corneum) and lay eggs in those tunnels, causing intense itching and crusting from the inflammatory response. Demodex mites, by contrast, live in hair follicles and sebaceous glands rather than making tunnels in the skin, so they’re not described as burrowing. Chorioptes mites stay on the surface of the skin, not underground, so they don’t create burrows either. Otodectes mites inhabit the ear canal and cause ear irritation rather than skin burrowing. For diagnosis, skin scrapings can reveal the burrowing mites and their eggs in cases of sarcoptic mange.

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