Ectoparasites

Question 1

1. Name this parasite to the species level (0.35 mm)
2. State your reasons
3. Name one drug used to treat infection with this parasite

Answer 1

1. Sarcoptes scabiei
2. Features:
   * Adult mite within the size range (0.30-0.45 mm) for females S. scabiei mites (males are smaller at 0.20-0.24 mm)
   * 4 pairs of short legs
   * Projecting, conspicuous mouthparts
3. Treatment
   * Topical permethrin, OR
   * Oral ivermectin

N.b. use of both is required in crusted scabies

Question 2

1. Name this arthropod to the genus level (size: 5 mm)
2. State your reasons
3. Name one symptom associated with this arthropod
4. Name one treatment for this arthropod

Answer 2

1. Cimex (lectularis in urban and hemipterus in tropical/subtropical regions) (aka bedbug)
2. Features
   * Size: within size range (average 5mm) for Cimex sp.
   * Oval-shaped
   * Dorso-ventrally flattened
   * Reduced forewings
3. Itch
4. Control of bedbugs
   * Insecticides
   * Steam vacuum cleaners

Question 3

A section of skin is shown

1. Name this parasite to the species level (0.35 mm)
2. State your reasons
3. Name one drug used to treat infection with this parasite

Answer 3

1. Sarcoptes scabiei
2. Features:
   * Adult mite within the size range (0.30-0.45 mm) for females S. scabiei mites (males are smaller at 0.20-0.24 mm)
   * 4 pairs of short legs
   * Projecting, conspicuous mouthparts
3. Treatment
   * Topical permethrin, OR
   * Oral ivermectin

N.b. use of both is required in crusted scabies

Question 4

1. Name this parasite to the species level (0.35 mm)
2. State your reasons
3. Name one drug used to treat infection with this parasite

Answer 4

1. Sarcoptes scabiei
2. Features:
   * Adult mite within the size range (0.30-0.45 mm) for females S. scabiei mites (males are smaller at 0.20-0.24 mm)
   * 4 pairs of short legs
   * Projecting, conspicuous mouthparts
3. Treatment
   * Topical permethrin, OR
   * Oral ivermectin

N.b. use of both is required in crusted scabies

Question 5

1. Name this parasite
2. Name one symptom associated with this parasite
3. Name the treatment for this parasite

Answer 5

1. Demodex spp. (follicle mite)
2. Not known to cause disease in humans

Question 6

1. Name this arthropod to the genus level (size: 5 mm)
2. State your reasons
3. Name one symptom associated with this arthropod
4. Name one treatment for this arthropod

Answer 6

1. Cimex (lectularis in urban and hemipterus in tropical/subtropical regions) (aka bedbug)
2. Features
   * Size: within size range (average 5mm) for Cimex sp.
   * Oval-shaped
   * Dorso-ventrally flattened
   * Reduced forewings
3. Itch
4. Control of bedbugs
   * Insecticides
   * Steam vacuum cleaners

Question 7

1. Name this arthropod to the genus level (size: 5 mm)
2. State your reasons
3. Name one symptom associated with this arthropod
4. Name one treatment for this arthropod

Answer 7

1. Cimex (lectularius in urban and hemipterus in tropical/subtropical regions) (aka bedbug)
2. Features
   * Size: within size range (average 5mm) for Cimex sp.
   * Oval-shaped
   * Dorso-ventrally flattened
   * Reduced forewings
3. Itch
4. Control of bedbugs
   * Insecticides
   * Steam vacuum cleaners

Question 8

1. Name this parasite to the species level (0.35 mm)
2. State your reasons
3. Name one drug used to treat infection with this parasite

Answer 8

1. Sarcoptes scabiei
2. Features:
   * Adult mite within the size range (0.30-0.45 mm) for females S. scabiei mites (males are smaller at 0.20-0.24 mm)
   * 4 pairs of short legs
   * Projecting, conspicuous mouthparts
   * Characteristic eggs
3. Treatment
   * Topical permethrin, OR
   * Oral ivermectin

N.b. use of both is required in crusted scabies

Question 9

1. Name this parasite to the species level (0.35 mm)
2. State your reasons
3. Name one drug used to treat infection with this parasite

Answer 9

1. Sarcoptes scabiei
2. Features:
   * Adult mite within the size range (0.30-0.45 mm) for females S. scabiei mites (males are smaller at 0.20-0.24 mm)
   * 4 pairs of short legs
   * Projecting, conspicuous mouthparts
   * Mite pellets
3. Treatment
   * Topical permethrin, OR
   * Oral ivermectin

N.b. use of both is required in crusted scabies