Which mange mite is zoonotic and can infect humans?

• A. Demodex
• B. Sarcoptic
• C. Both
• D. None

Answer: (B)

Sarcoptic mange mites have zoonotic potential, meaning they can infest humans in addition to dogs. These mites (Sarcoptes scabiei) readily pass between hosts through close contact, and in people they typically cause a scabies-like itchy rash where the skin was touched. The infestation on humans is usually temporary since the mites don’t establish a long-term life cycle there, but exposure can still lead to symptoms and requires treatment of both the animal and the person if needed. Demodex mites, on the other hand, are largely host-specific to their species—dogs carry Demodex canis, while humans have their own Demodex species—so cross-species transmission from dogs to people is not considered a common or typical zoonotic route.