Which type of mite can cause a zoonotic disease?

• A. Otodectes
• B. All of these
• C. Demodectic
• D. Sarcoptic

Answer: (D)

Zoonotic disease means a disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans. Among mites, the sarcoptic mange mite, Sarcoptes scabiei, is the best example of a zoonotic agent because it can cross species barriers and cause itching and reddened lesions in humans after contact with an infested animal. This cross-species potential is why sarcoptic mange is considered zoonotic.

Otodectes cynotis, the ear mite, mainly affects dogs and cats and is not a common cause of disease in humans. Demodex mites live in hair follicles and sebaceous glands and are typically host-specific, with human infestation not recognized as a regular zoonosis. So, while other mites can cause problems in their animal hosts, they are not typical sources of zoonotic disease.