[Human infestation by Sarcoptes scabiei var. bovis (cattle itch mite)]

Infestation by Sarcoptes scabiei var. bovis in a farmer is reported. He presented with an intensely itching eruption of erythematous papules on forearm, neck and abdomen. An environmental investigation yielded that four of the farmer's cows had mange. Sarcoptes scabiei var. bovis was isolated from skin-scrapings of the cows. Histology from a self-induced lesion revealed that Sarcoptes scabiei var. bovis penetrates the human skin, but does not--in contrast to var. hominis--form burrows. This finding corresponds with the clinical picture. The mite lies subcorneally, compressing the thinned epidermis. The surrounding corneal tissue shows a marked exsudative reaction. The various ways in which mites may infest the human skin are discussed.