Which organism is a hair follicle inhabitant?

Which organism is a hair follicle inhabitant?

• A. Otodectes species
• B. Sarcoptes species
• C. Demodex species
• D. Chorioptes species

Answer: (C)

Hair follicles are a home for Demodex mites. These tiny, slender creatures live inside hair follicles and the adjacent sebaceous glands of many mammals, including humans and dogs. Demodex folliculorum (humans) and Demodex canis (dogs) are classic examples, often present in small numbers as normal inhabitants, but overgrowth can cause demodicosis when the immune system isn’t keeping them in check. Other mites have different habitats: Otodectes cynotis occupies the ear canal, Sarcoptes scabiei burrows into the outer skin layers, and Chorioptes species live on the skin surface rather than in follicles. So, the hair follicle inhabitant is Demodex.

Hair follicles are a home for Demodex mites. These tiny, slender creatures live inside hair follicles and the adjacent sebaceous glands of many mammals, including humans and dogs. Demodex folliculorum (humans) and Demodex canis (dogs) are classic examples, often present in small numbers as normal inhabitants, but overgrowth can cause demodicosis when the immune system isn’t keeping them in check. Other mites have different habitats: Otodectes cynotis occupies the ear canal, Sarcoptes scabiei burrows into the outer skin layers, and Chorioptes species live on the skin surface rather than in follicles. So, the hair follicle inhabitant is Demodex.