Demodex

Demodex canis - Wikimedia Commons

• Demodex spp. found on all domestic mammals and in humans
  • Each host has its own species

• Causes Demodicosis

Recognition

• Cigar shaped

• Four pairs of stumpy legs on the anterior end

• Long and narrow to fit into hair follicles

Life cycle

• Live as commensal organisms

• Live in hair follicles and in sebaceous glands

• Life cycle takes 3 weeks