What causes scabies in humans?

Scabies is caused by an infestation of a microscopic mite known as Sarcoptes scabiei, which is a type of parasite. These mites burrow into the upper layer of the skin, leading to intense itching and a characteristic rash as a response to their presence and the body's allergic reaction to their waste. Understanding that scabies is linked to a parasitic infestation is crucial for both treatment and prevention strategies. In contrast, other options such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi represent different categories of pathogens that cause a variety of other skin conditions and infections, but they are not responsible for the transmission or development of scabies.