validation of pcr assay for identification of sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis.

background: infestation of the skin by the “itch mite” sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis results in a contagious skin infection in humans called “sca-bies”. by resolving morphology issues, the present study was designed to be acquainted with itch mite by molecular markers. methods: the mite samples were collected from scabies patients by visiting government hospitals of twin city, pakistan. for successful mo-lecular detection approach, preparation of sarcoptes mite dna by com-mercial dna extraction kit method. furthermore, two primers i.e. sarms 15 f/r and 16s d1/d2 were used to amplify target sequence by using pcr. the amplified products were then separated by agarose gel, electrophoresis and analyzed after staining and visualizing in uv transilluminator. results: analysis of pcr product showed one specific band of 178 bp with primer sarms 15 f/r, while, with primer 16s d1/d2 bands of 460 bp and 600 bp were observed on 2% agarose gel. the appearance of different band of 600 bp revealed that it might be due to heteroplasmy state present in the pakistani sarcoptes mites population. conclusion: current study adds validity to the claim that pcr is more accurate, specific and sensitive in the detection of the ectoparasites even in smallest amount.