A unique group of scabies mite pseudoproteases promotes cutaneous blood coagulation and delays plasmin-induced fibrinolysis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Scabies, a highly contagious skin disease affecting more than 200 million people worldwide at any time, is caused by the parasitic mite Sarcoptes scabiei. In the absence of molecular markers, diagnosis requires experience making surveillance and control challenging. Superficial microthrombi in the absence of vasculitis in scabies-affected skin are a recognised, yet unexplained histopathological differential of scabies infection. This study demonstrates that a family of Scabies Mite Inactivated Cysteine Protease Paralogues (SMIPP-Cs) excreted by the mites plays a role in formation of scabies-induced superficial microthrombi.

Methodology/principal findings

A series of in vitro and ex vivo experiments involving two representative recombinant SMIPP-Cs was carried out.

SUBMITTER: Fernando DD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7815109 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature