La inteligencia espacial en la identificación taxonómica del Sarcoptes scabiei (De Geer, 1778)

To improve the diagnosis of sarcoptic mange, the use of spatial intelligence techniques is proposed, which combine the digital analysis of images with computer and statistical tools, in the morphometric study of lines, shapes, textures, colors and anatomical patterns that facilitate the taxonomic identification to the species level of Sarcoptes scabiei. Contour geometric morphometry was estimated for biological forms lacking landmarks and Gaussian responses for anatomical structures. Significant differences were found in the shape and size of the mites found in patients who live with domestic dogs and those who do not; The former presented smaller mites, with a more rounded shape, a less convex abdomen, and longer and thinner chelicerae than the latter; these findings are consistent with previous studies that have demonstrated the existence of genetic variability among S. scabiei populations associated with different species, as well as the possibility of zoonotic transmission between domestic animals and humans. Taxonomic identification at the species level through special intelligence techniques acquires an important role not only in the differential diagnosis of mange or sarcoptic mange, but also in the integrated treatment of the patient that considers the health control of living pets.