Artificial Infestation of Sarcoptes Scabiei in Rabbits Exhibits Progressive Pathological Changes, Apoptosis, and Keratinization in the Skin

The study on artificial infestation of Sarcoptes scabiei in 56 rabbits revealed significant pathological changes in the skin, including thickening, keratinization, swollen mitochondria, and increased apoptosis. Clinical signs appeared as early as 1 week post-infestation, with crusts forming on various body parts. Elevated expression levels of caspases (1, 3, 8, 10, 14) and Bcl-2 mRNA were observed, while keratin 1 and 5 levels decreased. These findings suggest that S. scabiei infestation induces epidermal thickening through apoptosis-induced proliferation and keratinization, making rabbits a suitable model for studying scabies.