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Veterinary Medicine and Science Jul 2024Sarcoptic mange is rare in cats. The main symptoms reported in cases of feline sarcoptic mange include crusty lesions and pruritus, although these may vary in severity...
BACKGROUND
Sarcoptic mange is rare in cats. The main symptoms reported in cases of feline sarcoptic mange include crusty lesions and pruritus, although these may vary in severity among individuals.
OBJECTIVES
This report describes three cats infested with Sarcoptes scabiei, all presenting with pruritus and excoriation.
METHODS
The diagnosis was confirmed by microscopic observation of skin scrape samples.
RESULTS
All three cats were treated successfully using moxidectin and imidacloprid, selamectin and ivermectin, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
The clinical presentation of feline scabies appears to be more variable in cats than in dogs. Infestation with S. scabiei should be considered a differential diagnosis for cats presenting with pruritic inflammatory skin disease.
Topics: Animals; Scabies; Cat Diseases; Cats; Male; Female; Poland; Sarcoptes scabiei; Ivermectin; Nitro Compounds; Neonicotinoids; Insecticides; Macrolides
PubMed: 38864312
DOI: 10.1002/vms3.1500 -
Parasites & Vectors Jun 2024Sarcoptic mange is a skin disease caused by the contagious ectoparasite Sarcoptes scabiei, capable of suppressing and extirpating wild canid populations. Starting in...
BACKGROUND
Sarcoptic mange is a skin disease caused by the contagious ectoparasite Sarcoptes scabiei, capable of suppressing and extirpating wild canid populations. Starting in 2015, we observed a multi-year epizootic of sarcoptic mange affecting a red fox (Vulpes vulpes) population on Fire Island, NY, USA. We explored the ecological factors that contributed to the spread of sarcoptic mange and characterized the epizootic in a landscape where red foxes are geographically constrained.
METHODS
We tested for the presence of S. scabiei DNA in skin samples collected from deceased red foxes with lesions visibly consistent with sarcoptic mange disease. We deployed 96-100 remote trail camera stations each year to capture red fox occurrences and used generalized linear mixed-effects models to assess the affects of red fox ecology, human and other wildlife activity, and island geography on the frequency of detecting diseased red foxes. We rated the extent of visual lesions in diseased individuals and mapped the severity and variability of the sarcoptic mange disease.
RESULTS
Skin samples that we analyzed demonstrated 99.8% similarity to S. scabiei sequences in GenBank. Our top-ranked model (weight = 0.94) showed that diseased red foxes were detected more frequently close to roadways, close to territories of other diseased red foxes, away from human shelters, and in areas with more mammal activity. There was no evidence that detection rates in humans and their dogs or distance to the nearest red fox den explained the detection rates of diseased red foxes. Although detected infrequently, we observed the most severe signs of sarcoptic mange at the periphery of residential villages. The spread of visual signs of the disease was approximately 7.3 ha/week in 2015 and 12.1 ha/week in 2017.
CONCLUSIONS
We quantified two separate outbreaks of sarcoptic mange disease that occurred > 40 km apart and were separated by a year. Sarcoptic mange revealed an unfettered spread across the red fox population. The transmission of S. scabiei mites in this system was likely driven by red fox behaviors and contact between individuals, in line with previous studies. Sarcoptic mange is likely an important contributor to red fox population dynamics within barrier island systems.
Topics: Animals; Foxes; Scabies; Sarcoptes scabiei; Skin; New York; Animals, Wild; Geography; Humans
PubMed: 38844973
DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06330-5 -
Italian Journal of Dermatology and... Jun 2024
PubMed: 38842065
DOI: 10.23736/S2784-8671.24.07953-2 -
Tropical Doctor Jun 2024Scabies is a neglected tropical disease and has been highlighted as a target for control. Sarcoptic mange affects animals, but mange is also considered a zoonosis. We...
Scabies is a neglected tropical disease and has been highlighted as a target for control. Sarcoptic mange affects animals, but mange is also considered a zoonosis. We present rapid assessment data on scabies and sarcoptic mange collected from key informants via a web-based questionnaire in Ceará State (1265 data entries). A total of 181/184 (98.3%) municipalities reported the occurrence of human scabies; 149 (80.9%) current occurrence; 168 (91.3%) severe cases; and 113 (61.4%) severe cases currently. Sarcoptic mange was reported from 149/184 (80.9%) municipalities, and severe mange from 128 (69.9%), most commonly in dogs (117 municipalities), cats (79), pigs (17), cattle (15), horses (15), and goats (2). Respondents from 171 (92.9%) municipalities observed seasonality of occurrence. Scabies and sarcoptic mange are important public health issues in a northeast Brazilian state. The wide distribution of severe cases requires an integrated One Health approach effectively and sustainably to reduce the disease burden.
PubMed: 38841779
DOI: 10.1177/00494755241256407 -
PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases Jun 2024The epidemiology of scabies is poorly understood, particularly in regions with high disease burden. This lack of epidemiological data, especially in sub-Saharan Africa,...
BACKGROUND
The epidemiology of scabies is poorly understood, particularly in regions with high disease burden. This lack of epidemiological data, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, hampers the control and preventative measures. This study is aimed at estimating the prevalence and associated risk factors of scabies and impetigo in the Nata and Sowa catchment areas of Tutume district.
METHODOLOGY
A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Tutume District, targeting the settlements of Manxhotae, Malelejwe, Ndutshaa, and Tshwaane. Participants were randomly selected from households in the settlements. Data were collected using questionnaires, and participants were classified as having scabies typical lesions if they met criteria B and or C of International Alliance for the Control of Scabies (IACS) consensus criteria. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05, with a 95% confidence interval for precision.
RESULTS
A total of 429 participants were enrolled across the four settlements. The overall prevalence of scabies was found to be 18.18% (95%CI 14.8-22.1). The highest prevalence of scabies was in Manxhotae at 27.1% (95%CI 21.2-34.0) and Ndutshaa at 23.4% (95%CI 13.4-37.3). Malelejwe and Tshwaane had lower prevalence of 10.4% (95%CI 6.2-16.8) and 3.4% (95%CI 0.8-12.7), respectively. Only five (5) cases of impetigo were identified. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that younger age of 0-4 years, 5-18 years and a household member with an itch were strongly associated with scabies, with adjusted odds ratios (aOR) of 7.9 (95%CI 2.4-25.6) p-value 0.001, 5.7(95%CI 2.7-11.7), p-value 0.001 and 14.3(95%CI 5.3-38.5) p-value 0.001 respectively.
CONCLUSION
The prevalence of scabies in the Nata catchment area was noted to be high. The risk factors included younger age, a household member with an itch, and less frequent bathing. Prospective studies are needed to explore household disease transmission dynamics and risk factors specific to the youth.
Topics: Humans; Scabies; Cross-Sectional Studies; Male; Female; Impetigo; Adolescent; Risk Factors; Prevalence; Child; Adult; Child, Preschool; Young Adult; Middle Aged; Botswana; Infant; Aged; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 38829884
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011495 -
Archives of Razi Institute Dec 2023Scabies is an infectious disease. Based on preliminary observations, numerous scabies sufferers have been found among students living in As'ad Islamic Boarding School,... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
Scabies is an infectious disease. Based on preliminary observations, numerous scabies sufferers have been found among students living in As'ad Islamic Boarding School, Jambi City, Indonesia. Scabies disease develops in humans and can be influenced by both human factors and the environment. This study aims to identify factors associated with scabies incidence at the As'ad Islamic Boarding School. This analytical observational research was conducted using a cross-sectional study design. The variables measured were scabies symptoms, knowledge, personal hygiene, contact history, humidity, and room occupancy density. The research samples consisted of 178 students at the As'ad Islamic Boarding School in Jambi City, who were selected randomly. The required data were collected by questionnaires and analyzed by Chi-square test and logistic regression. Most of the students had crowded living conditions (94.4%), low room humidity (80.8%), poor personal hygiene (66.3%), a low level of knowledge about scabies (70.8%), contact with scabies sufferers (61.8%), and symptoms of scabies (60.7%). Symptoms of scabies were related to knowledge (P=0.000), personal hygiene (P=0.000), contact history (P=0.000), humidity (P=0.000), and room occupancy density (P=0.001). The incidence of scabies in students at the As'ad Islamic Boarding School was influenced by insufficient knowledge, poor personal hygiene, history of contact, low humidity, and overcrowding.
Topics: Humans; Scabies; Cross-Sectional Studies; Incidence; Male; Female; Adolescent; Schools; Indonesia; Hygiene; Students; Child; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 38828170
DOI: 10.32592/ARI.2023.78.6.1719 -
Cutis Apr 2024There is a large burden of treatable dermatologic conditions in refugee populations. Parasitic infestations are particularly common when there are barriers to basic... (Review)
Review
There is a large burden of treatable dermatologic conditions in refugee populations. Parasitic infestations are particularly common when there are barriers to basic hygiene, crowded living or travel conditions, and lack of access to health care. Body lice are associated with anemia and can transmit a variety of diseases; chronic impetigo secondary to scabies is a leading cause of chronic kidney disease globally. Dermatologists have unique skills to identify skin infections, inflammatory diseases, and infestations. Appropriate dermatologic care has the potential to improve overall outcomes.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Health Services Accessibility; Lice Infestations; Refugees; Scabies; Pediculus; Sarcoptes scabiei
PubMed: 38820111
DOI: 10.12788/cutis.0999 -
Dermatology Practical & Conceptual Apr 2024Scabies is a pruritic skin infestation with a globally increasing prevalence. Sleep problems and impaired social and personal interactions, mainly due to itching, have...
INTRODUCTION
Scabies is a pruritic skin infestation with a globally increasing prevalence. Sleep problems and impaired social and personal interactions, mainly due to itching, have been reported.
OBJECTIVES
We aimed to determine the influence of scabies on quality of life and psychosocial health using Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale-42 (DASS-42) and analyze whether there is a correlation between the two scales and any sociodemographic and clinical characteristic.
METHODS
Scabies patients (>16 years) who presented to our outpatient clinics were enrolled. Age, sex, occupation, marital status, and education level and clinical features were recorded. DLQI and DASS-42 were used. Possible influence of demographic and clinical characteristics on total scores were analyzed. The Spearman coefficient analysis was performed to determine whether there is a correlation between these scores.
RESULTS
Of 92 patients (mean age:37.76±15.355, Female/Male: 1.09/1), 63% were married and 35.9% were high-school graduates; 27.2% and 23.9% were housewives and officers, respectively. Disease was generalized in 57.6% and duration of disease was mostly <4 weeks. Mean DLQI and DASS-42 scores were 13.16±7.638 and 42.10±30.644, respectively. Symptoms/feelings were affected predominantly. DLQI was affected 'severely' in 41.3% of patients.
CONCLUSIONS
Impairment of DLQI is a significant predictive parameter for higher DASS levels. Scabies is not only associated with impairment in DLQI but may also lead to psychosocial problems. All scabies patients should be evaluated and consulted-if needed-for possible problems of psychosocial status, including depression, anxiety, and stress, as well as clinical symptoms and secondary complications.
PubMed: 38810073
DOI: 10.5826/dpc.1402a112 -
JAMA Jun 2024Chronic pruritus, defined as itch experienced for 6 weeks or longer, affects approximately 22% of people in their lifetime. Approximately 1% of physician visits are for... (Review)
Review
IMPORTANCE
Chronic pruritus, defined as itch experienced for 6 weeks or longer, affects approximately 22% of people in their lifetime. Approximately 1% of physician visits are for the chief concern of chronic pruritus. Chronic pruritus is associated with adverse outcomes, including impaired sleep and reduced quality of life.
OBSERVATIONS
Chronic pruritus can be categorized by etiology into inflammatory, neuropathic, or a combination of inflammatory and neuropathic pruritus. Chronic pruritus is due to inflammation in approximately 60% of patients and may be caused by eczema, psoriasis, or seborrheic dermatitis. Chronic pruritus is due to a neuropathic or mixed etiology in approximately 25% of patients. Neuropathic causes of chronic pruritus include postherpetic neuralgia and notalgia paresthetica and are typically due to localized or generalized nerve dysregulation. Approximately 15% of people with chronic pruritus have other causes including systemic diseases with secondary itch, such as uremic pruritus and cholestatic pruritus, medication-induced pruritus such as pruritus due to immunotherapy, and infectious etiologies such as tinea corporis and scabies. When few primary changes are present, a thorough history, review of symptoms, and laboratory evaluation should be performed, particularly for people with chronic pruritus lasting less than 1 year. Clinicians should consider the following tests: complete blood cell count, complete metabolic panel, and thyroid function testing to evaluate for hematologic malignancy, liver disease, kidney disease, or thyroid disease. First-line treatment for inflammatory chronic pruritus includes topical anti-inflammatory therapies such as hydrocortisone (2.5%), triamcinolone (0.1%), or tacrolimus ointment. Approximately 10% of patients do not respond to topical therapies. In these patients, referral to dermatology and systemic oral or injectable treatments such as dupilumab or methotrexate may be considered. When no underlying systemic disease associated with pruritus is identified, patients are likely to have neuropathic chronic pruritus or mixed etiology such as chronic pruritus of unknown origin. In these patients, neuropathic topical treatments such as menthol, pramoxine, or lidocaine can be used either alone or in combination with immunomodulatory agents such as topical steroids. Other effective therapies for neuropathic pruritus include gabapentin, antidepressants such as sertraline or doxepin, or opioid receptor agonist/antagonists such as naltrexone or butorphanol.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
Chronic pruritus can adversely affect quality of life and can be categorized into inflammatory, neuropathic, or a combined etiology. First-line therapies are topical steroids for inflammatory causes, such as hydrocortisone (2.5%) or triamcinolone (0.1%); topical neuropathic agents for neuropathic causes, such as menthol or pramoxine; and combinations of these therapies for mixed etiologies of chronic pruritus.
Topics: Humans; Pruritus; Chronic Disease
PubMed: 38809527
DOI: 10.1001/jama.2024.4899