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PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases Jun 2022Estimating community level scabies prevalence is crucial for targeting interventions to areas of greatest need. The World Health Organisation recommends sampling at the...
BACKGROUND
Estimating community level scabies prevalence is crucial for targeting interventions to areas of greatest need. The World Health Organisation recommends sampling at the unit of households or schools, but there is presently no standardised approach to scabies prevalence assessment. Consequently, a wide range of sampling sizes and methods have been used. As both prevalence and drivers of transmission vary across populations, there is a need to understand how sampling strategies for estimating scabies prevalence interact with local epidemiology to affect the accuracy of prevalence estimates.
METHODS
We used a simulation-based approach to compare the efficacy of different scabies sampling strategies. First, we generated synthetic populations broadly representative of remote Australian Indigenous communities and assigned a scabies status to individuals to achieve a specified prevalence using different assumptions about scabies epidemiology. Second, we calculated an observed prevalence for different sampling methods and sizes.
RESULTS
The distribution of prevalence in subpopulation groups can vary substantially when the underlying scabies assignment method changes. Across all of the scabies assignment methods combined, the simple random sampling method produces the narrowest 95% confidence interval for all sample sizes. The household sampling method introduces higher variance compared to simple random sampling when the assignment of scabies includes a household-specific component. The school sampling method overestimates community prevalence when the assignment of scabies includes an age-specific component.
DISCUSSION
Our results indicate that there are interactions between transmission assumptions and surveillance strategies, emphasizing the need for understanding scabies transmission dynamics. We suggest using the simple random sampling method for estimating scabies prevalence. Our approach can be adapted to various populations and diseases.
Topics: Australia; Computer Simulation; Humans; Prevalence; Scabies; Schools
PubMed: 35679325
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010456 -
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 -
PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases Dec 2020Scabies is known to be a public health problem in many settings but the majority of recent data is from rural settings in the Pacific. There is a need for high quality...
Scabies is known to be a public health problem in many settings but the majority of recent data is from rural settings in the Pacific. There is a need for high quality data from sub-Saharan Africa and peri-urban settings to inform scale up of scabies control efforts. There have been anecdotal reports of scabies being a public health problem in Liberia but robust data are lacking. We conducted a cross-sectional cluster-randomised prevalence survey for scabies in a peri-urban community in Monrovia, Liberia in February-March 2020. Participants underwent a standardised examination conducted by trained local health care workers. Health related quality of life (HRQoL) was assessed using age-appropriate versions of the dermatology life quality index (DLQI). Prevalence estimates were calculated accounting for clustering at community and household levels and associations with key demographic variables assessed through multivariable random-effects logistic regression. 1,318 participants from 477 households were surveyed. The prevalence of scabies was 9.3% (95% CI: 6.5-13.2%), across 75 (19.7%) households; impetigo or infected scabies prevalence was 0.8% (95% CI: 0.4-1.9%). The majority (52%) of scabies cases were classified as severe. Scabies prevalence was lower in females and higher in the youngest age group; no associations were found with other collected demographic or socio-economic variables. DLQI scores indicated a very or extremely large effect on HRQoL in 29% of adults and 18% of children diagnosed with scabies. Our study indicates a substantial burden of scabies in this peri-urban population in Liberia. This was associated with significant impact on quality of life, highlighting the need for action to control scabies in this population. Further work is needed to assess the impact of interventions in this context on both the prevalence of scabies and quality of life.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Child; Child, Preschool; Community Health Planning; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Impetigo; Liberia; Logistic Models; Male; Prevalence; Quality of Life; Rural Population; Scabies; Surveys and Questionnaires; Urban Population; Young Adult
PubMed: 33284821
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008943 -
PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases Aug 2023Scabies is a common skin infestation caused by the Sarcoptes scabei mite. Ivermectin, one of three drugs used in mass drug administration (MDA) for lymphatic filariasis,...
BACKGROUND
Scabies is a common skin infestation caused by the Sarcoptes scabei mite. Ivermectin, one of three drugs used in mass drug administration (MDA) for lymphatic filariasis, is also effective for treating scabies. Ivermectin-based MDA was first conducted in Samoa in August 2018, with ivermectin being offered to those aged ≥5 years. Here, we report scabies prevalence in Samoa after MDA.
METHODS
We conducted household surveys 1.5-3.5 months (Survey 1) and 6-8 months (Survey 2) after the 2018 MDA in 35 primary sampling units. We conducted clinical examination for scabies-like rash and used International Alliance for the Control of Scabies classification criteria. We estimated scabies prevalence by age, gender and region. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess factors associated with prevalence.
RESULTS
We surveyed 2868 people (499 households) and 2796 people (544 households) aged 0-75 years in Surveys 1 and 2, respectively. Scabies prevalence increased from 2.4% (95% CI 2.1-2.7%) to 4.4% (95% CI 4.0-4.9%) between surveys. Scabies was associated with younger age (0-4 years: aOR 3.5 [2.9-4.2]; 5-15 years: aOR 1.6 [1.4-1.8] compared to ≥16 years), female gender (aOR 1.2 [95% CI 1.1-1.4]; region (aOR range from 1.4 [1.1-1.7] to 2.5 [2.1-3.1] between regions), large households (aOR 2.6 [2.0-3.4] households ≥13), and not taking MDA in 2018 (aOR 1.3 [95% CI 1.1-1.6]).
CONCLUSIONS
We found moderate prevalence of scabies in two population-representative surveys conducted within 8 months of the 2018 MDA for lymphatic filariasis. Prevalence appeared to increase between the surveys, and ongoing surveillance is recommended, particularly in young children.
Topics: Child; Female; Humans; Child, Preschool; Ivermectin; Scabies; Elephantiasis, Filarial; Mass Drug Administration; Prevalence; Samoa
PubMed: 37607196
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011549 -
Der Hautarzt; Zeitschrift Fur... Jan 2022Scabies is one of the most common and, in terms of burden of disease, one of the most significant skin diseases worldwide. In Germany, an increase in cases is currently...
BACKGROUND
Scabies is one of the most common and, in terms of burden of disease, one of the most significant skin diseases worldwide. In Germany, an increase in cases is currently being discussed, for which reliable data have been lacking until now.
OBJECTIVES
The goal is to clarify the prevalence and treatment of scabies in Germany.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Multisource analyses of treatment data from a nationwide statutory health insurance company, the Federal Statistical Office and company skin screenings.
RESULTS
In Germany, the number of cases of scabies has been rising since 2009 and especially since 2014. In the outpatient setting, there was an increase of 52.8% to around 128,000 treatment cases between 2010 and 2015. Currently, more than 11,000 inpatient cases are documented annually in Germany with scabies as the main diagnosis (ICD-10 B86). The increase between 2010 and 2016 was about 306%. The main outpatient specialist groups providing care are dermatologists and general practitioners, while in the inpatient sector treatment is provided by departments of dermatology, paediatrics and internal medicine.
CONCLUSION
Due to the aforementioned development of prevalence and incidence, the need for care will remain at a high level in the future, which suggests an increased need for education and early detection.
Topics: Child; Germany; Hospitalization; Humans; Incidence; National Health Programs; Scabies
PubMed: 34605943
DOI: 10.1007/s00105-021-04895-1 -
Annals of African Medicine 2024Risk factors for the persistence of superficial skin infestations are prevalent in humid tropical environments, which are favorable for breeding of the causative vector...
Awareness and knowledge of scabies and ringworm among parents of school-age children in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria: Implications for prevention of superficial skin infestations.
CONTEXT
Risk factors for the persistence of superficial skin infestations are prevalent in humid tropical environments, which are favorable for breeding of the causative vector mite Sarcoptes scabiei (ectoparasite) and dermatophyte fungi.
AIM
This study aimed at assessing the awareness and knowledge of childhood scabies and ringworm infestations among parents in Calabar, a highly humid rainforest tropical environment.
SETTINGS AND DESIGN
Cross-sectional study design and systematic random sampling were used to recruit school-age children in selected primary schools in Calabar.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Researcher-driven administration of a structured questionnaire was conducted to obtain quantitative data from parents of recruited children.
STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED
: Chi-square was used to assess factors associated with ever hearing or seeing scabies and ringworm infestations. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.
RESULTS
One hundred and eighty-two (56.7%) and 218 (67.9%) of the respondents had heard of or seen scabies and ringworm infestation. Among respondents that were aware of scabies, 53.3% knew of the cause, 50.5% were aware of the risk factors while 68.1% and 78.0% knew their treatment and prevention, respectively; 98.6%, 60.6%, 76.6%, and 80.7% of respondents knew the cause, risk factors, treatment, and prevention of ringworm infestation, respectively. Fathers with at least secondary school literacy level and sharing beds were significantly associated with awareness of scabies.
CONCLUSION
There is a suboptimal level of awareness and knowledge of two of the most common superficial skin infestations among parents of primary school children in the study setting. There is a need to redouble our effort at sensitization of parents toward improved awareness of these common infestations.
Topics: Child; Humans; Scabies; Cross-Sectional Studies; Nigeria; Tinea; Parents
PubMed: 38358173
DOI: 10.4103/aam.aam_82_23 -
PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases 2015Scabies afflicts millions of people worldwide, but it is very difficult to diagnose by the usual skin scrape test, and a presumptive diagnosis is often made based on...
BACKGROUND
Scabies afflicts millions of people worldwide, but it is very difficult to diagnose by the usual skin scrape test, and a presumptive diagnosis is often made based on clinical signs such as rash and intense itch. A sensitive and specific blood test to detect scabies would allow a physician to quickly make a correct diagnosis.
OBJECTIVE
Our objective was to profile the mite-specific antibodies present in the sera of patients with ordinary scabies.
METHODS
Sera of 91 patients were screened for Ig, IgD, IgE, IgG and IgM antibodies to S. scabiei, as well as to the house dust mites Dermatophagoides farinae, D. pteronyssinus and Euroglyphus maynei.
RESULTS
45%, 27% and 2.2% of the patients had measurable amounts of mixed Ig, IgG and IgE that recognized scabies mite antigens. However, 73.6% of the scabies patients had serum IgM that recognized scabies proteins, and all except two of them also had IgM that recognized all of the three species of dust mites. No patient had serum antibody exclusively reactive to scabies mite antigens.
CONCLUSIONS
Co-sensitization or cross-reactivity between antigens from scabies and house dust mites confounds developing a blood test for scabies.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Animals; Antibodies; Child; Child, Preschool; Cross Reactions; Female; Hematologic Tests; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Sarcoptes scabiei; Scabies; Sensitivity and Specificity; Serologic Tests; Young Adult
PubMed: 26492406
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0004188 -
PloS One 2015Scabies, a highly pruritic and contagious mite infestation of the skin, is endemic among tropical regions and causes a substantial proportion of skin disease among...
BACKGROUND
Scabies, a highly pruritic and contagious mite infestation of the skin, is endemic among tropical regions and causes a substantial proportion of skin disease among lower-income countries. Delayed treatment can lead to bacterial superinfection, and treatment of close contacts is necessary to prevent reinfestation. We describe scabies incidence and superinfection among children in American Samoa (AS) to support scabies control recommendations.
METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS
We reviewed 2011-2012 pharmacy records from the only AS pharmacy to identify children aged ≤14 years with filled prescriptions for permethrin, the only scabicide available in AS. Medical records of identified children were reviewed for physician-diagnosed scabies during January 1, 2011-December 31, 2012. We calculated scabies incidence, bacterial superinfection prevalence, and reinfestation prevalence during 14-365 days after first diagnosis. We used log binomial regression to calculate incidence ratios for scabies by age, sex, and county. Medical record review identified 1,139 children with scabies (incidence 29.3/1,000 children aged ≤14 years); 604 (53%) had a bacterial superinfection. Of 613 children who received a scabies diagnosis during 2011, 94 (15.3%) had one or more reinfestation. Scabies incidence varied significantly among the nine counties (range 14.8-48.9/1,000 children). Children aged <1 year had the highest incidence (99.9/1,000 children). Children aged 0-4 years were 4.9 times more likely and those aged 5-9 years were 2.2 times more likely to have received a scabies diagnosis than children aged 10-14 years.
CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE
Scabies and its sequelae cause substantial morbidity among AS children. Bacterial superinfection prevalence and frequent reinfestations highlight the importance of diagnosing scabies and early treatment of patients and close contacts. Investigating why certain AS counties have a lower scabies incidence might help guide recommendations for improving scabies control among counties with a higher incidence. We recommend interventions targeting infants and young children who have frequent close family contact.
Topics: Adolescent; American Samoa; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Male; Prevalence; Scabies; Superinfection
PubMed: 26458270
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0139336 -
Revue Medicale de Liege 2014Human scabies is an ectoparasitosis affecting any individual at any age. The level of infestation by Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis is influenced by any defect in immune... (Review)
Review
Human scabies is an ectoparasitosis affecting any individual at any age. The level of infestation by Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis is influenced by any defect in immune response. Several clinical types of scabies are described including baby scabies, profuse scabies of immunodepression, norvegian scabies and sarcoptic mange. Onchocerciasis dermatitis is a tropical microfilariosis completely distinct by its parasitic nature.
Topics: Aged, 80 and over; Diagnosis, Differential; Disease Progression; Female; Humans; Scabies
PubMed: 25158389
DOI: No ID Found -
The American Journal of Tropical... Sep 2017Scabies and associated impetigo are under-recognized causes of morbidity in many developing countries. To strengthen the evidence base for scabies control we undertook a...
Scabies and associated impetigo are under-recognized causes of morbidity in many developing countries. To strengthen the evidence base for scabies control we undertook a trial of mass treatment for scabies. We report on the occurrence and predictors of scabies and impetigo in participants at baseline. Participants were recruited in six island communities and were examined for the presence of scabies and impetigo. In addition to descriptive analyses, logistic regression models were fit to assess the association between demographic variables and outcome of interest. The study enrolled 2051 participants. Scabies prevalence was 36.4% (95% confidence interval [CI] 34.3-38.5), highest in children 5-9 years (55.7%). Impetigo prevalence was 23.4% (95% CI 21.5-25.2) highest in children aged 10-14 (39.0%). People with scabies were 2.8× more likely to have impetigo. The population attributable risk of scabies as a cause of impetigo was 36.3% and 71.0% in children aged less than five years. Households with four or more people sharing the same room were more likely to have scabies and impetigo (odds ratios [OR] 1.6, 95% CI 1.2-2.2 and OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.6-3.2 respectively) compared to households with rooms occupied by a single individual. This study confirms the high burden of scabies and impetigo in Fiji and the association between these two conditions, particularly in young children. Overcrowding, young age, and clinical distribution of lesion are important risk factors for scabies and impetigo. Further studies are needed to investigate whether the decline of endemic scabies would translate into a definite reduction of the burden of associated complications.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Fiji; Housing; Humans; Impetigo; Male; Odds Ratio; Prevalence; Risk Factors; Scabies; Young Adult
PubMed: 28722612
DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.16-0753