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Joseph M, Mushi V, Palilo H, Silvestri V, Kinabo C, Mshana I, Chombo S, Ndaile I, Tarimo D. Prevalence of Sarcoptes scabiei infestation and its associated factors among primary school children: A school-based cross-sectional survey in the Rufiji district, Tanzania. IJID REGIONS 2024; 11:100365. [PMID: 38680841 PMCID: PMC11046246 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijregi.2024.100365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Objectives This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of Sarcoptes scabiei infestation and its associated factors among primary school children (PSC) in the Rufiji district. Methods A quantitative school-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 447 PSC in the Rufiji district. The prevalence of scabies among PSC was determined by clinical examination and by microscopic examination of skin samples for the presence of S. scabiei. A structured questionnaire was used to gather data on factors associated with S. scabiei infestation. Descriptive analysis, Fisher's exact, chi-square tests, and logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the data. Results The prevalence of scabies was 2.0%. Of the assessed factors, only physical contact with a person having itchy skin lesions (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR]=4.04, 95%CI 4.39-12.50) and infrequency of changing clothes before laundry (AOR=2.99, 95%CI 1.35-4.94) were significantly associated with scabies. The majority of participants demonstrated low levels of knowledge, with half exhibiting poor attitudes and inappropriate healthcare-seeking behaviors. Conclusions There was an ongoing transmission of scabies among PSC in the Rufiji district, with the factors associated with the transmission being physical contact with a person who had an itchy skin lesion and the infrequency of changing clothes before laundry. Therefore, there is a need for regular clinical screening and treatment of positive cases with preventive measures on contact and provision of health education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Joseph
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Vivian Mushi
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- Department of Zoology and Wildlife Conservation, College of Natural and Applied Sciences, University of Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Hoseenu Palilo
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Valeria Silvestri
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Clemence Kinabo
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Irene Mshana
- Central Pathology Laboratory, Muhimbili National Hospital, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Suleiman Chombo
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Ismail Ndaile
- Department of Community Health, School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Donath Tarimo
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
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Betlloch-Mas I, Boluda-Verdú E, Jara-Rico N, Sánchez-García V, Berbegal-De Gracia L, Chiner-Vives E. Scabies in Infants: Series of 51 Cases. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 11:443. [PMID: 38671660 PMCID: PMC11048914 DOI: 10.3390/children11040443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
We conducted a two-year retrospective evaluation of infants aged under two years with a confirmed, clinical, or suspected diagnosis of scabies in a healthcare center in Alicante (Spain) to determine possible factors associated with diagnostic delay and poor treatment response. We collected epidemiological, clinical, diagnostic, and treatment variables. After describing our findings as mean values and percentages, we compared categorical variables using the Student's t-test and the Mann-Whitney U test, and we compared continuous variables with the Chi2 test and Pearson's correlation coefficient. We included 51 infants (19 boys and 32 girls) with a mean age of 15 months. The main source of contagion was the family; half of the infants lived with four or more people. According to the International Consensus Criteria for the Diagnosis of Scabies, confirmed scabies was diagnosed in 45% of cases and clinical scabies in 47%, and 45% of cases had a diagnostic delay. Lesions mainly affected the hands, feet, and trunk, with papules in 92% of cases and burrows in 55%. The predominant symptoms were pruritus (94%) and irritability (69%). Regarding treatment, 98% of the infants received topical permethrin and 35% received oral ivermectin. Treatment failed in 76% of infants. Living in large family units was associated with a higher risk of contagion and therapeutic failure. Diagnostic delay was associated with previous misdiagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Betlloch-Mas
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Miguel Hernández University, Carretera Alicante-Valencia N-332, 03550 Sant Joan d’Alacant, Spain;
- Department of Dermatology, Dr. Balmis General University Hospital, 03010 Alicante, Spain; (N.J.-R.); (V.S.-G.); (L.B.-D.G.)
- ISABIAL Research Institute, 03010 Alicante, Spain
| | - Elena Boluda-Verdú
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Miguel Hernández University, Carretera Alicante-Valencia N-332, 03550 Sant Joan d’Alacant, Spain;
| | - Noelia Jara-Rico
- Department of Dermatology, Dr. Balmis General University Hospital, 03010 Alicante, Spain; (N.J.-R.); (V.S.-G.); (L.B.-D.G.)
- ISABIAL Research Institute, 03010 Alicante, Spain
| | - Verónica Sánchez-García
- Department of Dermatology, Dr. Balmis General University Hospital, 03010 Alicante, Spain; (N.J.-R.); (V.S.-G.); (L.B.-D.G.)
- ISABIAL Research Institute, 03010 Alicante, Spain
| | - Laura Berbegal-De Gracia
- Department of Dermatology, Dr. Balmis General University Hospital, 03010 Alicante, Spain; (N.J.-R.); (V.S.-G.); (L.B.-D.G.)
- ISABIAL Research Institute, 03010 Alicante, Spain
| | - Eusebi Chiner-Vives
- Department of Pulmonology, San Juan de Alicante University Hospital, 03010 Alicante, Spain;
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Amoako YA, Laryea DO, Agbanyo A, Agbavor B, Oppong MN, Kyem G, Abass KM, van Bentum R, Phillips RO, Stienstra Y. Prevalence and determinants of impetigo in Ghana: a cross-sectional study. BMC Infect Dis 2024; 24:349. [PMID: 38528449 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-024-09242-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Skin diseases such as impetigo pose a significant public health challenge in low resource settings. Despite this, there is a dearth of epidemiological data on the prevalence of this condition in Ghana. METHODS We conducted a cross sectional study in three settings in Ghana: community members in East Mamprusi district in the North East region, a secondary school in Sekyere East district, and inmates of the Kumasi central prisons both in the Ashanti region. Following a period of training, we performed a standardised skin examination on each participant to assess for scabies and impetigo. We calculated the prevalence of each skin condition and investigated determinants of impetigo. RESULTS/ FINDINGS Of the 1327 participants [males 64.1% and median age 22 (16-29) years], 746 (56.2%) had scabies and 186 (14%) had impetigo which was usually very mild or mild in severity. Most participants with impetigo also had scabies (161/186, 86.6%). Having an itch [RR 6.05 (95% CI 2.53-14.47)], presence of scabies burrows [RR 1.99 (95% CI 1.54-2.59)], clinical scabies [RR 3.15 (2.11-4.72)] or being in preschool [RR 4.56 (1.78-11.67)] increased the risk for impetigo. A combination of the presence of clinical scabies, age, sex and itch most accurately predicted the odds of having impetigo. CONCLUSIONS There is substantial burden of impetigo and scabies in Ghana. There is a need to institute measures to improve detection and control of these common dermatoses as part of Universal Health Coverage package to reduce the scourge of the diseases in this setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaw Ampem Amoako
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research into Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.
- Department of Internal Medicine/Infectious Diseases, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
- Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana.
| | | | - Abigail Agbanyo
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research into Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Bernadette Agbavor
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research into Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Michael Ntiamoah Oppong
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research into Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Gloria Kyem
- Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana
| | | | - Renee van Bentum
- Department of Internal Medicine/Infectious Diseases, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Richard Odame Phillips
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research into Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
- Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Ymkje Stienstra
- Department of Internal Medicine/Infectious Diseases, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
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Li W, Li X, Song L, Li H, Wu Y, Li J. Optical microscopic study on a novel morphological classification method of multiple diagnostic features of Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis. Parasitology 2023; 150:1070-1075. [PMID: 37846821 PMCID: PMC10801366 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182023000938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
Optical microscopy is the gold standard technique used to confirm the diagnosis of scabies. Multiple diagnostic features of the pathogen Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis (S. scabiei) can be identified under a microscope and classified into 3 categories: mites, eggs and fecal pellets. However, mite and eggshell fragments can also be observed, which have been ignored in the 2020 International Alliance for the Control of Scabies (IACS) Criteria and by most researchers. In this study, we propose a novel morphological classification method that classifies multiple diagnostic features into 5 categories and 7 subcategories. Our results revealed that 65.2% (1893 of 2896) of the positive cases were confirmed through the identification of mites, eggs or fecal pellets, whereas up to 34.6% (1003 of 2896) of the positive cases were confirmed through the identification of mite or eggshell fragments. Therefore, the important diagnostic values of mite and eggshell fragments should be emphasized. Importantly, for the first time, mite and eggshell fragments were classified into 7 subcategories, some of which are easily ignored or confused with contaminating artefacts. We believe that this novel morphological classification method will be beneficial for operator training in interpreting slides and in improving the 2020 IACS Criteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanchen Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, PR China
| | - Xiaoli Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Tianjin Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated Hospital, Tianjin, PR China
| | - Lin Song
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Tianjin Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated Hospital, Tianjin, PR China
| | - Hongfeng Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Tianjin Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated Hospital, Tianjin, PR China
| | - Yaliu Wu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Tianjin Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated Hospital, Tianjin, PR China
| | - Jianjun Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Tianjin Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated Hospital, Tianjin, PR China
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Amoako YA, van Rietschoten LS, Oppong MN, Amoako KO, Abass KM, Anim BA, Laryea DO, Phillips RO, Stienstra Y. Beliefs, attitudes and practices towards scabies in central Ghana. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011175. [PMID: 36812249 PMCID: PMC9987785 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Scabies commonly affects poor populations in low-middle-income countries. The WHO has advocated for country-driven and country-owned control strategies. Knowledge of context specific issues will be important for design and implementation of scabies control interventions. We aimed to assess beliefs, attitudes and practices towards scabies in central Ghana. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Data was collected via semi-structured questionnaires for people who had active scabies or scabies in the past year and people who never had scabies in the past. The questionnaire covered several domains: knowledge about the causes and risk factors; perceptions towards stigmatisation and consequences of scabies in daily life; and treatment practices. Out of 128 participants, 67 were in the (former) scabies group and had a mean age of 32.3 ± 15.6 years. Overall scabies group participants less often indicated a factor to predispose to scabies than community controls; only 'family/friends contacts' was more often mentioned in the scabies group. Scabies causation was attributed to poor hygiene, traditional beliefs, heredity and drinking water. Individuals with scabies delay care seeking (median time from symptom onset to visiting the health centre was 21 [14 - 30] days) and this delay is enhanced by their beliefs (like witchcraft and curses) and a perception of limited disease severity. Compared to past scabies participants in the dermatology clinic, participants with past scabies in the community tended to have a longer delay (median [IQR] 30 [14-48.8] vs 14 [9.5-30] days, p = 0.002). Scabies was associated with health consequences, stigma, and loss of productivity. CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE Early diagnosis and effective treatment of scabies can lead to persons less frequently associating scabies with witchcraft and/ or curses. There is the need to enhance health education to promote early care seeking, enhance knowledge of communities on impact and dispel negative perceptions about scabies in Ghana.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaw Ampem Amoako
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
- Department of Internal Medicine/Infectious Diseases, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
| | - Lotte Suzanne van Rietschoten
- Department of Internal Medicine/Infectious Diseases, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Michael Ntiamoah Oppong
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Kwabena Oppong Amoako
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | | | | | | | - Richard Odame Phillips
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Ymkje Stienstra
- Department of Internal Medicine/Infectious Diseases, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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Saka B, Kassang P, Gnossike P, Head MG, Akakpo AS, Teclessou JN, Elegbede YM, Mouhari-Toure A, Mahamadou G, Tevi K, Katsou K, Kombaté K, Walker SL, Pitché P. Prevalence of skin Neglected Tropical Diseases and superficial fungal infections in two peri-urban schools and one rural community setting in Togo. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010697. [PMID: 36534701 PMCID: PMC9810153 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Skin neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), are endemic and under-diagnosed in many lower-income communities. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of skin NTDs and fungal infections in two primary schools and a community setting in rural Togo. METHOD This was a cross-sectional study that took place between June-October 2021. The two primary schools are located on the outskirts of Lomé, the capital city. The community setting was Ndjéi, in north-east Togo. Study sites were purposively selected. Dermatologists examined the skin of study participants. Diagnosis of skin NTDs were made clinically. RESULTS A total of 1401 individuals were examined, 954 (68.1%) from Ndjéi community, and 447 (31.9%) were children in the schools. Cutaneous skin infections were diagnosed in 438 (31.3%) participants, of whom 355 (81%) were in community settings. There were 105 observed skin NTDs (7.5%). Within the school setting, there were 20 individuals with NTDs (4.5% of 447 participants), and 85 NTDs (8.9%) from 954 community participants. Across all settings 68/1020 (6.7%) NTDs were in children, and 37/381 (9.7%) in adults. In addition, there were 333 observed mycoses (23.8% prevalence). The main cutaneous NTDs diagnosed were scabies (n = 86; 6.1%) and suspected yaws (n = 16, 1.1%). The prevalence of scabies in schools was 4.3%, and 7.0% in the rural community. One case of leprosy was diagnosed in each school and the rural community, and one suspected Buruli Ulcer case in the community. In the school setting, five (6%) children with a skin NTD reported being stigmatised, four of whom had refused to attend school because of their dermatosis. In Ndjéi, 44 (4.6%) individuals reported having experienced stigma and 41 (93.2%) of them missed at least one day of school or work. CONCLUSION This study shows that the burden of scabies and skin infections such as superficial mycoses is high in the school and rural community settings in Togo, with associated presence of stigma. Improved health promotion and education across institutional and community settings may reduce stigma and encourage early reporting of skin infection cases to a health facility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bayaki Saka
- Service de dermatologie, CHU de Lomé, Lomé, Togo
| | | | | | - Michael G. Head
- Clinical Informatics Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Kokoé Tevi
- Service de dermatologie, CHU de Lomé, Lomé, Togo
| | | | | | - Stephen L. Walker
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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Ofori-Amoah J, Ofori Addai S, Ampratwum O, Rockson Adjei M, Asare G, Adu Mensah J, Obeng A, Natogmah Z, Thomas Sevugu J, Agyemang-Duah W, Kusi J, Gumah F, Ampem Amoako Y. Scabies outbreak investigation and treatment in the Sekyere East District, Ghana: A call to end the neglect. COGENT MEDICINE 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/2331205x.2021.1964185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Gideon Asare
- Surveillance, Ghana Health Service, Accra, Ghana
| | | | - Aziz Obeng
- Health Promotion, Ghana Health Service, Accra, Ghana
| | | | | | - Williams Agyemang-Duah
- Department of Planning, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Job Kusi
- Health Information, Ghana Health Service, Accra, Ghana
| | - Francis Gumah
- Health, World Vision Ghana, World Vision Sekyere Cluster, Ghana
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A scabies outbreak in the North East Region of Ghana: The necessity for prompt intervention. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008902. [PMID: 33351803 PMCID: PMC7787682 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background There is a dearth of data on scabies from Ghana. In September 2019, local health authorities in the East Mamprusi district of northern Ghana received reports of scabies from many parts of the district. Due to on-going reports of more cases, an assessment team visited the communities to assess the effect of the earlier individual treatment on the outbreak. The assessment team furthermore aimed to contribute to the data on scabies burden in Ghana and to demonstrate the use of the International Alliance for the Control of Scabies (IACS) diagnostic tool in a field survey in a resource limited setting. Methodology/Principal findings This was a cross sectional study. Demographic information and medical history was collected on all participants using a REDCap questionnaire. A standardised skin examination of exposed regions of the body was performed on all participants. Scabies was diagnosed based on the criteria of the International Alliance for the Control of Scabies (IACS). Participants were mostly female (61.5%) and had a median age of 18.8 years (IQR 13–25). Two hundred out of 283 (71%) of participants had scabies with most (47%) presenting with moderate disease. Impetigo was found in 22% of participants with scabies and 10.8% of those without scabies [RR 2.27 (95% CI 1.21–4.27)]. 119 participants who received scabies treatment in the past months still had clinical evidence of the disease. 97% of participants reported a recent scabies contact. Scabies was commoner in participants ≤16 years compared to those >16 years [RR 3.06 (95% CI 1.73–5.45)]. Conclusion/Significance The prevalence of scabies was extremely high. The lack of a systematic approach to scabies treatment led to recurrence and ongoing community spread. The IACS criteria was useful in this outbreak assessment in Ghana. Alternative strategies such as Mass drug administration may be required to contain outbreaks early in such settings. Scabies, recently categorised as a Neglected Tropical Disease by the WHO is caused by infestation with Sarcoptes scabiei and is characterised by intense pruritus and rash that typically involves the genitalia and the web spaces of the fingers and toes. It has a large global burden and is associated with significant morbidity and socio-economic burden. Secondary bacterial infections following scabies can lead to significant complications including chronic kidney disease from glomerulonephritis and possibly rheumatic heart disease. An outbreak of scabies was reported in Ghana’s East Mamprusi district in September 2019. Despite earlier treatment of individual cases, scabies prevalence was 71%. About 19% of participants had impetigo which was mostly mild in severity. Absence of a systematic approach to treat scabies led to recurrence and ongoing community spread. The recently published IACS criteria for diagnosing scabies proved useful in this outbreak assessment in Ghana. Alternative strategies such as Mass drug administration may be required to contain outbreaks in such settings.
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Özden MG, Ertürk K, Kartal SP, Yayli S, Göktay F, Doğramacı CA, Bayramgürler D, Özgen Z, Önder S, Kaçar N, Melikoğlu M, Tamer F, Şentürk N, Alpsoy E. An extraordinary outbreak of scabies in Turkey. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2020; 34:e818-e820. [PMID: 32491243 DOI: 10.1111/jdv.16699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Revised: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M G Özden
- Dermatology Department, Ondokuz Mayıs University Faculty of Medicine, Samsun, Turkey
| | - K Ertürk
- Dermatology Department, Ondokuz Mayıs University Faculty of Medicine, Samsun, Turkey
| | - S P Kartal
- Department of Dermatology, University of Health Sciences, DiskapıYildirim Beyazit Education and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - S Yayli
- Dermatology Department, Karadeniz Technical University Faculty of Medicine, Trabzon, Turkey
| | - F Göktay
- Hamidiye Faculty of Medicine, Haydarpaşa Numune Training and Research Hospital, Dermatology Department, University of Health Sciences Turkey, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - C A Doğramacı
- Dermatology Department, Mustafa Kemal University Faculty of Medicine, Antakya, Turkey
| | - D Bayramgürler
- Dermatology Department, Kocaeli University Faculty of Medicine, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Z Özgen
- Dermatology Department, Marmara University Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - S Önder
- Dermatology Department, Ordu University Faculty of Medicine, Ordu, Turkey
| | - N Kaçar
- Dermatology Department, Pamukkale University Faculty of Medicine, Denizli, Turkey
| | - M Melikoğlu
- Dermatology Department, Atatürk University Faculty of Medicine, Erzurum, Turkey
| | - F Tamer
- Dermatology Department, Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - N Şentürk
- Dermatology Department, Ondokuz Mayıs University Faculty of Medicine, Samsun, Turkey
| | - E Alpsoy
- Dermatology Department, Akdeniz University Faculty of Medicine, Antalya, Turkey
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