Pediculosis capitis and scabies in nurses from Eastern Poland - occupational risk and environmental determinants

Prevalence and determinants of scabies: A global systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

Scabies is a neglected skin disease that disproportionately affects people from resource poor and overcrowded countries. Global data on prevalence and risk factors are limited. This article aims to estimate the global burden of scabies and identifies the risks associated with it.

METHODS

Databases (PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane Reviews) were accessed to identify studies of scabies prevalence published between 2000 and 2024. Results were pooled to estimate prevalence and identify factors, which explained between-study heterogeneity. Odds ratios (ORs), risk of bias, subgroup analyses and meta-regression were used to describe variation in effect size and heterogeneity based on country-level demographic and economic variables.

RESULTS

Seventy studies yielded a pooled prevalence of 11.9% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 9.60-14.7) with substantial heterogeneityI 2 = 100 % τ 2 = 1.04 . Prevalence was highest in Oceania (17.9%; 95% CI: 13.9-22.8) compared to other regions. Pooled risk factors for scabies showed significant associations for demographic and behavioural factors including contact history with household members with itch (OR 11.3; 95% CI 4.82-26.51;I 2 = 96 % ; n = 7), lack of soap use (OR 3.41; 95% CI: 2.56-4.54;I 2 = 44 % ; n = 7), bed-sharing (OR 2.64; 95% CI: 1.50-4.63;I 2 = 76 % ; n = 7), sharing of clothes (OR 2.52; 95% CI: 1.58-4.03;I 2 = 85 % ; n = 7), infrequent bathing (OR 2.13; 95% CI: 1.41-3.22;I 2 = 77 % ; n = 6), presence of pets (OR 1.76; 95% CI: 1.08-2.87;I 2 = 84 % ; n = 4) and being a male (OR = 1.19; 95% CI: 1.04-1.37;I 2 = 83 % ; n = 22). Socioeconomic factors were not convincingly associated with scabies prevalence.

CONCLUSION

Prevalence of scabies is associated with geographic location and behavioural factors, but not between-country socioeconomic status. In addition to mass drug administration, risk factors are identified which may be included in health promotion programmes to reduce scabies prevalence and its sequelae in the long term.

Antioxidant Potential of Medicinal Plants in the Treatment of Scabies Infestation

Oxidative stress, characterized by an overproduction of reactive oxygen species that overwhelm the body's physiological defense mechanisms, is a key factor in the progression of parasitic diseases in both humans and animals. Scabies, a highly contagious dermatological condition caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis, affects millions globally, particularly in developing regions. The infestation leads to severe itching and skin rashes, triggered by allergic reactions to the mites, their eggs, and feces. Conventional scabies treatments typically involve the use of scabicidal agents, which, although effective, are often associated with adverse side effects and the increasing threat of resistance. In light of these limitations, there is growing interest in the use of medicinal plants as alternative therapeutic options. Medicinal plants, rich in bioactive compounds with antioxidant properties, offer a promising, safer, and potentially more effective approach to treatment. This review explores the role of oxidative stress in scabies pathogenesis and highlights how medicinal plants can mitigate this by reducing inflammation and oxidative damage, thereby alleviating symptoms and improving patient outcomes. Through their natural antioxidant potential, these plants may serve as viable alternatives or complementary therapies in the management of scabies, especially in cases where resistance to conventional treatments is emerging.