Infected with Scabies Again? Focus in Management in Long-Term Care Facilities

Exploring Blood Cell Count-Derived Ratios as Practical Diagnostic Tools for Scabies in Vulnerable Populations

Scabies is a neglected tropical disease and represents a considerable global burden. Although consensus diagnostic criteria for scabies have been recently published, diagnosing scabies infestation remains challenging in clinical practice. We investigated the diagnostic utility of complete blood cell count (CBC) and CBC-derived ratios obtained at diagnosis in a set of 167 patients who are Vietnamese with confirmed scabies. These parameters were compared with those of patients with dermatophytosis (N = 800) and urticaria (N = 2023), two diseases frequent in Vietnam, which can present with similar skin manifestations to scabies and tend to pose a diagnostic challenge in vulnerable populations. Our analysis revealed that white blood cell, monocyte, and eosinophil counts were significantly higher among patients with scabies than the other two diseases. Similarly, the monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR) and eosinophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (ELR) were significantly higher among patients with scabies. The optimal cut-off values to distinguish scabies from dermatophytosis and urticaria were 0.094 for ELR (sensitivity: 74.85%, specificity: 70.7%) and 0.295 for MLR (sensitivity: 52.69%, specificity: 73.54%). CBC, ELR, and MLR are low-cost and easily calculated parameters that may be helpful for the diagnosis of scabies.

Use of Beds in The Event of a Scabies Infection in Boarding Schools

Background: Research on scabies in boarding schools has been widely carried out, however, the nature of transmission has not yet been analyzed. The transmission can occur due to the risk of direct contact when using shared beds. Purpose: This study aims to analyze the risk of bed usage in the event of a scabies infection in boarding schools. Methods: This study adopted a case-control design method. The independent variable was the use of beds, including using a shared bed and using one's own bed. The dependent variable was scabies, which was determined on the basis of the diagnostic criteria set for scabies. The sample size was 60 students, who had lived for at least four weeks in boarding schools. The sample comprised two groups: the group that used a shared bed (30 students) and the group that used their own beds (30 students). A non-probability sampling method was employed to record data. The data was collected by using a scabies checklist. Direct examinations and interviews were conducted at the Fathul Huda Demak and the Selamat Kendal boarding schools in February 2020. Statistical tests were carried out using chi-square analysis. Results: This study revealed the risk of developing scabies when a shared bed was used, with p=0.00 (p<0.05); OR=7.67; and 95%CI= 2.42–24.25. Conclusion: Students who used a shared bed in boarding schools were at 7.67 times the risk of developing scabies compared to students who used their own beds.

Estimating the global burden of scabies: what else do we need?

Scabies is one of the most common disorders identified in any estimate of global skin disease prevalence. Furthermore, quantifying its impact on individuals and societies has been problematic. There has been a lack of clear case definitions and laboratory tests. There have been few epidemiological studies, particularly those focusing on low-income countries, variation in prevalence within high-income countries, or estimates of the effect of scabies on health beyond the skin, such as renal disease or mental wellbeing. Economic studies are also lacking. However, the new strategy of integrating surveillance for skin Neglected Tropical Diseases may well produce advancements on these issues, in addition to providing an overarching structure for health improvement and disease control.