Diagnostic usefulness of a nested polymerase chain reaction assay for detecting <i>Sarcoptes scabiei</i>
 DNA in skin scrapings from clinically suspected scabies

Fukuyama, Satoru; Nishimura, Tetsukazu; Yotsumoto, Hideki; Gushi, Akira; Tsuji, Masayoshi; Kanekura, Takuro; Matsuyama, Tomomasa

doi:10.1111/j.1365-2133.2010.09913.x

Cited by 33 publications

(27 citation statements)

References 8 publications

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“…A small number of reports in the literature also demonstrated the usefulness of PCR for the diagnosis of scabies (41,42). In particular, PCR was positive for some patients who had conditions clinically compatible with scabies but who were microscopy negative, as shown in our study (42).…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 77%

“…In particular, PCR was positive for some patients who had conditions clinically compatible with scabies but who were microscopy negative, as shown in our study (42). This technique can therefore be considered an adjunct method for the diagnosis of scabies, especially in microscopy-negative suspected cases, outbreak investigations, or environmental sampling when large quantities of specimens are sampled.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 71%

“…Previous molecular studies of S. scabiei in animals and humans have utilized various gene targets, such as microsatellites, ITS-2 ribosomal DNA (rDNA), mitochondrial 12S/16S rRNA, and S. scabiei myosin heavy chain genes (41)(42)(43)(44)(45)(46)(47)(48).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In the three studies evaluating the role of PCR in the diagnosis of scabies, S. scabiei microsatellite 15 (Sarms 15), S. scabiei myosin heavy chain genes, or ITS-2 rDNA was used, but relatively few sequence data for these genes are available in GenBank (41)(42)(43). Moreover, two studies tested the PCR assay with mite samples or skin biopsy specimens, but relatively few clinical specimens, like skin scrapings, were tested (41,43).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Moreover, two studies tested the PCR assay with mite samples or skin biopsy specimens, but relatively few clinical specimens, like skin scrapings, were tested (41,43). Additionally, the 2-tube nested PCR used by Fukuyama et al is prone to cross contamination (42). Therefore, we developed a conventional and real-time PCR assay targeting the cox1 gene for scabies.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Development of Conventional and Real-Time Quantitative PCR Assays for Diagnosis and Monitoring of Scabies

et al. 2015

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c Scabies remains the most prevalent, endemic, and neglected ectoparasitic infestation globally and can cause institutional outbreaks. The sensitivity of routine microscopy for demonstration of Sarcoptes scabiei mites or eggs in skin scrapings is only about 50%. Except for three studies using conventional or two-tube nested PCR on a small number of cases, no systematic study has been performed to improve the laboratory diagnosis of this important infection. We developed a conventional and a real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay based on the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene of S. scabiei. The cox1 gene is relatively well conserved, with its sequence having no high levels of similarity to the sequences of other human skin mites, pathogenic zoonotic mites, or common house dust mite species. This mitochondrial gene is also present in large quantities in arthropod cells, potentially improving the sensitivity of a PCR-based assay. In our study, both assays were specific and were more sensitive than microscopy in diagnosing scabies, with positive and negative predictive values of 100%. The S. scabiei DNA copy number in the microscopy-positive specimens was significantly higher than that in the microscopy-negative specimens (median S. scabiei DNA copy number, 3.604 versus 2.457 log 10 copies per reaction; P ‫؍‬ 0.0213). In the patient with crusted scabies, the qPCR assay performed on lesional skin swabs instead of scrapings revealed that the parasite DNA load took about 2 weeks to become negative after treatment. The utility of using lesional skin swabs as an alternative sample for diagnosis of scabies by PCR should be further evaluated. Scabies remains a significant infectious problem worldwide and is a problem not merely in developing countries but also in the developed world. An estimated 300 million cases of scabies occur globally every year, with scabies having a particular association with young children, poor hygiene, homelessness, crowdedness, and poverty in the tropical and subtropical regions (1). The prevalence of scabies in some populations, such as Australian aborigines, can be as high as 25 to 50%, and the burden of disease and morbidity are further aggravated by complications with bacterial pyoderma, including that caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (2, 3). In developed countries, scabies causes significant public health issues in vulnerable individuals, such as individuals at the extremes of ages and immunocompromised hosts. For example, an estimated incidence of 233 to 470 per 100,000 person-years was reported in a national study conducted from 1994 to 2003 in England (4). In addition, outbreaks readily occur in the community in schools, hospitals (including intensive care units), and other institutions (5-10). Among immunocompromised patients, such as HIV-infected individuals, organ transplant recipients, and patients on biologics or other immunosuppressive therapies, scabies can occur as an unrecognized complication with considerable delays in diagnosis and...

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 77%

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 71%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Development of Conventional and Real-Time Quantitative PCR Assays for Diagnosis and Monitoring of Scabies

et al. 2015

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Arthropods

Bernigaud,

Monsel,

Delaunay

et al. 2024

Rook's Textbook of Dermatology

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This chapter provides an introductory overview of arthropods that are medically important to humans. The authors describe the anatomy and physiology of various arthropods, including insects, spiders and mites, and discuss their role in transmitting diseases to humans. They also provide guidance on identifying and managing arthropod bites, stings and infestations. The chapter includes information on the clinical presentation, diagnosis and management of common arthropod‐related conditions, such as lice, scabies and bed bug infestations. The authors emphasise the importance of a thorough patient history and physical examination in the diagnosis of arthropod‐related conditions, and provide practical advice on prevention and treatment. Overall, this chapter serves as a useful resource for medical doctors and dermatologists who encounter patients with arthropod‐related conditions in their practice.

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