The epidemiology of head lice and scabies in the UK

Downs, A. M. R.; Harvey, IM; Kennedy, C. T. C.

doi:10.1017/s0950268899002277

Cited by 128 publications

(109 citation statements)

References 30 publications

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“…Of note, increases in scabies often run parallel to increases in the prevalence of other external arthropod parasites, e.g., head or body lice. Again, this is indicative of the role of the social environment in transmission (34).…”

Section: Cyclical Pattern Of Infectionmentioning

confidence: 95%

Problems in Diagnosing Scabies, a Global Disease in Human and Animal Populations

2007

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SUMMARY Scabies is a worldwide disease and a major public health problem in many developing countries, related primarily to poverty and overcrowding. In remote Aboriginal communities in northern Australia, prevalences of up to 50% among children have been described, despite the availability of effective chemotherapy. Sarcoptic mange is also an important veterinary disease engendering significant morbidity and mortality in wild, domestic, and farmed animals. Scabies is caused by the ectoparasitic mite Sarcoptes scabiei burrowing into the host epidermis. Clinical symptoms include intensely itchy lesions that often are a precursor to secondary bacterial pyoderma, septicemia, and, in humans, poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis. Although diagnosed scabies cases can be successfully treated, the rash of the primary infestation takes 4 to 6 weeks to develop, and thus, transmission to others often occurs prior to therapy. In humans, the symptoms of scabies infestations can mimic other dermatological skin diseases, and traditional tests to diagnose scabies are less than 50% accurate. To aid early identification of disease and thus treatment, a simple, cheap, sensitive, and specific test for routine diagnosis of active scabies is essential. Recent developments leading to the expression and purification of S. scabiei recombinant antigens have identified a number of molecules with diagnostic potential, and current studies include the investigation and assessment of the accuracy of these recombinant proteins in identifying antibodies in individuals with active scabies and in differentiating those with past exposure. Early identification of disease will enable selective treatment of those affected, reduce transmission and the requirement for mass treatment, limit the potential for escalating mite resistance, and provide another means of controlling scabies in populations in areas of endemicity.

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Section: Cyclical Pattern Of Infectionmentioning

confidence: 95%

Problems in Diagnosing Scabies, a Global Disease in Human and Animal Populations

2007

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“…Most studies rely on GP consultation rates, which likely underestimate the incidence of scabies due to underreporting and self-treatment. Studies report substantial geographical variation in the incidence of scabies, with the highest rates seen in urbanized areas, and some seasonality, peaking in the winter months [12]. Incidence is generally highest in groups with high levels of personal contact [13].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Scabies outbreaks in residential care homes: factors associated with late recognition, burden and impact. A mixed methods study in England

2014

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Scabies outbreaks in residential care homes: factors associated with late recognition, burden and impact. A mixed methods study in EnglandArticle (Published Version) http://sro.sussex.ac.uk Hewitt, K A, Nalabanda, A and Cassell, J A (2014) Scabies outbreaks in residential care homes: factors associated with late recognition, burden and impact. A mixed methods study in England. Epidemiology and Infection. ISSN 0950-2688 This version is available from Sussex Research Online: http://sro.sussex.ac.uk/49876/ This document is made available in accordance with publisher policies and may differ from the published version or from the version of record. If you wish to cite this item you are advised to consult the publisher's version. Please see the URL above for details on accessing the published version. Copyright and reuse:Sussex Research Online is a digital repository of the research output of the University.Copyright and all moral rights to the version of the paper presented here belong to the individual author(s) and/or other copyright owners. To the extent reasonable and practicable, the material made available in SRO has been checked for eligibility before being made available.Copies of full text items generally can be reproduced, displayed or performed and given to third parties in any format or medium for personal research or study, educational, or not-for-profit purposes without prior permission or charge, provided that the authors, title and full bibliographic details are credited, a hyperlink and/or URL is given for the original metadata page and the content is not changed in any way.Scabies outbreaks in residential care homes: factors associated with late recognition, burden and impact. A mixed methods study in England SUMMARYScabies is an important public health problem in residential care homes. Delayed diagnosis contributes to outbreaks, which may be prolonged and difficult to control. We investigated factors influencing outbreak recognition, diagnosis and treatment, and staff experiences of outbreak control, identifying areas for intervention. We carried out a semi-structured survey of managers, affected residents and staff of seven care homes reporting suspected scabies outbreaks in southern England over a 6-month period. Attack rates ranged from 2% to 50%, and most cases had dementia (37/39, 95%). Cases were diagnosed clinically by GPs (59%) or home staff (41%), none by dermatologists. Most outbreaks were attributable to avoidably late diagnosis of the index case. Participants reported considerable challenges in managing scabies outbreaks, including late diagnosis and recognition of outbreaks; logistically difficult mass treatment; distressing treatment processes and high costs. This study demonstrates the need for improved support for care homes in detecting and managing these outbreaks.

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“…The burden of disease is highest in tropical countries, where scabies is endemic [1]. Epidemiological studies worldwide have suggested a 7-to 28-year cyclic pattern of disease prevalence [2][3][4][5][6][7][8]. Scabies is particularly common in resource-poor communities with crowded living conditions.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Frequency of Scabies in Iraq: Survey in a Dermatology Clinic

Alsamarai

2009

J Infect Dev Ctries

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Background: The burden of scabies is highest in tropical countries, but recent data from Iraq are scanty. Objective: To estimate the frequency of scabies in patients of a dermatology clinic in central Iraq. Methodology: The study was conducted in Tikrit (Iraq), between May 2007 and February 2008. A total of 1,194 patients presenting to a dermatology clinic were included in the study. Results: During the study period, 132 [1.1%] patients with scabies were identified. The frequency was 13.5% in males and 8.6% in females [P = 0.007]. Frequency in children was 15.6% and 9.8% in adults [P = 0.007]. About 91% of cases were younger than 45 years. The treatment of scabies cases with 5% permethrin cream resulted in a cure rate of 80.3% following a single application, and was increased to 95.5% after a second application. Cure was achieved in all cases after a third application. Conclusion: Prevalence of scabies was high in a dermatology clinic, and prisoners were identified as high-risk group. Mass treatment of scabies either by oral ivermectin or topical permethrin is suggested.

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The epidemiology of head lice and scabies in the UK

Cited by 128 publications

References 30 publications

Problems in Diagnosing Scabies, a Global Disease in Human and Animal Populations

Problems in Diagnosing Scabies, a Global Disease in Human and Animal Populations

Scabies outbreaks in residential care homes: factors associated with late recognition, burden and impact. A mixed methods study in England

Frequency of Scabies in Iraq: Survey in a Dermatology Clinic

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