Risk factors and effects of infestation with Pediculosis Capitis and Scabies among primary school students in Cairo, Egypt

Background: Pediculosis capitis [PC] and scabies are an important public health problem in childhood. They have a worldwide distribution. Also, they have many effects on the infested students

Objectives: To define the prevalence of PC and scabies, to find out the socio-demographic, environment, and health care behavior risk factors, and to determine the effects on the studied students in Cairo, Egypt

Subjects and Methods: A cross-section, analytical study design was chosen to conduct this work. Three primary schools were the field of this study. Total number of the students was 1987. The students were clinically examined; for each infested case with PC and/ or scabies a control student was chosen

Results: Prevalence of PC and scabies was 10.2% and 3.4%, respectively. These infestations were more common significantly among students in the public school. Significant social risk factors of infested students were the low level of head of the family education, occupation, and social status. Also, significant personal hygiene risk factors were poor hair, body, and environment hygiene. While significant health care behavior risk factors were student never received skin examination, no early consultation for skin diseases, and no compliance with therapy. Also; female gender, the last birth order child, had previous infestation with PC, had sibling[s] with PC, and had parents with history of infestation with PC were significant risk factors. On the other hand; male gender, the last birth order child, had previous infestation with scabies, had sibling[s] with scabies, and had parents with history of infestation with scabies were significant risk factors. Further, the PC cases with crowding index >1, had no sun access, had shared water supply and bathing facilities, co-sleeping, had no short cut hair, and sharing hair brushes were significant risk factors. On the other hand, the scabitcs with crowding index >1, had no sun access, had shared water supply and bathing facilities, and co-sleeping were significant risk factors. Lastly, presences of psychiatric, sleep, and peers' relations disturbances were significantly more common among the infested students

Conclusions: Many risk factors of PC and scabies can be manipulated, so these infestations can be prevented, so many health hazards on the students could be prevented

Recommendations: Improving students' hygiene, health education, and regular dermatological screening and treatment of students are important essentiality. Also, dermatological health component should be integrated in school health program. Lastly, further studies in different rural and urban areas in Egypt are recommended

Sarna sarcóptica: comunicación de un brote en un grupo familiar y su mascota / Sarcoptic mange: report of an outbreak in a family and their pet

Scabies caused by the genus Sarcoptes scabiei var canis is a prevalent infection in dogs and affects abandoned, malnourished and overcrowded animals, causing hair loss and an intensely pruritic crusting dermatitis. In humans the manifestation is a self-limiting pruritic dermatitis, but persistent cases are described. An outbreak of sarcoptic mange is reported in a family group (seven people, including a 5 month infant and his mother). The infective source was their own house dog who was taken from the street. The diagnosis was confirmed by the detection of mites and eggs in the acarotest of the dog and mites of S. scabei in the infant. Sarcoptic mange should be suspected in individuals with allergic dermatitis who have contact with dogs. Treatment in humans is usually symptomatic and may need miticides if the infection persists. The control of the disease requires an appropriate pet treatment.

La sarna producida por el género Sarcoptes scabiei var canis, infección prevalente en perros y de alto potencial zoonótico, afecta a animales abandonados, desnutridos y hacinados y causa alopecia y una dermatitis costrosa intensamente pruriginosa. En el ser humano produce una dermatitis pruriginosa generalmente autolimitada, pero se describen casos persistentes. Se reporta un brote de sarna sarcóptica en un grupo familiar (siete personas, incluidas una lactante y su madre) cuya fuente de infección fue su mascota canina recogida de la calle. El diagnóstico fue confirmado por visualización en el ácarotest de ácaros y huevos en el perro y ácaros de S. scabiei en la lactante. La sarna sarcóptica debe sospecharse en casos de dermatitis alérgica en personas con contacto con perros. El tratamiento en el humano, habitualmente sintomático, puede necesitar acaricidas si el cuadro persiste. El control de la enfermedad requiere el adecuado tratamiento de la mascota.

Prevalence and zoonotic aspects of small ruminant mange in the lateritic and waterlogged zones, southern Benin / Prevalencia e aspectos zoonóticos de sarna em pequenos ruminantes em áreas de solo laterítico e alagados no sul do Benin

An epidemiological survey was undertaken from March to September 2010 to assess the prevalence and zoonotic aspects of scabies in small ruminants in two agro-ecological zones in southern Benin. Small ruminant (n = 444) smallholders and 1,807 of their animals (1,233 West African dwarf goats and 574 West African dwarf sheep) were included in the study. The animals underwent physical examination and, when scabies-like lesions were found, crusts and integument scrapings were collected for microscopic parasitological tests. The samples collected in each survey were coded in accordance with the owner-animal pairings in order to assess the degree of correlation between mange cases in humans (smallholders) and their animals. The overall prevalence of scabies was 28.33% and 9.5% in animals and smallholders (human cases) respectively. Infestations were significantly (p < 0.001) more frequent in goats (39.6%) than in sheep. The uniqueness of the etiological agent (Sarcoptes scabiei), the very high predictive value of human scabies in infected farms (83.67%) and a very high odds ratio (OR = 2,019.25) indicate that small ruminant scabies has been transmitted to smallholders by their animals. Close contact between these smallholders and their animals was a determining factor in this interspecies communicability of sarcoptic mange.

Um estudo epidemiológico foi realizado entre março e setembro de 2010, a fim de determinar a prevalência e aspectos zoonóticos de sarna em pequenos ruminantes em duas zonas agroecológicas no Sul de Benin. Pequenos criadores (n = 444) de ruminantes e 1.807 dos seus animais (1.233 cabras e 574 ovelhas Djallonké) fizeram parte da amostra para o estudo. Os animais foram submetidos a um exame físico e, quando detectadas algumas suspeitas de lesões da sarna, crostas e amostras cutâneas foram colhidas para exames parasitológicos por microscopia de luz. As amostras colhidas em cada inquérito foram codificadas tendo como referência os donos dos animais, a fim de estabelecer/avaliar o grau de correlação entre os casos de incidência nos humanos (criadores) e os seus respectivos animais. A prevalência de sarna foi, respectivamente, 28,33% em animais e 9,5% entre os criadores (casos humanos). Infestações foram significativamente (p < 0,001) mais comum em caprinos (39,6%) do que nos ovinos (4,2 %). A particularidade do agente etiológico (Sarcoptes scabiei), o alto valor preditivo de infestação nos humanos (83.67%) e o elevado valor da odds ratio (OR = 2019.25) indica um caráter zoonótico da sarna dos pequenos ruminantes. A proximidade entre homens e animais neste meio é um fator importante neste contato interespecífica da sarna sarcóptica.

Frequency of cutaneous diseases in geriatric population of type IV and V skin

To determine the frequency of common cutaneous diseases in geriatric population of type IV and V skin. This Cross-sectional Survey was conducted at Skin outdoor department in May Hospital, Lahore. Two hundred and seventy patients of either sex aged sixty years and above were included in the study. Frequency of common dermatoses was noted. The data were analyzed according to age, sex and skin type. Two hundred and seventy patients were included in the study. The mean age of the patients in the study was 66.85 [ +/- 8.1: range 60-105] years. Eczemas were found in [40%] of geriatric population, scabies [25.2%], fungal infection [14.8%], pruritus [9.6%], viral [8.1%] and bacterial [2.2%] infections. Regarding miscellaneous diseases, significantly greater number of patients aged 80 years or more were diagnosed to have malignant skin disorders. Eczemas were the most common dermatoses. Scabies was more prevalent in females as compared to males. The chances of skin cancer like BCC increases as the age advances

Ectoparasitosis de importancia en Chile: Epidemiología y terapia / Ectoparasitosis of clinical importance in Chile

Several parasitic diseases affect the skin and appendages in humans, the most common are head lice and scabies. Both diseases have worldwide distribution with geographical variations. In Chile, the reported prevalence of head lice is 20-25 percent and of scabies 1-5 percent. Other ectoparasites include fleas and mite, causing transient parasitosis related to human and animal contact. These parasites are associated with various factors such as poor personal hygiene, promiscuity, long hair, crowding, and sharing of combs, among others. Various effective pharmacological therapies are available, which base on several active compounds. Important therapeutic options include topical treatments with pyrethroids, lindane, crotamiton, and malathion as well as oral medications such as ivermectin, which is used in case of drug intolerance, poor treatment response, infections with multiple parasites or concomitant bacterial infections. For some drugs, resistance has been reported in patients received multiple dosis.

Existen varias enfermedades parasitarias capaces de comprometer piel y fanéreos en el humano, siendo los más frecuentes la pediculosis y la escabiosis. Ambas enfermedades tienen distribución mundial variable según la localidad. En Chile, se describe una prevalencia de pediculosis capitis cercana a 20-25 por ciento y de escabiosis, entre 1 y 5 por ciento. Otras ectoparasitosis son la pulicosis y la acarosis, parasitosis transitorias relacionadas al contacto humano y animal. Estos agentes se asocian a diversos factores entre los que se encuentran escasa higiene personal, promiscuidad, uso de cabello largo, hacinamiento, intercambio de peines, entre otros. Las terapias farmacológicas disponibles son variadas y eficaces. Hay diversos compuestos activos entre los que destacan tratamientos tópicos como derivados piretroides, lindano, crotamitón y malatión; y medicamentos orales como ivermectina, utilizada en casos de mala tolerancia, escasa respuesta a tratamiento tópico, infestación múltiple o infección bacteriana concomitante. Se ha descrito resistencia a algunos compuestos en pacientes que han recibido múltiples dosis.

case report of Sarcoptes scabiei infection in Ahwaz, Iran

The prevalence of Sarcoptes in rural areas has been investigated by many investigators. Sarcoptes infestation in areas with poor education and hygienic is higher than urban areas. In this study, one severe case of Sarcoptes scabiei infestation is described from a four months old child. Confirmation of scabies was done by clinical examination of child and by the identification of the mite by microscopically examining scrapings from the scabies lesions. The prevalence of scabies is high in children in rural regions, suggesting that it is a serious public health problem. This phenomenon may be due to the fact that certain environmental conditions such as overcrowding, poor personal hygiene, poverty, and ignorance, which are conducive to the spread of scabies, tend to be quite common in rural regions. Control programs should be put in place and implemented in an integrated manner, by reducing over crowding, and by improving health education, personal hygiene, treatment and surveillance among high-risk populations

Brote de sarna en un hospital terciario a partir de un caso de sarna costrosa / An outbreak of scabies in a tertiary-care hospital from a crusted scabies case

Realizamos el estudio epidemiológico de un brote de sarna ocurrido en un hospital terciario, a partir de un caso de sarna costrosa, en febrero de 2005. Detectamos diez casos secundarios; ocho en el personal de salud y dos en pacientes hospitalizados, con una tasa de ataque de 4,1 por ciento. A diferencia de otros brotes, el diagnóstico de sarna costrosa se hizo al ingreso del caso primario al hospital. Las causas del brote fueron: adherencia deficiente a las medidas de aislamiento de contacto, permanencia prolongada del caso primario en sala compartida, y retardo en el inicio del tratamiento específico. Las principales medidas de control fueron: alertar a los servicios sobre el brote, realizar vigilancia epidemiológica, coordinación con la Dirección del Hospital y el Departamento de Salud Ocupacional, capacitar al personal de salud en las medidas de control, instaurar medidas de aislamiento y tratar a los casos y sus contactos con permetrina 5 por ciento loción tópica.

In February 2005 we performed an epidemiological study of an outbreak of scabies in a tertiary-care hospital which started from a crusted scabies case. We detected 10 secondary cases, 8 in healthcare workers and 2 in hospitalized patients. The attack rate was 4.1 percent. In contrast to previously described outbreaks, the crusted scabies case was recognized at admission. The outbreak causes were: lacking adherence to contact precautions, long stay of the primary case in the hospital ward and delay of specific treatment. The main control measures were: alerting the hospital services about the outbreak, performing epidemiologic surveillance, coordinating with the Hospital Direction and the Occupational Health Department, education of healthcare workers in control measures, implementation of isolation measures and treatment of cases and contacts with 5 percent permethrin topical lotion.

Incidencia de enfermedades zoonóticas en niños menores de cinco (5) años de edad del Ambulatorio de la Concordia Municipio San Cristóbal Estado Táchira año 2005 / Incidence of zoonotics diseases on the smaller infantile population of five years during year 2005 in the Ambulatory of the Concordia, San Cristobal Municipality Táchira State

Las enfermedades Zoonóticas representan un riesgo de salud potencial para las comunidades humanas. El gran número de estas patologías animales repercuten directamente sobre los sistemas de salud pública que en la mayoría de los casos no alcanzan a cubrir las necesidades básicas concernientes al respecto. A continuación se presenta un estudio descriptivo realizado en el ambulatorio Urbano tipo II de la Concordia, Municipio San Cristóbal, referente a la incidencia de algunas de estas enfermedades sobre la población infantil menor de 5 años durante el año 2005.

Prevalence of pediculosis and scabies in preschool nursery children of Afyon, Turkey

Scabies and pediculosis are ubiquitous, contagious, and debilitating parasitic dermatoses. The tendency of high prevalence of pediculosis and scabies among school and preschool age children has prompted us to conduct a head louse and scabies prevalence survey among preschool nursery children in our district. A school-based, crosssectional study was performed, with 1,134 children chosen for evaluation. All cases were evaluated by physical examination and a detailed, structured questionnaire. The infestation was found in 14 (1.2%) of 1,134 children; 9 (0.8%) with pediculosis capitis and 5 (0.4%) with scabies. We found that infestations were more frequent in children with mothers whose education levels were low. This indicates the necessity of an improvement in the economic and sociocultural status of the community and the promotion of hygiene concepts and practices in order to improve health of preschool age children.

Water supplies in some rural communities around Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria: impact on water-related diseases.

Two traditional surface water sources and one piped supply around Calabar, Nigeria were examined to reveal the community water use patterns and the impact on water-related diseases. Using questionnaires, it was shown that some communities trekked long distances (up to 5 km) to reach their supply source. The quantity of water collected per day in each of the five rural sources was inadequate (approximately 6 buckets or 90 liters). The traditional water sources were not available all year round, forcing users to trek longer distances for alternative supplies. Only 4.4% of rural water users subjected them to any further treatment, such as boiling or filtration. Fetching water was the occupation of children; they were the worst hit by water-related diseases, such as diarrhea/ dysentery, stomachache, worms and scabies/craw-craw. About 84% of the respondents were dissatisfied with their water supplies. Deaths due to apparent water-related diseases occurred among 6.3% of respondents during the twelve months preceding the study. The overall impact was a loss of school hours/days, loss of labor and general discouragement. The community served with piped treated water fared better in all respects.

Aspectos clínicos e epidemiológicos de um foco de sarna sarcóptica em um sistema intensivo de produção de suínos localizado no município de Teresópolis, GO, Brasil / Clinical and epidemiological aspects of an outbreak of sarcoptic mange in an intensive pig breeding located, at Teresopolis, state of Goias, Brazil

A sarna sarcóptica continua sendo considerada um grande problema na suinocultura. O objetivo deste trabalho foi descrever as características clínicas e epidemiológicas de um foco de sarna sarcóptica em suínos mantidos em confinamento. O plantel de reprodutores era composto por 197 matrizes e 9 cachaços. Durante a visita seguiu-se um roteiro específico, anotando-se as informações relativas à epidemiologia da doença. Do plantel foram examinados individualmente 18 fêmeas e 5 machos, dos quais foram coletados raspados de pele do pavilhão auricular para exame parasitológico. Destes 23 raspados, 10 (43,5por cento) apresentaram resultado positivo, evidenciando a presença do agente da sarna sarcóptica na granja. A higiene e as instalações foram classificadas como ruins. Dos 206 reprodutores, 182 (88,4por cento) apresentavam prurido intenso, incluindo-se os animais nas fases de recria e terminação. Era bem evidente a heterogeneidade da condição corporal dos animais. As matrizes em gestação apresentavam alterações comportamentais. A gravidade do quadro sugere haver relação com as condições desfavoráveis de higiene e das instalações. A aerofagia e o ato de morder a barra de proteção e as bordas externa e interna do comedouro, que é do tipo calha, estão relacionados com a infestação por Sarcoptes scabiei var suis.

Levantamento retrospectivo de casos de escabiose canina e felina, atendidos na Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia da Universidade de São / Paulo, no período compreendido entre 1984 e 2002 / Canine and feline scabies in São Paulo – Brasil – Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia da Universidade de São Paulo (1984-2002)

Em levantamento retrospectivo de 19 anos (1984-2002), envolvendo a totalidade de 39524 casos dermatopáticos, de caninos e felinos, atendidos no Serviço de Dermatologia do VCM-HOVET /FMVZUSP, identificou-se um total de 2907 (7,3%) casos de escabiose. Respectivamente, 2283 (78,5%) e 624 (21,5%) animais, eram das espécies canina e felina. A frequência de ocorrência da sarna sarcóptica (6,4%) foi inferior aquela da sarna notoédrica (15,7%), esta última, duas e meia vezes mais freqüente que a congênere canina, sendo tal diferença significativa (p<0,05). Relativamente, à predisposição sexual, os machos apresentaram maior suscetibilidade à infecção do que as fêmeas, em ambas as espécies. Quando da comparação dos sexos, entre caninos e felinos, observou-se que os animais da espécie felina são os atingidos com maior freqüência pela escabiose (p<0,05). Ao se considerar a predisposição racial, apenas na espécie canina, constatou-se maior tendência de acometimento de animais de raça definida (58,0%). As raças caninas (poodle, Cocker Spaniel e Pastor Alemão) de pelame longo (74,2%) e felina (Siamês) de pelo curto (81,3%) foram as mais acometidas (p<0,05). Animais com faixa etária inferior a um ano foram aqueles mais freqüentemente infectados (caninos 54,7%, felinos 63,5%) e dentre estes, foram os felinos os mais atingidos (p<0,05). Não houve influência sazonal na ocorrência de escabiose, canina e felina.

Tuberculosis, chickenpox and scabies outbreaks in an orphanage for children with HIV/AIDS in Jamaica

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to describe the investigation and management of outbreaks of acute tuberculosis, varicella zoster virus and scabies in a residential facility for children with HIV/AIDS. METHOD: A review of the results and management for diagnosed cases of acute TB (four between 2001 and 2002) as well as varicella zoster virus (15) and scabies (14) (concurrent in March--June 2003), in a residential facility housing 24 abandoned children with HIV/AIDS was conducted. Outbreak control methods and challenges are described The modified WHO criteria were used for TB diagnosis. The diagnoses of varicella and scabies were entirely clinical. RESULTS: Of the surviving 22 children, 12 (mean age 8 years 2 months) were female, and 10 (mean age 5 years 6 months) were male. Full immunization (primary series) was documented for 16 children, partial in one child, unknown status was documented in five children. One child had received varicella vaccine previously. Eleven (50) children had been receiving antiretroviral triple therapy since 2002 (all in Centers for Diseases Control immunological categories 2-3). Two of the four children with tuberculosis died between 2001 and 2002; these were not on antiretroviral therapy--the 2 survivors are still on antiretroviral therapy. All staff mantoux test results were negative. Fifteen (68) children developed chickenpox as well as three caregivers. The index case was a 13-year-old resident attending a nearby school with HIV negative children. This varicella outbreak went on to affect household members for the caregivers as well as other residential facilities nearby. Scabies affected 14 children (no caregivers); the index cases were most likely three new child residents who entered the institution in 2002 (from other homes) with histories of scabies infestation. Chickenpox and scabies dual infection occurred in seven (31) of residents. No cases of herpes zoster, disseminated varicella infection or death because of varicella occurred Diagnosed cases of chickenpox were treated with oral acyclovir Knowledge about these disease outbreaks and their control was generally lacking. CONCLUSIONS: Improvement in immunization coverage for children and staff as well as educating staff about infectious disease outbreaks, is necessary for effective control. Appropriate screening for infection/disease for all susceptible persons is essential along with timely reporting of outbreaks/reportable diseases. There is need for in

Brote intrahospitalario de escabiasis, a partir de un caso de sarna noruega / Nosocomial outbreak of scabies from a Norwegian scabies case

OBJETIVO: Describir un brote intrahospitalario de escabiasis ocurrido en la Ciudad de México, en agosto de 1999, como resultado de exposición a un caso de sarna noruega no diagnosticado oportunamente. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Después de revisar el caso índice, instituimos aislamiento del paciente e identificamos casos secundarios de escabiasis entre pacientes hospitalizados, empleados que laboraban en el área afectada y sus familiares. Sólo individuos que padecían lesiones dérmicas y prurito fueron incluidos como casos infestados. Se establecieron medidas de control, como aislamiento de contacto, manejo apropiado de ropas contaminadas y tratamiento tópico. RESULTADOS: Un paciente con SIDA (caso índice de sarna noruega) que cursaba con desequilibrio hidroelectrolítico severo fue admitido en el Hospital de Infectología, del Centro Médico Nacional La Raza, del Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, del 19 de julio al 20 de agosto de 1999, en la Ciudad de México. Veintiocho días después de su admisión emergieron casos de escabiasis entre los trabajadores de la salud; entonces, se sospechó de escabiasis noruega, lo que se confirmó por evidencia microscópica de los parásitos en una preparación de escamas del caso pista. Identificamos 48 casos secundarios con sarna clínica: 71% trabajadores de la salud, principalmente enfermeras (79%), 23% familiares de trabajadores y 6% pacientes. El periodo de incubación promedio fue de 15 días (intervalo 12 a 27). Aunque con mayor frecuencia las lesiones involucraron extremidades superiores (60%), las manos fueron respetadas. CONCLUSIONES: Este trabajo demuestra no sólo las dificultades para diagnosticar la escabiasis noruega en el hospedero inmunosuprimido, sino también la importancia de estar seguros de que los trabajadores de la salud cumplan con las precauciones estándar en todo momento.

Pattern of pediatric dermatoses in a referral center in South India.

This study was undertaken to determine the pattern of dermatoses in children in south India. All children <14 years presenting to us between May 2001 and June 2002 were recruited. A total of 2100 children (males -995; females- 1105) with 2144 dermatoses were recorded. Infections and infestations were the most common dermatoses (54.5%) followed by dermatitis and eczema (8.6%), pigmentary disorders (5.7%), insect bite reaction (5.27%), hair and nail disorders (5.2%), miliaria (4.1%), nutritional deficiency disorders (2.8%), urticaria (2.5%), genetic disorders (2.1%), psoriasis (1.4%), collagen vascular disorders (0.5%), hemangiomas (0.5%), drug eruptions (0.3%), pityriasis rosea (0.2%) and others (5.8%). Pyodermas were the most common dermatoses (47.13%) followed by scabies (30.6%) amongst infections and infestations. Atopic dermatitis was noticed only in 3 patients. Insect bite reactions (papular urticaria) (5.27%) and miliaria (4.1%) were attributed to the tropical weather conditions in this coastal area. Genetic disorders including ichthyosis and palmoplantar keratoderma contributed to 2.1% of cases and could be due to the high incidence of consanguinous marriages in this society.

Study on the prevalence of some medical insects and arachnids[lice, scabies] in some directory governorate in Erbil

Infectious cases of human lice and scabies were studied in some directory of Erbil government such [Mahatta prisoners, house of elders and house of parentless children[female]] During the period from February to July 2000.Among the 682 prisoners 382 of them were infested with Lice and the results showed that a high incidence [56%] of infestations with human Lice among prisoners were observed during cold months when compared with hot months but 346 of them or [50.7%] were infested with both scabies. Some prisons were infested with both ecto parasites [scabies and Lice]. No scabies were found in parentless children, but a high incidence [27%] of lice was observed. No infestation with both ecto parasite were observed in house elders