RESUMO
Scabies is a pruritic skin infestation caused by the tiny itch mite, Sarcoptes scabii Physical proximity and contact allow the mite to move from one host to another. More than 300 million cases of scabies occur worldwide every year. In order to find out the prevalence of scabies in Karachi, a study spread over two years was conducted at the Institute of Skin Diseases, Sindh, Karachi. During the first year of the study, a total of 85,735 cases of scabies [at an average of 7,145 per month] were reported at the Institute. They included 39,240 males [at an average of 3,270 per month] and 46,545 females [at an average of 3,879 per month]. Alternatively, they included, 72,599 adults [at an average of 6,050 per month] and 13,186 children [at an average of 1,099 per month]. During the second year, a total of 74,591 cases of scabies [at an average of 6,216 per month] were reported at the Institute. They included 37,853 males [at an average of 3,154 per month] and 36,738 females [at an average of 3,062 per month]. Alternatively, they included, 48,096 adults [at an average of 4,008 per month] and 26,495 children [at an average of 2,208 per month]