In vitro susceptibility of Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis to 1% topical ivermectin

ABSTRACT

The objective of this study was to measure the in-vitro susceptibility of Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis to 1% w/v ivermectin. This interventional [quasi-experimental] study was conducted in the OPD, Dermatology Department, Military Hospital, Rawalpindi from January 2013 to July 2013. A total of 40 mites were taken for assay. Extruded mites from every patient were placed in 1% ivermectin w/v over a glass slide. Mites were inspected for leg movements at hourly intervals. Death was declared once all leg movements had ceased. All mites which died within 5 hours were declared susceptible. The mites having active leg movements even after 5 hours of drug application were considered resistant. 100% [n=40] of mites died within 5 hours of application of 1% ivermectin, which was significant. Topical 1% ivermectin is effective against Sarcoptes scabiei in terms of in vitro susceptibility