Frequency of scabies in Iraq: survey in a dermatology clinic

• Published in: Journal of infection in developing countries 2009-12, Vol.3 (10), p.789-793
• Main Author: Alsamarai, Abdulghani Mohamad
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Administration, Topical; Adolescent; Adult; Age Factors; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Animals; Child; Child, Preschool; Dermatology; Female; Humans; Infant; Insecticides - administration & dosage; Iraq - epidemiology; Male; Middle Aged; Parasitic diseases; Permethrin - administration & dosage; Prevalence; Sarcoptes scabiei - drug effects; Scabies - drug therapy; Scabies - epidemiology; Scabies - parasitology; Treatment Outcome
• ISSN: 1972-2680; 2036-6590; 1972-2680
• DOI: 10.3855/jidc.144

The burden of scabies is highest in tropical countries, but recent data from Iraq are scanty. To estimate the frequency of scabies in patients of a dermatology clinic in central Iraq. 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. 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. 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.