REVIEW

Scabies: more than just an irritation

J S McCarthy¹, D J Kemp², S F Walton³ and B J Currie⁴

¹ Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Brisbane, and Australian Centre for International and Tropical Health and Nutrition, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
² Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Brisbane, Australian Centre for International and Tropical Health and Nutrition, University of Queensland, Brisbane, and Menzies School of Health Research, Darwin, and Co-operative Research Centre for Aboriginal Health, Australia
³ Menzies School of Health Research, Darwin, and Co-operative Research Centre for Aboriginal Health, Australia
⁴ Menzies School of Health Research, Darwin, and Co-operative Research Centre for Aboriginal Health and Northern Territory Clinical School, Flinders University, Royal Darwin Hospital, Australia

Correspondence to:
Correspondence to:
Dr James S McCarthy
Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Herston Road, Herston, QLD 4029, Australia; j.mccarthy{at}sph.uq.edu.au

Human scabies, caused by skin infestation with the arthropod mite, Sarcoptes scabiei, typically results in a papular, intensely pruritic eruption involving the interdigital spaces, and flexure creases. Recent research has led to a reassessment of the morbidity attributable to this parasite in endemic communities, particularly resulting from secondary skin sepsis and postinfective complications including glomerulonephritis. This has led to studies of the benefits of community based control programmes, and to concerns regarding the emergence of drug resistance when such strategies are employed. The renewed research interest into the biology of this infection has resulted in the application of molecular tools. This has established that canine and human scabies populations are genetically distinct, a finding with major implications for the formulation of public health control policies. Further research is needed to increase understanding of drug resistance, and to identify new drug targets and potential vaccine candidates.

Keywords: scabies; ivermectin; permethrin; lindane; ectoparasite

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• Walton, S. F., Currie, B. J. (2007). Problems in Diagnosing Scabies, a Global Disease in Human and Animal Populations. Clin. Microbiol. Rev. 20: 268-279 [Abstract] [Full Text]  
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• Sladden, M. J, Johnston, G. A (2005). More common skin infections in children. BMJ 330: 1194-1198 [Full Text]