Frequency of Scabies in Iraq: Survey in a Dermatology Clinic

Abstract

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

Scabies in displaced families: Health care problem that need urgent action

“…This rate was higher than the previously reported studies for different geographical areas in Iraq, as show incidence rate with a range of 1.2% to 6.86% [3,4,5,8,9,11,12]. However, one study [10] reported incidence rate of 11.1%in a dermatologic clinic and increased with time as previous studies show during the period from 1995 to 2005. These studies show an incidence rate of ≤3.8% [1,3,4,5,8] [13], and 4.48 in Erbil for the year 2012 [9].…”

“…A total of 1639 subjects were included in the study, of them 860 (52.5%) were male and 779 (47.5%) were female, with age range from 1 month to 90 years for male, and 25 days to 80 years for female. Cases of scabies were diagnosed according to conventional criteria [10].…”

“…In Iraq, scabies prevalence was 3.3% in a community based study in Basrah, 1.2% in Tikrit, 1.9% in Samara, 2.7% in Kirkuk, 4.48% in Erbil [1,4,5,8,9]. However, in a study that was performed in Tikrit city during the period from 19 th May 2007 to 19 th February 2008, shows an increase in disease incidence (11.1%) [10]. In addition, a study performed in Kerbela, Iraq, 2011, found that scabies incidence was 10.75% [11].…”

“…Many factors suggested influencing outbreaks and endemicity of scabies [15]; however, personal hygiene practice is associated with scabies infection [16]. In addition, scabies spread usually occurs during wars, floods, and earth quick [10].…”

The choice of modality in patients with complicated scabies

“…Чесотка актуальна и для стран Ближнего Востока. При массовом обследо-вании населения одного из городов Ирака (2007)(2008)) этот паразитоз выявлен в 11,1% случаев [14,15].…”