Norwegian Scabies

Circulating Antigen Antibody Complexes in Scabies

“…Immunological reactions in scabies has been suggested on the basis of clinical signs [2,5], modifications in serum immunoglobulin levels [4], eosinophilia [7,8], and morphologic pictures [3,[6][7][8], The nature of the antigen is unknown as well as the antibody function of the increased serum immunoglobulins. The purpose of this study was to determine the presence of circulating antigen-antibody complexes in scabies.…”

Norwegian Scabies

“…Cutaneous peculiarities, hygiene, basal metabolic rate, hormone balance, and nutrition appear to be of little etiological significance in the natural history of Norwegian scabies. 1 The frequency with which Norwegian scabies is found in Mongolism and in mentally de¬ fective persons is noteworthy. The decrease in plasma vitamin A levels has been sug¬ gested as a possible contributing factor to the development of the hyperkeratinization seen in this rare condition.1 Itching, formerly thought to be mild or absent, can be severe; however, the degree of itching varies considerably in a patient from time to time and appears to bear no relation to the degree of hyperkeratinization.…”