Publications

Contributors to Publications List: Kate Mounsey, Katja Fischer, Sara Taylor, Lucia Romani, Daniel Engelman

Epidemiology & Public Health

A. Recent reviews

The public health control of scabies: priorities for research and action.

Engelman D, Cantey PT, Marks M, et al.

State of the art overview of scabies research and control, led by IACS and collaborators.

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A Review of Scabies: An Infestation More than Skin Deep.

Chandler DJ, Fuller LC.
An overview of recent advances in scabies research and implications for its control.

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Treatment, prevention and public health management of impetigo, scabies, crusted scabies and fungal skin infections in endemic populations: a systematic review.

May PJ, Tong SYC, Steer AC, Currie BJ, Andrews RM, Carapetis JR, Bowen AC.
This systematic review aims to inform guidelines and strategies for future research to improve skin health by reviewing the current treatment, prevention and public health management options of skin infections in communities that are inequitably affected by infections and the downstream consequences. This review focuses heavily on scabies and crusted scabies as well as associated impetigo infections.

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Diagnosis,treatment, and control of scabies: can we do better?

Engelman D, Steer AC.

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Prevalence of scabies and impetigo worldwide: a systematic review.

Romani L, Steer AC, Whitfeld MJ, Kaldor JM.
Recent, comprehensive systematic review of global scabies prevalence

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B. Research articles

Skin disease prevalence study in schoolchildren in rural Côte d’Ivoire: Implications for Integration of neglected skin diseases (skin NTDs).

Yotsu RR, Kouadio K, Vagamon B et al.

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Scabies in Resource-Poor Communities in Nasarawa State, Nigeria: Epidemiology, Clinical Features and Factors Associated with Infestation.

Ugbomoiko US, Oyedeji SA, Babamale OA, Heukelbach J.

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Scabies is strongly associated with acute rheumatic fever in a cohort study of Auckland children.

Thornley S, Marshall R, Jarrett P, Sundborn G, Reynolds E, Schofield G.
This article details the results of a cohort study that was undertaking using health records of children aged 3-12 years to determine if there was a correlation of acute rheumatic fever and chronic rheumatic heart disease with scabies diagnosis.

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Ascertaining infectious disease burden through primary care clinic attendance among young Aboriginal children living in four remote communities in Western Australia.

Hendrickx D, Bowen AC, Marsh JA, Carapetis JR, Walker R.
This article details the results of a retrospective review of clinic presentations of scabies in children aged 0 to 5 years presenting to clinics located in the Western Desert region of Western Australia between 2007 and 2012 to determine this burden at a local level.

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Scabies and impetigo in Timor-Leste: A school screening study in two districts.

Korte LM, Bowen AC, Draper ADK, Davis K, Steel A, Teodora I, Mascarenhas I, Dingle B, Francis JR.

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Burden of human scabies in sub-Saharan African prisons: Evidence from the west region of Cameroon.

Kouotou EA, Nansseu JRN, Sangare A, Moguieu Bogne LL, Sieleunou I, Adegbidi H, Tameyi Tatsa J, Moyou Somo R.

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Investigation of a Scabies Outbreak in Drought-Affected Areas in Ethiopia.

Enbiale W, Ayalew A.

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Scabies and risk of skin sores in remote Australian Aboriginal communities: A self-controlled case series study.

Aung PTZ, Cuningham W, Hwang K, Andrews RM, Carapetis JR, Kearns T, Clucas D, McVernon J, Simpson JA, Tong SYC, Campbell PT.

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Scabies outbreaks in ten care homes for elderly people: a prospective study of clinical features, epidemiology, and treatment outcomes.

Cassell JA, Middleton J, Nalabanda A, Lanza S, Head MG, Bostock J, Hewitt K, Jones CI, Darley C, Karir S, Walker SL.

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The prevalence and association with health-related quality of life of tungiasis and scabies in schoolchildren in southern Ethiopia.

Walker SL, Lebas E, De Sario V, Deyasso Z, Doni SN, Marks M, Roberts CH, Lambert SM.

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The Epidemiology of Scabies and Impetigo in Relation to Demographic and Residential Characteristics: Baseline Findings from the Skin Health Intervention Fiji Trial.

Romani L, Whitfeld MJ, Koroivueta J, Kama M, Wand H, Tikoduadua L, Tuicakau M, Koroi A, Ritova R, Andrews R, Kaldor JM, Steer AC.

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Are scabies and impetigo “normalised”? A cross-sectional comparative study of hospitalised children in northern Australia assessing clinical recognition and treatment of skin infections.

Yeoh DK, Anderson A, Cleland G, Bowen AC.
This article is a prospective, cross-sectional study that examines the situation regarding scabies and impetigo infections in Northern Australia.

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The Prevalence of Scabies and Impetigo in the Solomon Islands: A Population-Based Survey.

Mason DS, Marks M, Sokana O, Solomon AW, Mabey DC, Romani L, Kaldor J, Steer AC, Engelman D.

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The global burden of scabies: a cross-sectional analysis from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2015.

Karimkhani C, Colombara DV, Drucker AM, Norton SA, Hay R, Engelman D, Steer A, Whitfeld M, Naghavi M, Dellavalle RP.

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Retrospective analysis of institutional scabies outbreaks from 1984 to 2013: lessons learned and moving forward.

Mounsey KE, Murray HC, King M, Oprescu F.
This review article is a retrospective analysis of the impacts of 84 scabies outbreaks particularly in institutional settings such as prisons and what can be learned from these outbreaks to implement control strategies in the future.

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The effects of climate factors on scabies. A 14-year population-based study in Taiwan.

Liu JM, Wang HW, Chang FW, Liu YP, Chiu FH, Lin YC, Cheng KC, Hsu RJ.
This research article presents the results of a 14-year nationwide population based study looking at the influence of climate factors on scabies infections. They found a negative correlation between Scabies infection and average temperature and a positive correlation with relative humidity.

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Scabies and Bacterial Superinfection among American Samoan Children, 2011-2012.

Edison L, Beaudoin A, Goh L, Introcaso CE, Martin D, Dubray C, Marrone J, Van Beneden C.
Analysis based on prescribing data in American Samoa. Scabies incidence was 29.3/1,000 children aged ≤14 years), with 53% of those with scabies diagnosed with bacterial superinfection.

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Scabies and impetigo prevalence and risk factors in Fiji: a national survey.

Romani L, Koroivueta J, Steer AC, Kama M, Kaldor JM, Wand H, Hamid M, Whitfeld MJ.
Large (>10,000) population based skin survey of 75 Fijian communities, national scabies prevalence estimated at 18.5%

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Prevalences of scabies and pediculosis corporis among homeless in the Paris region: results from 2 random cross-sectional surveys (HYTPEAC study).

Arnaud A, Chosidow O, Detrez MA, Bitar D, Huber F, Foulet F, Le Strat Y, Vandentorren S.
Interesting study of homeless populations, where a scabies prevalence of 6.4% was reported in street-dwelling residents, but only 0.4% in shelters.

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Scabies outbreaks in residential care homes: factors associated with late recognition, burden and impact. A mixed methods study in England.

Hewitt KA, Nalabanda A, Cassell JA.
Overview of the management of scabies outbreaks in aged care facilities, highlighting the impact of delayed diagnosis of index cases.

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Diagnosis

A. Recent reviews

Systematic review of the diagnosis of scabies in therapeutic trials.

Thompson MJ, Engelman D, Gholam K, Fuller LC, Steer AC.

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Scabies: Advances in Noninvasive Diagnosis.

Micali G, Lacarrubba F, Verzì AE, Chosidow O, Schwartz RA.

This article is a comprehensive review of the current and potentially emerging diagnostic tools for use in scabies infections.

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Reflectance confocal microscopy for cutaneous infections and infestations.

Cinotti E, Perrot JL, Labeille B, Cambazard F.

A review on the use of RCF for the diagnosis of scabies

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B. Research articles

Scabies polymerase chain reaction with standardized dry swab sampling: an easy tool for cluster diagnosis of human scabies.

Delaunay P, Hérissé AL, Hasseine L, Chiaverini C, Tran A, Mary C, Del Giudice P, Marty P, Akhoundi M, Hubiche T.

This study investigates the potential use of a dry swab PCR testing method that could be useful in the diagnosis of large cluster outbreaks of scabies. This PCR method does not require an expert to perform the test, and is a non-invasive diagnostic test that has a similar sensitivity to current scabies PCR methods, without the need for expert or invasive sampling.

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The diagnosis of scabies by non-expert examiners: A study of diagnostic accuracy.

Osti MH, Sokana O, Gorae C, Whitfeld MJ, Steer AC, Engelman D.

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Consensus criteria for the diagnosis of scabies: A Delphi study of international experts.

Engelman D, Fuller LC, Steer AC; International Alliance for the Control of Scabies Delphi panel.

This article develops consensus criteria for the diagnosis of scabies that can be implemented for research, mapping projects and surveillance.

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A Sarcoptes scabiei specific isothermal amplification assay for detection of this important ectoparasite of wombats and other animals.

Fraser TA, Carver S, Martin AM, Mounsey K, Polkinghorne A, Jelocnik M.

This article details the development of a novel molecular assay for detecting S. scabiei infestations in humans and animals as a potential tool for a point-of-care diagnostic tool.

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Exploration of a simplified clinical examination for scabies to support public health decision-making.

Marks M, Engelman D, Romani L, Mason D, Sokana O, Kama M, Whitfeld M, Steer AC, Kaldor J.

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The efficacy of a nested polymerase chain reaction in detecting the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene of Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis for diagnosing scabies.

Hahm JE, Kim CW, Kim SS.

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Expression and characterisation of a Sarcoptes scabiei protein tyrosine kinase as a potential antigen for scabies diagnosis.

Shen N, He R, Liang Y, Xu J, He M, Ren Y, Gu X, Lai W, Xie Y, Peng X, Yang G.

This research article suggests that a S. scabiei tyrosine kinase -like protein may be a potential diagnostic target.

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The Potential for a Blood Test for Scabies.

Arlian LG, Feldmeier H, Morgan MS.

Analysed sera from 91 patients with ordinary scabies for reactivity with scabies whole mite antigen extracts. Extensive cross reactivity with house dust mite antigens was found, meaning that ELISA tests need to focus on scabies specific, clearly defined antigens.

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Development of Conventional and Real-Time Quantitative PCR Assays for Diagnosis and Monitoring of Scabies.

Wong SS, Poon RW, Chau S, Wong SC, To KK, Cheng VC, Fung KS, Yuen KY.

Real time PCR diagnostic based on COX-1 gene, higher sensitivity than microscopy.

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Treatment

A. Recent reviews

The Challenge of Developing a Single-Dose Treatment for Scabies.

Bernigaud C, Samarawickrama GR, Jones MK, Gasser RB, Fischer K.

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Increase of scabies in Germany and development of resistant mites? Evidence and consequences.

Sunderkötter C, Aebischer A, Neufeld M, Löser C, Kreuter A, Bialek R, Hamm H, Feldmeier H.

This review article summarises the increase of scabies cases reported in Germany. It details the risk groups for scabies in this region and the recommendations for the management of scabies, as well as the current issues with arising Permethrin resistance and treatment compliance issues.

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Ivermectin and permethrin for treating scabies.

Rosumeck S, Nast A, Dressler C.

A 98 page Cochrane review of fifteen studies conducted predominately in South Asia and North Africa that compares treatment with systemic Ivermectin, topical Ivermectin and topical permethrin for scabies infestations.

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Scabies in the age of increasing drug resistance.

Khalil S, Abbas O, Kibbi AG, Kurban M.

This paper reviews the mechanisms of resistance, as proposed in the literature, and potential solutions to emerging recalcitrance in scabies infections.

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Therapeutic Potential of Tea Tree Oil for Scabies.

Thomas J, Carson CF, Peterson GM, Walton SF, Hammer KA, Naunton M, Davey RC, Spelman T, Dettwiller P, Kyle G, Cooper GM, Baby KE.

Review of tea tree oil as an alternative and adjunct therapy for scabies.

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B. Research articles
I. Recent clinical trials of established treatments

Ivermectin safety in infants and children under 15 kg treated for scabies: a multicentric observational study.

Levy M, Martin L, Bursztejn AC, Chiaverini C, Miquel J, Mahé E, Maruani A, Boralevi F; Groupe de Recherche de la Société Française de Dermatologie Pédiatrique.

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Comparison of Tea Tree oil 5% Cream, Tea Tree Oil 5%+Permethrin 5% Cream, and Permethrine 5% Cream in Child Scabies

Zulkarnain I, et al International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Medical Sciences

This research article explores the results of a randomised clinical trial conducted in Indonesia to compare the effectiveness of Tea tree oil, Permethrin and a combined Permethrin and Tea tree oil based cream for the treatment of scabies.

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Topical scabies therapy with permethrin is effective and well tolerated in infants younger than two months.

Hoffmann JC, Mößner R, Schön MP, Lippert U.

This research article used seven infants with clinically diagnosed scabies in order to determine the safety and efficacy of topical 5% permethrin cream as a viable treatment option for infants.

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Efficacy of ivermectin mass-drug administration to control scabies in asylum seekers in the Netherlands: A retrospective cohort study between January 2014 – March 2016.

Beeres DT, Ravensbergen SJ, Heidema A, Cornish D, Vonk M, Wijnholds LD, Hendriks JJH, Kleinnijenhuis J, Omansen TF, Stienstra Y.

This retrospective cohort study determined the efficacy of Ivermectin mass-drug administration for the control of scabies immigrant populations. First study that provides data on an intervention targeting scabies in asylum seekers in Europe. This study shows that a scabies prevention and treatment programme at start of the asylum procedure is feasible and effective in the Netherlands.

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Clinical efficacy and safety of topical versus oral ivermectin in treatment of uncomplicated scabies.

Ahmad HM, Abdel-Azim ES, Abdel-Aziz RT.

62 patient trial comparing topical and oral ivermectin. Slightly higher week 1 efficacy in topical group (87.5% vs 73.5%), but both groups required repeated treatment.

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II. Treatment considerations and case reports

Risk factors for treatment failure in scabies: a cohort study.

Aussy A, Houivet E, Hébert V, Colas-Cailleux H, Laaengh N, Richard C, Ouvry M, Boulard C, Léger S, Litrowski N, Benichou J, Joly P; investigators from the Normandy Association of Medical Education in Dermatology.

This research article uses a multicentre study to compare the treatment modalities between successfully treated cohorts of scabies patients and groups who experienced treatment failure, to understand the reasons for therapeutic failure in scabies treatment.

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Efficacy, acceptability and cost effectiveness of four therapeutic agents for treatment of scabies.

Abdel-Raheem TA, Méabed EM, Nasef GA, Abdel Wahed WY, Rohaim RM.

This study reviewed the efficacy and cost effectiveness of four of the recommended therapeutic agents for the treatment of scabies.

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Effect of high-fat meal intake on the pharmacokinetic profile of ivermectin in Japanese patients with scabies.

Miyajima A, Hirota T, Sugioka A, Fukuzawa M, Sekine M, Yamamoto Y, Yoshimasu T, Kigure A, Anata T, Noguchi W, Akagi K, Komoda M.

13 patient trial comparing ivermectin pharmacokinetics and efficacy in fed vs fasted subjects. One of the few studies where ivermectin levels in the stratum corneum are assessed.

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Metabolic acidosis in an infant associated with permethrin toxicity.

Goksugur SB, Karatas Z, Goksugur N, Bekdas M, Demircioglu F.

Rare case report of permethrin intoxication in an infant owing to overuse

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III. New therapies or formulations

Efficacy and Pharmacokinetics Evaluation of a Single Oral Dose of Afoxolaner against Sarcoptes scabiei in the Porcine Scabies Model for Human Infestation.

Bernigaud C, Fang F, Fischer K, Lespine A, Aho LS, Mullins AJ, Tecle B, Kelly A, Sutra JF, Moreau F, Lilin T, Beugnet F, Botterel F, Chosidow O, Guillot J.

This in-vivo study examined the efficacy, safety and pharmacokinetics of Afoxolaner treatment compared to Ivermectin treatment for scabies infestations using a porcine model.

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Design of a Topically Applied Gel Spray Formulation with Ivermectin Using a Novel Low Molecular Weight Gelling Agent, Palmitoyl-Glycine-Histidine, to Treat Scabies.

Dahlizar S, Futaki M, Okada A, Kadhum WR, Todo H, Sugibayashi K. Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo)

This research article investigated the use of a novel low weight gelling agent for the administration of Ivermectin, as an alternative to the current oral dose for the treatment of scabies infections.

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In Vitro Efficacy of Moxidectin versus Ivermectin against Sarcoptes scabiei.

Mounsey KE, Walton SF, Innes A, Cash-Deans S, McCarthy JS. Antimicrob Agents Chemother

This study compared the killing activity of moxidectin vs ivermectin in vitro using mites collected from a porcine scabies model. In vitro assays showed that the concentration of moxidectin required to kill 50% of mites was lower than that of ivermectin.

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Preclinical Study of Single-Dose Moxidectin, a New Oral Treatment for Scabies: Efficacy, Safety, and Pharmacokinetics Compared to Two-Dose Ivermectin in a Porcine Model.

Bernigaud C, Fang F, Fischer K, Lespine A, Aho LS, Dreau D, Kelly A, Sutra JF, Moreau F, Lilin T, Botterel F, Guillot J, Chosidow O.

This in-vivo study examined the efficacy, safety and pharmacokinetics of Ivermectin treatment compared to Moxidectin treatment for scabies infestations using a porcine model

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Benzyl Benzoate-Loaded Microemulsion for Topical Applications: Enhanced Dermatokinetic Profile and Better Delivery Promises.

Sharma G, Dhankar G, Thakur K, Raza K, Katare OP.

Development of microemulsion of benzyl benzoate, tested in a mouse model. Predicted to increase skin retention and depot formation with reduced irritant potential.

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Treatment of crusted scabies with acitretin.

Veraldi S, Nazzaro G, Serini SM.

Interesting study of acitretin use for crusted scabies refractory to topical acaricides, where oral ivermectin was not available. Daily treatments over 8 weeks cleared infestation, presumed to be due to keratolytic activity and inhibition of filaggrin synthesis.

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In vitro acaricidal activity of 1,8-cineole against Sarcoptes scabiei var. cuniculi and regulating effects on enzyme activity.

Hu Z, Chen Z, Yin Z, Jia R, Song X, Li L, Zou Y, Liang X, Li L, He C, Yin L, Lv C, Zhao L, Su G, Ye G, Shi F.

Confirms previous reports of acaricidal activity of 1,8 cineole, with determination of EC50 and studies to investigate mode of action in the scabies mite.

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Acaricidal activity of extracts from Ligularia virgaurea against the Sarcoptes scabiei mite in vitro.

Luo B, Liao F, Hu Y, Liu XI, He Y, Wu L, Tan H, Luo L, Zhou Y, Mo Q, Deng J, Wei Y.

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Control Strategies and Population-based Interventions

A. Recent reviews and commentaries

Do we know how scabies outbreaks in residential and nursing care homes for the elderly should be managed? A systematic review of interventions using a novel approach to assess evidence quality.

Morrison EJ, Middleton J, Lanza S, Cowen JE, Hewitt K, Walker SL, Nicholls M, Rajan-Iyer J, Fletcher J, Cassell JA.

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Treatment, prevention and public health management of impetigo, scabies, crusted scabies and fungal skin infections in endemic populations: a systematic review.

May PJ, Tong SYC, Steer AC, Currie BJ, Andrews RM, Carapetis JR, Bowen AC.

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Scabies: New Opportunities for Management and Population Control.

Thean LJ, Engelman D, Kaldor J, Steer AC.

This article is a review of the research done into scabies control strategies and interventions.

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Mass Drug Administration for Scabies Control.

Steer AC, Romani L, Kaldor JM.

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Prospects for Moxidectin as a new oral treatment for human scabies

Mounsey KE, Bernigaud C, Chosidow O, McCarthy JS

Reviews the feasibility of moxidectin and key research questions to support its development for the treatment of human scabies.

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Scabies and Global Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases.

Currie BJ.

Editorial accompaniment to Fijian SHIFT trial

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Interventions for preventing the spread of infestation in close contacts of people with scabies.

FitzGerald D, Grainger RJ, Reid A.

Attempted systematic review of the efficacy of prophylactic interventions. Did not identify any sufficiently powered RCTs to proceed, highlighting an important research gap.

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B. Research articles

Mass Drug Administration for Scabies – 2 Years of Follow-up.

Romani L, Whitfeld MJ, Koroivueta J, Kama M, Wand H, Tikoduadua L, Tuicakau M, Koroi A, Andrews RM, Kaldor JM, Steer AC.

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Efficacy of mass drug administration with ivermectin for control of scabies and impetigo, with coadministration of azithromycin: a single-arm community intervention trial.

Romani L, Marks M, Sokana O, Nasi T, Kamoriki B, Cordell B, Wand H, Whitfeld MJ, Engelman D, Solomon AW, Kaldor JM, Steer AC.

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Prevalence of scabies and impetigo three years after mass drug administration with ivermectin and azithromycin. Marks M,

Romani L, Sokana O, Neko L, Harrington R, Nasi T, Wand H, Whitfeld MJ, Engelman D, Solomon AW, Kaldor JM, Steer AC.

This research article is a 36 month follow up on a mass drug administration study performed in the Solomon Island, in order to review the effectiveness of mass drug administration in the continual reduction of scabies and impetigo burden in endemic and low socio-economic regions.

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Randomized Trial of Community Treatment With Azithromycin and Ivermectin Mass Drug Administration for Control of Scabies and Impetigo.

Marks M, Toloka H, Baker C, Kositz C, Asugeni J, Puiahi E, Asugeni R, Azzopardi K, Diau J, Kaldor JM, Romani L, Redman-MacLaren M, MacLaren D, Solomon AW, Mabey DCW, Steer AC.

This article details the results of a clinical trial that investigated the effectiveness of combined parasitic and antibiotic treatment for scabies and impetigo infections

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Scabies in residential care homes: Modelling, inference and interventions for well-connected population sub-units.

Kinyanjui T, Middleton J, Güttel S, Cassell J, Ross J, House T.

This study uses mathematical modelling methodologies to determine the economic cost of delayed interventions against scabies, and to quantify the benefits of early detection and prompt action.

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Feasibility and safety of mass drug coadministration with azithromycin and ivermectin for the control of neglected tropical diseases: a single-arm intervention trial.

Romani L, Marks M, Sokana O, Nasi T, Kamoriki B, Wand H, Whitfeld MJ, Engelman D, Solomon AW, Steer AC, Kaldor JM.

This is article details the results of a 26 188 participants Mass drug administration study performed in the Solomon Islands for trachoma and scabies control using ivermectin and azithromycin.

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Impact of Ivermectin Mass Drug Administration for Lymphatic Filariasis on Scabies in Eight Villages in Kongwa District, Tanzania.

Martin D, Wiegand R, Goodhew B, Lammie P, Mkocha H, Kasubi

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Why does scabies treatment fail?

Williams C, Fuller LC.

This brief commentary provides an overview of the results of an observational study from France that explores the predicators for treatment failure among patients diagnosed with scabies, and contextualises these results with current guidelines and major studies.

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Mass Drug Administration for Scabies Control in a Population with Endemic Disease.

Romani L, Whitfeld MJ, Koroivueta J, Kama M, Wand H, Tikoduadua L, Tuicakau M, Koroi A, Andrews R, Kaldor JM, Steer AC.

Comparative RCT of MDA with ivermectin vs permethrin vs standard care in three island communities in Fiji. Relative reduction in scabies prevalence was 94% with ivermectin, 62% with permethrin, and 49% with standard care.

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Long Term Control of Scabies Fifteen Years after an Intensive Treatment Programme.

Marks M, Taotao-Wini B, Satorara L, Engelman D, Nasi T, Mabey DC, Steer AC.

Prospective follow up of Lawrence’s seminal study of ivermectin MDA in the Solomon Islands. 15 years later, extremely low prevalence of scabies and impetigo are reported, indicated that such interventions can be sustainable when combined with active case finding.

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Impact of an Ivermectin Mass Drug Administration on Scabies Prevalence in a Remote Australian Aboriginal Community.

Kearns TM, Speare R, Cheng AC, McCarthy J, Carapetis JR, Holt DC, Currie BJ, Page W, Shield J, Gundjirryirr R, Bundhala L, Mulholland E, Chatfield M, Andrews RM.

Before-after study of ivermectin MDA of >1000 participants in an Australian indigenous community. Reductions in scabies prevalence were not sustained, possibly due to high population mobility and a possible outbreak linked to crusted scabies.

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African Program for Onchocerciasis Control 1995-2010: Impact of Annual Ivermectin Mass Treatment on Off-Target Infectious Diseases.

Krotneva SP, Coffeng LE, Noma M, Zouré HG, Bakoné L, Amazigo UV, de Vlas SJ, Stolk WA.

Modelling study that estimates annual ivermectin MDA undertaken as part of APOC has averted approximately 116,000 DALYs related to scabies.

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Crusted scabies in remote Australia, a new way forward: lessons and outcomes from the East Arnhem Scabies Control Program.

Lokuge B, Kopczynski A, Woltmann A, Alvoen F, Connors C, Guyula T, Mulholland E, Cran S, Foster T, Lokuge K, Burke T, Prince S.

Adoption of long-term case management strategy to crusted scabies, resulted in a significant reduction in recurrent episodes and fewer hospital presentations for scabies and scabies-related presentations.

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Mite biology & immunology

A. Recent reviews

Host immune responses to the itch mite, Sarcoptes scabiei, in humans.

Bhat SA, Mounsey KE, Liu X, Walton SF.

This is a comprehensive review of the current understanding of the immune response to S. scabiei in ordinary and crusted scabies.

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A review of Sarcoptes scabiei: past, present and future.

Arlian LG, Morgan MS.

A comprehensive overview of the current literature available on Sarcoptes scabiei biology, life cycle, morphology, host-parasite interactions (immune modulation), diagnosis and vaccination against scabies mite infestation.

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Parasitic scabies mites and associated bacteria joining forces against host complement defence.

Swe PM, Reynolds SL, Fischer K.

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Vaccine against scabies: necessity and possibility.

Liu X, Walton S, Mounsey K.

Brief overview of our understanding of the scabies immune response and prospects for vaccine development.

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B. Research articles

High-throughput metagenome analysis of the Sarcoptes scabiei internal microbiota and in-situ identification of intestinal Streptomyces sp.

Swe PM, Zakrzewski M, Waddell R, Sriprakash KS, Fischer K.

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Pruritus in ordinary scabies: IL-31 from macrophages induced by overexpression of thymic stromal lymphopoietin and periostin.

Hashimoto T, Satoh T, Yokozeki H.

Immunohistochemical assessment of cellular immune profiles in skin lesions from four ordinary scabies patients. Increased levels of macrophages expressing IL31 were found, with IL31 hypothesized to be a main pruritogenic factor in the disease.

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Non-Histaminergic Itch Mediators Elevated in the Skin of a Porcine Model of Scabies and of Human Scabies Patients

Sanders KM, Nattkemper LA, Rosen JD, Andersen HH, Hsiang J, Romanelli P, Bernigaud C, Guillot J, Chosidow O, Yosipovitch G.

This article details new evidence about the potential mechanisms of the scabies itch, using samples from scabies-infested and healthy control skin of pigs and humans to investigate.

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A chitinase-like protein from Sarcoptes scabiei as a candidate anti-mite vaccine that contributes to immune protection in rabbits.

Shen N, Zhang H, Ren Y, He R, Xu J, Li C, Lai W, Gu X, Xie Y, Peng X, Yang G.

Identification of a chitinase like antigen which offered 74% of rabbits protection from mite challenge after immunisation.

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Phylogenetic relationships, stage-specific expression and localisation of a unique family of inactive cysteine proteases in Sarcoptes scabiei.

Fernando DD, Reynolds SL, Zakrzewski M, Mofiz E, Papenfuss AT, Holt D, Fischer K.

This study shows that the unique multi – gene family of SMIPP-Cs are present in all life-stages of scabies mites and highly expressed in the mite digestive system.

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Skin bacterial colonizations and superinfections in immunocompetent patients with scabies.

Esposito L, Veraldi S.

A study assessing skin swabs on scabies positive patients in Milan. Found that in contrast to findings from developing and tropical regions, bacterial colonization of scabies lesions was low.

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The complete mitochondrial genome of Sarcoptes scabiei var. nyctereutis from the Japanese raccoon dog: Prediction and detection of two transfer RNAs (tRNA-A and tRNA-Y).

Ueda T, Tarui H, Kido N, Imaizumi K, Hikosaka K, Abe T, Minegishi D, Tada Y, Nakagawa M, Tanaka S, Omiya T, Morikaku K, Kawahara M, Kikuchi-Ueda T, Akuta T, Ono Y.

Identification of two tRNAs from the mitochondrial previously thought to be absent in scabies mites.

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Increased risk of psoriasis following scabies infection: A nationwide population-based matched-cohort study.

Liu JM, Lin CY, Chang FW, Liu YP, Liang CP, Hsu RJ.

Large Taiwanese study indicating that prior scabies infestation was shown to increase risk of psoriasis development, possibly due to the association of Th17 inflammatory pathways.

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Complement inhibition by Sarcoptes scabiei protects Streptococcus pyogenes – An in vitro study to unravel the molecular mechanisms behind the poorly understood predilection of S. pyogenes to infect mite-induced skin lesions.

Swe PM, Christian LD, Lu HC, Sriprakash KS, Fischer K.

An in vitro study that indicates that the complement-inhibitory function of an excretory scabies mite serpin promotes the survival of Group A streptococcus, which could explain frequently observed secondary infections of scabies lesions with GAS.

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Transcriptome-microRNA analysis of Sarcoptes scabiei and host immune response.

He R, Gu X, Lai W, Peng X, Yang G.

This article analysed mRNA-seq and micro-RNA-seq data to examine immune interaction mechanisms between S. scabiei and infected hosts.

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Mitochondrial genome sequencing reveals potential origins of the scabies mite Sarcoptes scabiei infesting two iconic Australian marsupials.

Fraser TA, Shao R, Fountain-Jones NM, Charleston M, Martin A, Whiteley P, Holme R, Carver S, Polkinghorne A.

A phylogenetic analysis of near full-length mitochondrial genomes and cox1 gene sequences aiming to provide an understanding of the history of scabies parasite invasion through colonisation of Australia.

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Identification of antigenic Sarcoptes scabiei proteins for use in a diagnostic test and of non-antigenic proteins that may be immunomodulatory.

Morgan MS, Rider SD Jr, Arlian LG.

2D protein gel electrophoresis probed with sera from OS patient to identify antigens of potential benefit for diagnosis. Concluded that none of the identified proteins had sufficient sensitivity/specific for development of a diagnostic test.

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Gene silencing by RNA interference in Sarcoptes scabiei: a molecular tool to identify novel therapeutic targets.

Fernando DD, Marr EJ, Zakrzewski M, Reynolds SL, Burgess STG, Fischer K.

First application of RNA interference to scabies mites.

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Sarcoptes scabiei: genomics to proteomics to biology.

Arlian LG, Morgan MS, Rider SD Jr.

This research article mines draft S. scabiei var. canis genome and proteome data to better understand the overall biology of the scabies mites.

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Genomic resources and draft assemblies of the human and porcine varieties of scabies mites, Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis and var. suis.

Mofiz E, Holt DC, Seemann T, Currie BJ, Fischer K, Papenfuss AT.

First genome data on human and porcine scabies

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Analysis of IgE binding patterns to house dust mite allergens in scabies-endemic communities: insights for both diseases.

Walton SF, Slender A, Pizutto S, Mounsey KE, Oprescu F, Thomas WR, Hales BJ, Currie BJ.

Study detailing cross reactive allergens between scabies and house dust mites from sera collected from patients across northern and western Australia.

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Mitochondrial Genome Sequence of the Scabies Mite Provides Insight into the Genetic Diversity of Individual Scabies Infections.

Mofiz E, Seemann T, Bahlo M, Holt D, Currie BJ, Fischer K, Papenfuss AT.

Sequenced the mitochondrial genome of scabies mites obtained from two crusted scabies patients and compared with those obtained from a porcine model. Suggests that only limited genetic differences may separate some human and animal mites, and that individual infestations generally show limited genetic diversity in mites.

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Immunomodulatory impression of anti and pro-inflammatory cytokines in relation to humoral immunity in human scabies.

Abd El-Aal AA, Hassan MA, Gawdat HI, Ali MA, Barakat M.

Investigated scabies specific IgG, total IgE and inflammatory cytokines in the sera of 37 suspected scabies patients. Severity of lesions was positively correlated with IgG and IgE, but negatively correlated with IL-10, supporting previous studies suggesting a key regulatory role for IL-10 in the immune response to scabies.

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A Proteomic Analysis of Sarcoptes scabiei (Acari: Sarcoptidae).

Morgan MS, Arlian LG, Rider SD Jr, Grunwald WC Jr, Cool DR.

Preliminary study of the scabies mite proteome, included identification of some previously characterised molecules including major dust mite allergen homologues. May lead to the identification of novel vaccine and diagnostic targets.

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Draft genome of the scabies mite.

Rider SD Jr, Morgan MS, Arlian LG.

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Sarcoptes scabiei mites in humans are distributed into three genetically distinct clades.

Andriantsoanirina V, Ariey F, Izri A, Bernigaud C, Fang F, Charrel R, Foulet F, Botterel F, Guillot J, Chosidow O, Durand R.

Genetic survey of mites collected from patients in France. Mites clustered into three distinct clades with limited gene flow between clades. Challenges previous hypotheses that mite clustering was strictly host-species specific.

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Prospective study in a porcine model of sarcoptes scabiei indicates the association of Th2 and Th17 pathways with the clinical severity of scabies.

Mounsey KE, Murray HC, Bielefeldt-Ohmann H, Pasay C, Holt DC, Currie BJ, Walton SF, McCarthy JS.

Transcriptional profiling of cytokines in the skin of pigs with crusted and ordinary scabies. Supports the association of Th2 responses, as well as Th17 type responses in the immunopathology of crusted scabies.

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Crusted scabies is associated with increased IL-17 secretion by skin T cells.

Liu X, Walton SF, Murray HC, King M, Kelly A, Holt DC, Currie BJ, McCarthy JS, Mounsey KE.

Prospective study profiling cellular immune responses in the blood and skin or pigs with ordinary and crusted scabies. Crusted scabies was associated with increased gamma delta T cells, CD8 T cells, IL-17 positive cells in the skin, suggesting a potential role for IL-17 therapy in the management of crusted scabies.

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Scabies mites alter the skin microbiome and promote growth of opportunistic pathogens in a porcine model.

Swe PM, Zakrzewski M, Kelly A, Krause L, Fischer K.

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