An epidemic of scabies with unusual features and treatment resistance in a nursing home.
An epidemic of scabies affecting elderly patients on one ward of a nursing home is described. The outbreak was characterized by a high degree of contagion and treatment resistance among patients suffering from malignant diseases and receiving immunosuppressive therapy. The clinical picture was unusual, with papules surmounted by scabies burrows and a high percentage of persistent nodular lesions. The origin of the outbreak was probably a patient with an exfoliative psoriasis, treated with an aromatic retinoid and potent topical corticosteroids. In view of the high recurrence rate, follow-up may be advisable especially in elderly patients.
D000368:Aged; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003141:Communicable Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology*; D004196:Disease Outbreaks / Q000453:epidemiology*; D004221:Disulfiram / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004351:Drug Resistance; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009735:Nursing Homes; D012008:Recurrence; D012532:Scabies / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology*; D013548:Sweden
D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; D004221:Disulfiram