Frequency of scabies in Iraq: survey in a dermatology clinic.
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.


METHODS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Alsamarai
Abdulghani Mohamad
AM
Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Tikrit University, Iraqi Scientific Forum, Iraq. galsamarrai@yahoo.com
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000818:Animals; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007306:Insecticides / Q000008:administration & dosage; D007493:Iraq / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D026023:Permethrin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D015995:Prevalence; D012520:Sarcoptes scabiei / Q000187:drug effects; D012532:Scabies / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000469:parasitology; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D007306:Insecticides; D026023:Permethrin