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Open Access 01-12-2021 | Scabies | Research

Estimation of scabies prevalence using simplified criteria and mapping procedures in three Pacific and southeast Asian countries

Authors: Shu Ki Tsoi, Susanna J. Lake, Li Jun Thean, Alexander Matthews, Oliver Sokana, Mike Kama, Salvador Amaral, Lucia Romani, Margot Whitfeld, Joshua R. Francis, Susana Vaz Nery, Michael Marks, John M. Kaldor, Andrew C. Steer, Daniel Engelman

Published in: BMC Public Health | Issue 1/2021

Abstract

Background

Scabies causes considerable morbidity in disadvantaged populations. The International Alliance for the Control of Scabies (IACS) published consensus criteria in 2020 to standardize scabies diagnosis. However, these criteria are complex, and a WHO informal consultation proposed simplified criteria for mapping, to identify regions of high prevalence as targets for mass drug administration. We aimed to investigate the accuracy of simplified criteria in determining scabies prevalence, compared to the 2020 IACS criteria.

Methods

We obtained data relating to demographics, relevant history and skin lesions from all-age prevalence surveys from Fiji (n = 3365) and Solomon Islands (n = 5239), as well as school-aged children in Timor-Leste (n = 1043). We calculated prevalence using the 2020 IACS criteria and simplified criteria and compared these disease estimates.

Results

There was no significant difference in the pooled prevalence using the two methods (2020 IACS criteria: 16.6%; simplified criteria: 15.6%; difference = 0.9, [95% CI -0.1, 2.0]). In Timor-Leste, the prevalence using simplified criteria was lower (26.5% vs 33.8%). Simplified criteria had a sensitivity of 82.3% (95% CI 80.2, 84.2) and specificity of 97.6% (95% CI 97.2, 97.9) compared to the 2020 IACS criteria.

Conclusions

The scabies prevalence estimation using simplified criteria was similar to using the 2020 IACS criteria in high prevalence, tropical countries. The prevalence estimation was lower in the school-based survey in Timor-Leste. Mapping using simplified criteria may be a feasible and effective public health tool to identify priority regions for scabies control. Further work assessing use of simplified criteria for mapping in a field setting should be conducted.

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Title: Estimation of scabies prevalence using simplified criteria and mapping procedures in three Pacific and southeast Asian countries
Authors: Shu Ki Tsoi
Susanna J. Lake
Li Jun Thean
Alexander Matthews
Oliver Sokana
Mike Kama
Salvador Amaral
Lucia Romani
Margot Whitfeld
Joshua R. Francis
Susana Vaz Nery
Michael Marks
John M. Kaldor
Andrew C. Steer
Daniel Engelman
Publication date: 01-12-2021
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keyword: Scabies
Published in: BMC Public Health / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2458
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-021-12039-2

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Estimation of scabies prevalence using simplified criteria and mapping procedures in three Pacific and southeast Asian countries

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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