Integrated Management of Scabies and Other Parasitic Diseases

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Scabies

Abstract

In resource-poor communities, scabies is often coprevalent with other parasitic infections associated with overcrowding and poverty, many of which are neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). Integrated management of multiple diseases is generally more cost-effective, and scabies prevalence and transmission assessments can be added to control and elimination programs for other NTDs. Scabies management with mass drug administration of ivermectin is simple, as this drug is utilized in several NTD preventive chemotherapy and transmission control programs (such as onchocerciasis, lymphatic filariasis, and strongyloidiasis). Scabies integration into other NTD programs would also include development of guidelines for initiation and implementation of public health interventions, and a shift from disease-specific vertical programs to horizontal programs. Integrated One Health approaches are needed, including public health professionals, community health workers, nurses, physicians, school teachers, and veterinarians.

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Chang, A.Y., Heukelbach, J. (2023). Integrated Management of Scabies and Other Parasitic Diseases. In: Fischer, K., Chosidow, O. (eds) Scabies. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-26070-4_31

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