Characteristics of Scabietic Lesions as Predictors of Microscopy Outcome in the Diagnosis of Scabies

Abstract

Background: In resource limited settings, microscopic isolation of the scabies mite or its products is a cheap method to confirm clinical diagnosis of scabies, however this method is sometimes problematic as the mite or its products are not often found. Objectives: This study was conducted to determine the correlation between clinical characteristics of scabies lesions and outcome of microscopy. Methods: In a hospital-based cross sectional study, 210 consecutive patients with a clinical diagnosis of scabies were recruited. Questionnaires were used to obtain their demographic and clinical data, and skin scrapings were taken for microscopic diagnosis of scabies. Data was analyzed using Epi Info version 7 statistical software package. Results: Of 210 patients with a clinical diagnosis of scabies, 52.9% were females and 47.1% were males with a mean age of 14.8 (±11.7). Microscopy of skin scrapings confirmed the diagnosis of scabies in 111 patients (52.9%) while 99 patients (47.1%) had a negative microscopy result. A significant correlation was found between the distribution of scabies lesions to the buttocks and a positive microscopy result. Conclusion: For microscopic diagnosis of scabies, distribution of scabies lesions to the buttocks seems to be a significant predictor of a positive result.