Prevalence of Sarcoptes scabiei in the homes and nursing homes of scabietic patients

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This study determined the prevalence of Sarcoptes scabiei in the home environment of 37 confirmed cases of scabies and in five nursing homes with scabietic patients. Dust samples from 44% of infested patients' homes contained scabies mites. Live mites at the time the dust samples were analyzed were present in 64% of these homes. Live mites were recovered most often from bedroom floors or overstuffed chairs and couches. The density of live and dead mites ranged from 1 to 5 mites/0.1 gm of dust or 1 to 9 mites/m2 of surface, area sampled. The presence of mites in fomites coupled with survival and host-seeking behavior indicate that it is possible for a person to become infested by dislodged mites in contaminated home, school, and work environments. By contrast, only a small number of mites were recovered from beds, furniture, and floors of scabies-infested nursing homes. Mite-contaminated fomites may be less important in the transmission of scabies in nursing homes than in private homes.

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    Supported by Grant AI 17252 from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

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