Sarcoptes scabiei in animals spreading to man

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• An unusual outbreak of mange infection caused by Sarcoptes scabiei was documented in livestock and domestic animals.
• The outbreak originated in goats and subsequently spread to cattle, sheep, and dogs in two villages in West Bengal, India.
• Animal mortality was significant, with nineteen goats and one cattle succumbing to the infection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To document the epidemiology of a Sarcoptes scabiei outbreak in animals and its zoonotic transmission to humans.
• To evaluate the efficacy of different treatment modalities in affected animals and humans.
• To identify control measures for the Sarcoptes scabiei outbreak.

Main Methods:

• Field observation and data collection on the spread and impact of the mange outbreak from November 1991 to March 1992.
• Treatment of infected animals with deltamenthrin (synthetic pyrethroid) and amitraz (triazapentadiene).
• Treatment of infected humans with 2% hexachlorobenzene and observation of disease course.

Main Results:

• The Sarcoptes scabiei outbreak affected goats, cattle, sheep, and dogs, resulting in the death of nineteen goats and one cattle.
• Human infection occurred in forty-two individuals involved in animal care, starting in late December 1991.
• Complete recovery was achieved in treated animals, while human cases showed self-limiting disease or successful treatment with 2% hexachlorobenzene.

Conclusions:

• The study highlights the potential for Sarcoptes scabiei to cause significant morbidity and mortality in animals and transmit to humans.
• Deltamenthrin and amitraz proved effective for treating mange in animals.
• 2% hexachlorobenzene was an effective treatment for human scabies, and the outbreak was successfully controlled by March 1992.