Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us
PURITAN MEDICAL

Roche Diagnostics

Develops, manufactures, and markets a wide range of in vitro diagnostic systems, instruments, reagents, and tests read more Featured Products: More products

Download Mobile App




Scabies Detected by Molecular Methods in Skin Scrapings

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 29 Apr 2020
Scabies caused by Sarcoptes scabiei mites, is a highly contagious parasitic disease characterized by intense itching which is aggravated at night. More...
Infections by scabies mites result in various skin eruptions consisting of papules, nodules, vesicles, and excoriated eczematous lesions due to scratching.

Scabies is associated with long-term residence in nursing homes, the homeless and refugees, and it is a public health burden worldwide Microscopic examination of skin scrapings is widely used for the diagnosis of scabies, but it has a suboptimal sensitivity of only 50%. Dermoscopy has been widely used, but it has a disadvantage in that it has low specificity and is affected by the dermatologist’s experience.

Infectious disease specialists at the University of Ulsan College of Medicine (Seoul, Republic of Korea) evaluated the diagnostic value of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) from skin scraping in patients with suspected scabies. Adult patients with suspected scabies, unrelated diseases or healthy volunteers were enrolled at a tertiary hospital, from December 2017 through October 2018. A total of 47 participants, 33 with suspected scabies, 10 with unrelated diseases, and four healthy volunteers were enrolled. Of the 33 patients, 22 were classified as confirmed scabies, two as clinical scabies, six as suspected scabies, and three as no scabies. PCR was performed on the skin scrapings to target the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene of Sarcoptes scabiei. Real-time PCR amplification was performed with the LightCycler 96 system (Roche Molecular Systems, Pleasanton, CA, USA).

The team reported that the sensitivities of the microscopic examination were 100%, 92%, and 73% in confirmed scabies; confirmed and clinical scabies; and confirmed, clinical, and suspected scabies, respectively. The sensitivities of PCR were 86%, 83%, and 80% in confirmed scabies; confirmed and clinical scabies; and confirmed, clinical, and suspected scabies, respectively. The specificity of the scabies PCR in the no scabies control was 100%. Of the 30 patients with scabies, five (17%) revealed negative results for microscopic examination, but positive results for scabies PCR.

The authors concluded that scabies PCR was shown to offer an improvement in assay sensitivity compared to that of microscopy examination for the diagnosis of scabies by clinical criteria. This technique can, therefore, be considered as an adjunct method for the diagnosis of scabies, particularly in microscopy-negative suspected cases. The study was published on April 7, 2020 in the journal PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases.



Gold Member
Veterinary Hematology Analyzer
Exigo H400
Serological Pipet Controller
PIPETBOY GENIUS
New
Host Response Immunoassay Test
MeMed BV
New
Staining Management Software
DakoLink
Read the full article by registering today, it's FREE! It's Free!
Register now for FREE to LabMedica.com and get access to news and events that shape the world of Clinical Laboratory Medicine.
  • Free digital version edition of LabMedica International sent by email on regular basis
  • Free print version of LabMedica International magazine (available only outside USA and Canada).
  • Free and unlimited access to back issues of LabMedica International in digital format
  • Free LabMedica International Newsletter sent every week containing the latest news
  • Free breaking news sent via email
  • Free access to Events Calendar
  • Free access to LinkXpress new product services
  • REGISTRATION IS FREE AND EASY!
Click here to Register








DIASOURCE (A Biovendor Company)

Channels

Hematology

view channel
Image: CitoCBC is the world first cartridge-based CBC to be granted CLIA Waived status by FDA (Photo courtesy of CytoChip)

Disposable Cartridge-Based Test Delivers Rapid and Accurate CBC Results

Complete Blood Count (CBC) is one of the most commonly ordered lab tests, crucial for diagnosing diseases, monitoring therapies, and conducting routine health screenings. However, more than 90% of physician... Read more

Immunology

view channel
Image: A simple blood test could replace surgical biopsies for early detecion of heart transplant rejection (Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)

Blood Test Detects Organ Rejection in Heart Transplant Patients

Following a heart transplant, patients are required to undergo surgical biopsies so that physicians can assess the possibility of organ rejection. Rejection happens when the recipient’s immune system identifies... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2025 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.