A framework for scabies control

Abstract

Scabies is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) that causes a significant health burden, particularly in disadvantaged communities and where there is overcrowding. There is emerging evidence that ivermectin-based mass drug administration (MDA) can reduce the prevalence of scabies in some settings, but evidence remains limited, and there are no formal guidelines to inform control efforts. An informal World Health Organization (WHO) consultation was organized to find agreement on strategies for global control. The consultation resulted in a framework for scabies control and recommendations for mapping of disease burden, delivery of interventions, and establishing monitoring and evaluation. Key operational research priorities were identified. This framework will allow countries to set control targets for scabies as part of national NTD strategic plans and develop control strategies using MDA for high-prevalence regions and outbreak situations. As further evidence and experience are collected and strategies are refined over time, formal guidelines can be developed. The control of scabies and the reduction of the health burden of scabies and associated conditions will be vital to achieving the targets set in WHO Roadmap for NTDs for 2021 to 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Introduction

In 2017, scabies was added to the portfolio of the World Health Organization (WHO) Department of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) because of the burden of scabies and its complications, particularly in areas with limited access to healthcare and because of potential new public health control strategies. To find agreement on common strategies and identify research priorities for a global control strategy, an informal WHO consultation meeting was organized in 2019 [1]. This consultation occurred in the broader context of a new roadmap for NTDs for the period of 2021 to 2030 [2]. Here, we propose a framework for scabies control arising from the expert consultation, within the context of WHO NTD Roadmap. These recommendations represent the view of the expert group, based on current data, and, therefore, the framework is a reasonable basis for piloting of activities, pending formal WHO guidelines.

Scabies is caused by the ectoparasite Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis. Transmission generally requires skin-to-skin contact, and zoonotic transmission does not occur. Common scabies infestation typically involves a small number of mites. A hypersensitivity reaction to mites and their products causes itch, which is frequently very severe, and skin lesions of variable severity. Scabies is a strong risk factor for superficial bacterial skin infection (impetigo), which can progress to severe bacterial infections, poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis, and possibly acute rheumatic fever and chronic kidney disease [3].

Scabies occurs in all countries, but most cases occur in low-income and middle-income countries, where overcrowding increases transmission and access to effective treatment is often limited [4]. Significant gaps remain in understanding the global epidemiology of scabies. Modeling studies have estimated a global point prevalence of 100 to 200 million cases of scabies and 455 million annual incident cases [5], but there are very few estimates based on surveys or surveillance. Epidemics can occur in regions with high transmission and in settings of overcrowded living conditions. Institutions, such as aged care facilities, schools, prisons, and hospitals, are common settings for outbreaks, including in high-income settings that otherwise have a low prevalence of scabies [6].

Targeted programs for the public health control of scabies have been piloted in a limited number of sites but have not been implemented at scale. There is strong emerging evidence suggesting that mass drug administration (MDA) can markedly reduce the prevalence of scabies. Effectiveness has been best demonstrated in high-prevalence, island settings [7,8]. There is more limited evidence in non-island populations or lower prevalence contexts [9,10].

A framework for scabies control

The proposed framework for scabies control includes recommendations for (1) mapping of disease burden; (2) delivery of interventions; and (3) establishing an appropriate monitoring and evaluation framework (Fig 1).

Fig 1. Overview of framework for scabies control.

MDA, mass drug administration.

Mapping the disease burden

Achieving a better understanding of the burden of scabies is impeded by the lack of a “field-friendly” test for diagnosis. Definitive diagnosis is made by microscopic examination of skin scrapings, which is insensitive and impractical in the field. Consensus diagnostic criteria developed by the International Alliance for the Control of Scabies (IACS) categorize diagnosis into 1 of 3 levels of certainty: confirmed scabies (which requires specialized equipment to directly visualize the mite or its products), clinical scabies, and suspected scabies (which rely on clinical signs and history features) [11]. The 2020 IACS criteria could be used as a standard to better define the burden of scabies, as detailed below.

As a prelude to mapping, a desk-based review of routinely collected health data and previous surveys in the country might provide insight into whether scabies is a public health problem and identify likely areas of relatively high burden. Discussions with clinical and managerial health staff are also recommended, as scabies cases are frequently not well captured in routine data.

Two types of survey activities are recommended for different control strategy circumstances. First, rapid mapping, which aims to identify areas where scabies prevalence is likely to be above the 10% threshold for recommending an MDA strategy (see “Control interventions” section below), and second, detailed prevalence surveys, which aim to provide more accurate and longitudinal estimates where these are needed. Community-based, house-to-house sampling across all age groups is recommended as the most robust methodology for both. School-based surveys might be a reasonable alternative where community sampling is not feasible, but this approach requires operational research (Table 1). An implementation unit population of approximately 100,000 to 150,000 people is considered appropriate for both mapping and MDA interventions in most regions, providing a balance between accuracy, detail, and logistical factors, particularly cost.

Table 1. Priority research issues for scabies control.

Medications and safety

Effectiveness of single-dose ivermectin-based MDA strategy (compared to current 2-dose recommendation)

Safety of ivermectin in currently contraindicated groups (pregnant and breastfeeding women and children weighing <15 kg or <90 cm in height)

Safety of permethrin in infants aged <2 months

Safety of coadministration of ivermectin with medications used in other MDA programs

Efficacy of moxidectin for the treatment and community control of scabies

Interventions

Prevalence thresholds for starting and stopping MDA

Optimal number of MDA rounds to achieve sustainable control

Effectiveness of MDA in diverse settings including non-island and urban settings

Effectiveness of control strategies when scabies prevalence is <10% (including targeted MDA, screen and treat, and IDM); comparisons of effectiveness, cost, and feasibility should be made with community MDA

Integration of MDA regimens that use ivermectin for other NTDs to maximize the impact on scabies.

Effect of stopping ivermectin MDA for other NTDs on scabies transmission

Effectiveness of MDA for scabies outbreaks in various settings

Mapping, monitoring, and evaluation

Further validate the 2020 IACS criteria, rapid mapping criteria, and training programs for field assessment

Develop monitoring and evaluation methodologies, including sampling, diagnostic tools or needs, and frequency of assessment

Define the relationship between scabies prevalence in schools and in communities

Define the relationship between scabies and impetigo in various settings, including the extent to which MDA for scabies reduces the burden of impetigo

Evaluate different sampling strategies for scabies mapping, including cluster and geospatial sampling designs

Integration of monitoring and evaluation for scabies into existing systems for other diseases

Develop new diagnostic tools (e.g., point of care or rapid diagnostic tests) aligned with programmatic thresholds

Develop strategies to detect recurrence of scabies transmission after cessation of MDA

Monitor for development of resistance of mites to ivermectin and permethrin

Morbidity and costs

Determine the impact of scabies MDA on the complications of scabies, including skin and soft tissue infections, invasive bacterial disease, glomerulonephritis, and rheumatic heart disease

Measure impact of scabies and associated impetigo on quality of life, including absenteeism from school and work and broader social costs

Compare cost of scabies control program activities and health-related cost savings and cost-effectiveness of control strategies

IACS, International Alliance for the Control of Scabies; IDM, intensified disease management; MDA, mass drug administration; NTD, neglected tropical disease.

For rapid mapping, diagnosis should be based on a modified, simplified version of the 2020 IACS criteria. A limited skin examination of exposed areas of the limbs for typical lesions of scabies is recommended, conducted by trained primary healthcare workers [12,13].

Prevalence surveys are recommended to provide more detailed regional estimates of prevalence, to advocate for appropriate resources for control, and to monitor prevalence over time, including to assess the impact of control interventions. The 2020 IACS criteria can be used for diagnosis based on clinical assessment in most circumstances. Information about superficial bacterial skin infection (impetigo and infected scabies) should also be collected during rapid mapping and prevalence surveys.

Control interventions

Mass drug administration

Based on existing evidence, pilot control initiatives using MDA are recommended in areas where community prevalence is 10% or higher. A total of 3 to 5 rounds of annual MDA are recommended. The recommended threshold for stopping MDA after these rounds is a community prevalence of <2%. Alternatives strategies to MDA, such as screen and treat (in which the population is screened by clinical assessment and treated only if the exam is consistent with scabies), are likely to be more resource intensive and less effective than MDA, although comparative studies are lacking.

The recommended regimen for MDA is 2 doses of oral ivermectin (200 μg/kg) given 7 to 14 days apart, using directly observed treatment wherever possible. Either weight- or height-based dosing is appropriate. Weight-based dosing is more accurate, while height-based dosing is more practical. Topical treatment is recommended for those for whom ivermectin MDA is currently not approved (pregnant women, lactating mothers in the first week, and children weighing <15 kg or <90 cm height). Evaluation of the safety of ivermectin in these groups is a research priority (Table 1) [14–16]. Permethrin 5% is the preferred topical treatment. Benzyl benzoate can be used where permethrin is unavailable but may be less effective and cause more adverse events. The recommended minimum coverage target is 80% of the total population receiving 2 doses of treatment (either oral or topical).

Environmental measures (e.g., washing linen and clothing) are highly resource intensive and unlikely to add significant benefit to MDA, and, therefore, are not recommended components of a control strategy in low-resource settings. Water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) interventions are not effective for scabies but can reduce secondary bacterial infection [17,18].

Control strategies below the MDA threshold

MDA is not recommended where the estimated prevalence is <2%. Where the prevalence is between 2% and 10%, there are currently no evidence-based recommendations for the choice of the most appropriate control strategy. The optimal approach should be decided based on the local context and circumstances. Possible strategies include intensified disease management (IDM), screen and treat, or targeted MDA of a high-risk subpopulation. Components of an effective approach might include ensuring scabies treatments are available and affordable where they are needed and enhancing clinical management of scabies in primary care (in particular, ensuring close contacts of an infested patient are treated simultaneously with the patient). Active case finding with appropriate referral or treatment, such as the approach used in screening programs for “skin NTDs,” could be considered [19,20]. Suspected cases of crusted scabies (an uncommon, highly transmissible variant) should be identified and referred for specialized assessment and management of the individual case and their environment. Additional considerations for control are summarized in Table 2. Integration of these strategies into existing health systems and programs is crucial for the success and sustainability of scabies control.

Table 2. Additional considerations for scabies control programs.

Implementation

Integrate where possible with programs for other NTDs and other health programs, including at stages of mapping, implementation, and surveillance

Engage communities to promote inclusivity, ownership, and sustainability. Use and adapt engagement strategies developed for other NTD programs

Develop and implement packages to train and upskill of health system staff and program managers regarding scabies control issues

Refine existing training packages for assessment of scabies and impetigo for mapping, relevant for local circumstances

Cost and access

Ensure that scabies management is included in national essential packages of care as part of Universal Health Coverage

Cost might be a barrier to control because of the higher cost of 2-dose regimens and current absence of a drug donation program

Improve access to low-cost ivermectin and permethrin. This will require local and global advocacy

Safety

There is widespread experience using ivermectin and permethrin. Both are considered safe and well-tolerated treatments

Use existing frameworks for safety monitoring and reporting from other NTD programs

A prompt and appropriate response to adverse events is required to maintain confidence in programs

NTD, neglected tropical disease.

Control of scabies outbreaks

Ivermectin-based MDA has been effectively used for the control of outbreaks in the community and in closed institutions [6,21]. Further research and consensus are required to define the appropriate methods and thresholds for detecting and declaring scabies outbreaks, the optimal strategy for outbreak control, and criteria for successful control of a scabies outbreak, including when the interventions can be stopped.

Monitoring and evaluation

An impact assessment should be conducted after completing the planned 3 to 5 rounds, to determine whether MDA should be stopped (i.e., if the prevalence is <2%) or continued longer. More frequent assessment will be required for operational research in initial pilot program sites. Evaluation of impact should assess the burden of scabies, impetigo, and health-related complications. It is also important to monitor for recrudescence of transmission after cessation of MDA [22]. Assessment of cost effectiveness and social impact will be valuable, particularly for initial, pilot programs.

Epidemiologic data on scabies during the program can be collected through a hybrid approach, including sentinel surveillance at selected sites. Methods for impact assessment and surveillance at specific sites should follow the recommendations for prevalence surveys, as described above. Process (e.g., coverage) and outcome (e.g., impact of treatment on prevalence) should be evaluated at some sites, and these should be linked when possible.

Routine collection, analysis, and reporting of data on scabies presentations at healthcare facilities should be strengthened and supported. The results of monitoring and impact assessments should be communicated to frontline workers and affected communities.

Scabies, Universal Health Coverage, and WHO NTD Roadmap

WHO NTD Roadmap for 2021 to 2030 was endorsed by the 73rd World Health Assembly in November 2020. The roadmap sets global targets, milestones, and strategies to control and eliminate NTDs, as well as crosscutting targets aligned with WHO’s Thirteenth General Programme of Work, 2019–2023 and the Sustainable Development Goals [2,23]. For scabies and other ectoparasites, the proposed targets are the following: (1) the number of countries having incorporated scabies management in the Universal Health Coverage package of care (from 0 in 2020 to 50 in 2025 to all 194 by 2030); and (2) the number of countries using MDA in all endemic districts (from 0 in 2020 to 6 in 2025 to 25 in 2030). The roadmap report notes the critical actions to reach these targets for scabies control, including the development of guidance for mapping and for the implementation of preventive chemotherapy. Opportunities to integrate with other NTD programs where ivermectin is already used (onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis) are noted, as is the opportunity to integrate scabies control with approaches to the control of skin NTDs [20,24].

Next steps

Although there are significant gaps in the evidence upon which to design a scabies control program, there is now sufficient evidence to commence control activities, particularly in the highest prevalence settings. Countries that have identified scabies control as a public health priority can use this framework as a basis for control programs, supported by WHO and organizations such as the World Scabies Program [25]. The implementation of scabies control in these countries will serve as important pilot sites. Priority operational research questions (Table 1) should be addressed alongside implementation, as discussed in detail elsewhere [1,3]. Both ivermectin and permethrin are now included in WHO Model List of Essential Medicines for the treatment of scabies, potentially facilitating prequalification of new manufacturers and suppliers of generic treatments. Work is needed to increase affordable access to these treatments.

Conclusions

This framework for scabies control is an important step toward addressing an important, unmet global health need. The framework will allow countries to set control targets for scabies as part of national NTD strategic plans and facilitate the development of control strategies using MDA for high-prevalence regions and outbreak situations. It will also assist researchers and partners to tackle the key issues for scabies control. As operational research is completed and pilot projects are scaled up, strategies should be refined and shared. Once sufficient data are available, this framework could develop into formal guidelines to be reviewed through the standard, rigorous WHO process. The successful control of scabies will be vital to achieving the targets set in WHO NTD Roadmap and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Funding Statement

The expert meeting was partly supported by the International League of Dermatological Societies. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.