Estimating the global burden of scabies: what else do we need?

Abstract

Scabies is one of the most common disorders identified in any estimate of global skin disease prevalence. Furthermore, quantifying its impact on individuals and societies has been problematic. There has been a lack of clear case definitions and laboratory tests. There have been few epidemiological studies, particularly those focusing on low-income countries, variation in prevalence within high-income countries, or estimates of the effect of scabies on health beyond the skin, such as renal disease or mental well-being. Economic studies are also lacking. However, the new strategy of integrating surveillance for skin Neglected Tropical Diseases (skin NTDs) may well produce advances on these issues, as well as provide an overarching structure for health improvement and disease control.