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Review
. 2017 Nov 30;11(11):e0005920.
doi: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005920. eCollection 2017 Nov.

Scabies in the age of increasing drug resistance

Affiliations
Review

Scabies in the age of increasing drug resistance

Samar Khalil et al. PLoS Negl Trop Dis. .

Abstract

Scabies is an infestation of the skin by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei. It manifests with pruritic erythematous papules and excoriations, in addition to the pathognomonic burrows. Multiple drugs can be used for treatment, but resistance to conventional therapy is increasing throughout the years. This paper will review the mechanisms of resistance proposed in the literature and some of the potential solutions to this problem.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Figures

Fig 1
Fig 1. Structure of the voltage-gated sodium channel.
The channel consists of 4 homologous domains (domains I to IV), with 6 transmembrane segments each (S1 to S6).
Fig 2
Fig 2. Reaction catalyzed by GST.
GST catalyzes the formation of a thioester bond between reduced glutathione and the drug, forming a glutathione S conjugate of the drug. GST, glutathione S-transferase.
Fig 3
Fig 3. Mechanism of action of ABC transporters.
Upon ATP binding, the transporter changes its configuration to allow the export of the drug to the extracellular space. ABC, ATP-binding cassette.
Fig 4
Fig 4. Mechanism of action of ivermectin on ligand-gated Cl channels.
Upon drug binding, the pore of the channel opens, allowing Cl to enter the cell. These channels also respond to endogenous ligands such as GABA and glutamate. Cl, chloride.

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