Prevalence of Sarcoptes scabiei in the homes and nursing homes of scabietic patients

Abstract

This study determined the prevalence of Sarcoptes scabiei in the home environment of 37 confirmed cases of scabies and in five nursing homes with scabietic patients. Dust samples from 44% of infested patients' homes contained scabies mites. Live mites at the time the dust samples were analyzed were present in 64% of these homes. Live mites were recovered most often from bedroom floors or overstuffed chairs and couches. The density of live and dead mites ranged from 1 to 5 mites/0.1 gm of dust or 1 to 9 mites/m2 of surface area sampled. The presence of mites in fomites coupled with survival and host-seeking behavior indicate that it is possible for a person to become infested by dislodged mites in contaminated home, school, and work environments. By contrast, only a small number of mites were recovered from beds, furniture, and floors of scabies-infested nursing homes. Mite-contaminated fomites may be less important in the transmission of scabies in nursing homes than in private homes.