NORWEGIAN SCABIES IN IMMUNOCOMPROMISED PATIENTS: A NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASE

Đức Luân Thái 1, Minh Châu Phạm 2, Minh Nhựt Vương 3, Lê Như Tùng Nguyễn 4, Trần Quang Huy Nguyễn 1, Thị Hiếu Vũ 5, Triều Lý Võ 4,
1 University of Health Sciences, Vietnam National University HCMC
2 Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine, Ho Chi Minh City
3 Vietnam National University HCMC - School of Medicine
4 Hospital for Tropical Diseases in Ho Chi Minh City
5 Pham Ngoc Thach Hospital

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Abstract

Norwegian scabies (crusted scabies) was a severe form of infestation caused by Sarcoptes scabiei, most commonly observed in immunocompromised patients. The disease was characterized by diffuse hyperkeratosis, a high mite burden, and an increased risk of secondary bacterial infection and sepsis. Its incidence had risen not only among patients with HIV/AIDS but also in other immunocompromised conditions. Diagnosis was often delayed because of frequent misidentification with other common dermatologic diseases. Effective management required multiple-dose ivermectin therapy combined with topical agents and strict infection control measures. We documented several cases of Norwegian scabies occurring in different immunocompromised settings at the Hospital for Tropical Diseases. This previously neglected disease had re-emerged, underscoring the need for heightened clinical vigilance and infection control to prevent transmission and complications in immunocompromised patients.

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References

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