Risk factors for scabies in Taiwan

Background: Scabies is a global problem. Transmission of scabies is usually due to direct or indirect contact. Delay in diagnosis may result in the spread of the scabies mite. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are important. Methods: In this study, we collected data from 52 scabies patients and analyzed the risk factors for scabies with the case-control method. Results: Our study has revealed that the patients who were bedridden [odds ratio (OR) 6.72, p < 0.0001], living in a nursing home (OR 9.89, p < 0.0001), had a higher clinical severity status before admission (OR 1.25, p < 0.0001), and a catheter inserted (including nasogastric tube, Foley catheter, Port-A, or Hickman catheter) (OR 9.05, p < 0.0001) were significantly more likely to acquire scabies infection. Conclusion: To prevent scabies, proper management of the nursing home setting, including adequate cleaning of the contaminated clothing, bedding and equipment, in combination with treating all suspected scabies patients, and contact isolation are important and necessary.