Importance of follow-up microscopic examination in hospitalized patients with confirmed scabies

Abstract

We investigated the duration of positive microscopic examination in hospitalized patients with confirmed scabies in an acute care hospital. We included hospitalized patients who were diagnosed with scabies between January 2015 and June 2019. From the study period, a total of 31 patients with confirmed scabies were identified. Median age was 75 years. Of a total of 31 patients with confirmed scabies, six were discharged or transferred before getting a negative microscopic test result. Of the remaining 25 patients with negative microscopic test results, the median duration from diagnosis to a negative microscopic test result was 14 days (interquartile range, 9-17). Given that nosocomial outbreaks lead to high workload and considerable resource consumption, adequate treatment, sufficient follow-up examination, and confirmation of cure are warranted before releasing contact isolation.