Sarcoptic mange in domestic animals and human scabies in India

Sarcoptic mange is an extremely common contagious skin disease caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei and affecting all domestic animals through host-adapted variants. It impacts health, productivity and economy of livestock through high morbidity and even mortality. “Reports in literature indicate widespread prevalence in practically every part of the country. The problem is more common in young animals. Clinico-pathological and haemato biochemical changes cover a wide spectrum. Diagnosis based on demonstration of mites is often difficult. Successful detection of specific antibody to S. scabiei inmange-affected dogs, pigs and in human scabies, holds promise for development of reliable serological tests. For therapy, reported success of indigenous formulations and herbals has resulted in a trend for their usage as safe, cost-effective and easily-available alternatives. Development of a vaccine for prophylaxis seems to be a distinct possibility through the application of molecular tools and improved techniques now available. In this review, reference has also been made to recent reports on salient aspects of human scabies – a common dermatologic problem whose incidence and severity are on the rise due to AIDS and use of immunosuppressants.