Abstract
Background: Scabies (caused by Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis) and pediculosis (caused by Pediculus humanus) are infectious diseases common in educational institutions and long-term care centres. The aim of the study was to assess the scale of the phenomenon in confinement conditions favouring the spread of these parasitoses. Methods: Data on the prevalence of scabies (2001–2015) and pediculosis (2008–2015) in Polish prisoners were provided by the Central Board of Prison Service. The information for the period between 2010 and 2015 in the Lublin Province was obtained from the District Inspectorate of the Prison Service in Lublin. Correlations between the prevalence of scabies and pediculosis and the number of prisoners were analysed, as well as correlations between the number of passes granted to prisoners and the prevalence of scabies and pediculosis in incarcerated individuals. Results: The prevalence of scabies and pediculosis in Polish prisoners has been estimated at 2.3% and 1.9%, respectively. Conclusions: Pediculosis and scabies are still current issues in Polish prisons. Convicts returning from passes and new prisoners should be carefully examined and monitored for the presence of S. scabiei var. hominis and P. humanus invasion. Education of prisoners could be a promising tool in prevention of scabies and pediculosis in correctional settings.
Highlights
Scabies and pediculosis are parasitic dermatoses caused by mites (Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis) and insects (Pediculus humanus), respectively (Figure 1)
The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of P. humanus and hominis infestation in confinement conditions under constant medical supervision and S. scabiei var. hominis infestation in confinement conditions under constant medical supervision in a period when reporting these parasitoses was longer mandatory
The analysis of the prevalence of scabies and pediculosis in individuals residing in confinement conditions in Poland was based on epidemiological data collected in prisons both at the national conditions in Poland was based on epidemiological data collected in prisons both at the national and and regional level (Figure 2)
Summary
Scabies and pediculosis are parasitic dermatoses caused by mites (Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis) and insects (Pediculus humanus), respectively (Figure 1). Scabies and pediculosis are parasitic dermatoses caused by mites The risk of parasite transmission is especially high in non-medical public and private facilities (e.g., long-term care facilities, hospitals, adult day care centres, schools, military facilities, and prisons). These facilities provide a special environment for parasite transmission, fostering frequent, close, and often intimate human-to-human contacts between residents. Hominis) and pediculosis (caused by Pediculus humanus) are infectious diseases common in educational institutions and long-term care centres. Results: The prevalence of scabies and pediculosis in Polish prisoners has been estimated at 2.3% and 1.9%, respectively. Education of prisoners could be a promising tool in prevention of scabies and pediculosis in correctional settings
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