Norwegian scabies in an HIV-positive patient at Hospital Occidente de Kennedy: Case report

Abstract

We present the case of a female with a history of human immunodeficiency virus infection in AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) category receiving antiretroviral therapy, who showed up at Kennedy Hospital with a one-month history of whitish plaque-like disseminated scaly hyperkeratosis lesions associated with pruritus and local burning pain. Norwegian scabies was considered and management was indicated with ivermectin and permethrin with favorable clinical evolution.

Norwegian scabies is a tegumentary disease caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite. Its incidence is between 200 to 300 million people per year, affecting the prison population, street dwellers and the immunosuppressed. This infection is extremely contagious, is transmitted by direct physical contact. Diagnosis is made by clinical examination and identification of the mite, its eggs or feces using microscopic tools. Treatment is aimed at eradicating the mite population by means of acaricidal and ovicidal drugs.