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Assessment of the incidence of scabies in primary care and its associated pharmacological load.

Geraldine Juliandte ECKARDT, Marina ROVIRA and Angela MARTINEZ-PEREZ

Scabies is a dermatosis caused by Sarcoptes scabiei. It might affect more than 200 million people worldwide. In Europe, an increase in cases has been observed since the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite this, the postpandemic evolution of cases and the prescription of acaricides in our primary care setting is unknown. Aditionally ivermectine was first licensed in Spain in June 2021.To assess the trend in scabies incidence; and to analyze the use of acaricidal treatments prescribed in primary care.An observational-population-based, retrospective, study was conducted. Review of aggregated anonymous data of scabies, attended at urban 3 primary care centers (C1,C2,C3) during 2019–2024. Data on acaricidal drugs were obtained from our Pharmacy Accountancy and was available until 2023. Inclusion criteria: Registered diagnosis of scabies (as per ICD-10:B86). No exclusion criteria was considered. Ethics: Data were anonymous. No review of medical records was performed. Our local ethical commetee granted approval in November 2024 (CEIm:HCB/2024/1167).Between 2019-2024, a total of 1,824 patients were diagnosed with scabies, mostly women (n =976,53.4%). Mean age was 44.54(SD 15.62). The overall incidence was 469 cases/x5:: C1 469cases/x5; C2 427cases/x5; C3 521cases/x5..The highest number of cases was recorded in 2023 (812cases/x5). During 2019–2023 most patients received 5% permethrin cream (n packages prescribed-dispensed=2,337), and ivermectin accounted for n=2,217 packages prescribed-dispensed between June/2021-December/2023. By center, prescriptions varied: 5%-permethrin: C1 n=843, C2 n=660, C3 n=825; Ivermectin: C1 n=739, C2 n=728, C3 n=678. Ivermectin use raisd during 2023 (n=1308 ivermectin vs n=818 5%-permethrin/packages prescribed-dispensed).Our scabies incidence data align with outbreaks reported by the Catalan Public Health Agency, but our study covers a longer period based on individual diagnoses. As limitations non-pharmacological management could not be evaluated, and contact tracing could not be assessed. In our study women seemed more affected, unlike global data. Despite similar incidence across centers, medication prescriptions varied widely. C1 showed the highest drug use and incidence in 2023, suggesting an unreported outbreak. Some patients received multiple packages of 5%-permethrin cream, suggesting repeated applications. However, ivermectin became the most commonly dispensed drug.Epidemiology of cases and drug-prescription may guide resource planning. Additionally,monitoring repeated applications and treatment adherence is advisable.