Scabies
Scabies is caused by infestation with the human ectoparasite Sarcoptes scabei var hominis. It is an ectoparasitic disease that is found worldwide. The highest burden is in low-and-middle-income settings. Scabies is particularly common among young children. Infestation is associated with skin lesions and severe itch, which profoundly impacts quality of life.
Currently, clinical examination is the mainstay of scabies diagnosis. In high-income settings, dermatoscopy and other diagnostic tests are occasionally used to supplement clinical examination. However, these tests are insensitive and not practical for field use within community-based programmes. Other diagnostic tests such as polymerase chain reaction remain at a developmental stage.
Early accurate diagnosis and treatment is vital to prevent the severity of the disease, with consequent complications. The development of rapid diagnostic tools for use at the primary healthcare level is a priority for national control programmes, especially to help with starting and stopping mass drug administration.
The World Health Organization is seeking feedback on the TPP from industry experts, product developers, the scientific community, NTD programme personnel and clinicians currently involved in the management and control of scabies.
Details of the TPPs may be found in the linked documents
- Diagnostic Target Product Profile for scabies to Start and Stop Mass Drug Administration - Final Draft
- Scabies Diagnosis - Final Draft
Proposed revisions arising from the public consultation will be considered by the TPP working group before it is finalized. The final TPPs will be used for the development of diagnostics to support mass drug administration.