Journal article
Impact of an Ivermectin Mass Drug Administration on Scabies Prevalence in a Remote Australian Aboriginal Community
TM Kearns, R Speare, AC Cheng, J McCarthy, JR Carapetis, DC Holt, BJ Currie, W Page, J Shield, R Gundjirryirr, L Bundhala, E Mulholland, M Chatfield, RM Andrews
Plos Neglected Tropical Diseases | Published : 2015
Abstract
Background: Scabies is endemic in many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, with 69% of infants infected in the first year of life. We report the outcomes against scabies of two oral ivermectin mass drug administrations (MDAs) delivered 12 months apart in a remote Australian Aboriginal community. Methods: Utilizing a before and after study design, we measured scabies prevalence through population census with sequential MDAs at baseline and month 12. Surveys at months 6 and 18 determined disease acquisition and treatment failures. Scabies infestations were diagnosed clinically with additional laboratory investigations for crusted scabies. Non-pregnant participants weighing ≥15 k..
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Funding Acknowledgements
This work was supported by National Health and Medical Research Council (GTN0605804 - TMK RS ACC JM JRC DCH BJC WP EM RMA & GNT0545239 - TMK) https://www.nhmrc.gov.au/; Cooperative Research Centre for Aboriginal Health (HS331 - RMA) http://www.lowitja.org.au/; and Northern Territory Research Innovation Board and Fund (Grant round 6-2008 - TMK) http://www.bulletpoint.com.au/northern-territory-research-and-innovation-fund/. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.