Scabies infestation might predispose surgical site infection: Case report

• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2024.109747
• Publication Date: 2024-05-08T15:48:04Z
• Authors: Ali Engin Daştan; Arman Vahabi; Volga Öztürk; Mehmet Alp Özmen; Erhan Coşkunol; Kemal Aktuğlu

INTRODUCTION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Human scabies is a contagious skin condition caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite, leading to skin damage and subsequent mechanical irritation from scratching. This impaired skin integrity predisposes individuals to skin infections. While the association between scabies and skin infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes is well-documented, there is limited literature on the risk of surgical site infections in such cases. CASE PRESENTATION: This case report aims to explore this risk by presenting a case of surgical site infection caused by Streptococcus pyogenes following surgery for a complex elbow injury in a patient with scabies infestation. DISCUSSION: Scabies infestation leads to direct spread of bacteria and contributes to bacterial infection. Furthermore, complement inhibition and dysbiosis induced by the scabies may facilitate the occurrence of these bacterial infections. CONCLUSION: Skin infections are frequently encountered in scabies infestations. Preferred incision should be evaluated meticulously before surgery. Further studies are needed to reach a definitive conclusion on this subject.