Clinical Epidemiology and Biochemical Correlates of Pediatric Scabies in Central India: A Retrospective Study

Abstract

Background: Scabies is a highly contagious parasitic skin infestation caused by Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis and remains a major public health concern in developing countries, especially among children. Pediatric scabies is associated with poor hygiene, overcrowding, malnutrition, and secondary bacterial infections. Limited data are available regarding its biochemical correlates in Central India.

Aim: To evaluate the clinical epidemiology and biochemical correlates of pediatric scabies in Central India.

Materials and Methods: A Retrospective observational hospital-based study was conducted in the Department of Dermatology and Biochemistry at Shri Shankaracharya institute of medical sciences (SSIMS) Bhilai Chattisgarh, from March 2025 to February 2026. Medical records of 100 pediatric patients (<14 years) diagnosed with scabies were reviewed. Demographic details, clinical characteristics, socioeconomic status, and biochemical investigations including hemoglobin, absolute eosinophil count (AEC), serum IgE, and C-reactive protein (CRP) were analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 29.0. Continuous variables were expressed as mean ± standard deviation (SD). Chi-square test and Student’s t-test were applied. A p value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: Among 100 children, males constituted 58% and females 42%. The mean age was 8.6 ± 3.9 years. The majority of cases belonged to low socioeconomic status (68%). Pruritus was present in 100% of cases, followed by papular lesions (72%) and secondary bacterial infection (28%). Mean eosinophil count and serum IgE levels were significantly elevated in severe scabies compared to mild disease (AEC: 712 ± 188 vs 420 ± 110 cells/µL; p<0.001, serum IgE: 286 ± 96 vs 148 ± 72 IU/mL; p=0.002). Correlation analysis in the present study demonstrated a significant positive association between disease severity and serum IgE levels, eosinophil count, ESR, and CRP. Serum IgE showed the strongest correlation with scabies severity (r = 0.61, p < 0.001), suggesting that increasing immunological hypersensitivity may parallel worsening clinical infestation Anemia was observed in 46% of children. Seasonal clustering was noted during winter months.

Conclusion: Pediatric scabies remains highly prevalent in socioeconomically deprived populations of Central India. Significant biochemical abnormalities including eosinophilia, elevated serum IgE, and anemia were associated with disease severity. Early diagnosis, treatment, and improvement of hygiene practices are essential for reducing disease burden.