Page 147 - LECTURE NOTES

With a highly contagious condition such as scabies, it is important to treat all members

of a family or community living in close association, not just the individual with a
particularly bad infestation of mites, otherwise re-infestation will soon occur.

The density of house dust mite allergens can be assessed by a test, which measures

the concentration of mite excreta in dust.

Mites and associated fungi can be controlled by decreasing the humidity in rooms,
improving ventilation and removing dust. Bedrooms and living rooms should be aired

regularly, or other measures should be taken to reduce dampness. The shaking of

bedclothes and frequent washing of sheets and blankets reduce the availability of food
and therefore the number of mites. Vacuum cleaning of beds, carpets and furniture is

also effective. General insecticides used for pest control are not effective but a special
product containing benzyl benzoate is available, which destroys mites when applied to

mattresses, and upholstery.

6.7. Leishmaniasis

Leishmaniasis is a term used to describe a number of closely related diseases caused

by several distinct species, subspecies and strains of leishmania parasites. The disease
occurs in three main clinical forms.

o Cutaneous
o Mucocutaneous

o Visceral
Phlebotomine sandflies are the vectors. The epidemiology of leishmaniasis is complex,

involving not only different parasite species but also strains of parasites. Most types of

leishmaniasis are zoonotic. The degree of human involvement varies greatly from area
to area.

The epidemiology of this disease is largely determined by:

o The species of sandflies, their ecology and behavior;
o The availability of a wide range of hosts;

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