Large Nosocomial Outbreak Associated with a Norwegian Scabies Index Case Undergoing TNF-α Inhibitor Treatment: Management and Control

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2015 Nov;36(11):1358-60. doi: 10.1017/ice.2015.188. Epub 2015 Aug 19.

Abstract

We describe a large outbreak associated with a crusted (Norwegian) scabies case in an immunocompromised patient following treatment with TNF-α inhibitor (adalimumab) for psoriasis arthritis. The increasing use of TNF-α inhibitors should induce clinicians to consider this serious parasitic infection when evaluating skin rashes in patients receiving biologic therapies.

MeSH terms

  • Adalimumab / adverse effects*
  • Adalimumab / therapeutic use
  • Aged
  • Arthritis, Psoriatic / drug therapy
  • Cross Infection / epidemiology*
  • Disease Outbreaks*
  • Female
  • Hospitals
  • Humans
  • Immunocompromised Host
  • Italy
  • Scabies / epidemiology*
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / antagonists & inhibitors*

Substances

  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
  • Adalimumab