Health problems in developing countries: scabies infection as a neglected tropical disease

Scabies mite infection in the developing countries was globally recognized as a neglected tropical disease by the WHO in 2012. The morbidity worldwide persists at a permanent level of 300 million infections per year. Thanks to recent research conducted on the interaction between the parasite and the human immune system, the mechanisms used for the parasitic lifestyle were discovered. Sarcoptes scabiei synthesizes inhibitors of the human complement system and produces factors affecting the cytokine profile, and this is responsible for the 3-4 week latency period and the difficulty in removing the parasite. In addition, impairment of the immune system creates favorable conditions for the development of serious secondary bacterial infections. The difficulties in epidemic control are not the only problem. There are other ones, most of all prevention of complications in internal organs. As a result of secondary streptococcal or more rarely staphylococcal infections, a possibility of glomerulonephritis, rheumatic fever, and rheumatic heart disease arises. The etiopathogenesis of these complications is presented. Attempts are also made to use the results of the research on parasite-host system interaction to create an effective vaccine to protect populations at risk.