Strongyloidiasis, scabies and impetigo - household clustering in a Northern Territory community

Aim: To determine if there is household or geospatial clustering of strongyloidiasis, scabies and impetigo infections in a remote NT Aboriginal community. Methods: A population census was conducted at month 0 and 12 to determine prevalence of strongyloidiasis, scabies and impetigo. Household demographics and participant household lot numbers were obtained and GPS coordinates configured through Google Earth. Global and Local Morans statistic was used to identify the presence of household and geospatial clusters. Results: Nine-hundred and thirteen participants in 125 households were enrolled in month 0 and 981 in 128 households in month 12. Infection was identified in 68% of households at month 0 and 66% in month 12 (strongyloidiasis 60% (Month 0) and 45% (Month 12), scabies 23% and 35%, impetigo 29% and 41% respectively). Households with no infection had a significantly lower proportion of children aged Conclusion: GIS mapping identified household clusters of infection, indicating that household screening and treatment may be a more appropriate intervention than individual treatment to reduce transmission and burden of all three infections within communities.