Comparison of videomicroscope and dermoscopy examination in detecting Sarcoptes scabiei

A non-invasive method of examination, dermoscopy (DS) can be used to detect Sarcoptes scabiei, but needs special training and expensive. Videomicroscope (VM) is able to visualize burrow, mites and eggs, so prompt treatment can be given. The aim of the study is to compare VM and DS, confirmed by skin scraping microscopic examination as standard diagnostic. The method was analytic observational study comparing VM and DS in 210 presumptive scabies patients in Palembang municipal orphanage. By consecutive sampling, 139 patients were included, 73 (52.5%) were men, 66 (47.5%) were women. Majority age were 11-20 years: 85 (61.2%) and 5-11 years: 44 (31.7%). The most common locations were interdigital manus/pedis 125 (89.9%), dorsum manus/pedis 106 (76.6%), wrist joint 102 (73.4%). VM's sensitivity 92%, specificity 88%, accuracy 91%, positive predictive value (PPV) 96%, negative predictive value (NPV) 79%, area under curve (AUC) 90.3%. DS' sensitivity 85%, specificity 71%, accuracy 81%, PPV 90%, NPV 60%, AUC 77.7%. There is a significant difference in specificity, accuracy and AUC, specificity of VM 88% and DS 71%, p 0.0007 1.96). VM is better than DS, VM can be used as a diagnostic method especially at primary health service, a rapid mass screening and for evaluation of post-therapeutic follow up of scabies in epidemic area.