In vitro susceptibility of Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis to 1% topical ivermectin

Objective: the objective of this study was to measure the in-vitro susceptibility of sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis to 1% w/v ivermectin. methods: this interventional (quasi-experimental) study was conducted in the opd,dermatology department,military hospital,rawalpindi from january 2013 to july 2013. a total of 40 mites were taken for assay. extruded mites from every patient were placed in 1% ivermectin w/v over a glass slide. mites were inspected for leg movements at hourly intervals. death was declared once all leg movements had ceased. all mites which died within 5 hours were declared susceptible. the mites having active leg movements even after 5 hours of drug application were considered resistant. results: 100% (n=40) of mites died within 5 hours of application of 1% ivermectin,which was significant. conclusion: topical 1% ivermectin is effective against sarcoptes scabiei in terms of in vitro susceptibility.