Serum immunoglobulin values in patients with scabies

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Abstract
Serum total Ig[immunoglobulin]E levels were increased in 39 of 94 patients with scabies investigated at the time of clinical presentation. Patients (154) had a significantly lower serum concentration of IgA during infection than when measured 6 wk and 9 mo. following successful treatment (P < 0.05). The serum concentration of IgA at 6 wk and 9 mo. after treatment did not differ significantly. The serum concentration of IgG during infection was significantly higher than 6 wk later (P < 0.05) and 9 mo. later (P < 0.001). The 6 wk levels were significantly higher than results at 9 mo. (P < 0.01). The serum concentration of IgM during infection was higher than 6 wk later (P < 0.1). The 6 wk levels were lower than those at 9 mo. (P < 0.1) whereas there was no difference between the pre-treatment and 9 mo. levels. No differences were noted in the concentration of C3 and C4. Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) and rheumatoid factor (RF) were not found in any of the patients. In 32 patients with lichen planus no changes in Ig or C were observed. Scabies infection may be associated with a humoral immunological response against the scabies infection.