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The suboptimal sensitivity and specificity of available diagnostic methods for scabies hampers clinical management, trials of new therapies and epidemiologic studies. Additionally, parasitologic diagnosis by microscopic examination of skin scrapings requires sample collection with a sharp scalpel blade, causing discomfort to patients and difficulty in children. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based diagnostic assays, combined with non-invasive sampling methods, represent an attractive approach.
Amidst the evolving COVID-19 pandemic, understanding the transmission dynamics of the SARS-CoV-2 virus is key to providing peace of mind for the community and informing policy-making decisions. While available data suggest that school-aged children are not significant spreaders of SARS-CoV-2, the possibility of transmission in schools remains an ongoing concern, especially among an aging teaching workforce. Even in low-prevalence settings, communities must balance the potential risk of transmission with the need for students' ongoing education.
The prevalence of group A streptococcal disease remains high among symptomatic individuals residing in Africa
These data highlight the importance of recognising Sporotrichosis in children outside an outbreak setting
The Australian National Healthy Skin Guideline summarises evidence-based treatment of impetigo, scabies and fungal infections in high burden settings
The Group A β-hemolytic Streptococcus pharyngeal carriage rates seen in Uganda (15.9%) are higher than the most recent pooled results globally, at 12%
Health service utilisation in this setting may be enhanced by improving general awareness of the significance of childhood skin infections
There is low coverage of the multivalent M protein vaccine in our setting, emphasizing the need to reformulate the vaccine to improve coverage
Skin infection burden in remote Aboriginal communities can be reduced by the See, Treat, Prevent (SToP skin sores and scabies) trial
We write this perspective to raise awareness of antimicrobial resistance as an issue in Indigenous primary health care