Crusted Scabies in Association with Human T-Cell Lymphotropic Virus 1

Abstract

Background:

Human T-cell lymphotropic virus 1 (HTLV-1) infection can lead to myelopathy/tropical spastic paresis and adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL). Infection with HTLV-1 has also been associated with clinically significant immunosuppression. Crusted scabies, also known as Norwegian scabies, is an uncommon presentation of scabies that may occur in conjunction with immunosuppression. Although crusted scabies has been reported in association with HTLV-1 infection, to our knowledge it has never been described in association with HTLV-1 associated myelopathy.

Objective:

The aim is to describe a case of HTLV-1 associated myelopathy and concomitant crusted scabies.

Methods:

This article includes a case report and a literature review.

Conclusions:

Crusted scabies is reported in association with HTLV-1 infection with or without concomitant ATLL. Crusted scabies should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a generalized cutaneous eruption in an HTLV-1 positive patient. Patients with crusted scabies from an HTLV-1 endemic population should be tested for a possible HTLV-1 infection. These patients may be at increased risk of progressing to ATLL.