Cytokine Profiling and Immune Response in Atopic Dermatitis Patients with Sarcoptes scabiei

Alkardhi, Ihsan K. A.; Alobiedi, Rana A. Jawad; AL Kafhage,  Fatema Ali

year 20, Issue 1 (January - February 2026) Iran J Med Microbiol 2026, 20(1): 22-30 | Back to browse issues page

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Alkardhi I K A, Alobiedi R A J, AL Kafhage F A. Cytokine Profiling and Immune Response in Atopic Dermatitis Patients with Sarcoptes scabiei. Iran J Med Microbiol 2026; 20 (1) :22-30
URL: http://ijmm.ir/article-1-2825-en.html

Cytokine Profiling and Immune Response in Atopic Dermatitis Patients with Sarcoptes scabiei

Ihsan K. A. Alkardhi¹

, Rana A. Jawad Alobiedi²

, Fatema Ali AL Kafhage²

1- Department of Basic Medical Science, College of Nursing, University of Al-Qadisiyah, Al Diwaniyah, Iraq , ihsan.khudhair@qu.edu.iq
2- Department of Veterinary Internal and Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Kerbala, Kerbala, Iraq

Abstract: (345 Views)

Background and Aim: Scabies, caused by Sarcoptes (S.) scabiei, is associated with immune dysregulation and elevated immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels. Differentiation between scabies and atopic dermatitis (AD) may be challenging because of overlapping clinical and immunologic features. This study aimed to evaluate serum total IgE, Interleukin (IL) 4 (IL-4), IL-5, IL-13, and Interferon gamma (IFN-γ) levels in scabies affected patients and to assess their diagnostic performance.
Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 50 participants were included, comprising 26 AD patients with scabies infestation and 24 uninfected controls. The diagnosis of scabies was verified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). ELISA was used to assess the serum levels of total IgE, IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13. The statistical analysis was performed using an independent t-test. The diagnostic performance was analyzed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, with a statistical significance level of P<0.05.
Results: Serum total IgE levels were significantly higher in patients compared with controls (P<0.05). IFN-γ and IL-4 levels showed significant differences between study groups (P<0.05). ROC curve analysis demonstrated statistically significant area under the curve values for IgE and cytokines in differentiating affected patients from controls.
Conclusion: The elevated level of IgE and altered cytokine profiles are associated with scabies and atopic dermatitis. These immunologic markers may assist in differential diagnosis and provide insight into disease-related immune responses.

Keywords: Atopic Dermatitis, Cytokines, Immunoglobulin E, Interferon-gamma, Interleukin-4, Sarcoptes scabiei

Full-Text [PDF 561 kb] (15 Downloads)

Type of Study: Original Research Article | Subject: Medical Parasitology
Received: 2025/12/12 | Accepted: 2026/02/20 | ePublished: 2026/02/28

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