Etiologic agents of lice
Pediculus humanus capitis
Pediculus humanus humanus
Pthirus pubis
Pediculus humanus capitis
head lice!
hematophagous
cannot transmit pathogens
Pediculus humanus humanus
body lice!
hematophagous
can transmit pathogens
Pthirus pubis
pubic lice / crabs!!
cannot contract from fomites!!!
Info about etiologic agents
order = Pthiraptera
apterous (no wings), dorsal-ventrally flattened
ectoparasites (inFEST, don't infect)
hemimetabolous
male and female louse on the body
must stay close to the host AT ALL TIMES
How do we contract lice?
RARELY, if ever from fomites (brushes, hats, pillows, etc.)
come into contact with other people who have lice
Lice life cycle
female will cement fertilized egg (nit) to hair shaft or clothing fiber
egg (nit) --> nymph --> adult
nymph and adult will feed on human blood for nutrition
Head Lice Control
nit picking (pull off one another, consume)
lice comb
pediculocides
RID disinfectant (probably doesn't work that well)
Pubic Lice Control
shave!!
Treatment for Lice
Pediculocides (Permethrin, Pyrethrins)
Prescriptions (Malathion, Lindane)