What does Pediculus humanus cause?
Head lice (pediculosis capitis) and body lice (pediculosis corporis) are caused by the human louse Pediculus humanus, a light-gray insect, 3-4 mm long, that feeds on blood. The head and body subspecies are practically identical, with distinct patterns of infestation.
What is the medical significance of Pediculus humanus humanus?
Pediculus humanus, the body louse is associated with the spread of many diseases, such as Ricketts, Typhus and Relapsing Fever. This insect also transmitted the disease known as Trench Fever, which reduced Napoleon’s Army and was prevalent in all war areas during World War I (see ent79):
What is the common name for Pediculus humanus?
body louse
Three types of lice infest humans: the body louse, Pediculus humanus humanus Linnaeus, also known as Pediculus humanus corporis; the head louse Pediculus humanus capitis De Geer; and the crab louse (or pubic louse), Pthirus pubis (Linnaeus).
Is pediculosis a virus?
Pediculosis is an infestation of lice from the sub-order Anoplura, family Pediculidae. Accordingly, the infestation with head lice is named pediculosis capitis, while this with body lice, pediculosis corporis….
| Pediculosis | |
|---|---|
| Pediculus humanus capitis (♀) | |
| Specialty | Infectious disease |
Can head lice be found on the body?
Sometimes body lice are be seen on the body when they feed. Body lice eggs usually are seen in the seams of clothing or on bedding. Occasionally eggs are attached to body hair. Lice found on the head and scalp are not body lice; they are head lice.
What are the three areas of your body lice can infest?
An infestation of body lice occurs when a certain type of lice invade the body and clothing. Lice are parasitic insects that feed on human blood and can infest the head, body, and pubic area.
Is pediculosis a contagious disease?
Louse infestation, called pediculosis, is very contagious and easily transmitted by close body-to-body contact or contact with infested linen, brushes, or clothes, according to the species of louse.
How pediculosis is contracted?
How is pediculosis spread? For both head lice and body lice, transmission can occur during direct contact with an infested individual. Sharing of clothing and combs or brushes may also result in transmission of these insects. While other means are possible, crab lice are most often transmitted through sexual contact.
What is pediculosis?
Pediculosis is infestation with the human head-and-body louse, Pediculus humanus. There are two subspecies, the head louse ( P. h. capitis) and the body louse ( P. h. humanus ).
What are the symptoms of pediculosis capitis?
Pediculosis capitis may also be caused by indirect infestation through: The symptoms of lice infestation are not visible in the first two to six weeks, but some of the common signs and symptoms are: Continuous itching in the scalp, neck and ears. Visibility of lice on the scalp. Lice eggs on hair shafts.
How is pediculosis diagnosed?
The diagnosis of pediculosis is best made by finding a live nymph or adult louse on the scalp or in the hair of a person. Finding numerous nits within 6 mm of the scalp is highly suggestive of active infestation.
What is pediculosis capitis (lice)?
Definition of Pediculosis Capitis. Pediculosis capitis, also known as head lice, are tiny insects that are found on the human scalp. This problem mainly affects children.