An automated feeding apparatus was developed to maintain the human head louse (Pediculus capitis DeGeer) in vitro. With the use of valves and timers, banked human blood and saline from refrigerated reservoirs were pumped into and flushed out of the system every 7 d. During this rotational interval, bloodmeals were provided to head lice continuously and ad libitum through a stretched Nescofilm-s...

The human head louse, Pediculus humanus capitis, is subdivided into several significantly divergent mitochondrial haplogroups, each with particular geographical distributions. Historically, they are among the oldest human parasites, representing an excellent marker for tracking older events in human evolutionary history. In this study, ancient DNA analysis using real-time polymerase chain react...

Archaic mummies from northern Chile were examined for the presence of Pediculus humanus capitis. The excellent preservation of mummies and louse nits/eggs permitted a study of the degree of head lice infestation. We studied 63 Chinchorro mummies (ca. 5000-3000 years B.P.) from the Arica-Camarones coast. An area of 2cm×2cm on each mummy's head was systematically inspected for louse nits/eggs. Ha...

BACKGROUND Head-lice infestation is prevalent worldwide, especially in children 3 to 11 years old. Topical insecticides (i.e., pyrethroids and malathion) used as a lotion, applied twice at an interval of 7 to 11 days, are typically used for treatment. Resistance of lice to insecticides, particularly pyrethroids, results in treatment failure. The efficacy of alternative agents is controversial. ...

background: head lice infestation is one of the most common parasitic infections with a long history in the world . the purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of head lice infestation among 3-6 years old children going to nursery schools in kashan, iran in 2009.   materials and methods: this cross-sectional study was performed on 1200 children having the age range of 3-6 years ol...

In this paper we use detailed data about the biology of the head louse (pediculus humanus capitis) to build a model of the evolution of head lice colonies. Using theory and computer simulations, we show that the model can be used to assess the impact of the various strategies usually applied to eradicate head lice, both conscious (treatments) and unconscious (grooming). In the case of treatment...

Scabies and head lice infestation are two common parasitic infestations seen in children. Scabies in children can present with diffuse skin lesions and characteristic intraepidermal tunnels known as burrows. The causative mites of scabies live and move inside these tunnels. Intense pruritus is common with scabies. Head louse infestation presents with scalp pruritus, the presence of live lice, a...

Scabies and head lice infestation are two common parasitic infestations seen in children. Scabies in children can present with diffuse skin lesions and characteristic intraepidermal tunnels known as burrows. The causative mites of scabies live and move inside these tunnels. Intense pruritus is common with scabies. Head louse infestation presents with scalp pruritus, the presence of live lice, a...