Prevalence and Risk Factors of Pediculosis in Different Primary School in Zakho City, Iraq

Background: The head louse (Pediculus humanus capitis), is an obligate ectoparasite that is found on the hair and scalp and transmitted mainly through physical contact. In the most part of the world, pediculosis is a major public health concern, where head lice infestation is a common problem in school-age children. Objectives: Present study is the first study about head lice infestation in the rural areas of Sirjan County in Iran. Considering the fact that primary school studenta are more prone to head lice infestation, this study was conducted in the all primary schools of the rural areas of Sirjan. This study was conducted to determine the head lice infestation rate and some risk factors in primary school students. Materials and Methods: The data from Iran's National Census was used for sampling. All primary school students Between 2009 to 2010 from rural areas of the Sirjan County were selected and asked about the presence of lice (in any form). For the data analysis, chi-square test (SPSS software, version 11.5) was used and P value less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results: A total number of 20 out of 1772 (1.12%) examined students were found to be infested by lice. Although the infestation rate was higher in girls, the difference of infestation rate between genders was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). The rate of head lice infestation was siginificantly (P < 0.05) correlated to their hair-washing behavior. Parents' literacy level also was siginificantly related to the head lice infestation rate (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Pediculosis is a major health problem in many parts of the world including both developed and under-developed countries. According to our findings, it seems that in populated families in which parents have lower literacy level, in families without a bathroom at home, the infestation rate was higher. Therefore, employing health workers to educate such families as well as teachers is a good method to prevent pediculosis.

Background:The head louse infestation is a public health issue in the world especially, affecting most people who live in camps, school-aged children and their families. Head lice treatment has economic ramifications that often under calculated. The aim of this study was evaluation of economic burden associated with head louse infestation in Iran.Methods:In a cross-sectional study, 500,002 infestations were diagnosed among suspected head lice infested people who referred to health care system in all provinces of Iran during 2017. Direct and indirect costs related to paid by patients and government systems were extracted by referring to accounting documents and interviews with patients and experts and were recorded in researcher-made forms. Microsoft Excel 2010 software was used for economic burden calculation.Results:The incidence rate of head lice infestation in Iran was 500,002/79,926,270 (625.5 per 100,000 populations). Economic burden of head lice in the country was calculated at 5,790,143$. Direct and indirect costs, governmental cost, out of pocket and total costs of head lice were included 3.14$, 2.84$, 5.98$, 5.60$ and 11.58$ per case respectively.Conclusion:The direct and indirect costs associated with treatment of infestations were relatively high. Therefore, the creation of medical facilities such as availability of diagnostic and treatment strategies can be effective in the control of infestation. The adoption of infestation prevention methods, such as health education to people at risk of infestation, reduces the incidence of head lice and imposition of related treatment costs on governmental health care system and head lice cases.

Background: The association between man and the head lice is one of the oldest relationship and its history return to 10000 years ago. Blood sucking head lice belong to Kingdom Animalia, Class: Insecta, Order: Phiroptera, Family: Pediculidae, Genus: Pediculus, Species: humanus and Subspecies: capitis that’s obligate parasite on human this highly specialized to suck blood and close association with their host where completed its entire life cycle. Objective: To determine the rate of infestation by the head lice, Pediculus humanus capitis and its associated factors among primary school children in Erbil City. Patients and Methods: A case control study was conducted on the twenty two (22) randomly selected primary school in the center of Erbil city. For this purpose, a total of 1082 students (430 boys and 652 girls) were examined from first to sixth stage (age ≥6 years old) during 1st October 2020 to 31th May 2021. Personal requested information was recorded by student parents in a questionnaire form. Results: An overall prevalence of infestation of 25.5% (276/1082) was recorded in the present study. Study reveals the existence of a significant relationship age [6 and &lt; 9 years old , 178/759 (23.5%), and ≥ 9 years old, 98/323 (30.3%), P = 0.0174], gender [girls, 215/652 (33%) and boys, 61/430 (14.2%), P &lt; 0.001], education level of parent (educated family, 146/694 (21%) and none educated family, 130/388 (33.5%), P &lt; 0.001], longevity of hair [ long hair, 157/473 (33.2%) and short hair 119/609 (19.5%), P &lt; 0.001] hair washing frequency [daily washing, 243/587 (41.4%), and weekly washing 33/495 (6.7%), P &lt; 0.001], hair combing condition [common comb user,165/499 (33%) and special comb user, 111/583 (19%), P &lt; 0.001] and sleeping habitat [ sleeping together 222/693 (32%) and sleeping habitat alone, 54/389 (13.9%), P &lt; 0.001]. There’s no significant existence related to density of students in classroom [ one student per table, 114/486 (23.5%) and sitting in pair, 162/596 (27.2%), P = 0.1621], hair type, smooth and wrinkle [smooth hair, 183/741 (24.7%), 93/341 (27.3), P = 0.366] and head lice infestation. Conclusion: We concluded that head lice infestation rate was varied depending on the several physio and socioeconomic factors including, age, gender, type of hair, education level of parents, frequency of hair washing, sleeping habitat and condition of hair combing. Among variables, only density of pupils in classroom, smooth and wrinkled hair show no any significant relationship with pediculosis capitis (P- value = 0.1621 and P –value = 0.366 respectively). Keywords:Pediculus humanus capitis; Pediculosis; Head lice; Epidemiology; Erbil

Present status of head louse (Pediculus capitis) infestation among school children in Yunlin County, Taiwan.

Evaluation of efficacy of four pediculicides against head louse (Pediculus capitis) infestation.

Lice are assuming an increasing importance in forensic investigations, given their capacity to provide information about an individual's care. Head louse pediculosis is a frequent condition in school-age children and can be properly controlled using topical treatments combined with good personal hygiene. Prolonged and chronic infestations may result in more serious outcomes including severe iron deficiency anaemia. We conducted entomological and laboratory investigations of a head louse infestation in a 12-year-old girl who experienced severe anaemia and subsequent death. Numerous lice were found postmortem on the head, face and neck of the patient, as well as on bedding and clothing. Analysis of nits on individual hairs determined that the louse infestation had been present for at least 166 days. The lice had some morphological traits characteristic of body lice: the third antennal segment in some specimens was distinctly longer than wide, and the apices of some paratergal plates did not extend into intersegmental membranes, while other morphological features were characteristic of head or body lice. All lice were heterozygous for the T917I kdr genotype, a marker of permethrin resistance. Nineteen (79.2%, 95%CI 59.5%-90.8%) louse DNA samples tested TaqMan positive for Acinetobacter (Moraxellales; Moraxellaceae) sp. Available information and laboratory findings are further discussed regarding their possible contribution to the negative outcome of this case. We stress the impact head louse pediculosis can have on children with limited parental attention, and how severe head louse infestation may serve as warning sign of neglect, and other high-risk situations.

The prevalence of head lice ( Pediculus humanus capitis ) among 1,060 pupils of two primary schools in Bokkos, Plateau State, Nigeria, was 50.75% . Except for the age, and frequency of baths per week by the pupils, significant differences were indicated for the nature of hair, hair length, water shortage and sharing of combs. The study, further revealed that pupils with long natural hair had higher percentage infestation rate in both schools, Pilot Central School, Bokkos (78.85%) and in Central Primary School, Maikatako (69.57%). It was observed that pupils with inadequate water supplies showed high infestation rate with headlice. Keywords : Infestation, school lice, Pediculus humanus . Nigerian Journal of Parasitology Vol. 29 (1) 2008 pp. 1-4

The head louse (Pediculus humanus capitis) is a worldwide scourge and children are more susceptible to infection than adults. Hence, the application of health awareness programmes and the promotion of preventive practices to control the prevalence of Pediculus humanus capitis requires a considerable effort by both teachers and parents. This study was conducted from November 2019 to February 2020 at some primary schools in Misrata city. The study community included 825 (male&amp; female) students between the ages of 7and 12. A first test was conducted to detect the prevalence of the infection with Pediculus humanus capitis among students and the main influencing risk factors .Another test was conducted following the identification of the prevalence in order to investigate the effectiveness of health education in reducing the infection. The results of this study revealed that the number of children with Pediculus humanus capitis was 197 i.e. (23.9%) out of the 825 examined students. This percentage has decreased to (11.5%) following the intervention of health education programs, with a statistical significance of(P&lt;0.05).The study showed two significant correlations. The first was between theinfection rate with Pediculus humanus capitis and the participants sexas the highest rate of infection was recorded among females at (31.1%). The other significant correlation was between the infection rate and the participant sage with the highest rate reaching (33.9%)among those aged 7. However, there was no apparent correlation between the infection with Pediculus humanus capitis and hygiene practices, classroom over crowdedness and the students’ residence. It is concluded that the infection with Pediculus humanus capitis has increased among primary-school students in Misrata when compared to other related studies. However, health awareness programmes at schools (such as organising workshops for teacher, disseminating posters and leaflets, and drawing activities) proved to have a beneficial effect in preventing and controlling the infection with Pediculus humanus capitis.

BackgroundHead louse infestation, which is caused by Pediculus humanus capitis, occurs throughout the world. With the advent of molecular techniques, head lice have been classified into three clades. Recent reports have demonstrated that pathogenic organisms could be found in head lice. Head lice and their pathogenic bacteria in Thailand have never been investigated. In this study, we determined the genetic diversity of head lice collected from various areas of Thailand and demonstrated the presence of Acinetobacter spp. in head lice.MethodsTotal DNA was extracted from 275 head louse samples that were collected from several geographic regions of Thailand. PCR was used to amplify the head louse COI gene and for detection of Bartonella spp. and Acinetobacter spp. The amplified PCR amplicons were cloned and sequenced. The DNA sequences were analyzed via the neighbor-joining method using Kimura’s 2-parameter model.ResultsThe phylogenetic tree based on the COI gene revealed that head lice in Thailand are clearly classified into two clades (A and C). Bartonella spp. was not detected in all the samples, whereas Acinetobacter spp. was detected in 10 samples (3.62%), which consisted of A. baumannii (1.45%), A. radioresistens (1.45%), and A. schindleri (0.72%). The relationship of Acinetobacter spp. and the head lice clades showed that Acinetobacter spp. was found in clade A and C.ConclusionsHead lice in Thailand are classified into clade A and B based on the COI gene sequences. Pathogenic Acinetobacter spp. was detected in both clades. The data obtained from the study might assist in the development of effective strategies for head lice control in the future. Detection of pathogenic bacteria in head lice could raise awareness of head lice as a source of nosocomial bacterial infections.

Aims: This study aimed to determine if there was an association between head lice infestation and anemia among female primary schools students.&#x0D; Study Design: Case-control study.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Holy Makkah, Saudi Arabia between August 2020 and November 2020.&#x0D; Methodology: We conducted a case-control study by comparing hemoglobin levels among study subjects with and without head lice infestation. Female students at 6 randomly selected primary schools were examined for the presence of head lice. Hemoglobin levels were obtained from each study subject; both those with and without head lice. Selected characteristics of study subjects were recorded and examined to determine associations between those factors and anemia.&#x0D; Results: A total of 82 subjects were included in the study; 44 subjects with head lice. The average (± standard deviation) age of subjects was 11 (± 2) (range: 6-11) years. We found a significant (p&lt;0.028) association between the presence of head lice and hemoglobin level, the OR= 2.036 at 95% confidence interval 0.23 to 18.009. The mean of hemoglobin in subjects with lice was 13(±2) while the level in subjects without lice was 14.8(±2). Other factors significantly associated with the level of hemoglobin were being aged 10-11 years (p&lt;0.05) and having a non-working mother (p&lt;0.05).&#x0D; Conclusion: In our study we found a significant association between head lice and level of hemoglobin among study subjects. Further studies are needed to determine the reason of this association in order to determine the appropriate management and prevention of this problem.

Pediculus humanus capitis (head lice) infestation is a global health concern, yet no study has examined its occurrence among primary school children in Tunisia. To assess the prevalence of Pediculus capitis and its epidemiological characteristics among primary school children living in rural and urban areas of Monastir, Tunisia. We used 2-step stratified cluster sampling to randomly select 2396 children from 14 primary schools in Monastir during the 2022/2023 academic year. Head lice infestation was assessed through visual inspection of the hair, and data on the socio-demographic characteristics, lifestyle and pediculosis history of the children were collected. We used SPSS version 20 to analyse the data and used descriptive statistics to rate the frequencies. Multivariate logistic regression was used to examine the association between pediculosis and the predictor variables. Overall infestation rate was 17.5% (95% CI 16.0-19.1%); infestation was 5 times higher among girls (29.1%) than boys (6.3%). Schoolchildren living in crowded family households, those in the third and fourth grades and whose parents had low education level were more exposed to infestation. Combing frequency, comb sharing and history of previous infestation had significant impact (P < 0.05) on the prevalence of pediculosis. Multivariate logistic regression showed gender and treatment outcome as the main potentiating factors. These findings highlight the need for pediculosis prevention and integrated health promotion programmes among primary school children and their parents, teachers and nurses in Monastir and other parts of Tunisia.

Head lice infestation (HLI), caused by Pediculus humanus capitis, is an important public health problem worldwide, especially in primary school children. The aim of this study is to investigate HLI level, related factors, and families' knowledge levels and attitudes about HLI in two primary schools in a relatively low socio-economic region in İstanbul. A questionnaire on HLI was developed initially and delivered to all children and parents in the school. A total of 340 primary school students, aged between 6-12, were enrolled in the study after the consent of their parents. Their hair were examined for HLI with special combs at their schools, and free anti-lice shampoos were given to parents of positive children. A total of 951 completed questionnaires were received and evaluated with chi-square test using the SPSS® 17.0 program, and the differences of p<0.05 were considered significant. Number of boys in the study was slightly higher than the girls (176 vs. 164). HLI was detected in 32 (9.4%) of 340 children; seven had live adult lice on their hair while 25 had only the nits. HLI was obviously more common in girls (16.4%), compared to boys (2.8%). Analysis of 951 questionnaires revealed a statistically significant difference between HLI and infrequent bathing (p<0.05). The differences between HLI and the education levels of parents, income, the number of siblings and in contact with animals were not found to be significant (p>0.05). HLI is still a common health problem, especially in girls in primary schools. Parents are aware of the relationship between the hygiene and prevention against HLI, but low socio-economic resources seem to be important determinants. Regular combing and training activities in primary schools, in coordination with the local authorities and parents are no doubt useful in reducing the incidence of HLI among the children.

BackgroundInfestation with the human head louse (Pediculus humanus capitis) occurs worldwide. Existing treatment options are limited, and reports of resistance to commonly used pediculicides have been increasing. In this trial we assessed the efficacy of a product containing a high (92%) concentration of the silicone oil dimeticone (identical in composition to NYDA®), as compared to a 1% permethrin lotion.MethodsRandomized, controlled, observer blinded clinical trial. Participants were recruited from a poor urban neighbourhood in Brazil where pediculosis capitis was highly prevalent. To minimize reinfestation during the trial, participants (145 children aged 5–15 years with head lice infestations) were transferred to a holiday resort outside the endemic area for a period of 9 days. Two applications of dimeticone or 1% permethrin were done, seven days apart. Outcome measures were defined as cure (absence of vital head lice) after first application and before and after second applications, degree of itching, cosmetic acceptability, and clinical pathology.ResultsOverall cure rates were: day 2 – dimeticone 94.5% (95% CI: 86.6% – 98.5%) and permethrin 66.7% (95% CI: 54.6% – 77.3%; p < 0.0001); day 7 – dimeticone 64.4% (95% CI: 53.3% – 75.3%) and permethrin 59.7% (95% CI: 47.5% – 71.1%; p = 0.5); day 9 – dimeticone 97.2% (95% CI: 90.3% – 99.7%) and permethrin 67.6% (95% CI: 55.4%-78.2%); p < 0.0001). Itching was reduced similarly in both groups. Cosmetic acceptability was significantly better in the dimeticone group as compared to the permethrin group (p = 0.01). Two mild product-related incidents occurred in the dimeticone group.ConclusionThe dimeticone product is a safe and highly efficacious pediculicide. Due to its physical mode of action (interruption of the lice's oxygen supply of the central nervous system), development of resistance is unlikely.Trial registrationCurrent Controlled Trials ISRCTN15117709.

Head louse infestation is a significant public health problem across the world, particularly among preschool and primary schoolchildren. This study investigated the trends of head louse infestation in the Republic of Korea over a 9-year period (2011-2019), targeting primary schoolchildren in 3 areas of Seoul, 4 other large cities, and 9 provinces. A survey was administered annually by the health staff of each regional office (n= 16) of the Korea Association of Health Promotion (KAHP). The branch offices of KAHP examined a total of 51,508 primary schoolchildren, comprising 26,532 boys and 24,976 girls. Over the 9-year survey, a total of 1,107 (2.1%) schoolchildren tested positive for adults and/or nits of Pediculus humanus capitis. The prevalence was 2.8% (133/4,727) in 2011-2012 and gradually decreased to 0.8% (49/6,461) in 2019 (P< 0.05). Head lice were found more frequently in girls (3.0%; 746/24,976) than in boys (1.4%; 361/26,532) (P< 0.05). In terms of geographic localities, the highest infestation rate, 4.7% (average prevalence over 9 years), was observed in southern Seoul (Gangnam branch of KAHP), whereas the lowest infestation rate, 0.7%, was seen in Gyeongsang (north and south provinces) and western Seoul. Although the prevalence decreased significantly during the 9-year period, head louse infestation remains a health and hygiene issue among primary schoolchildren in the Republic of Korea. Regular surveys along with health education are needed to further improve children's hair hygiene.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of intestinal parasites and head lice in primary school-aged children and to determine a possible relationship between the co-occurrence of ecto-endoparasites. The study were conducted in three schools in the center of Sivas: Sivas Karşıyaka Primary School, Kılavuz İMKB Primary School, and Karşıyaka 27 June Middle School. The presence of head lice and intestinal parasites was investigated in a total of 563 children aged 6 to 17, with 294 girls and 269 boys. Classroom teachers and students were provided with information about intestinal parasites, head lice, and methods of transmission and prevention, and a questionnaire was administered. During the head lice examination, students were inspected with a comb, and samples with nits were examined under a microscope in the laboratory. Cellophane tape and stool samples obtained from the participants were examined on the same day using the native-lugol, flotation, and trichrome staining methods under a light microscope (x10, x40, x100). Five hundred sixty-three children were evaluated for head lice and 15 (2.6%) were found to be positive. During the examination, only nits were found in 11 students (1.9%), and both adult lice and nymphs were seen in 4 students (0.7%). Head lice were found positive in 2 out of 269 boys (0.7%), while 13 out of 294 girls (4.2%) positive (p<0.05). As a result of stool examination in children, Entamoeba coli was found in 11 (1.95%), Giardia intestinalis in 4 (0.71%), Blastocystis sp. in 14 (2.48%), Enterobius vermicularis in 8 (1.42%) and Taenia spp. in 2 (0.35%). Head lice infestation and Taenia spp. were found to coexist in 2 (0.35%) children. In conclusion, although there has been a noticeable decrease in head lice and intestinal parasites among primary school-aged children in Sivas province, these conditions are still present, as evidenced by previous studies conducted in our region.