Head Lice Research Articles

Knowledge and Practice of Personal Hygiene Among the High School Students in A Rural Area of Mymensingh, Bangladesh

This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted during November 2019 to assess knowledge and practice of personal hygiene among the high school students in a rural area of Mymensingh. Proper knowledge and practice of personal hygiene plays critical role in avoiding communicable diseases and benefit the high school students to enjoy healthy life with excellent academic career. Respondents were 244 high school students of different schools in Churkhai, Bhavokhali, Mymensingh who were selected purposively. Age ranged from 10 years to 17 years, mean age 13.32 years with SD ± 1.505 years; boys predominant (boy: girl ratio 146.5: 100). Data were collected on a predesigned questionnaire by direct interviewing the students. Knowledge and practice of personal hygiene were measured using scoring based on correct answers. Data analysis was done by SPSS version 20.0. Most of them (217) 88.93% were apparently healthy. Based on presenting symptoms and signs the diagnosed illnesses were ARI (7) 2.87%, diarrhea (5) 2.05%, head lice (5) 2.05%, scabies (4) 1.64%, injury (3) 1.23%, dental caries (2) 0.82% and peptic ulcer disease (1) 0.41%. Important personal hygiene practices inquired were frequency of regular bathing with use of soap or shampoo, combing hair, brushing teeth, hand washing, trimming nails, wearing shoes, clean clothes, avoidance of smoking and appropriate allocation of time for study, outdoor, indoor activities, rest and sleep. Based on aggregate items 80.74% had excellent knowledge and practice on personal hygiene and 19.26% had good knowledge and practice. Knowledge and practice were concordant in all elements inquired except smoking. Knowledge about harm of smoking was 100.00% though avoidance of smoking was 97.95%. Knowledge and practice scores were influenced by educational grade (class VIII at peak), literate parents, better socioeconomic condition and absence of illness. The results are better than the findings of studies conducted in our country and neighboring countries.
 CBMJ 2022 July: vol. 11 no. 02 P: 136-143

Head lice among governmental primary and middle school students in Garmsar, Semnan Province

The prevalence of head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) is one of the most common infections at all ages, especially among students, and is widespread worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of head lice infection and external factors affecting the distribution of P.capitis in girls' schools in Garmsar city and east of Semnan province (Iran) from October 2017 to April 2018. This study was descriptive and analytical. A total of 850 students aged 7 to 16 from 14 selected girls' schools were screened for head lice. Data collection was performed using a standard questionnaire and physical examination of hair. A questionnaire was completed about the personal health practices and socio-demographic characteristics of students. Analysis was performed using the chi-square test and SPSS software version 18. The overall prevalence of head lice infection in Garmsar city was approximately 33.17%. This prevalence in elementary and middle school students was 41.66% and 12.8%, respectively. There was a statistically significant relationship between pediculosis capitis and the occupation of mothers with the level of education, father's occupation, and the presence of health teachers in schools, bathing intervals, combing intervals, access to health services, and school score.

Impact of a health educational interventional program on reducing the head lice infestation among pupils in an elementary school of a sub-tropical region: a quasi-experimental study

BackgroundPediculosis is an important social challenge that can be caused by human head louse, Pediculus humanus capitis. This infestation is cosmopolitan, especially in countries with low hygiene and sanitation. Regular health education classes for students and their parents are required to reduce this infestation in schools and families. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a health education intervention program on reducing head lice among pupils of an elementary school.MethodsIn a quasi-experimental study, a total of 880 elementary school girls were screened for pediculosis in (2017–2018). The prevalence of pediculosis follow-up continued monthly until the end of the school year after a two months educational intervention course. Visual inspection was applied for initial diagnosis of infection. The suspected cases were confirmed by wood lamp and potassium hydroxide (KOH) microscopic examination. Also eight questions about diagnostic, epidemiology, treatment and prevention were answered in a questionnaire by 50 volunteer parents before and after the training intervention course, to evaluate their general knowledge and measure the effectiveness of learning. All data were statistically analyzed using SPSS software (version 20.0, SPSS, Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). McNemar’s test was also applied to investigate the prevalence rate before and after the intervention. A p -value of less than 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.ResultsAt the beginning of study, pre-intervention prevalence of pediculosis among pupils was 8.4% (49/594). The mean age in all pupils was 9.86 ± 1.83 years old and the most infestation was shown in fourth-grade students with 10 years old. Analysis of statistics demonstrated a significant difference between having infestation and the number of members in the families. Post-intervention phase led to a decreased prevalence of pediculosis in pupils to 3% (8/594) (p-value < 0.05). Based on statistical analysis of questions before and after the training in the questionnaire, a significant increase of parental knowledge was observed on the prevention program of pediculosis (p-value < 0.001).ConclusionThe prevalence of pediculosis was significantly reduced following the educational interventions in the school. The applied interventions may be implemented in other residual centers to get rid of this important infestation.

First report of classical knockdown resistance (kdr) mutation, L1014F, in human head louse Pediculus humanus capitis (Phthiraptera: Anoplura).

There are at least three known knockdown resistance (kdr) mutations reported globally in the human head louse Pediculus humanus capitis De Geer (Phthiraptera: Anoplura) that are associated with reduced sensitivity to pyrethroids. However, the prevalence of kdr mutation in head lice is not known in the Indian subcontinent. To identify kdr mutations in the Indian head lice population, the genomic region of the voltage-gated sodium channel gene encompassing IIS1-2 linker to IIS6 segments was PCR-amplified and sequenced from P. humanus capitis samples collected from different geographic localities of India. DNA sequencing revealed the presence of four kdr mutations: M827I, T929I, L932F and L1014F. The presence of a classical kdr mutation L1014F, the most widely reported mutation across insect-taxa associated with the kdr-trait, is being reported for the first time in P. humanus capitis.

Papules, pustules, and rhinoconjunctivitis in a 4-year-old

Papules, pustules, and rhinoconjunctivitis in a 4-year-old

Don't Be a Nit Wit; Know Your Lousy Companions!

Lice have been a burden on humans since antiquity. The species implicated in human infestations, the head louse (Pediculus humanus capitis), body louse (Pediculus humanus humanus), and pubic louse (Pthirus pubis), are very well adapted to the human host and are readily transmissible between and among individuals. In addition to dermal reactions and social stigmas associated with louse infestations, the body lice are of additional medical and public health concern in the spreading of bacterial agents associated with louse-borne relapsing fever, epidemic typhus, and trench fever. In the United States, pthiriasis, caused by P. pubis, is classified as a sexually transmitted infection. In this review, we provide an update on the taxonomy, epidemiology, biology, evolution, clinical importance, treatment and control, diagnosis, and reporting of parasitic human lice.

Evaluation of Efficiency of Ivermectin Lotion in Comparison with Permethrin Shampoo and Dimethicone Lotion for Treatment of Head Lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) in Areas Covered by Health Centers of Islamshahr City, Tehran, Iran in 2019.

Head lice infestation is known as a serious health problem in developing and developed countries. The prevalence of pediculosis in children and females is higher than others. The infestation may cause the absence of student from school and make their parents upset. The aim of current study was to evaluate the WHO recommended insecticides for control of head lice in Islamshahr health center. In the current study infested individuals were older than 6 years old and have been diagnosed with at least 3 head lice adult and 10 live nits from less than 0.7 cm scalp. The pediculicides was applied randomly among groups. Permethrin shampoo as a golden standard was used. Dimethicone lotion 4% and Ivermectin lotion was compared with it. This study was conducted on 179 infested people. Results of infestation were evaluated after one month of intervention. Different indicators such as: present of head lice adult or live nit, redness and irritation in head skin were invested. All the participants were female and 72.6% of them were in the age group of 6-11. The result revealed that aging not only decreases the infection rate but also raised the recovery percentage. The results showed that 79.5% permethrin receiver, 83% of people who treated with Dimethicone lotion and 90.6% of Ivermectin receiver had no head lice. There was no significant difference among these three pediculicides. There was no significant difference among tested pediculicides. An appropriate pediculicide can be selected by training people.

First exploratory study of bacterial pathogens and endosymbionts in head lice from a Mayan community in southern Mexico

Lice represent one of the most neglected group of vectors worldwide, particularly in Latin America. Records of bacterial agents related to head lice are non-existent in this region of the continent. Many of these communities often do not have adequate access to public services and/or health protection. The normalization of this condition prevents them from manifesting discomfort, such as bites and itching, which further aggravates the situation, as they can be vectors of important diseases. For this reason, the aim of this work was to identify the richness of bacterial pathogens (Acinetobacter, Bartonella, and Rickettsia) and endosymbionts (Wolbachia) in head lice of paediatric patients from the indigenous municipality of Hoctun, Yucatan, Mexico. DNA extraction was performed using the QIAamp DNA Mini Kit. For the detection of bacterial pathogens, fragments of the gltA, rpoB, and 16S rDNA genes were amplified. For the detection of Wolbachia, the wsp gene was amplified. Of the 28 lice analysed, the presence of two genera of bacterial pathogens was detected Acinetobacter (42.9%=12/28) and Bartonella (7.14%=2/28). We also detected the endosymbiont Wolbachia (71.42%=20/28). Our results showed that DNA from three bacteria species (Acinetobacter baumannii, Bartonella quintana, and Wolbachia pipientis) was present with frequencies ranging from 3.57% to 71.42%. This work represents the first exploratory study of the diversity of agents associated with head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) in Mexico and Latin America. Due to the findings generated in the present study, it is important to perform surveillance of head lice populations to identify the degree of spread of these pathogens and their impact on populations in the region.

The Potential of Natural Ingredients as Anti Pediculosis capitis: A Narrative Review

Head louse (Pediculus humanus capitis) is a small parasite that feeds itself by sucking human blood, which causes infection of the scalp so that it becomes inflamed. The most common way to kill fleas is through the use of pharmaceutical insecticides. Some insecticide products contain permethrin, lindane, and DDT which are toxic to the body and are not easily biodegradable in the environment. Uncontrolled use of insecticides can make ticks resistant to these insecticides. Lemon, kirinyuh leaves, pandan wangi, Srikaya leaves, garlic, jarak pagar, citronella leaves, papaya, and lime have potential as anti-parasitic head lice.

Okul Temelli Ergen Sağlığı Tarama Programı Sonuçları

Amaç: Bu çalışmada, halk sağlığı hemşireliği uygulamaları kapsamında yürütülen okul temelli ergen sağlığı tarama programı sonuçlarının paylaşılması amaçlanmıştır. Yöntem: Kesitsel tipteki araştırma, 2019-20 eğitim-öğretim yılında Tekirdağ İl Milli Eğitim Müdürlüğü’ne bağlı üç ayrı okulda yürütülmüştür. Araştırma verileri 1913 öğrenciden toplanmıştır. Okullarda hipertansiyon, boy, kilo, görme keskinliği, işitme, diş çürüğü, skolyoz, baş biti ve dijital oyun bağımlılığı taraması yapılmıştır. Veriler SPSS 21 paket programı kullanılarak sayı, yüzde, ortalama ve standart sapma kullanılarak analiz edilmiştir. Bulgular: Öğrencilerin yaş ortalaması 14,60±2,21’dir, %52,7’si erkektir. Tarama sonucunda sırasıyla öğrencilerin %51,75’inde diş çürüğü, %23,9’nda fazla kilo/obezite, %20,49’de dijital oyun bağımlılığı, %18,98’de skolyoz, %14,85’inde sağ göz, %13,23’inde sol göz, %7,42’inde her iki göz görme keskinliğinde azalma, %10,82’de hipertansiyon, % 9,5’de düşük kilolu olma riski tespit edilmiştir. Sonuç: Okul sağlığı hizmetleri kapsamında çocukların sağlık risklerini belirlemek, bu riskleri önlemeye çabalamak ya da erken dönemde tanı ve tedavisi için yönlendirme yapmak aşamalarında, okul sağlığı hemşirelerinin önemli sorumluluklar ve roller üstlenebileceği gösterilmiştir. Okul sağlığı hemşireliği uygulamalarının yaygınlık kazanması çocuk sağlığının geliştirilmesi, sağlık hizmetlerinin yükünün azaltılması, sağlıklı ve üretken nüfusun artması ve ülke ekonomisinin gelişmesine fayda sağlayacaktır.

Determination of Knockdown Resistance (kdr) Allele Frequencies (T929I mutation) in Head Louse Populations from Mexico, Canada, and Peru.

The head louse Pediculus humanus capitis (De Geer) is a hematophagous ectoparasite that inhabits the human scalp. The infestations are asymptomatic; however, skin irritation from scratching occasionally may cause secondary bacterial infections. The present study determined the presence and frequency of the knockdown resistance (kdr) mutation T929I in 245 head lice collected from Mexico, Peru, and Canada. Head lice were collected manually using a comb in the private head lice control clinic. Allele mutation at T9291 was present in 100% of the total sampled populations (245 lice) examined. In addition, 4.89% of the lice were homozygous susceptible, whereas 6.93% heterozygous and 88.16% homozygous were resistant, respectively. This represents the second report in Mexico and Quebec and fist in Lima.

Treatment and Education on Prevention of Capitis Pediculosis in Female student Pesantren Al-Muslimun at Village Muda Setia, Bandar Seikijang, Pelalawan Regency, Riau

Pediculosis capitis is a disease caused by head lice infestation (Pediculus humanus capitis). This disease is often overlooked because it does not cause fatal symptoms but can interfere concentration and activities of the affected individual. Infestation of parasite often affects a group of children in an orphanage, dormitory or boarding school. The purpose of this activity is to carried out at the Al-Muslimun Islamic Boarding School in Muda Setia Village, Bandar Seikijang District, Pelalawan, Riau Province. The target audience is students of tsanawiyah totaling 178 students. On examination, 93% were positive for pediculosis capitis. The students were given treatment of permethrin 1% and counseling in the form education on how to prevent and eradicate the disease. In addition to students, education is also given to musyrifah. It is hoped that students who have received treatment and education can receive and apply the knowledge gained so that can eradicate the disease.

Head louse infestations before and during the COVID-19 epidemic in Israel

Head louse infestations caused by Pediculus humanus capitis (Phthiraptera: Pediculidae) are a public health problem in developing and developed countries worldwide. Head to head contact is by far the most common mode of lice transmission. In March 2020, WHO declared the COVID-19 outbreak as a pandemic. Starting from March 2020, the Israeli government established mandatory isolation for extensive periods including closure of school systems for very long time. The aim of the project was to compare the pediculicide sale numbers before the COVID-19 epidemic with those starting of the epidemic in 2020, as a possible marker for changing epidemiology of head lice during the COVID pandemic. Data were collected from a large pharmacy chain in Israel, which provided the actual sales of pediculicides during the years 2010–2020. During the period 2010–2019 a significant increase of pediculicide sales from 281,986 – 498,107 was observed, the highest number being from 2019. In 2020, this number dropped to 294,477, a significant drop compared to previous years and to 2019. The results of this study suggest that head louse infestations are increasing in the last years, while the extended isolation of children due to COVID-19 influenced significantly the infestation rate of children with head lice.

Pyrethroid-linked resistance allelic mutations by molecular analysis in wild human head louse (Phthiraptera: Pediculidae) populations from schoolgirls of South Iran

BackgroundHuman head louse, Pediculus humanus capitis De Geer, 1767 (Anoplura: Pediculidae), is one of the most frequent ectoparasites infesting Homo sapiens worldwide. Reduced sensitivity to treatment due to genetic mutations, in particular knockdown resistance (kdr) (or target site insensitivity) allele, has led to this infestation prevalence. Molecular characterization of this resistance has a crucial impact on selecting appropriate treatment protocol. The aim of this study was to investigate kdr gene mutations on voltage-sensitive sodium channel (VSSC) among wild head lice samples from Fars province, southern Iran. MethodsHead lice were collected using plastic detection combs on girls enrolled in public schools from 10 counties in Fars province. The specimens were screened in 10 pools (each pool per county containing 35 specimens), with three pools (30%) being positive. Following species identification with valid entomological keys, 350 (68%) out of 514 randomly collected adult head lice were analyzed after their somatic genomic DNA extraction using Sinaclon kit. Samples were investigated by polymerase chain reactions (PCR), and the amplicon was subsequently sequenced. ResultsSequence analysis showed that the sodium channel genes in the pooled ectoparasites had two intron and three exon regions. Single (L840F), double (I836L, E837K), and triple novel point mutations (V875L, Q876P, S879V); the last involving two concomitant allelic substitutions; were discovered in the second and third exon regions of head louse DNA on chromosome II from three (30%) counties. Other exon or intron regions remained non-mutated from the remaining seven counties. ConclusionsThe detection of six amino acid substitutions from 30% of examined head lice among infested schoolgirls reveal that mutants are minutely developing. These findings provide further incentive to recapitulate the legitimacy of current control measures and resolve dynamics of resistance in human head louse populations.

A SCHOOL NURSING HEALTH SCREENING PROGRAM IN TURKEY: A PILOT STUDY

Aim: With the school health nursing screening program, which was carried out as a pilot study, it was aimed to examine the health status of school children and the affecting factors.&#x0D; Method: This study was conducted with 115 third- and fourth-grade students in a state primary school in Istanbul. Within the scope of the health screening program, the students underwent a three-stage evaluation including growth assessment, blood pressure measurement, and physical examination. Examination findings were recorded in a standard form and analyzed using chi-square test and logistic regression analysis. &#x0D; Results: It was determined that 18.3% of the students in the study were overweight and 17.3% were obese. Evaluation revealed dental caries in 53.9% of the students, vision problems in 35.7%, dirt in the outer ear/ear canal in 33.3%, runny nose in 27%, swollen lymph nodes in 14.8%, cough in 13%, nail biting in 11.3%, itchy skin in 9.6%, poor posture in 7%, and head lice or nits in 6.1%. Student age was associated with the prevalence of dental caries, nasal discharge, and dirt in the outer ear/ear canal (p ≤ 0.05). &#x0D; Conclusion and Suggestions: The study results indicate that regular health screening is important in identifying student health problems, with dental caries, runny nose, and dirt in the outer ear/ear canal being the most important health problems detected during screening. In addition, it is noteworthy that the rates of overweight and obesity are high in children.

The Attractivity of the Head Louse, Pediculus humanus capitis (Pediculidae: Anoplura) to Isolated Compounds and Blends of Human Skin.

Human head lice Pediculus humanus capitis De Geer (Phthiraptera: Pediculidae) are ectoparasites that cause pediculosis, a global scale disease mainly found in school-age children. Previous works from our laboratory found nonanal, sulcatone, and geranylacetone as the main human scalp volatile components, and individually evaluated their attraction to head lice using an olfactometer. In this work, we compared how their blends at different concentrations attract head lice, and how their blended effect compares to the effect of isolated compounds. At the concentrations evaluated, individual components did not show attraction towards head lice, but a ternary mixture of them was attractive. Moreover, a solvent extract from the human head scalp was analyzed by GC-MS, finding that tetradecanoic acid, palmitic acid, oleic acid, palmitoleic acid, and squalene are the most abundant components. Attraction to these individual compounds at natural concentrations was tested by bioassays in a circular experimental arena. No attraction was observed when the components were tested individually, but when they were evaluated as a blend they attracted head lice. This work presents new information about how chemical signals are attractive at certain concentrations and proportions. This information could be used to better understand communication mechanisms in head lice and for the development of louse repellents.

Epidemiology Study of the Head Lice Pediculus humanus capitis Isolated among Primary School Students in Erbil city, Kurdistan Region, Iraq

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

A review of indigenous therapies for hair and scalp disorders in Nigeria.

Hair and scalp disorders are common among individuals of African descent and constitute a significant proportion of dermatological conditions in them. Recently, there has been an increasing demand for natural products globally, especially for hair grooming and treatment of hair disorders. These naturally occurring products are accessible and affordable, perceived to be less toxic and contribute to wellness in an individual. Reports of possible complications from commercial hair products have also led to an increase in the demand for natural products in Nigeria. Indigenous therapies for hair and scalp disorders in Nigeria include physical modalities, natural products and chemicals. These therapies include the use of herbs, bark of trees, fruits, and oils which can be administered orally, topically or deposited intralesionally either through incisions, scarification marks, or demabrasion. There are currently very few studies supporting their efficacy and safety, hence, the rationale for their use is mostly anecdotal and their mode of administration unregulated. Some of the topical products in use are clearly harmful such as engine oil and kerosene used for the treatment of folliculitis keloidalis nuchae and head lice, respectively, and should be discouraged as they are caustic, inflammable and systemic absorption could occur leading to complications. Randomized controlled trials are needed to verify the claims from use of these natural products and determine the appropriate dosage for use. This review discusses the various medicinal plants, chemical agents and physical modalities used for different hair and scalp disorders in Nigeria.

Sucking lice and spiracular transpiration: turning a liability into a benefit and a necessity.

Sucking lice feed on blood and therefore ingest more water than they require for maintaining hydration. This water must be excreted; however, unlike other blood-feeding insects, they do not produce urine but do become dehydrated within hours if unable to feed. Using human clothing lice and head lice, Pediculus humanus ssp., and high sensitivity balances, it was shown that recently fed lice lost mass consistently as water ingested with the blood meal was excreted via the respiratory system. If all spiracles were occluded using petroleum jelly, mass/water loss was inhibited. Blocking thoracic spiracles resulted in a slight reduction in the rate of mass loss compared with untreated lice, but blocking the abdominal spiracles resulted in an enhanced rate of mass loss. Lice immersed in water did not lose mass but maintained the same mass for several hours, after which they increased in mass as the tissues became turgid, indicating that the insects were able to block water ingress during the period of stability, but that after some time the mechanism failed allowing water to enter the lice by osmosis.

Inappropriate use of ivermectin during the COVID-19 pandemic: primum non nocere!

Inappropriate use of ivermectin during the COVID-19 pandemic: primum non nocere!