Head Lice Research Articles

A clinical review and history of pubic lice.

The ectoparasite Pthirus pubis (PtP), commonly known as the crab or pubic louse, has plagued primates from prehistoric apes to Homo sapiens. We combed the literature from antiquity to the present day, reviewing the pubic louse's origins, its evolution with mankind, and its presentation and management. MEDLINE and EMBASE provided the greatest yield of literature compared with other databases. Estimates for PtP incidence range from 0.3% to 4.6% and for prevalence around 2% in adults. War, disasters and overcrowding support lice transmission, but modern pubic hair grooming has reduced the incidence of PtP in recent years. PtP, is usually found on pubic hair, but may infest scalp and body hair, eyebrows and eyelashes. Reports suggest the possibility of PtP as a vector for Bartonella spp. and Acinetobacter spp., which require further study. Transmission of PtP is via close contact, so sexual abuse and concomitant sexually transmitted infections should be considered. Symptoms and signs of infestation include pruritus, red papules and rust/brown deposits from feeding or faecal matter. Visualization of live lice confirms the diagnosis. Traditional treatments include hand-picking and combing, but in modern times pediculicidal products may generate faster resolution. Permethrin or pyrethrins are the first-line recommendations. Resistance to pediculicides is common with head lice and is presumed likely with PtP, although data are lacking. Pseudoresistance occurs as a result of poor compliance, incorrect or ineffective dosing, and reinfestation. In true resistance, a different pediculicide class should be used, e.g. second-line agents such as phenothrin, malathion or ivermectin. Lice have existed long before humans and given their adaptability, despite habitat challenges from fashion trends in body hair removal, are likely to continue to survive.

Molecular analysis of mitochrondrial cytb of Pediculus humanus capitis in Thailand revealed potential historical connection with South Asia.

BackgroundPediculus humanus capitis or head louse is an obligate ectoparasite and its infestation remains a major public health issue worldwide. Molecular analysis divides head lice into six clades and intra-clade genetic differences have been identified. Several hypotheses have been formulated to elucidate the discrepancies of the variety of head lice among different regions of the world. It is currently concluded that head lice distribution might be associated with human migration history. This study aims to investigate genetic data of human head lice in Thailand. We believe that the analysis could help establish the correlation between local and global head lice populations.MethodWe investigated mitochondrial cytochrome b (cytb) gene of the collected 214 head lice to evaluate genetic diversity from 15 provinces among 6 regions of Thailand. The head lice genes were added to the global pool for the phylogenetic tree, Bayesian tree, Skyline plot, and median joining network construction. The biodiversity, neutrality tests, and population genetic differentiation among the 6 Thailand geographic regions were analyzed by DNAsp version 6.ResultsThe phylogenetic tree analysis of 214 collected head lice are of clade A and clade C accounting for roughly 65% and 35% respectively. The Bayesian tree revealed a correlation of clade diversification and ancient human dispersal timeline. In Thailand, clade A is widespread in the country. Clade C is confined to only the Central, Southern, and Northeastern regions. We identified 50 novel haplotypes. Statistical analysis showed congruent results between genetic differentiation and population migration especially with South Asia.ConclusionsPediculosis remains problematic among children in the rural areas in Thailand. Cytb gene analysis of human head lice illustrated clade distribution and intra-clade diversity of different areas. Our study reported novel haplotypes of head lice in Thailand. Moreover, the statistic calculation provided a better understanding of their relationship with human, as an obligate human parasite and might help provide a better insight into the history of human population migration. Determination of the correlation between phylogenetic data and pediculicide resistance gene as well as residing bacteria are of interest for future studies.

Community pharmacists' perceptions and role in the management of common dermatological problems in Lebanon: a cross-sectional study.

To explore the types and frequency of dermatologic disorders routinely encountered by community pharmacists in Lebanon, identify their educational preparedness and confidence, reasons for referrals to dermatologists and their attitude toward the potential pharmacist role in the treatment of dermatologic disorders. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted between June and October 2017. It involved the use of a self-administered questionnaire, distributed to a randomly selected sample of 500 community pharmacists from all Lebanese districts. A total of 456 pharmacists completed the questionnaire. Sixty-four per cent of participants had received a dermatology course at university and 38.7% had undertaken some form of postgraduate education in dermatology. Pharmacists believed that the most commonly encountered disorders were sunburn (22.6%) and acne (15.6%) during spring/summer and skin dryness (18.8%) followed by head lice (13.1%) during autumn/winter. Additionally, more than half of respondents reported that skin-related advice requests were 6-15% of the total advice offered to patients. Sixty-four per cent were confident or extremely confident in advising patients with dermatological complaints. Pharmacists ranked 'unsure of diagnosis' as the most common reason for patient referral to dermatologists. Pharmacists who received postgraduate dermatology training had higher self-reported confidence in tackling skin diseases and their treatments (P < 0.05). Our study revealed that community pharmacists in Lebanon commonly encounter a limited number of dermatologic disorders and the majority believed that they can confidently advise and manage patients. Nonetheless, they admitted a gap in their dermatology education at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

Archaeoparasitology — a new source of reconstruction of migrations of ancient populations: opportunities, results, and prospects

The resilience of intestinal parasite ova to harsh environmental conditions and possibility of identification of many of them down to genus/species with the aid of conventional visual light microscopy make parasites an im-portant source of information on different aspects of life of ancient populations. Of special interest is the study of the phenomenon of parasitoidism aimed at reconstruction of ancient human migrations. Ectoparasites (the head louse) and a range of intestinal parasites of such groups as the helminths, tapeworms, and trematodes can be used as a marker of contacts and/or migration of people. Finding helminth ova in ancient samples collected in territories outside the endemic pockets can be direct evidence of contacts and/or migrations of the ancient popu-lation. An example of reconstruction of such migrations is given by, for instance, finding ova of the ascarids and whipworm on the territories of the Far North, mountainous Altai, deserts of the Central Asia etc. A remarkable example of migrations, according to the archaeoparasitology data, is the use of the helminths as a marker of an-cient human migrations, with the example of population of the American continent. It is noteworthy that almost a century old archaeoparasitology data find confirmation in the results of modern paleogenetic studies. In the recent decades, there have been review publications concerned with the finds of ova of various parasitic organisms in archaeological sites, many of which consolidated archaeoparasitology materials dealing with specific intestinal parasites, the impact of the parasites on the human evolution and their (viz., parasites and human) coevolution, and spread of the parasitic diseases as a result of climate changes both in ancient and modern times. All the works, without exception, emphasize the importance of archaeoparasitology data for the deeper understanding of these processes. However, although the first works on the reconstruction of migrations from parasitological data were published back in the beginning of the last century, the research works substantiating this approach and demonstrating its viability appeared only early in this century and elucidated biological pre-requisites for the re-construction of migrations. Therefore, new broad consolidation of the materials on the reconstruction of migrations from the data of archaeoparasitology is motivated not only by the need of reconsideration of already existing and new data, but also by the need of examination and verification of the archaeoparasitology facts in the context of the genetic data, archaeology, anthropology etc.

Lice Infestations in the Pediatric Population

ABSTRACT Lice cause a common pruritic condition known as pediculosis, which can cause significant psychosocial distress and embarrassment. The infestations can present differently in the pediatric population compared with the adult population, and certain infestations such as head lice are found more commonly in children. To avoid delayed diagnosis, healthcare providers should be knowledgeable of these differences. This article provides an overview of epidemiology and pathophysiology, clinical presentation and diagnosis, and management of lice infestations, specifically addressing the infant and children population.

Characterization of nit sheath protein functions and transglutaminase-mediated cross-linking in the human head louse, Pediculus humanus capitis

BackgroundHead louse females secrete liquid glue during oviposition, which is solidified to form the nit sheath over the egg. Recently, two homologous proteins, named louse nit sheath protein (LNSP) 1 and LNSP 2, were identified as adhesive proteins but the precise mechanism of nit sheath solidification is unknown.MethodsWe determined the temporal transcriptome profiles of the head louse accessory glands plus oviduct, from which putative major structural proteins and those with functional importance were deduced. A series of RNA interference (RNAi) experiments and treatment of an inhibitor were conducted to elucidate the function and action mechanism of each component.ResultsBy transcriptome profiling of genes expressed in the louse accessory glands plus uterus, the LNSP1 and LNSP2 along with two hypothetical proteins were confirmed to be the major structural proteins. In addition, several proteins with functional importance, including transglutaminase (TG), defensin 1 and defensin 2, were identified. When LNSP1 was knocked down via RNA interference, most eggs became nonviable via desiccation, suggesting its role in desiccation resistance. Knockdown of LNSP2, however, resulted in oviposition failure, which suggests that LNSP2 may serve as the basic platform to form the nit sheath and may have an additional function of lubrication. Knockdown of TG also impaired egg hatching, demonstrating its role in the cross-linking of nit sheath proteins. The role of TG in cross-linking was further confirmed by injecting or hair coating of GGsTop, a TG inhibitor.ConclusionsBoth LNSP1 and LNSP2 are essential for maintaining egg viability besides their function as glue. The TG-mediated cross-linking plays critical roles in water preservation that are essential for ensuring normal embryogenesis. TG-mediated cross-linking mechanism can be employed as a therapeutic target to control human louse eggs, and any topically applied TG inhibitors can be exploited as potential ovicidal agents.Graphical abstract

Identification of Pediculus Humanus Capitis Exposure in Foster Children at the Orphanage

Pediculus humanus capitis is a parasite known as head lice. This parasite causes itching that interferes with concentration, as well as irritation of the scalp. One of the factors for the spread of this parasite is personal hygiene that is low and quickly spreads in a crowded living environment. The purpose of this study was to describe the exposure to Pediculus humanus capitis in foster children at the An-Nahl Orphanage, Sragen Regency. This research method is descriptive research through cross sectional approach. The results of this study showed that 12 foster children (86%) in An-Nahl Orphanage, Sragen Regency had Pediculus humanus capitis and 2 foster children (14%) did not find Pediculus humanus capitis. Foster children at the An-Nahl Orphanage who have good personal hygiene category, 2 foster children (14%) are negatively exposed to Pediculus humanus capitis, sufficient category is 4 foster children (29%) are positively exposed to Pediculus humanus capitis, bad personal hygiene category is 8 foster children (57%) were positively exposed to Pediculus humanus capitis. The conclusion of the study was Pediculus humanus capitis was found in foster children at An-Nahl Orphanage, Sragen Regency, as many as 57% of all foster children had poor personal hygiene

Managing headlice in children

Head lice are parasitic insects that infest the hairs of the human head and feed on blood from the scalp. They are most common in children between 4 and 11 years, who should be examined regularly to avoid infestations

Pediculicidal Activity of Cem-ceman White Cempaka Flower (Michelia alba DC.) against Pediculus humanus capitis

The prevalence of pediculosis reported in Asia has ranged from 0.7% to 59%. High resistance and side effects is a challenge in using the pediculicidal agents. The widely use and empirical as well as scientific studies of traditional plants for anti-lice were already done, one of them is cempaka. The aim of this study was to determine the pediculicidal activity of cem-ceman white cempaka flower (Michelia alba DC.) on Pediculus humanus capitis in vitro. The white cempaka flowers made into cem-ceman preparations by mixing and soaking in coconut oil until 3 days. Pediculisidal activity was tested by filter paper diffusion test method with 3 replications. Data were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis followed by post hoc Mann-Whitney Method test with software SPSS v.16. The phytochemical screening showed that sample contains alkaloid, tannin, saponin, and triterpenoid. Pediculidal activity test showed that cem-ceman white cempaka flower has pediculicidal effect in 10% concentration (w/v) with 66.67% mortality and 15% concentration (w/v) with 77.33% mortality. In conclusion cem-ceman white cempaka flowers has pediculicidal activity at concentration 10% and 15% but lower than permethrin 1% (p&lt;0.05).

Repelolicer: A Reality or Snake Oil

While head lice continue to be a worldwide health issue, there remains a dearth of scholarship detailing how various organizations are developing different products to deal with this problem. In this case study, the authors ponder upon a novel entrepreneurial idea developed by the students to tackle the lice issue in Pakistan. A team of students developed Repelolicer, an ultrasonic wave-emitting hairband to stop lice infestation among younger-aged girls. The Repelolicer team developed various strategies to target the Pakistani market. However, due to inadequate knowledge of the external market, the entrepreneurial idea failed to succeed. Research Objective: This case study aimed to explore challenges faced by an entrepreneurial venture using the first-mover strategy while penetrating the lower strata market via a product, which had a stigmatized effect. Link to Theory: In the extant scholarship, first-movers are considered to have strategic advantages against new rivals. In this study, we explore the disadvantages of first-mover in a complex Pakistani market situation through the lens of the resource-based view (RBV) and industrial organization (IO) perspective. Phenomenon Studied: This case study focuses on exploring the reasons behind the failure of tech-based first-movers (i.e., Repelolicer) in the Pakistani market scenario. The study also elucidates various external factors—a new venture should explore before launching a product in a Pakistani market situation. Case Context: The context in this case study is the lice problem among younger-aged girls in Pakistan’s lower strata market. Findings: The study participants unveiled that despite Repelolicer having competitive advantages because of internal factors, the Repelolicer team could not fully understand invisible forces in the external market. This lack of understanding led to their product failure. The Repelolicer team was also unable to comprehend how the product design might have further escalated the stigma attached to lice in society. Lastly, their pricing and promotion strategy was incompatible with the complex market situation. Discussions: This study adds to the limited knowledge about first-movers’ disadvantages in developing countries, such as Pakistan. The study results revealed that being a first-mover, even with all the adequate resources, is not always advantageous. The new ventures can especially face disastrous consequences for being the first-mover due to their lack of experience and knowledge of the local market. The study results also showed that new ventures should take the IO perspective with the RBV approach to succeed in a complicated market situation. The theoretical and practical implications of the case study have been outlined.

Prevalence of head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) infestation among schools workers in the Eastern Region, Saudi Arabia

In a cross-sectional survey in February-May 2019, the prevalence of Pediculosis capitis with demographic data and the behavioral practices were investigated among 750 participants in the Eastern region of Saudi Arabia. Female participation was highly remarked with a percentage of 94.08% compared to that of male one about 5.91%. A deficiency of knowledge about lice infestation was noted especially among illiterate participants raised from their socio-economic levels (p-value = 0.001). Lice infestation reached higher rates in children aged less than 20 years with itching of the hair scalp. The obtained results revealed that 59.33% of the respondents believed that frequency of personal hygiene and washing of hair were the best methods for preventing the lice infestation. However, the treatment of lice infestation using anti-lice agents (p-value = 0.020) was preferred by 14.26% of participants. Although knowledge about the preventive tools for lice infestation (p-value 0.089) was not significantly associated with the experience of infestation but knowledge about the appropriate treatment to kill lice (p-value 0.020) and the wrong practices in the treatment of a head lice infestation were (p-value 0.005) significantly associated with the experience of infestation. Health programs and campaigns preventions are highly advised to increase the awareness of Pediculosis capitis with an effective strategic plan to control, manage, and prevent this disease.

Molecular Monitoring of Knockdown Resistance in Head Louse (Phthiraptera: Pediculidae) Populations in Iran.

Knockdown resistance (kdr) is a common mechanism of insecticide resistance in head lice to the conventionally used pyrethroid pediculosis and can be the result of various amino acid substitutions within the voltage-sensitive sodium channel (VSSC). In this study, 54 sequences from varied specimens were investigated to monitor well-known resistance mutations and probable new mutations. The Pediculus humanus capitis de Geer specimens were collected from 13 provinces in Iran. The specimens were stored in 70% ethanol until DNA extraction and PCR amplification of ~900-bp fragment of VSSC. The sequences were analyzed using different bioinformatics software for the detection of well-known kdr substitutions and additional mutations potentially associated with kdr resistance in head lice. There were six new and an old (haplotype I) kdr haplotypes within the Iranian head louse population. K794E, F815I, and N818D amino acid substitutions were reported for the first time. The P813H mutation was the most prevalent amino acid substitution in eight provinces. Among 53 sequences, 26 (49%) were homozygous susceptible, and 27 (51%) were heterozygotes. Thus, 51% of the head lice collected in Iran harbored only the P813H allele. The exact test for the Hardy-Weinberg (H-W) equilibrium showed that genotype frequencies differed significantly from the expectation in East-Azerbaijan and Tehran provinces. Moreover, these populations had an inbreeding coefficient (Fis) <0, indicating the excess of heterozygotes. This observation suggests that the populations of head lice from Iran are currently under active selective pressure. For the rest of the populations, H-W equilibrium and the expectations were significantly in harmony. The results of the current study highlight molecular techniques in the accurate detection of resistance genotypes before their establishment within the head louse population. Accurate detection of resistant genotypes seems to be helpful in decision-making on lice control programs and resistance monitoring and management.

Risk Factors For The Event Of Pediculosis Capitis In The Baturaja Orphanage, South Sumatera, Palembang

Introduction. Pediculosis capitis is a disease of the scalp caused by infestation of Pediculus humanus capitis with symptoms such as itching and sensation of movement in the hair. The purpose of this study was to determine the risk factors and incidence of pediculosis capitis in the Baturaja orphanage.Methods. This research is an analytic observational study using a cross-sectional design with field and laboratory research. The population of this study were all children in the Baturaja orphanage who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria, as many as 172 children. All children present were taken as subjects. Data obtained by questionnaires, interviews and direct observation of the sample.Results. The results of this study showed the prevalence of pediculosis capitis in the Baturaja orphanage was 19.1%. In this study, it was found that there was a significant relationship between age (p = 0.000), education (p = 0.000), the use of shared pillows (p = 0.000), the use of shared combs (p = 0.000), the use of shared towels (p = 0.000), knowledge (p = 0.000), attitudes and behavior (p = 0.000) with the incidence of pediculosis capitis. Multivariate analysis showed that the most dominant risk factor for the incidence of pediculosis capitis in the Baturaja orphanage was age (p=0.036), while behavior was a protective factor for the incidence of pediculosis capitis.Conclusion. There is a significant relationship between age, education, use of shared pillows, use of shared combs, use of shared towels, knowledge, attitudes, behavior with the incidence of pediculosis capitis. The most dominant risk factor for the incidence of pediculosis capitis in the Baturaja orphanage is age, while behavior is a protective factor for the incidence of pediculosis capitis.

Risk Factors For The Event Of Pediculosis Capitis In The Baturaja Orphanage, South Sumatera, Indonesia

Introduction. Pediculosis capitis is a disease of the scalp caused by infestation of Pediculus humanus capitis with symptoms such as itching and sensation of movement in the hair. The purpose of this study was to determine the risk factors and incidence of pediculosis capitis in the Baturaja orphanage.Methods. This research is an analytic observational study using a cross-sectional design with field and laboratory research. The population of this study were all children in the Baturaja orphanage who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria, as many as 172 children. All children present were taken as subjects. Data obtained by questionnaires, interviews and direct observation of the sample.Results. The results of this study showed the prevalence of pediculosis capitis in the Baturaja orphanage was 19.1%. In this study, it was found that there was a significant relationship between age (p = 0.000), education (p = 0.000), the use of shared pillows (p = 0.000), the use of shared combs (p = 0.000), the use of shared towels (p = 0.000), knowledge (p = 0.000), attitudes and behavior (p = 0.000) with the incidence of pediculosis capitis. Multivariate analysis showed that the most dominant risk factor for the incidence of pediculosis capitis in the Baturaja orphanage was age (p=0.036), while behavior was a protective factor for the incidence of pediculosis capitis.Conclusion. There is a significant relationship between age, education, use of shared pillows, use of shared combs, use of shared towels, knowledge, attitudes, behavior with the incidence of pediculosis capitis. The most dominant risk factor for the incidence of pediculosis capitis in the Baturaja orphanage is age, while behavior is a protective factor for the incidence of pediculosis capitis.

The Prevalence of Pediculosis in Behbahan County From 2017 to 2018

Background: The present project presented the prevalence of pediculosis in Behbahan County, Iran, to plan effective control programs in this area. Materials &amp; Methods: The data of head lice were collected from the Behbahan Public Healthcare centers. Accordingly, the relevant prevalence rate was estimated according to the age, gender, residential place, and season of the year. Results: There were 8002 pediculosis cases reported in Behbahan County from January 2017 to December 2018. The prevalence of pediculosis was reported as 2.31% and 1.99% in 2017 and 2018, respectively. The prevalence among females (3750 per 100000 population) was significantly higher than that in males (929 per 100000 population) (P&lt;0.001). Respecting age, the highest prevalence was among the 6-12 years age group with a prevalence of 8067 and 7285 subjects per 100000 population in 2017 and 2018, respectively. The highest number of cases were found in October. Conclusion: According to our collected results, the illness requires a higher degree of concentration management to adequately manage.

Complete Genome Sequence of the Endosymbiotic Bacterium "Candidatus Riesia pediculicola".

Human head and body lice host the obligate endosymbiotic bacterium "Candidatus Riesia pediculicola." In this announcement, we describe the complete genome sequence of a "Ca. Riesia pediculicola" strain isolated from the human head louse, Pediculus humanus subsp. capitis The inter- and intraspecific variations of endosymbiont genomes were investigated, and this strain was found to display high-level variations in its genome.

Upaya pemberantasan kutu rambut santri, pelatihan produksi sampo antiketombe dan wirausaha barbershop pesantren

Head lice, dandruff and other scalp diseases are still one of the main problems of the students at the Nurul Qarnain boarding school. Factors that influence the development of disease are poor personal hygiene due to the students' lack of understanding of this disease. Anti-dandruff shampoo, is expensive and is insufficient to treat head lice problem among students. Furthermore, the absence of professional barbers in the boarding school environment is also one of the factors that triggered this problem. The results of this activity are increased knowledge of students about hair health from 58.8% to 98.24% and the ability and skills of students to make anti-dandruff shampoo and hair cutting. This is expected to increase awareness and ability to care for hair and provide added value to the economy.

Effectiveness and tolerability of a squalane and dimethicone-based treatment for head lice

Head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) are worldwide obligate human ectoparasites, with high implications in pediatrics. In Europe, first-line topical neurotoxic insecticidal therapeutic strategies are being replaced by topical physically acting agents as the first-choice treatment. Safety of the active ingredients and high efficacy in a one-time single-dose treatment with a brief treatment application time are key issues for consumer use and effective compliance. The aim of this study was to assess the in vitro efficacy of a newly developed squalane and dimethicone-based pediculicidal formula, against motile head lice and eggs after 2 and 5 min immersion in the product, as well as its skin tolerance and acceptability under dermatological and pediatric expert control in children with atopic skin. The results indicate that at both time points, 100% mortality rate of head lice crawling stages and late-stage eggs was achieved. The formula was well tolerated and suitable for children with atopic skin from 12 months of age. Showing high in vitro efficacy and good skin acceptability, this solution is presented as a new safe alternative therapy for treatment of head lice infestations.

Phylogeography and demographic history of Thai Pediculus humanus capitis (Phthiraptera: Pediculidae) revealed by mitochondrial DNA sequences.

Pediculus humanus (human louse) is a hematophagous insect that feeds on human blood. It is distributed worldwide. Understanding phylogeography and population-genetic structure of the human louse will illuminate the evolution of this insect and the dynamics of how resistance alleles might spread in the landscape. In this work, we used mitochondrial (cox1 and cytb genes) sequences of the human louse to investigate genetic diversity, population-genetic structure and demographic history of the louse in Thailand. Human lice in Thailand belonged to mitochondrial clades A and C. Most genetic variation was attributed to intra-region 65.71% within provinces for clade A and 68.92% for clade C, while inter-region level was 34.40% among provinces within regions for clade A and 20.09% for clade C. Neutrality and other indices suggested that louse populations from clades A and C in Thailand have experienced a population expansion. But head lice from Khon Kaen Province in clade C demonstrated a significant recent population bottleneck or natural selective pressure with constant population size. Head lice in Thailand showed varying degrees of low to high genetic differentiation at the level of province with many populations being genetically distinct from each other among regions and within the same region. Knowledge of the clades present in Thailand and that gene flow occurs between regions will assist in developing appropriate strategies for management of head lice at the local level in the country.

The Toxicity of Essential Oils From Three Origanum Species Against Head Louse, Pediculus humanus capitis.

Pediculosis caused by human head louse, Pediculus humanus capitis De Geer (Anoplura: Pediculidae) is a public health problem with a high prevalence, especially among children in school age. Different chemical pediculicides (insecticides) are used against lice but the repeated application of these pediculicides for the treatment of P. humanus capitis infestation in the past decades has resulted in the development of resistance. The plant essential oils have been used as alternative sources of lice treatment agents. Pediculicidal activity of the essential oils of three Origanum species (O. onites, O. majorana and O. minutiflorum) against P. humanus capitis adults was examined in this study. Essential oils from aerial parts of three Origanum species were obtained by hydrodistillation using a Clevenger-type apparatus. P. humanus capitis specimens used were obtained from infested children by combing method at primary schools. Adult lice were exposed to three dilutions (1%, 0.5% and 0.1% w/v) of tested oils for 5min using the adult immersion test. According to the results, all Origanum essential oils at 1% concentration have been shown to significantly decrease the rate of limb, bowel and abdomen movements, producing more than 90% mortality after 12h. Our results indicated that Origanum essential oils can be used for the development of new pediculicides against head louse.