References:
- Global Infectious Diseases and Epidemiology Online Network: Infectious Diseases of the Philippines, 2013 eBook Edition, ISBN 978-1-61755-582-4, by Stephen Berger. Accessed here.
| Agent | PARASITE - Insecta. Anoplura: Pediculus humanus, Phthirus pubis. |
| Reservoir | Human |
| Vector | Louse |
| Vehicle | Contact |
| Incubation Period | 7 days |
| Diagnostic Tests | Identification of adults and “nits” |
| Typical Adult Therapy | Permethrin 1%; or malthion 0.5%; or lindane OR Ivermectin 200 mcg/kg PO |
| Typical Pediatric Therapy | Permethrin 1%; or malthion 0.5%; or lindane OR Ivermectin 200 mcg/kg PO (>15 kg body weight) |
| Clinical Hints | Pruritus in the setting of poor personal hygiene; adults or nits may be visible; note that the body louse (Pediculus humanus var. corporis; not the head louse) transmits diseases such as epidemic typhus, trench fever and relapsing fever. |
| Synonyms | Crab louse, Lausebefall, Pediculose, Pediculus capitus, Pediculus corporis, Pedikulose, Phthirus pubis, Pidocci. |
Most louse infestations are asymptomatic, with only 15% to 36% of patients complaining of pruritis.
- The principal clinical finding consists of presence of the lice themselves, and their eggs (‘nits’).