Lice

Synonym(s)

Anoplura; poux (fz); sucking lice (e)

Definition
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Human ectoparasites belonging to the hexapods. The clothes louse played a major role during the 19th and 20th centuries as a carrier of classical typhus and relapsing fever. Lice are characterized by a high host specificity. In total, more than 400 species are known. Of importance for humans are:

The pubic louse can be clearly distinguished from the other two species by its much smaller (1.3-1.6 mm) trapezoidal body. Head and clothes louse have an elongated body with a size of 2.25-3.00 mm (head louse) and 2.75-3.75 mm (clothes louse).

Clinical picture
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Aphid infestation(pediculosis) causes pronounced local reactions accompanied by itching due to Type IV reactions to saliva components. Superinfections due to scratching effects.

Complication(s)
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Lice can transmit Salmonella typhi, Rickettsia prowazeki (fecal fever), Bartonelle quintana (five-day fever), Borrelia recurrentis (relapsing lice fever - several cases have recently been reported in African refugees).