Pediculosis

Basics

Infestation by organisms that live in close association with host
Bites are painless
Signs and symptoms result from host response to saliva and anticoagulant injected during feeding
Transmitted by direct contact and fomites (inanimate objects)
Head lice are transmitted by head-to-head contact:
- Combs
- Pillows
- Hats
Head lice are more common in children and females
Pubic lice are transmitted by sexual contact
Obligate human parasites cannot survive away from hosts >7–10 d

Infestation by:

Pediculus capitis (head louse):
- Most common
- All socioeconomic groups
Pediculus corporis (body louse):
- Associated with poverty, poor hygiene, and overcrowding
- Live in clothing and transfer to human host for feeding
- Related to bed bugs
Phthirus pubis (pubic or crab louse)

Pediatric Considerations
Pubic lice may also indicate sexual abuse in children

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