Human pediculosis, a global public health problem

Abstract

Background Human pediculosis is caused by hematophagous lice, which are transmitted between individuals via direct and/or indirect contact. Despite the public health importance of louse infestation, information concerning the global burden of pediculosis and the epidemiological landscape of louse-borne diseases is limited. The aim of this review was to summarize the biology, epidemiology, diagnosis, and control of lice infestation in humans. We also discussed the latest advances in molecular taxonomy and molecular genetics of lice. Methods We searched five electronic bibliographic databases (PubMed, ScienceDirect, CNKI, VIP Chinese Journal Database, and Wanfang Data) and followed a standard approach for conducting scoping reviews to identify studies on various aspects of human lice. Relevant information reported in the identified studies were collated, categorized, and summarized. Results A total of 282 studies were eligible for the final review. Human pediculosis remains a public health issue affecting millions of people worldwide. Emerging evidence suggests that head lice and body lice should be considered conspecific, with different genotypes and ecotypes. Phylogenetic analysis based on mitochondrial (mt) cytb gene sequences identified six distinct clades of lice worldwide. In addition to the direct effect on human health, lice can serve as vectors of disease-causing pathogens. The use of insecticides plays a crucial role in the treatment and prevention of louse infestation. Genome sequencing has advanced our knowledge of the genetic structure and evolutionary biology of human lice. Conclusions Human pediculosis is a public health problem affecting millions of people worldwide, particularly in developing countries. More progress can be made if emphasis is placed on the use of emerging omics technologies to elucidate the mechanisms that underpin the physiological, ecological, and evolutionary aspects of lice. Graphic Abstract

Prevalence of head louse infestation among primary schoolchildren in the Republic of Korea: nationwide observation of trends in 2011-2019

“…Three species of Pediculidae are among the external parasites in humans; Pediculus humanus capitis, Pediculus humanus humanus , and Phthirus pubis [ 1 ]. Infestations of P. humanus capitis are primarily caused by physical contact with humans or objects, such as hair and combs; they can cause severe itching and skin diseases on the head [ 2 ].…”

Morphological and molecular evidence reveals a new species of chewing louse Pancola ailurus n. sp. (Phthiraptera: Trichodectidae) from the endangered Chinese red panda Ailurus styani

“…As a supplementary method, the molecular method to identify and distinguish louse species seems to be helpful for non-experts, and it could expand the understanding of the possible divergence of new species. With the assistants of molecular methods, it is easier to distinguish body lice and head lice that are similar in shape ( Fu et al, 2022 ). Additionally, the molecular method was also developed as a rapid detection of lice infestations ( Tran et al, 2022 ).…”

Characterization of the fragmented mitochondrial genome of domestic pig louse Haematopinus suis (Insecta: Haematopinidae) from China

“…To date, the mt genomes of 21 sucking lice species (12 complete mt genomes and 9 incomplete mt genomes) have been sequenced, all are extensively fragmented with different numbers of minichromosomes (Shao et al 2012;Jiang et al 2013;Dong et al 2014;Fu 2022). In the genus Haematopinus, the complete fragmented mt genome was available for only four species (Song et al 2014;Nie et al 2022;Fu 2022). The fragmented mt genome of H. suis from Australia has been sequenced, but H. suis isolated from different geographic origins may have some differences.…”

“…Fragmentation of the mt genome was rst found in the human body louse, Pediculus humanus corporis (suborder Anoplura) (Shao et al 2009). To date, the mt genomes of 21 sucking lice species (12 complete mt genomes and 9 incomplete mt genomes) have been sequenced, all are extensively fragmented with different numbers of minichromosomes (Shao et al 2012;Jiang et al 2013;Dong et al 2014;Fu 2022). In the genus Haematopinus, the complete fragmented mt genome was available for only four species (Song et al 2014;Nie et al 2022;Fu 2022).…”