Pthirus pubis

Pronunciation
/THY-rus PYOO-bis/
Category
Taxonomy
Singular
Pthirus pubis
Plural
Pthirus pubis

Definition

A parasitic louse found in the pubic region of humans.

Etymology

From Greek 'pthiros', meaning 'louse', and 'pubis', referring to the pubic region.

Example

Pthirus pubis is a common sexually transmitted parasite.

Related Terms

Usage Notes

The term 'crab louse' is often used as a synonym for Pthirus pubis.