School-health

Guides

• Pediculus humanus capitis

  Human Head Louse, Head Louse

  The human head louse is an obligate ectoparasite specialized for life on human scalp hair. Unlike its close relative the body louse, it has remained associated with hair rather than clothing throughout human evolution. Populations in many regions have developed widespread resistance to pyrethrin and permethrin insecticides, complicating control efforts. Transmission occurs primarily through direct head-to-head contact, with infestations clustering in settings where children interact closely.

  ectoparasitemedical-entomologyinsecticide-resistancepublic-health-pestschool-healthPhthirapteraAnopluraobligate-parasitehematophagycosmopolitan-distribution