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At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Lice infestation and lice control remedies in the Ukraine.

A permanent decrease was seen in the prevalence of lice infestation among population of the Ukraine from 1990-2004. The prevalence of lice infestation among children under 14 years of age was 6-27 times more than that in adults. The highest figures were among children 7-14 years old. During all of the observation period there were changing tendencies relative to the groups. The greatest number of cases of infection with lice were noted in the months when the control inspections of children in education institutions were performed.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

Clinical observations related to head lice infestation.

Living lice and eggs were found in 19% of 2643 children examined in Israel. Boys and girls were equally infested. Bite reactions, pruritus, excoriations, lymphadenopathy, and conjunctivitis were the most common signs and symptoms. Bite reactions, pruritus, excoriations, and conjunctivitis were found more frequently in infested children than in noninfested children. Lymphadenopathy, eczema, influenza, herpes, crusts behind ears, blepharitis, seborrhea, psoriasis, erythema, vitiligo, secondary infections, and scars were equally common in both groups. The sequence of the skin reactions of a volunteer to continuous exposure to lice bites was as follow: phase I, no clinical symptoms; phase II, papules accompanied by pruritus of medium intensity; phase III, wheal formation immediately after the bite, followed by a delayed papular reaction and intense itching; phase IV, papular reaction with diminished reactivity of the skin and mild pruritus. Healed bite reactions reappeared when other parts of the skin were again exposed to the lice.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Prevalence and associated factors of head lice infestation among primary schoolchildren in Kelantan, Malaysia.

Head lice infestation contributes a significant morbidity among schoolchildren in Malaysia. A cross-sectional study was designed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of head lice infestation among primary schoolchildren in Kelantan, Malaysia. Six schools were randomly selected from three sub-districts of Kuala Krai, Kelantan. A total of 463 eleven-year-old pupils were screened by visual scalp examination and fine-toothed combing. Self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demography and associated factors of head lice infestation. The prevalence of head lice infestation was 35.0% (95% Cl: 30.6, 39.3) with 11.9% inactive, 23.1% active, 18.2% light and 16.8% heavy infestations. The associated factors were girls; family income of RM247 or less; head lice infestation of family member and having four or more siblings. The high prevalence of head lice infestation in this study indicates the need for regular school health program that emphasis on the eradication of head lice. The significant associated factors identified in this study reconfirm the importance of controlling the transmissibility of head lice. Pupils and parents should be informed regarding factors that may facilitate the transmission of head lice.

Child↗
PubMed2002

Short communication serum copper, zinc, and calcium concentrations in lice-infested sheep.

The purpose of this study was to investigate changes in serum concentration of copper, zinc, and calcium in sheep naturally infested with lice (Bovicola caprae, Linognathus africanus, Linognatus ovillus, and Linognattus pedalis). Twenty sheep naturally infested with lice and 20 healthy sheep were used as subjects. Blood samples were collected from the sheep before and 8 and 15 d after treatment with Avermectin, a veterinary antiparasitic drug. The samples were analyzed for their serum copper, zinc, and calcium concentrations by atomic absorption spectrometry. The concentrations of these elements in the infested animals were lower than in the healthy controls, mainly because the general condition of the affected sheep was poor. When the infested animals were treated with an ectoparasitic drug, the serum levels of the studied elements rose to normal ranges while the health of the animals improved.

Animals↗
PubMed1979

Demographic study of head lice infestations in Sacramento County school children.

Head lice infestations have become a problem in school children in Sacramento County. An open study was conducted to determine how widespread head lice infestations were among preschool and elementary school children in Sacramento County and to see how effective a newly marked ever-the-counter pediculicide containing 0.3% pyrethrins synergized by 3.0% piperonyl butoxide was. The public health nurse for this study visited the homes of all reported patients infested with head lice. She verified and provided the pyrethrins-based treatment for 248 children, aged 6 months to 12 years. The children were Caucasian, Mexican-American, black and other ethnic backgrounds and from low, middle and upper income levels. All the patients were successfully treated, and the school children were able to return to their classs in a short time.

California↗
PubMed2001

The prevalence of lice infesting students of primary, preparatory and secondary schools in Cairo, Egypt.

Human lice (head and body) are among the arthropod-ectoparasites of worldwide distribution. Examining students in primary, preparatory and secondary schools recorded prevalence rates of 21.86%, 30.38% and 12.94% respectively. The overall rate of the lice infestation in the three schools was 384 out of 1772 or 21.67%. The prevalence rate of lice infestation among males and females were 17.02% & 37.8% (primary school), 27.8% & 33.1% (preparatory school), and 12.0% & 13.9% (secondary school). These totaled 17.7% (males) and 30.26% (females). The overall ratio of head to body lice was 18.2:1. Consequently, lice mainly the head louse, are still a public health problem particularly among female students in the primary and preparatory schools. In the secondary school prevalence rate of the lice infestation was low. So human lice is still a community health problem.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

[Human pediculosis, or how to treat lice infestations?].

The author reports on relevant aspects of pediculosis humanus, citing the lice species implicated, their location in the zones affected by lice infestations on human bodies and in their clothing; furthermore, he describes the most frequent lesions produced by lice, the adequate handling of lice infestations and their treatment. Lice are not a recent phenomenon; probably the lice which we encounter today acting as a parasite on humans is very similar to lice which infested humans centuries ago.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

A longitudinal study of a natural lice infestation in growing cattle over two winter periods.

A group of 61 cattle which were naturally infested with lice was followed over two winter periods. Data were collected on the number of lice found at various body sites over this period. Summary statistics were produced and due to the repeated measured and hierarchical structure of the data, multi-level analysis was used to model the population dynamics of Bovicola bovis and assess the influence of the various hierarchical levels. A four level Poisson model was produced--level one, the individual number of lice at each parting; level two, the body site examined (shoulder, midline or rump); level three, the time of the inspection and level four, the animal. Seasonal fluctuation in lice numbers was modelled using a cosine function transformation of time. A seasonal pattern was seen in both year's with lice counts higher in the first than the second year. The midline area was the most sensitive to detection of B. bovis. Variance contributed by the individual animal was less than that contributed by the body site examined and the time of the inspection. The model suggested that lice numbers within the shoulder and rump sites were near random following a Poisson distribution, but aggregation of lice occurred at the midline site with the distribution between animals following a Negative Binomial Pattern. The midline site was the most sensitive site for detecting B. bovis. Infestation numbers were higher in the first winter when cattle were younger. In the second winter, there was no difference in lice numbers between cattle exposed to infection for the first or second time.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

A longitudinal study of a natural lice infestation in growing cattle over two winter periods.

A group of 61 cattle which were naturally infested with lice was followed over two winter periods. Data were collected on the number of lice found at various body sites over this period. Summary statistics were produced and due to the repeated measured and hierarchical structure of the data, multi-level analysis was used to model the population dynamics of Bovicola bovis and assess the influence of the various hierarchical levels. A four level Poisson model was produced-level one, the individual number of lice at each parting; level two, the body site examined (shoulder, midline or rump); level three, the time of the inspection and level four, the animal. Seasonal fluctuation in lice numbers was modelled using a cosine function transformation of time. A seasonal pattern was seen in both years with lice counts higher in the first than the second year. The midline area was the most sensitive to detection of B. bovis. Variance contributed by the individual animal was less than that contributed by the body site examined and the time of the inspection. The model suggested that lice numbers within the shoulder and rump sites were near random following a Poisson distribution, but aggregation of lice occurred at the midline site with the distribution between animals following a Negative Binomial Pattern. The midline site was the most sensitive site for detecting B. bovis. Infestation numbers were higher in the first winter when cattle were younger. In the second winter, there was no difference in lice numbers between cattle exposed to infection for the first or second time.

Animals↗
PubMed1987

Pilot study of the prevalence of head lice infestation in a population of Saudi Arabian children.

The prevalence of infestation with the head louse, Pediculus capitis, was assessed among the child population, from birth to 10 years old inclusive, of the rapidly expanding Saudi Arabian city of Jeddah. Over a period of two months, 300 consecutive children attending the general practitioner for any reason were examined specifically to identify those infested with head lice: 37 cases of active infestation were found, which is an overall prevalence of 12%. An interesting distribution, however, was noted in respect of age, ranging from less than 2% in the first year of life, rising rapidly to around 30% in ages six to eight years, thereafter declining steadily to about 16% by age 10 years. The distribution of infestation among males and females was broadly similar. These results show a high head lice infestation, particularly in the early school years, where presumably interpersonal contacts are most frequent, facilitating contagious spread. As the head lice is known to spread several viral and rickettsial diseases, such as relapsing fever and typhus, greater efforts should be made towards patient education in hygiene, and towards identifying and treating the disease when found.

Child↗
PubMed2001

Head lice infestation: bug busting vs. traditional treatment.

The two main methods of managing head lice infestation in the UK are head lice lotions and bug busting; there is no conclusive evidence as to which of these methods is most effective. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of the bug busting method with lotion. A pilot study in the form of a randomized controlled trial involving two semi-rural general practices was used. Thirty children aged 4-16 years were randomly assigned to two intervention groups. After initial dry combing to detect the presence of head lice, one group was treated with phenothrin lotion. The bug busting group received combing using special combs provided in the bug busting pack and hair conditioner. The main outcome measure was the number of adult live lice and nymphs at day 14. On day 14 in the bug busting group, total eradication of head lice had occurred in eight children; in the lotion group, total eradication had occurred in two children (P=0.052); number needed to treat 2.5 (95% CI: 2.19-2.81). These results suggest that bug busting performed by nurses in a controlled situation is an effective method of managing head lice infestation.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Consumption of drugs for sea lice infestations in Norwegian fish farms: methods for assessment of treatment patterns and treatment rate.

Sea lice are a major problem in Norwegian fish farms; however, data on drug treatment patterns or treatment rates of sea lice infestations are not available. Such data are important for analysing resistance patterns against drugs used for such infestations. The main objective of the present study was to develop a method to estimate the treatment patterns and treatment rates for drugs used in the treatment against sea lice (Lepeophtheirus salmonis and Caligus elongatus) in farm salmonids by means of national sales statistics. Annual sales figures, as weight of active substances, were obtained from the drug wholesalers and the feed mills. The weight of active drug substances is not useful as a unit of measurement of drug use in an epidemiological context because it does not correct for dosage differences and number of repeat treatments. To correct for these factors, we introduced approved daily dose (ADD(farm fish)) and treatment course-doses(farm fish) kg(-1) live-weight fish. To express the drug treatment patterns, the biomass (in weight) of farm salmonids treated with 1 course of a drug were estimated. When measured as kg active substance, the quantities of drugs for the treatment of sea lice infestations declined by 98% during the study period (1989 to 2002) but this figure increased 5-fold when it was corrected for differences in dosage. To correct for amounts of farm salmonids liable to require treatment we estimated the annual treatment rate, defined as the number of treatments for sea lice infestations per biomass slaughtered Atlantic salmon Salmo salar and rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss. The annual treatment rate increased gradually during the study period; however, it varied considerably (range 0.45 to 1.34, mean 0.90). Before 1995, organophosphates were the most frequently used drugs against sea lice; since then pyrethroids have become the dominating drug group.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

Epidemiological studies on head lice infestation in Israel. I. Parasitological examination of children.

Of 3,079 children in a medium-sized community near Jerusalem, 11.2% were found to be infested with living lice and eggs and another 23.4% had only nits. Boys and girls were equally infested. The incidence of infestation was highest among children 4-11 years of age. About 78% of the infested children had from one to ten lice. Approximately 80% of the infested children had nits that were 2-5 cm away from the scalp. Boys with medium length hair and girls with short hair showed the highest incidence of lice infestation. Children with brown and red hair were more infested than those with black and blond hair. Boys and girls with straight and wavy hair were more infested than those with curly and frizzy hair.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1984

Head-lice infestations and their treatment.

Head-lice infestations periodically cause disruption at schools and crèches. The life cycle of the insect and the treatment of infestation are discussed. Treatment is usually relatively simple and effective, relying mainly on the use of insecticides such as gamma benzene hexachloride, malathion and pyrethrins. Appropriate therapy for problem areas, for example the eyebrows, is also described.

Anoplura↗
PubMed2003

Relationship between lice infestation and leather damage in cattle.

The relationship between lice infestation and leather damage was investigated in a trial involving 61 cattle, half of which were treated with ectoparasiticides for lice control either in their first or second year. Hides from the lice-free and lousy calves were removed manually at an abattoir, tanned and inspected for lice-related damage, commercially referred to as light spot and/or fleck. In both the first- and second-year animals there was a significant difference between the hides of the lousy and lice-free animals, confirming that the chewing louse Bovicola bovis is a cause of winter light spot. There was also a difference between the two groups in the levels of scratch damage. After the infested animals had been treated with fenvalerate and eprinomectin to kill all the lice, the damage to the hides had not been fully reversed 13 weeks later.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

Head lice infestation in some urban localities of NWFP, Pakistan.

The prevalence of head lice infestation was estimated among the general population of four urban localities in the North West Frontier Province of Pakistan during 1986. Altogether 1002 persons (656 females, 346 males) were screened by visual inspection and combing of the head. The overall infestation rate was 36.7%, with females showing a higher prevalence (41.5%) than males (27.7%). The prevalence did not differ significantly with locality, and exhibited only a slight seasonal variation. Pediculosis was high in the five to 19 year old age-group, beyond which it decreased, gradually in females and abruptly in males. Higher rate of infestation in females could be attributed to their long hair. A significant negative association between pediculosis and dandruff was noticed in males but not in females. Crowding and low level of education, which reflect poor socio-economic status, apparently contributed to higher rate of infestation. Prevalence was directly related to the number of children per family, suggesting that school children perhaps play an important role in the distribution of lice. Intensity of infestation, like prevalence, was higher in females than males, and decreased with age in both sexes.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Head lice infestation: single drug versus combination therapy with one percent permethrin and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole.

BACKGROUND: Head lice infestation (HLI) is a vexing problem for pediatricians and families because lice are becoming resistant to approved antipediculosis agents. OBJECTIVE: This study compared the efficacy of 3 different treatments for HLI and determined whether combination therapy reduced treatment failures. DESIGN AND SETTING: A randomized, clinical trial performed in 3 private practices. PARTICIPANTS: The population was children ranging in age from 2 to 13 years. METHODS: HLI was diagnosed by direct inspection of the hair and scalp. Children were assigned to 1 of 3 groups: 1) 1% permethrin creme rinse (1% PER; n = 39); 2) oral administration of trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX; n = 36); and 3) a combination of 1% PER and TMP/SMX (n = 40). Follow-up visits were done 2 and 4 weeks later, and parents or caregivers of those who did not return were interviewed by telephone. If HLI was present at the 2-week follow-up, the child was retreated per their protocol. We defined successful treatment as the absence of adult lice and nymphal stage or eggs (nits). The presence of nits alone was not considered a treatment failure. RESULTS: At the 2-week follow-up visit, successful treatment for groups 1, 2, and 3 was 79.5%, 83%, and 95%, respectively. At the 4-week follow-up, successful treatment was 72%, 78%, and 92.5% for groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The absolute risk reduction for recurrence comparing group 1 versus group 2 was 6%, group 2 versus group 3 was 14%, and group 1 versus group 3 was 20%. No major adverse complications were seen in any treatment group. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that a combination of 1% PER and TMP/SMX is an effective alternative therapy for HLI. We recommend that the dual therapy with 1% PER and oral TMP/SMX be used and reserved in cases of multiple treatment failures or suspected cases of lice-related resistance to therapy.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed2006

Efficacy of emamectin benzoate against sea lice infestations of Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L.: evaluation in the absence of an untreated contemporary control.

The efficacy of emamectin benzoate (SLICE) against sea lice infestations of Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., is typically assessed using untreated fish, or fish treated with alternative therapeutants, as controls. The State of Maine, USA, is currently under active management for the OIE-notifiable pathogen, infectious salmon anaemia virus (ISAV); consequently, neither control group is feasible in this region. Untreated salmon risk extensive damage from the ectoparasites, and threaten to increase vector-borne exposure or susceptibility of farms to ISAV; and the only treatment presently available in Maine is SLICE. However, because sea lice infestations are unlikely to resolve spontaneously, and response to treatment occurs within weeks, use of a pretreatment baseline is a reasonable alternative for confirmatory studies. We evaluated SLICE efficacy on Atlantic salmon farms in Cobscook Bay 2002-2005, in the absence of untreated controls, using pretreatment lice loads as a reference for calculation. Maximum efficacy ranged from 68% to 100% reduction from initial levels. Time-to-maximum efficacy ranged from 1 to 8 weeks after treatment initiation. Efficacy duration, measured between first reduction and first progressive rise in counts, ranged from 4 to 16 weeks.

Animals↗