Body Lice

An article about body lice, their biology, and impact on human health

Body lice (Pediculus humanus humanus) are parasitic insects that infest human clothing and feed on blood from the human body. They are closely related to head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) but differ in their habitat and behavior.

Biology

Body lice are small, wingless insects that are typically 2.3 to 3.6 mm in length. They have six legs equipped with claws that allow them to cling to fibers in clothing. Unlike head lice, which live on the scalp, body lice live in the seams of clothing and only move to the skin to feed.

Body lice undergo three stages of development: egg (or nit), nymph, and adult. The female louse lays eggs on clothing fibers, and these eggs hatch into nymphs after about 6-9 days. Nymphs mature into adults in approximately 9-12 days. Adult lice can live for about 20-30 days, during which they must feed on blood several times a day.

Transmission

Body lice are primarily spread through direct contact with infested clothing, bedding, or towels. They are more common in situations where people live in crowded conditions with limited access to clean clothing and bathing facilities, such as in refugee camps or during natural disasters.

Health Impact

Body lice are known vectors of several diseases, including:

• Epidemic typhus, caused by the bacterium Rickettsia prowazekii.
• Trench fever, caused by Bartonella quintana.
• Relapsing fever, caused by Borrelia recurrentis.

These diseases can cause significant morbidity and mortality, especially in populations with poor access to healthcare.

Prevention and Control

Preventing body lice infestations involves maintaining good personal hygiene and regular laundering of clothing and bedding. In infested populations, treatment may include the use of insecticidal powders or lotions, as well as washing clothing in hot water and drying it at high temperatures.

Also see

• Head lice
• Pubic lice
• Epidemic typhus
• Trench fever
• Relapsing fever