Medical and veterinary importance of lice Prepared by Abdallah M. Samy Entomology Department Faculty of Science Ain Shams University
Lice O: Phthiraptera (sucking and Chewing lice)
Sucking lice F1:Pediculidae
F2: Haematopinidae
Chewing lice
F3: Philopteridae
F4:Menoponidae
F1:Pediculidae e.g. Pediculus h. humanus (body louse) Dorso-ventrally flattened. Clinging legs Wingless. pale beige or grayish in color in color. e.g. Pediculus h. capitis (Head louse) Dorso-ventrally flattened. Clinging legs Wingless. Dark in color with; Festoons-like structures laterally on its body.
Lice life cycle Both adult and immature stages live permanently on humans “ permanent ectoparasite”, clinging mainly to hairs of their clothing and usually only to body hairs during feeding. Both sexes, as well as immatures, take blood-meals at any time of day or night. Females lay their eggs on clothes fibers/ hairs. Lice have 3 nymphal instars. The third nymphal instar is then develop to adult
Medical importance of Lice Pediculosis: an infestation of lice -- which are parasitic insects -- on the bodies of humans. Lice as a vector for diseases: Louse-borne epidemic typhus Trench fever Louse-borne epidemic relapsing fever
F2: Haematopinidae Haematopinus tuberculatus (Cattle louse) A parasite of the water buffalo; it also infests domestic cattle when in association with water buffaloes. It causes irritation to the infested animal.
Copyright to MCP, 1998
Chewing Lice Family3:Philopteridae Lipeurus caponis They are permanent ectoparasites on birds, where they feed on sloughed epidermal tissues, feathers and sebaceous secretions of the host. Parts of feathers, particularly the barbs and barbules constitute a major part of the food of this louse. The irritation louse feeding causes the host to become restless, therefore affecting its feeding, habits and digestion. Egg production is greatly reduced and development retarded. Lice tend to be abundant where uncleanliness and overcrowded conditions exists. Generally chewing lice act as intermediate hosts to the tapeworms Dipylidium caninum as it is easy for lice to become infected by swallowing worm egg capsules.
F4: Menoponidae Menopon gallina Biting and annoyance Chewing lice don't attack man but several species are important pests of domestic animals, especially poultry; they feed on feathers or hairs of the host, may cause considerable losses in the wool, meat, and diary production.