Head lice is still actual

Overview

Over the past years, head louse (Pediculus capitis) has been found with increasing frequency in all developed countries. The Czech Republic is not an exception. The cause is resistance to insecticides used for the control of head lice. In the Czech Republic, resistance of lice to permethrin was detected by in vitro tests in 1992 and resistance to malathion was reported in 2004. The two active ingredients have been used worldwide for the control of head lice. The resistance of lice was the cause of failure of the then available Czech delousing products (Orthosan BF 45, Diffusil H and Diffusil H 92 M). Diffusil H Forte is currently authorized for use in the control of head lice in the Czech Republic. The active ingredient of this formulation is carbaryl that proved fully effective. Another authorized product is Parasidose Shampooing containing dphenothrin as the active ingredient, expected to be effective against some populations of lice. The most recent data on the taxonomy and biology of the head louse are presented and new possibilities and alternative strategies for the control of these parasitic insects are discussed.

Key words:
Head louse, Pediculus capitis, taxonomy, incidence, delousing.