Epidemiological and Clinical Study of Infested Cases with Pediculus capitis and P. corporis in Khorasan-e-Razavi, Iran

Abstract

Background: Pediculosis (head lice) is considered as one of the most common health problems of the students in primary schools. The purpose of this study was to survey the prevalence rate of the infesta­tion in the schools of Gonabad City (south of Khorasan-e-Razavi Province) to prevent its out­break by on-time planning. Methods: In this retrospective-descriptive study, data were collected from the files of recorded health examinations of 55,997 female and male students of Gonabad City. We surveyed the in­fested cases to Pediculus capitis and P. corporis during 2006-2010. We used schools health unit of the city health center and review reports of infestation to head lice and body lice in cumulative centers. Results: The reports showed 398 cases of P. capitis and 3 P. corporis infestations, which 91.5% were female (P 17 yr. Conclusion: Pediculosis infestation has become a major health problem in primary school stu­dents in south of Khorasan-e-Razavi.

Keywords

• Pediculus capitis
• Pediculus corporis
• Epidemiology
• Treatment
• Iran