Pediculus capitis infestation according to sex and social factors in Argentina

Abstract

Pediculus capitis infestation according to sex and social factors in Argentina Abstract ObjectiveTo determine the intensity of Pediculus capitis infestation (abundance) among Argentinean schoolchildren. Children's sex and social stratum were analyzed as modifiers of the general prevalence and degree of parasitism. Methods The study included 1,370 schoolchildren (692 girls, 678 boys) from 26 schools of the province of La Rioja (21 public schools, five private schools). Classic prevalence was obtained as the percentage of children with nits and/or lice. Moreover, five degrees of parasitism were classified: 0) children with no signs of pediculosis; 0+) children with evidence of past infestation; 1) children with a recent infestation and low probability of active parasitism; 2) children with a recent infestation and high probability of active parasitism; 3) children with mobile lice (active pediculosis). ResultsThe general prevalence was 61.4% (girls: 79%; boys: 44%, p<0.001). Private schools showed lower prevalence than public schools (p=0.02), especially due to the low prevalence in boys. Fifty percent of children were classified in classes 0 and 0+, 22% in class 1; and 28% in grades 2 and 3. The proportion of children in grade 3 was higher in public schools than in private schools. There were significant sexual differences in the intensity of parasitism for grades 2 and 3, where girls' rates exceeded twice those of boys'. Conclusions Sex and social stratum are important modifiers of P. capitis general prevalence and degree of infestation. The classification of children by intensity of infestation allowed a more precise delimitation of this condition, which is especially important for disease surveillance and application of control measures. Resumo Objetivo Determinar a intensidade de infestação (abundância) de

On head lice and social interaction in archaic Andean coastal populations

“…Head lice are not a life-threatening affliction, and attitudes and practices of communities toward head lice differ culturally (Catalá et al, 2005;Cazorla et al, 2007;Parison, 2010). In this context, one question remains: Which factors could have contributed to the high prevalence of head lice in ancient populations?…”

“…Social and individual attitudes are important variables to be considered for transmission dynamics in endemic communities (Burkhart and Burkhart, 2007;Catalá et al, 2005;Cazorla et al, 2007;Heukelbach, 2010). Pediculosis thrives in highly aggregated populations, as in contact-rich and sedentary settings with large families and extended social groups (Cazorla et al, 2007;Harper and Armelagos, 2010;Soultana et al, 2009).…”

“…In recent studies hair length has been shown to be a risk indicator for pediculosis. For example, an observed higher prevalence of pediculosis in female schoolchildren has been discussed in context with long hair and gender specific behavior, like social playing (Catalá et al, 2005;Canyon, 2010;Hengge, 2010;Zuñiga and Caro, 2010).…”

Comparing Role Playing and Lecture Training in Use of Permethrin Shampoo, on Pediculosis Treatment of Elementary School Girls

“…Seems to use other methods, including the use of synthetic drugs, bath, health education, lack of sharing of personal items, isolation of infected people and also very helpful. Pollution in European countries, Poland [4] Germany [5], American, European, such as Argentina [6], Brazil [7], Colombia [8] United States [3], Canada [9] and Asian countries such as Turkey [10] and African such as Nigeria [11], Korea [12], India [13] and other countries have been reported. Despite preventive activities in developing countries head lice infestation at different ages, pollution still exists and has a higher percentage of children than adults are Lvdhmy [14].…”

“…Of course, there are reports that schools in high pollution have been reported [15]. The prevalence of poor children and developed countries receive health care under the standard is higher [6] the direct contact with the head is the most common mode of transmission of infection [3]. In addition to direct contact with an infected person louse infestation, head of personal items such as combs, hats, scarves, underwear and towels are considered [16], because lice feed on host blood several times a day, your saliva repeatedly to host the injection of a toxic effect that can cause fatigue, irritation, pessimism and feeling lazy and cause allergies and severe pruritus [9].…”