This paper presents and discusses archaeological samples of Pediculus humanus capitis nits/eggs in Arica, northern Chile, dating between 2000 B.C. and A.D. 500. Eight samples of nits/eggs taken directly from seven mummified bodies of both the valley and the coast of Arica, were collected and studied. Samples were analysed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), uncoated, using low and variable pressure modes. The aim was to study the morphology of the nits/eggs, the different degrees of preservation and their research potential. All samples were in good external condition and due to manipulation before SEM analysis, the oldest ones were fractured allowing the observation in situ of the hatching ad portas of an embryo. This inside view of the egg allowed observation and identification of microstructures of the embryo such as abdominal and thoracic spiracles and claws. In the most recent and best preserved samples, external structures characteristic of the egg such as aeropyles and operculum were observed. SEM can contribute significantly to the study of ectoparasites that affected ancient American populations and in this particular case to illustrate the stages and morphology of Andean archaeological specimens of P. humanus capitis.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
|---|---|
| http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.micron.2012.10.018 | DOI Listing |
Publication Analysis
Top Keywords
Similar Publications
First Report of the Gene Mutations Associated with Permethrin Resistance in Head Lice ( De Geer, 1767) from Primary School Children in Istanbul (Türkiye) and Nagarkot (Nepal).
Pathogens
December 2024
Department of Medical Microbiology, Acibadem University School of Medicine, Istanbul 34752, Türkiye.
Head lice infestation (HLI), caused by De Geer, 1767, has long been a common global problem of school children. Permethrin is an old pyrethroid derivative that has been used commonly for its treatment, and it exerts its activity over the voltage-sensitive calcium channels (VSCC) of the lice. There has been a growing list of persistent HLI cases lately in the world among patients using permethrin, and knockdown resistance (kdr)-related point mutations on VSCC have been identified and reported from those resistant lice samples.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPrevalence of pediculosis among primary school children in Tunisia.
East Mediterr Health J
September 2024
Medical and Molecular Parasitology-Mycology Laboratory, Department of Clinical Biology B, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Monastir, Tunisia.
Article Synopsis
- Study aims to investigate head lice prevalence among primary school children in Monastir, Tunisia, due to its global health impact and lack of local research.
- A total of 2396 children from 14 schools were examined, revealing a 17.5% infestation rate, significantly higher in girls (29.1%) compared to boys (6.3%).
- Factors such as crowded living conditions, grade level, and parents' education were linked to higher infestation risk, underlining the need for preventive measures and health programs targeting children and their communities.
Presence of the knockdown resistance (kdr) mutations in the head lice () population in the North of Iran.
J Parasit Dis
December 2024
Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran.
Head lice infestation continues to be a major health problem worldwide. In order to solve this problem, frequent use of pediculocides has caused growing resistance among head lice population. This study aims to investigate the presence of the knockdown resistance () mutation in the head lice population in northern Iran.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe association between knockdown resistance and treatment outcome of 1% permethrin lotion in head lice infestations in Nonthaburi province, Thailand.
Arch Dermatol Res
October 2024
Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Head lice infestations significantly impact schoolchildren, with permethrin being the primary treatment. The escalation in the prevalence of the knockdown resistance (kdr) mutation, potentially affecting treatment efficacy, is highly concerning. This study examined head lice infestation prevalence, the efficacy of 1% permethrin lotion, kdr mutation frequency, and the association between kdr genotype and permethrin treatment outcomes in schoolchildren in Nonthaburi province, Thailand.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFA severe head louse (Pediculus humanus capitis) infestation: Timeline, pathogen detection, kdr-gene screening and morphological anomalies of lice.
Med Vet Entomol
September 2024
Department of Biology, College of Science and Mathematics, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, Georgia, USA.
Article Synopsis
- * A case study of a 12-year-old girl who died from severe anemia linked to a head louse infestation showed that the lice were present for at least 166 days and had some traits associated with both head and body lice.
- * The investigation highlighted that chronic head louse infestation can indicate neglect and poor care in children, suggesting that such conditions may need attention from authorities.
Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?
Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!