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Insects Dec 2021Insects are the most evolutionarily and ecologically successful group of living animals, being present in almost all possible mainland habitats; however, they are... (Review)
Review
Insects are the most evolutionarily and ecologically successful group of living animals, being present in almost all possible mainland habitats; however, they are virtually absent in the ocean, which constitutes more than 99% of the Earth's biosphere. Only a few insect species can be found in the sea but they remain at the surface, in salt marshes, estuaries, or shallow waters. Remarkably, a group of 13 species manages to endure long immersion periods in the open sea, as well as deep dives, i.e., seal lice. Sucking lice (Phthiraptera: Anoplura) are ectoparasites of mammals, living while attached to the hosts' skin, into their fur, or among their hairs. Among them, the family Echinophthiriidae is peculiar because it infests amphibious hosts, such as pinnipeds and otters, who make deep dives and spend from weeks to months in the open sea. During the evolutionary transition of pinnipeds from land to the ocean, echinophthiriid lice had to manage the gradual change to an amphibian lifestyle along with their hosts, some of which may spend more than 80% of the time submerged and performing extreme dives, some beyond 2000 m under the surface. These obligate and permanent ectoparasites have adapted to cope with hypoxia, high salinity, low temperature, and, in particular, conditions of huge hydrostatic pressures. We will discuss some of these adaptations allowing seal lice to cope with their hosts' amphibious habits and how they can help us understand why insects are so rare in the ocean.
PubMed: 35055889
DOI: 10.3390/insects13010046 -
Emerging Infectious Diseases 1998Rickettsial diseases, important causes of illness and death worldwide, exist primarily in endemic and enzootic foci that occasionally give rise to sporadic or seasonal... (Review)
Review
Rickettsial diseases, important causes of illness and death worldwide, exist primarily in endemic and enzootic foci that occasionally give rise to sporadic or seasonal outbreaks. Rickettsial pathogens are highly specialized for obligate intracellular survival in both the vertebrate host and the invertebrate vector. While studies often focus primarily on the vertebrate host, the arthropod vector is often more important in the natural maintenance of the pathogen. Consequently, coevolution of rickettsiae with arthropods is responsible for many features of the host-pathogen relationship that are unique among arthropod-borne diseases, including efficient pathogen replication, long-term maintenance of infection, and transstadial and transovarial transmission. This article examines the common features of the host-pathogen relationship and of the arthropod vectors of the typhus and spotted fever group rickettsiae.
Topics: Animals; Arthropod Vectors; Dermacentor; Humans; Pediculus; Rickettsia; Rickettsia Infections; Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever; Siphonaptera; Typhus, Epidemic Louse-Borne
PubMed: 9621188
DOI: 10.3201/eid0402.980205 -
Turkiye Parazitolojii Dergisi Mar 2021Phthiriasis palpebrarum is a rare eyelid infestation caused by (pubic lice) that is often confused with other causes of blepharoconjunctivitis. In this study, we report...
Phthiriasis palpebrarum is a rare eyelid infestation caused by (pubic lice) that is often confused with other causes of blepharoconjunctivitis. In this study, we report the case of a 49-year-old male patient with phthiriasis palpebrarum who presented with itching and eye irritation in the left eye and had undergone treatment for conjunctivitis in the past month. Biomicroscopic examination revealed a dense population of motile and translucent lice and eggs, more intensely on the upper lid. For treatment, the lice were first cleaned mechanically, eyelashes were cut from the bottom, and eggs and lice were removed from the eye, after which petrolatum jelly (vsaseline) was applied to the lids for 10 days. In the control examination, no lice and eggs were observed.
Topics: Animals; Blepharitis; Eyelashes; Humans; Lice Infestations; Male; Middle Aged; Petrolatum; Phthirus; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 33685072
DOI: 10.4274/tpd.galenos.2020.6937 -
FEBS Letters Jun 2001Eukaryotes have developed an elaborate series of interactions with bacteria that enter their bodies and/or cells. Genome evolution of symbiotic and parasitic bacteria... (Review)
Review
Eukaryotes have developed an elaborate series of interactions with bacteria that enter their bodies and/or cells. Genome evolution of symbiotic and parasitic bacteria multiplying inside eukaryotic cells results in both convergent and divergent changes. The genome sequences of the symbiotic bacteria of aphids, Buchnera aphidicola, and the parasitic bacteria of body louse and humans, Rickettsia prowazekii, provide insights into these processes. Convergent genome characteristics include reduction in genome sizes and lowered G+C content values. Divergent evolution was recorded for amino acid and cell wall biosynthetic genes. The presence of pseudogenes in both genomes provides examples of recent gene inactivation events and offers clues to the process of genome deterioration and host-cell adaptation.
Topics: Adaptation, Physiological; Animals; Aphids; Buchnera; Energy Metabolism; Evolution, Molecular; Genome, Bacterial; Humans; Pediculus; Rickettsia prowazekii; Symbiosis
PubMed: 11412844
DOI: 10.1016/s0014-5793(01)02459-0 -
Emerging Infectious Diseases Feb 2006Bartonella quintana, a pathogen that is restricted to human hosts and louse vectors, was first characterized as the agent of trench fever. The disease was described in... (Review)
Review
Bartonella quintana, a pathogen that is restricted to human hosts and louse vectors, was first characterized as the agent of trench fever. The disease was described in 1915 on the basis of natural and experimental infections in soldiers. It is now recognized as a reemerging pathogen among homeless populations in cities in the United States and Europe and is responsible for a wide spectrum of conditions, including chronic bacteremia, endocarditis, and bacillary angiomatosis. Diagnosis is based on serologic analysis, culture, and molecular biology. Recent characterization of its genome allowed the development of modern diagnosis and typing methods. Guidelines for the treatment of B. quintana infections are presented.
Topics: Adult; Animals; Bartonella quintana; Communicable Diseases, Emerging; Female; Humans; Pediculus; Trench Fever
PubMed: 16494745
DOI: 10.3201/eid1202.050874 -
Turkiye Parazitolojii Dergisi 2010The current knowledge on the louse fauna of birds and mammals in Turkey has not yet been completed. Up to the present, a total of 109 species belonging to 50 genera of... (Review)
Review
The current knowledge on the louse fauna of birds and mammals in Turkey has not yet been completed. Up to the present, a total of 109 species belonging to 50 genera of lice have been recorded from animals and humans, according to the morphological identification. Among the avian lice, a total of 43 species belonging to 22 genera were identified in Ischnocera (Philopteridae). 35 species belonging to 14 genera in Menoponidae were detected and only 1 species was found in Laemobothriidae in Amblycera. Among the mammalian lice, a total of 20 species belonging to 8 genera were identified in Anoplura. 8 species belonging to 3 genera in Ischnocera were determined and 2 species belonging to 2 genera were detected in Amblycera in the mammalian lice.
Topics: Animals; Bird Diseases; Birds; Humans; Lice Infestations; Mammals; Phthiraptera; Turkey
PubMed: 21391197
DOI: 10.5152/tpd.2010.17 -
Yakugaku Zasshi : Journal of the... 2021The difficult experience of treating scabies in an elderly hospital reaffirmed my determination and responsibilities as a pharmacist. In 2000, there was no effective... (Review)
Review
The difficult experience of treating scabies in an elderly hospital reaffirmed my determination and responsibilities as a pharmacist. In 2000, there was no effective treatment for scabies in Japan. With the Japan Pharmaceutical Association as well as the Japanese Dermatological Association, the indication of ivermectin which is the intestinal fecal nematode was expanded for scabies. Since it was found that the administration of ivermectin through a tube to patients who could not take it orally had a dose loss of 50% depending on the injection method, an appropriate administration method was proposed. However, the oral administration of ivermectin has side effects including systemic liver damage, and external preparations require labor for systemic application, and recurrence from unapplied areas is also a problem. Therefore, we devised a whole-body bathing, in which patients are immersed in a fluid that contains ivermectin. The repeated ivermectin bathing three times a week cured scabies and has no problematic side effects in the clinical trial, suggesting that this method is a safer treatment. Next, in Okinawa, phenothrin-resistant head lice infestation was prevalent, and no medical drug for this infestation is available in Japan yet. Hence, to address this situation, we conducted a clinical trial to investigate the efficacy and safety of a combination regimen of 5% topical phenothrin and the unapproved 0.5% topical ivermectin. Consequently, 92% and 100% effectiveness were obtained in Okinawa and Tsukuba, respectively. As a result, we were able to conduct research aimed to maximize the safety and effectiveness of ivermectin in Japan.
Topics: Administration, Topical; Animals; Drug Therapy, Combination; Humans; Ivermectin; Japan; Lice Infestations; Pediculus; Pyrethrins; Safety; Scabies
PubMed: 34193651
DOI: 10.1248/yakushi.20-00242 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Jul 2007Infection with head lice is a widespread condition in developed and developing countries. Infection occurs most commonly in children, but also affects adults. If left... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Infection with head lice is a widespread condition in developed and developing countries. Infection occurs most commonly in children, but also affects adults. If left untreated the condition can become intensely irritating and skin infections may occur if the bites are scratched.
OBJECTIVES
The aim of this review was to assess the effects of interventions for head lice.
SEARCH STRATEGY
Cochrane Infectious Diseases Group specialized trials register (July 2002); The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (The Cochrane Library Issue 2, 2002); MEDLINE and TOXLINE (1966 to July 2002); EMBASE (1980 to May 2002); LILACS (July 2002); Science Citation Index (1981 to July 2002); BIOSIS (1985 to July 2002); reference lists of relevant articles; pharmaceutical companies producing pediculicides (published and unpublished trials); UK and US Regulatory Authorities.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised trials (published and unpublished) or trials using alternate allocation were sought which compared pediculicides with the same and different formulations of other pediculicides, and pediculicides with physical methods.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Of the 71 identified studies, only four met the inclusion criteria. Two reviewers independently assessed trial quality. One reviewer extracted the data.
MAIN RESULTS
We found no evidence that any one pediculicide has greater effect than another. The two studies comparing malathion and permethrin with their respective vehicles showed a higher cure rate for the active ingredient than the vehicle. Another study comparing synergised pyrethrins with permethrin showed their effects to be equivalent. A comparative trial of malathion lotion vs combing, showed combing to be ineffective for the cureative treatment of head lice infection. Adverse effects were reported in a number of trials and were all minor, although reporting quality varied between trials.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Permethrin, synergised pyrethrin and malathion were effective in the treatment of head lice. However, the emergence of drug resistance since these trials were conducted means there is no direct contemporary evidence of the comparative effectiveness of these products. The 'best' choice will now depend on local resistance patterns. Physical treatment methods(BugBusting) were shown ot be ineffective to treat head lice. No evidence exists regarding other chemical control methods such as the use of herbal treatments, when used in the curative treatment of head lice. Future trials should take into account the methodological recommendations that arise from this review.
Topics: Adult; Animals; Antiparasitic Agents; Carbaryl; Health Education; Humans; Hygiene; Lice Infestations; Malathion; Pediculus; Permethrin; Phytotherapy; Pyrethrins; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Scalp Dermatoses
PubMed: 17636657
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD001165.pub2 -
Revue Scientifique Et Technique... Dec 1994The morphology and biology of sucking lice (Anoplura) and biting lice (Mallophaga) are described. A table shows the main species for given hosts and provides simplified... (Review)
Review
The morphology and biology of sucking lice (Anoplura) and biting lice (Mallophaga) are described. A table shows the main species for given hosts and provides simplified keys for identification. Lice have a direct pathogenic effect (damage to skin and cutaneous appendages, fall in productivity) and an indirect effect (transmission of Rickettsia prowazeki, R. quintana and Borrelia recurrentis in human beings; African and classical swine fever virus, equine infectious anaemia virus and Dipylidium caninum in animals). Control methods, current active insecticides (and those being tested) and appropriate formulations are outlined.
Topics: Animals; Animals, Domestic; Anoplura; Female; Humans; Insect Control; Lice Infestations; Male; Phthiraptera
PubMed: 7711304
DOI: No ID Found -
Indian Journal of Dermatology,... 2012Head louse infestation, or pediculosis capitis, caused by Pediculus humanus var. capitis, is a common health concern in pediatric age group. An itching of the scalp is... (Review)
Review
Head louse infestation, or pediculosis capitis, caused by Pediculus humanus var. capitis, is a common health concern in pediatric age group. An itching of the scalp is the chief symptom, whereas presence of viable nits confirms the diagnosis of head louse infestation. Secondary bacterial infection with impetignization with cervical and occipital lymphadenopathy can complicate the clinical scenario with physician misdiagnosing pediculosis to a primary bacterial infection. Screening and treatment of all close contacts is necessary for an adequate management of pediculosis. Medical management of head louse infestation requires proper application of topical pediculicidal agents', chiefly permethrin lotion and wet combing with a fine toothcomb. Severe cases with high parasitic load justify the use of either oral cotrimoxazole or Ivermectin. Other described technique involves a single application of hot air for 30 minutes. Radical but culturally unacceptable method would be shaving of scalp in resistant cases. Environmental fogging with insecticides is neither necessary nor recommended.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Insecticides; Lice Infestations; Life Cycle Stages; Pediculus; Scalp Dermatoses
PubMed: 22772612
DOI: 10.4103/0378-6323.98072