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Head lice resistance: itching that just won't stop
C L Bartels1, K E Peterson, K L Taylor
1Department of Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy & Allied Health Sciences, University of Montana, 32 Campus Dr., Missoula, MT 59812-1522, USA. bartels@selway.umt.edu
The Annals of Pharmacotherapy
|February 24, 2001
Summary
Head lice (Pediculus capitis) are developing resistance to common pediculicides due to widespread insecticide use. Further research is needed to understand the incidence and mechanisms of this resistance.
Area of Science:
- Entomology
- Public Health
- Toxicology
Background:
- Head lice (Pediculus capitis) infestations are a global health concern.
- Extensive use of pediculicides and improper application methods raise concerns about insecticide resistance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing literature on head louse resistance and cross-resistance to pediculicides.
- To investigate the proposed mechanisms underlying insecticide resistance in head lice.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature search of MEDLINE and other databases (1966-April 2000).
- Inclusion of secondary literature and bibliographies of relevant articles.
Main Results:
- Evidence suggests that head lice resistance to pediculicides is present.
- The exact prevalence and increasing trend of this resistance remain largely unknown.
Conclusions:
- Head lice resistance to pediculicides is a documented issue requiring further investigation.
- Potential resistance mechanisms include knock-down resistance, glutathione S-transferase-based resistance, and monooxygenase-based resistance.