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Molecular Survey of Head and Body Lice, Pediculus humanus, in France

Kerdalidec Candy1,2, Nadia Amanzougaghene3, Arezki Izri1,2

  • 11 Department of Parasitology-Mycology, AP-HP, Hôpital Avicenne , Bobigny, France .

Vector Borne and Zoonotic Diseases (Larchmont, N.Y.)
|April 14, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Genetic diversity of human lice (Pediculus humanus) in France reveals new clades and prevalent Acinetobacter bacteria in head and body lice. This study highlights potential new disease vectors and bacterial strains.

Area of Science:

  • Parasitology
  • Medical Entomology
  • Molecular Phylogenetics

Background:

  • Human lice (Pediculus humanus) are obligate blood-sucking parasites with distinct mitochondrial clades.
  • Body lice are recognized disease vectors, while head lice are proposed as potential vectors.
  • Understanding louse genetic diversity and associated pathogens is crucial for public health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the genetic diversity of head and body lice in France.
  • To identify louse-borne pathogens, specifically Bartonella quintana and Acinetobacter species.
  • To determine the phylogenetic placement of French lice populations.

Main Methods:

  • DNA amplification and sequencing of cytb and cox1 genes from head and body lice.
  • Detection of Bartonella quintana and Acinetobacter DNA using molecular methods.
  • Phylogenetic analysis to confirm louse clades.

Main Results:

  • Confirmed the presence of clades A and B in French lice populations.
  • Reported the first detection of clade E in France, previously found only in West Africa.
  • Detected Bartonella quintana in 16.7% of body lice and Acinetobacter DNA in 11.5% of head lice and 29.1% of body lice.
  • Identified six Acinetobacter species in lice, including two potential new species, with Acinetobacter baumannii being most prevalent.

Conclusions:

  • French human lice populations exhibit diverse mitochondrial clades, including the newly identified clade E.
  • Head lice in France harbor various Acinetobacter species, suggesting a role in pathogen transmission.
  • The findings underscore the importance of continued surveillance for louse-borne pathogens and genetic diversity.
Keywords:
Acinetobacter spp.Bartonella quintana,FrancePediculus humanusclade E

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