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Molecular identification of head lice collected in Franceville (Gabon) and their associated bacteria

Celia Scherelle Boumbanda-Koyo1,2,3,4, Oleg Mediannikov5,6, Nadia Amanzougaghene2,7

  • 1Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France.

Parasites & Vectors
|August 13, 2020
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

This study reveals the genetic diversity of head lice in Gabon, finding Clade C to be prevalent. It also detected Borrelia spp. DNA, indicating potential bacterial circulation in head lice populations.

Area of Science:

  • Parasitology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Human Migration Studies

Background:

  • Head lice (Pediculus humanus) are obligate human parasites co-evolving with hosts, offering insights into human migration patterns.
  • Pediculosis is globally prevalent, with increasing detection of pathogenic bacteria, typically associated with body lice, in head lice.
  • Limited data exists on head louse genetic diversity and associated bacteria in Gabon, a region with ongoing pediculosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the genetic diversity of head lice collected in Gabon.
  • To identify bacteria associated with head lice in this region using molecular methods.

Main Methods:

  • Collected 691 head lice from 86 women in Franceville, Gabon.
  • Analyzed genetic diversity using the cytochrome b gene.
  • Screened lice for DNA of various bacteria (Bartonella quintana, Borrelia spp., Acinetobacter spp., Yersinia pestis, Rickettsia spp., R. prowazekii, Anaplasma spp., C. burnetii) via PCR and sequencing.

Main Results:

  • Head lice predominantly belonged to Clade A (74.6%) and Clade C (25.3%).
  • Phylogenetic analysis identified 13 haplotypes, with 8 being novel.
  • Borrelia spp. DNA was found in 0.4% of lice, and Acinetobacter spp. DNA in 25% (including Acinetobacter baumannii).

Conclusions:

  • This is the first study on head louse genetic diversity in Gabon, identifying Clade C as the second most significant clade.
  • The detection of Borrelia spp. DNA suggests potential circulation of these bacteria within head louse populations in Gabon.
Keywords:
Acinetobacter spp.Borrelia spp.GabonHead licePediculus humanus

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