Effect of Head Lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) on Some Haematological Variables Among Female Students in Al- Hajjaj Primary Schools

Abstract

Head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) is the most widespread external parasite worldwide, especially in developing countries, the present study involved a visual examination of 3006 female students from December 3, 2023, to May 10, 2024, across six primary schools (Hoor Al-Ain, Al-Baraa, Al-Irada Al-Iraqiya, Al-Saad, Palestine, Asmara) in the Al-Hajjaj district of Salah Al-Din Governorate, to investigate head lice prevalence. According to the findings of the current study, the overall infection rate of Pediculus humanus capitis was 25.91% throughout all of the schools that were utilized in the research. Seven hundred and seventy-nine female students out of the total number of female students who were examined were found to be contaminated. Infection cases appeared in different age groups. The highest infection rate was in the age group 9-10 years at a rate of 31.10%, while the age group 6-7 years recorded the lowest infection rate of 18.69%.

   The back of the head exhibited the highest lice infection rate at 43.64%, while the middle of the head recorded the lowest rate at 12.62%. The infection rate in the head region was 23.37%, but in the frontal area, it was 14.99%. The long hair category exhibited the greatest infection rate at 30.93%, followed by the very long hair category at 23.24%, while the short hair category recorded the lowest rate at 20.28%. The complete blood count (CBC) revealed significant differences in the white blood cell count at a probability level of P>0.01. However, no significant differences were observed in red blood cells and lymphocytes when compared to the control group. Conversely, significant differences were noted in HGB, HCT, MCV, MCH, and MCHC at a probability level of P>0.01 relative to the control group.