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<p><i>Introduction: Pediculus humanus capitis</i> is a cosmopolitan ectoparasite that causes scalp pruritus, particularly among children in low- and middle-income countries. Transmission occurs mainly through direct head-to-head contact, and various risk factors have been implicated in increasing susceptibility to infestation. Nevertheless, epidemiological and molecular data on head lice infestation in Algeria remain limited. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional epidemiological study aimed to estimate the prevalence of pediculosis capitis and to identify associated risk factors among Algerian primary schoolchildren across 21 provinces over a 10-year period (2015–2024). A total of 34,152 children aged 8 to 11 years from 124 schools were screened for infestation. Data were collected on infestation status, demographic variables, and hair characteristics. In addition, mitochondrial cytochrome b gene sequencing was performed on representative specimens to investigate phylogenetic diversity and lineage distribution. Results: The overall prevalence of head lice infestation was 3.5%, with a mean intensity of 7.8 lice per infested individual and a mean abundance of 0.23 lice per child. Significant regional and annual variations in prevalence were observed. Infestation was nearly four times higher in girls than in boys (5.18% vs. 1.58%; OR = 3.53, <i>p</i> &lt; 0.001). Additional risk factors included long, straight hair and poor scalp hygiene. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the co-circulation of two mitochondrial clades (A and B), with a slight predominance of clade A, indicating underlying genetic diversity and regional heterogeneity in lineage distribution. Conclusion: This first large-scale national survey integrating epidemiological and phylogenetic approaches provides a comprehensive overview of head lice infestation in Algeria. The findings support the implementation of targeted school-based prevention programs and highlight the importance of molecular surveillance to better understand lice population structure and to inform sustainable control strategies.</p>

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Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Phylogenetic Characterization of Pediculus humanus capitis Among Primary Schoolchildren in Algeria

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年6月1日

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  • Mohammed Ahmed Shamali,
  • Meryem Berrazeg,
  • Nadir Boudjlal Dergal,
  • Bachir Medrouh,
  • Keltoum Bendida,
  • Karima Brahmi,
  • Meriem Touati,
  • Amina Bouchra Allal,
  • Mohamed Merzoug,
  • Amina Boutellis,
  • Tahar Kernif,
  • Rezak Drali

摘要

Introduction: Pediculus humanus capitis is a cosmopolitan ectoparasite that causes scalp pruritus, particularly among children in low- and middle-income countries. Transmission occurs mainly through direct head-to-head contact, and various risk factors have been implicated in increasing susceptibility to infestation. Nevertheless, epidemiological and molecular data on head lice infestation in Algeria remain limited. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional epidemiological study aimed to estimate the prevalence of pediculosis capitis and to identify associated risk factors among Algerian primary schoolchildren across 21 provinces over a 10-year period (2015–2024). A total of 34,152 children aged 8 to 11 years from 124 schools were screened for infestation. Data were collected on infestation status, demographic variables, and hair characteristics. In addition, mitochondrial cytochrome b gene sequencing was performed on representative specimens to investigate phylogenetic diversity and lineage distribution. Results: The overall prevalence of head lice infestation was 3.5%, with a mean intensity of 7.8 lice per infested individual and a mean abundance of 0.23 lice per child. Significant regional and annual variations in prevalence were observed. Infestation was nearly four times higher in girls than in boys (5.18% vs. 1.58%; OR = 3.53, p < 0.001). Additional risk factors included long, straight hair and poor scalp hygiene. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the co-circulation of two mitochondrial clades (A and B), with a slight predominance of clade A, indicating underlying genetic diversity and regional heterogeneity in lineage distribution. Conclusion: This first large-scale national survey integrating epidemiological and phylogenetic approaches provides a comprehensive overview of head lice infestation in Algeria. The findings support the implementation of targeted school-based prevention programs and highlight the importance of molecular surveillance to better understand lice population structure and to inform sustainable control strategies.