Molecular detection of Bartonella quintana, Acinetobacter baumannii and Acinetobacter haemolyticus in Pediculus humanus lice in Nigeria, West Africa.

The human lice Pediculus humanus is distributed worldwide but, it thrives and flourishes under conflict situations where people are forced to live in crowded unhygienic conditions. Molecular methods were used to identify and screen human lice for the DNA of pathogens of public health importance in an area that has been under insurgency related to religious and political conflicts with tens of thousands of internally displaced people (IDP). DNA of Bartonella quintana, Acinetobacter baumannii and Acinetobacter haemolyticus was detected in 18.3%, 40.0% and 1.7%, respectively, of human lice collected from children in Maiduguri, Nigeria. More body lice than head lice were positive for pathogen's DNA (64.3% vs. 44.4%; χ2 = 1.3, p = 0.33), but the difference was not significant. Two lice samples were found to harbour mixed DNA of B. quintana and A. baumannii. Phylogenetic analysis of the cytochrome b (cytb) gene sequences of the positive lice specimens placed them into clades A and E. This is the first report on the molecular identification of human lice and the detection of the DNA of pathogens of public health importance in lice in Nigeria, West Africa. The findings of this study will assist policy makers and medical practitioners in formulating a holistic healthcare delivery to IDPs.

Ovicidal and Pediculicidal Activity of Indigofera suffruticosa Mill. Leaf Oil on Pediculus humanus capitis Egg to Adult Stages.

PURPOSE: Pediculosis capitis, commonly known as head lice infestation, represents a significant health 26 problem for school children worldwide. Repeated and long-term usages of highly toxic pediculicides have resulted in the development of increased levels of resistance and do not kill louse eggs. Alternative pediculicides, such as herbal products, have recently been proposed for the treatment of head lice infestation, thereby decreasing toxicity. METHODS: This study analyzed the chemical composition of I. suffruticosa leaf extracts using GC-MS and evaluated the effects of Indigofera suffruticosa Mill. (I. suffruticosa) leaf extract on the mortality of head lice and their eggs. RESULTS: The major five components of the tested oils identified were as follows: n-hexadecanoic acid, hexadecanoic acid, ethyl ester, oleic acid, (E)-9-octadecenoic acid ethyl ester, and linoleic acid ethyl ester. The effective pediculicide of the I. suffruticosa leaf extracts affected head lice in all stages (egg, nymph, and adults). The concentrations of I. suffruticosa leaf extracts at 500 mg/mL produced the highest effective ovicidal on egg with 96.6% unhatching and pediculicide on nymphs and adults with 96.7 ± 5.7% and 86.7 ± 5.7% mortality, respectively, at 60 min (LT50 value < 10 min). The analysis of the external structure of the adult-stage head lice by SEM examination revealed that dead lice exposed to I. suffruticosa leaf extract displayed damage to the outer smooth architecture and obstructed the respiratory spiracles. CONCLUSION: We may conclude that the application of I. suffruticosa leaf extract produces an effective herbal pediculicide capable of affecting all stages of head lice.

Comparative efficacy of chemical and botanical pediculicides in Thailand and 4% dimeticone against head louse, Pediculus humanus capitis.

Head louse infestations remain a global public-health concern due to increased resistance of lice to artificial pediculicides. In Thailand, there is a lack of comparative data on the current efficacy of pediculicides for treating head lice. In this study, we explored the status of botanical and toxic synthetic pediculicides with that of 4% dimeticone liquid gel for treating head lice in Thailand. The ex-vivo pediculicidal activity of various pediculicidal shampoos available at drugstores in Thailand was assessed and compared with that of 4% dimeticone liquid gel. The shampoos chosen were based on active ingredients toxic to lice (1% permethrin, 0.6% carbaryl, 0.15% Stemona root crude extract, or mixed plant extracts), whereas dimeticone acts physically on lice. We found that exposure to 4% dimeticone liquid gel following the manufacturer's instructions completely killed 100% of head lice in 15 min, whereas other pediculicide products failed to kill the great majority of head lice, whether treatment was for 10 min (resulting in 0% to 50.0% mortality) or 30 min (resulting in 17.0% to 60.0% mortality). We also extended a clinical assessment to confirm the efficacy of 1% permethrin for treating head lice in infested schoolchildren. In this clinical assessment, none of the 26 children treated with 1% permethrin shampoo achieved a cure after two applications. These results highlight that 4% dimeticone demonstrated a higher ex-vivo pediculicidal efficacy compared to both chemical and botanical pediculicides in Thailand. Conversely, 1% permethrin showed low efficacy in both laboratory and clinical assessments. Given its physical mode of action, 4% dimeticone merits consideration as an alternative treatment option for lice in Thailand, particularly in cases where treatment with toxic pediculicides has proven ineffective.

Acetic acid and the skin: a review of vinegar in dermatology.

Vinegar is commonly used as a home remedy for many skin problems. It is important for dermatologists to understand the evidence supporting its use in skin disease, as well as potential adverse effects, so they can properly counsel patients on the safe use of this widely available treatment. Vinegar possesses antimicrobial and antioxidant properties that provide utility in wound care as well as bacterial and fungal infections. There is also evidence to support its use in pruritus, head lice removal, and treatment of striae gravidarum. While generally safe, inappropriate use can result in damage to the skin. In this review, we discuss the evidence supporting vinegar as a treatment for skin disease, as well as adverse events reported from misuse, to provide dermatologists the knowledge to counsel patients on the safe and appropriate use of vinegar.

A 12-Year-old Girl With Chronic Pediculosis Infestation Presenting With Severe Iron Deficiency Anemia.

Iron deficiency is the leading etiology of anemia worldwide. Excessive cow's milk intake and menorrhagia are the most common etiologies in the pediatric population in the United States, with parasitic infections a more common cause in lower-resource countries. Here we present a case of a 12-year-old female in the midwestern United States with severe iron deficiency anemia (hemoglobin 4.7 g/dL) and chronic pediculosis infestation. Anemia resolved with transfusion, iron supplementation, and eradication of the parasite. We believe this is the only reported case of a child in the United States with severe iron deficiency anemia secondary to chronic severe lice infestation.

Ação inseticida in vitro do óleo essencial de Lippia gracilis Schauer sobre Damalinia Bovicola ovis (Schrank, 1781) / In vitro action of Lippia gracilis Schauer essential oil on Damalinia Bovicola ovis (Schrank, 1781)

O objetivo deste trabalho é avaliar a eficácia inseticida in vitro do óleo essencial de Lippia gracilis sobre Bovicolaovis. Os espécimes (n = 900) de B.ovis foram coletados de ovinos naturalmente infestados, distribuídos aleatoriamente em grupos, e submetidos aos diferentes tratamentos: (G1) 1.000 a 15,6 mg/ml óleo essencial de Lippia gracilis; (G2) Tween 80 a 3% (controle negativo), e: (G3) Amitraz 1,25 g/mL (controle positivo). Realizou-se 4 réplicas (25 piolhos por réplica) para cada tratamento. A viabilidade dos piolhos foi avaliada nos tempos de 1, 3, 6, 24, 48 e 72 h. Os dados foram expressos em eficácia média ± desvio padrão (SPSS versão 23.0) e diferenças estatísticas dos grupos experimentais foram obtidas por Kruskal-Wallis e Friedman. Para obtenção da CI50e CI90 foi realizada Regressão de Probit, com nível de significância de p< 0,05. O óleo essencial de L. gracilis nas concentrações de 100 a 62,5 mg/mL apresentaram eficácia de 100%, 1 h pós-exposição. Os valores de CI50 e CI90 foram 18,1 mg/mL e 44,9 mg/mL, respectivamente. Dessa forma, concluímos que o óleo essencial de L. gracilis apresentou eficácia sobre B.ovis in vitro.

The objective of this work is to evaluate the in vitro insecticidal efficacy of the essential oil of Lippia gracilis against Bovicolaovis. The specimens (n = 900) of B.ovis were collected from naturally infested sheep, randomly distributed in groups, and subjected to different treatments: (G1) 1,000 to 15.6 mg/ml essential oil of Lippia gracilis; (G2) 3% Tween 80 (negative control), and: (G3) Amitraz 1.25 g/mL (positive control). 4 replicates (25 lice per replica) were performed for each treatment. Louse viability was assessed at 1, 3, 6, 24, 48 and 72 h. The data were expressed as mean efficacy ± standard deviation (SPSS version 23.0) and statistical differences in the experimental groups were obtained by Kruskal-Wallis and Friedman. Probit regression was performed to obtain the IC50 and CI90, with a significance level of p <0.05. The essential oil of L. gracilis at concentrations of 100 to 62.5 mg/mL showed 100% efficacy, 1 h post-exposure. The IC50 and CI90 values were 18.1 mg/mL and 44.9 mg/mL, respectively. Thus, we conclude that L. gracilis essential oil is effective on B. ovis.

Essential Oils as a Potential Treatment Option for Pediculosis.

Pediculosis is a prevalent ectoparasite infestation caused by lice. The head louse (Pediculus humanus capitis) and body louse (Pediculus humanus humanus) are obligatory parasites whose only known hosts are humans. Pediculosis is probably the most common ectoparasitic infestation, affecting up to 80% of the population in several countries, and particularly prevalent in the infant population worldwide. Several treatment options, including shampoos and creams containing insecticides, have been introduced for the treatment of pediculosis. Recently, the use of synthetic chemicals to control human lice has raised concerns pertaining to human health and the environment. Therefore, increasing efforts have been undertaken to develop effective pediculicides with low environmental toxicity and minimal environmental residual activity. In this study, we focus on the essential oils derived from 22 plant genera, their constituents, and the major factors that play important roles in the effectiveness of these oils in the treatment of pediculosis. Furthermore, we discuss the advantages and limitations of the mentioned essential oils, and ultimately suggest those demonstrating the most effective in vitro pediculicidal activities. The genera such as Aloysia, Cinnamomum, Eucalyptus, Eugenia, Lavandula, Melaleuca, Mentha, Myrcianthes, Origanum, Pimpinella, and Thymus appear to be more efficient against lice. These genera are rich in anethole, 1,8-cineole, cinnamaldehyde, p-cymene, eugenol, linalool, limonene, pulegone, terpinen-4-ol, and thymol compounds.

Formação de professores: reflexão em relação aos impactos negativos na aprendizagem escolar, ocasionados pela Pediculose e Enterobiose aos escolares do Ensino Fundamental / Teacher education: reflection on the negative impacts on school learning caused by Pediculosis and Enterobiosis in Elementary School students

Refletir sobre a saúde dos escolares do Ensino Fundamental requer desvencilhar-se de uma visão generalista e conteudista. Necessita a prática de um olhar atento e sensível às crianças por meio de uma visão holística, considerando os determinantes sociais que interferem no evento educativo e que afetam a saúde integral das crianças em fase escolar. Neste contexto torna-se pertinente, refletir e discutir sobre a dicotomia saúde-doença em relação aos impactos negativos na aprendizagem escolar ocasionados pela Pediculose e Enterobiose que comumente acometem o público infantil. Ambas doenças ocasionam o distúrbio do sono e a irritabilidade deixando as crianças sonolentas e desatentas na sala de aula, devido ao intenso prurido no couro cabeludo (piolho) e na região perianal (helminto). Dificilmente, se uma criança estiver doente (físico, psíquico e social), dentro e/ou fora da sala de aula, se engajará em alguma atividade intelectual. Nessa percepção, o presente estudo objetivou mobilizar 73 estudantes do ensino médio (Curso Normal) de uma escola estadual pública do município de Duque de Caxias no RJ, para refletirem sobre os danos ocasionados por essas parasitoses as crianças menores, instigando-os à prática de um olhar atento e sensível às múltiplas linguagens dos escolares, possibilitando identificar se estão ou não saudáveis.

Nesse propósito, foram realizadas três oficinas intituladas: Oficina Ouvindo Imagens, Oficina Pediculose e Oficina Enterobiose. Pelos discursos obtidos desses formandos constatou que essas doenças se constituem como uma barreira à aprendizagem escolar, um problema de ordem pública e social. Evidenciou-se que ao resgatarem suas memórias afetivas e sociais, os normalistas relataram o problema da segregação e da estigmatização social, o bullying, o sentimento de abandono por parte dos responsáveis e das autoridades públicas na região onde residem. Além da banalização da Pediculose sendo reconhecida erroneamente como parte do desenvolvimento infantil, e da Enterobiose pouco reconhecida pelos escolares. Negligencia-se, portanto, não apenas as doenças, mas os sujeitos sociais. (AU)

Lifestyle Recommendations for Management of Pediculosis from the Viewpoint of Persian Medicine

Introduction: Pediculosis Capitis (head lice infestation) is the most common disease of the bloodsucking insect which affects approximately six to twenty million cases and results considerable economic burden annually. In this study we aim to investigate some medieval Persian views on the role of non-pharmacological treatment strategies for prevention and control of pediculosis and compare their prescriptions with current findings. Materials and methods: In this qualitative study, we reviewed some well-known Persian medicine (PM) textbooks based on the selected keywords (Shepesh, Reshk, Ghamal and Seyban) to collect the viewpoint of PM scholars for pediculosis and its treatments. Also, we searched in the databases such as PubMed, Science direct and Scopus about the topic. Results: Persian medicine scientists believed that there are six essential health principles (SetteZaroorieh), which can affect human health and prevent diseases including air, nutrition, exercise, sleep and wakefulness, exertion of unnecessary materials from the body and finally psychological concepts. Proper management of these essential factors can improve lifestyle of people affected with pediculosis and also play a key role in prevention of head lice infestation. Conclusion: There are several suitable recommendations for prevention and control of pediculosis according to essential health principles in PM which can consider beside current drug treatments and the individual health recommendations for complete control of the disease

Ancient treatment for lice: a source of suggestions for carriers of other infectious diseases?

Louse infestation is one of the oldest contagious pestilential diseases of humankind, which has recently re-emerged in several developing countries as well as in homeless individuals and migrants. The present work provides the first phase of an historical excursus of louse remedies based on the classics of pharmaceutical literature, codes, pharmacopoeia and treatises. The second phase involves a literature search, based on the principal medical databases (SciFinder, Pubmed, Google Scholar, ISI-Web of Science and Scopus), to match ancient raw materials and active principles for the treatment of pediculosis and their possible applications, with other current infectious pathologies transmitted by different carriers. In this regard, Rhododendron tomentosum has revealed repellent insect activity, particularly against Aedes aegypti, responsible for Dengue fever, Chikungunya, Zika fever, Mayaro, yellow fever and other infectious diseases. Petroselinum crispum is an insecticide employed for resistant strains of A. aegypti. In the case of Delphinium staphisagria, the phytochemical profile was further investigated with the identification of further molecules in addition to delphinine. The latter shows interesting activities against Trypanosoma cruzi and Leishmania. Anthemis pyrethrum, now renamed as Anacyclus pyrethrum, although not containing pyrethrins present in several plants of the genus Chrysanthemum, revealed pediculicidal activity but did not produce satisfactory results in antiprotozoal activity.

Treatment of Scabies and Pediculosis in Health Education Publications and Folk Medicine of Eastern Croatia - Slavonija, Baranja, and Western Srijem County.

Scabies and pediculosis are common parasitic infestations of the skin and hair, manifesting with intense pruritus and effectively treated with modern medications. Because of the attached social stigma linking it with poverty and poor hygiene, patients will often attempt alternative folk-based remedies before confiding in their physicians. We conducted a comprehensive bibliographical study of historic folk literature and interviewed 70 individuals experienced in everyday application of folk medicine in order to categorize available remedies and provide a modern, scientific comment on their effectiveness and dangers. Compositions containing sulfur, copper sulfate, petroleum, coal, tar, and highly alkaline soaps and washing solutions undoubtedly have scabicidal and pediculicidal properties, but they are used either in high concentrations with greater possibility of intoxication and irritation or lower concentrations with questionable therapeutic benefit. These remedies, extracted from historical-cultural frameworks, are poorly adapted to modern standards and can lead to side-effects and complications. Physicians today have to be aware of the reasons their patients seek alternative remedies and know the substances and procedures they may use in self-healing, so as to be able to provide the help that may be needed if those complications occur.

In vitro efficacy of five essential oils against Pediculus humanus capitis.

Treatment of head lice has relied mainly on the use of topical insecticides. Today, conventional topical pediculicides have suffered considerable loss of activity worldwide. There is increasing interest in the use of natural products such as essential oils for head louse control, and many of them are now incorporated into various over-the-counter products presented as pediculicides, often without proper evaluation. The aim of the present study was to assess the in vitro efficacy of five essential oils against adults of Pediculus humanus capitis using a contact filter paper toxicity bioassay. The chemical composition of the essential oils from wild bergamot, clove, lavender, tea tree, and Yunnan verbena was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. All treatments and controls were replicated three times on separate occasions over a period of 11 months. In all, 1239 living lice were collected from the scalp of 51 subjects, aged from 1 to 69 years. Clove oil, diluted either in coco oil or sunflower oil, demonstrated the best adulticidal activity, reaching > 90% mortality within 2 h in lice submitted to a 30-min contact. Yunnan verbena oil diluted in coco oil showed also a significant efficacy. Other essential oils showed a lower efficacy. The oil's major component(s) differed according to the tested oils and appeared chemically diverse. In the case of clove oil, the eugenol appeared as the main component. This study confirmed the potential interest of some of the essential oils tested, but not all, as products to include possibly in a pediculicidal formulation.

The efficacy of Australian essential oils for the treatment of head lice infestation in children: A randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The increase in resistance of head lice to neurotoxic pediculicides and public concern over their safety has led to an increase in alternative treatments, many of which are poorly researched or even untested. METHODS: A multicentre, randomised, assessor-blind, parallel-group trial (Trial 1) was conducted to compare the safety and efficacy of a head lice treatment containing Australian eucalyptus oil and Leptospermum petersonii (EO/LP solution; applied thrice with 7-day intervals between applications) with a neurotoxic treatment containing pyrethrins and piperonyl butoxide (P/PB mousse; applied twice with a 7-day interval) in children. A single-blind, open trial (Trial 2) was conducted to assess the efficacy of EO/LP solution following a single application. In addition, skin irritancy and sensitisation tests using EO/LP solution were performed in adults and children. In vitro tests were performed to further assess the ovicidal and pediculicidal efficacy of EO/LP solution. RESULTS: EO/LP solution was found to be more than twice as effective in curing head lice infestation as P/PB mousse in per-protocol participants (Trial 1; 83% vs 36%, P < 0.0001), and was also found to be 100% pediculicidal following a single application (Trial 2). Adverse events were limited to transient itching, burning or stinging. Further skin testing with the EO/LP solution reported no irritation or sensitisation in adults, or irritation in children. In vitro exposure of lice and eggs to the EO/LP solution resulted in 100% mortality. CONCLUSION: The efficacy, safety and relative ease of use of the EO/LP solution make it a viable alternative in treating head lice.

Safety, Efficacy, and Physicochemical Characterization of Tinospora crispa Ointment: A Community-Based Formulation against Pediculus humanus capitis.

The high prevalence of pediculosis capitis, commonly known as head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) infestation, has led to the preparation of a community-based pediculicidal ointment, which is made of common household items and the extract of Tinospora crispa stem. The present study aimed to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and physicochemical characteristics of the T. crispa pediculicidal ointment. The physicochemical properties of the ointment were characterized, and safety was determined using acute dermal irritation test (OECD 404), while the efficacy was assessed using an in vitro pediculicidal assay. Furthermore, the chemical compounds present in T. crispa were identified using liquid-liquid extraction followed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography quadruple time-of-flight mass spectrometric (UPLC-qTOF/MS) analysis. The community-based ointment formulation was light yellow in color, homogeneous, smooth, with distinct aromatic odor and pH of 6.92±0.09. It has spreadability value of 15.04±0.98 g·cm/sec and has thixotropic behavior. It was also found to be non-irritant, with a primary irritation index value of 0.15. Moreover, it was comparable to the pediculicidal activity of the positive control Kwell®, a commercially available 1% permethrin shampoo (P>0.05), and was significantly different to the activity of the negative control ointment, a mixture of palm oil and candle wax (P<0.05). These findings suggested that the community-based T. crispa pediculicidal ointment is safe and effective, having acceptable physicochemical characteristics. Its activity can be attributed to the presence of compounds moupinamide and physalin I.

Flammability testing of 22 conventional European pediculicides.

Lice have been parasitizing humans for at least 10,000 years. Since then, humans have tried to rid themselves of these unpleasant and potentially disease-carrying insects. Despite various plant extracts and chemical compounds being used to combat recurring infestations to this date, several lice populations have developed resistance to some of the abundantly used compounds. This resulted in the development of anti-louse products that physically kill the different lice stages. Today, a widely used group of delousing agents are dimethicones (polydimethylsiloxane PDMS) which function by suffocating the lice. However, many dimethicones and related products are highly flammable which makes them potentially dangerous for treatment. In the present study, we tested the flammability of 22 delousing agents in order to shed some light onto this currently unresolved problem in the product design of pediculicides. Thirteen products were easily ignitable, some even by distant contact with a sparkler.

In vitro Investigation of the Pediculicidal Activities of the Volatile Oil Components of Some Medical Plants Raised in Turkey.

OBJECTIVE: The human head louse Pediculus capitis has recently acquired resistance to commercially available insecticides, which has expanded the search concerning the pediculicidal activities of some herbal products. The present study aimed to assess the in vitro pediculicidal activities of volatile oils extracted from 10 medical plants raised in Turkey: Rosa damascena (red provins rose), Pelargonium graveolens (geranium), Lavandula angustifolia (lavender), Salvia triloba (salvia), Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary; two different chemotypes), Citrus bergamia (citrus tree), Cymbopogon nardus (citronella), Citrus limonum (lemon), and Cymbopogon flexuosus (lemongrass). METHODS: Head lice obtained from school children in Manisa Province were initially grouped as adults and nymphs and were then kept under optimal conditions (temperature of 27°C and humidity of 50%). A pinch of hair and filter paper were placed in Petri dishes and seven adults and seven nymphs were separately put in Petri dishes. The extracts obtained from each volatile oil were dropped on the lice specimens. RESULTS: The active movement of the external (antenna and legs) and internal (midgut and intestine) organs of the lice was monitored and recorded starting from 5th min for 24 hours by 10 to 30 minutes intervals. The time of death was defined as the loss of active movement and cessation of intestinal activities of lice. The results were analyzed using Statistical Packages for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 15. CONCLUSION: The results showed that the volatile oil of Rosmarinus officinalis (two different chemotypes) was more effective than the other oils.

Management of Head Louse Infestations in the United States-A Literature Review.

UNLABELLED: Head lice are a source of scalp irritation, social disruption, and loss of school time. Health care providers need authoritative information to help avoid the costs and risks of ineffective treatment. A review was completed to provide relevant information on infestation treatments available in the United States. Three major biomedical databases were searched from 1985, when current products were first available, to 2014, focusing on U.S. REPORTS: A total of 579 references remained after duplicates were removed. A search of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration website and labels of approved products were reviewed. A marked decline in the effectiveness of permethrin and synergized pyrethrins was found, probably because of resistance arising from widespread and indiscriminate use, and the emergence of knockdown resistance mutations. The potential toxicity of lindane in the setting of readily available, safer, and more effective alternatives, should limit its use. Prescription products shown to be safe and effective with a single application, without nit combing, are topical ivermectin, malathion, and spinosad, whereas benzyl alcohol requires two applications. Home remedies such as mayonnaise, and essential oils, have not been demonstrated to be safe or effective, and may carry potential for severe adverse events. The high risk of failure of over-the-counter treatments in eliminating head louse infestations drives a need for health care provider recognition of the limitations of current treatments and for judicious use of treatments that remain effective.

Chemical composition and efficacy of some selected plant oils against Pediculus humanus capitis in vitro.

Natural compounds have been suggested as alternative sources for pediculosis capitis control. We aimed to investigate the chemical composition and evaluate the pediculicidal activity of spearmint, clove, cassia, thyme, eucalyptus, and anise essential oils in addition to sesame oil against human head lice in vitro. A filter paper contact bioassay method was used by applying 0.25 and 0.5 mg/cm(2) of each tested oil to filter paper in Petri dishes with 15 females head lice and another with ten nits. The lice mortalities were reported every 5 min for 180 min. The percentage of inhibition of hatch (PIH) was used to calculate ovicidal activity by daily microscopic inspections 5 days after the hatching of controls. Comparison with the widely used pediculicide (malathion) was performed. The most effective essential oil was spearmint followed by cassia and clove with KT50 values of 4.06, 7.62, and 12.12 at 0.5 mg/cm(2) and 8.84, 11.38, and 19.73 at 0.25 mg/cm(2), respectively. Thyme, eucalyptus, and anise were also effective adulticides with KT50 values of 18.61, 32.65, and 37.34 at 0.5 mg/cm(2) and 29.92, 43.16, and 45.37 at 0.25 mg/cm(2), respectively. Essential oils were also successful in inhibiting nymph emergence. Spearmint oil was the most effective, with a complete inhibition of emergence at 0.5 mg/cm(2). Sesame fixed oil did not show any adulticidal or ovicidal activity against head lice in vitro. The observed insecticidal activity was comparable to malathion. The results herein described the effectiveness of these essential oils as potential pediculicides for head lice control. Incorporation of essential oils in pediculicide formulations needs proper formulation and clinical trials.