Fomite transmission with head lice: a continuing controversy

There is controversy about the mode of transmission of head lice, although there is agreement that physical contact of one head to another's scalp can pass the infestation. The disagreement concerns the role of fomite transmission, as there has been little experimental work on this question (a fomite is an object that can harbour a pathogenic organism). Nevertheless there is abundant evidence to suggest that fomite transmission must be significant. In this respect, the recent report by D Canyon and colleagues1 is important.