Biology and genetics of human head and body lice

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:2012
Authors:A. Veracx, Raoult D.
Journal:Trends in Parasitology
Volume:28
Issue:12
Pagination:563 - 571
Date Published:Jan-12-2012
ISSN:14714922
Abstract:

Head lice and body lice have distinct ecologies and differ slightly in morphology and biology, questioning their taxonomic status. Over the past 10 years many genetic studies have been undertaken. Controversial data sug- gest that not only body lice but also head lice can serve as vectors of Bartonella quintana, and a better understand- ing of louse epidemiology is crucial. Here, we review taxonomic studies based on biology and genetics, includ- ing genomic data on lice, lice endosymbionts, and louse- transmitted bacteria. We recommend that studies of hu- man lice employ morphological and biological character- istics in conjunction with transcriptomic date because lice seem to differ mainly in gene expression (and not in gene content), leading to different phenotypes.

URL:http://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S1471492212001638
DOI:10.1016/j.pt.2012.09.003
Short Title:Trends in Parasitology
File attachments: 
Scratchpads developed and conceived by (alphabetical): Ed Baker, Katherine Bouton Alice Heaton Dimitris Koureas, Laurence Livermore, Dave Roberts, Simon Rycroft, Ben Scott, Vince Smith