The Frequency of Pediculus capitis in Students of Primary Schools in Hatay

Aim: Pediculus capitis is known as an important ectoparasite in all over the world also in Turkey. In this study we aimed to determine the frequency of Pediculus capitis (P.capitis) in students in a primary school.Material and Methods: In March 2016, 112 boys and 82 girls (totally 194) aged between 5-14 who are students in Zulufluhan Hikmet Çankaya Primary School were included to study. The hair of the students, especially from the neck and back of the head, were examined for egg, nymph and imago of P. capitis.Results: In the study it was determined P.capitis infestation in 42 (51.2%) girls and 17 (15.1%) boys, totally in 59 students (% 30.4) of all. A statistically significant relationship was found between the prevalence of P. capitis and gender (p=0.000) and classes (p<0.05) . Conclusion: Consequently, in a school environment, due to the close contact among the pupils, spread of P. capitis infestation is observed. Therefore, schools shall be periodically scanned and as soon as infestation is detected, treatment shall be started