These are Pediculus humanus, or body lice. Other types of lice
infest the scalp, head (Pediculus humanus capitis), or
the pubic area (Phthirus pubis). Some body lice may carry diseases
such as epidemic typhus, relapsing fever, or trench fever. (Image
courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.)
Review Date: 10/04/2010
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of
Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of
Medicine. Also reviewed by Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Atlanta Center
for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed
Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical
Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
