Human pediculosis disease is defined as the presence of eggs, nymphs, or adults lice on the body or head which is known more than 10,000 years ago. Human pediculosis is a public health problem worldwide [1]. About 550 species of blood-sucking lice have been described, these lice are currently assigned to 50 genera and 15 families [2]. The transmission of lice occurs through close contact such as head-to-head, changing hats or scarves and shawls, and changing clothes or pillowcases [3]. Among the three common genera of lice, body louse is the vector of important epidemics such as epidemic typhus, epidemic relapsing fever, and trench fever in the world, which has been associated with high morbidity and mortality (4–5). According to one review, body lice are prevalent in homeless populations, refugees, migrants, and war-affected populations in many countries, including France, Spain, Italy, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, and Colombia [2]. Body lice can also be found in school children, travelers, and military personnel [3]. In Iran, body lice infestations have been reported in different regions and populations, such as rural areas, nomadic tribes, prisoners, and war veterans. A study conducted in 2018 found that 11.4% of 1050 rural residents in Kermanshah Province were infested with body lice [2, 4]. Another study conducted in 2019 found that 6.8% of 103 nomadic tribes in Fars Province were infested with body lice. Body lice have also been detected in prisoners in Tehran and war veterans in Ahvaz [2, 4].
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