MORPHOLOGICAL AND MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION OF HUMAN HEAD LICE IN CHILDREN IN MOSUL CITY

Head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) are an important public health issue due to their prevalence, particularly in children, especially in densely populated communities. It causes discomfort and severe itching, and can lead to secondary complications. This study aimed to confirm diagnostic methods and accurate identification of human head lice by combining morphological examination with molecular analyses. Twenty-five head lice samples were collected from the hair of kindergarten and primary school children and diagnosed in clinics and hospitals in Mosul city. The samples underwent careful morphological examination under a light microscope to determine diagnostic features and different life stages of lice, including eggs (nits), nymphs, and adults. Female individuals are more vulnerable than males for head lice infection, and represent 64% of the infected cases as shown by the results from here. Larval and adult stages also predominated across samples, due to the presence of different lice developmental stages on the scalp .The trend over the study period (November 2024 – March 2025) was that peak prevalence were in December and January, dropping at the onset and end of study. This shows the role of seasonal factors and school-age-appropriate contact in children. Total DNA was extracted from the samples, and part of the 18S rRNA and cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COX1) genes were amplified via PCR. Similarity searches were run on the COX-1 sequence by utilizing BLAST in the NCBI's GenBank Database. The results of this similarity search indicate that the COX-1 sequence is most similar to that of human head lice. Consequently, this research highlights the importance of identifying parasites (in particular, head lice) at the species level. Furthermore, it emphasizes the need for combining both molecular-based techniques and traditional methods of detection/identification. Together these may lead to a greater understanding of the epizootiology of pests, and therefore contribute to developing control measures designed to inhibit the distribution of such pests.