Body lice (Pediculus humanus corporis) differ from head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) in which important respect?
- A Body lice live in clothing seams and can transmit trench fever, epidemic typhus, and relapsing fever ✓
- B Body lice lay nits on the hair shaft, while head lice lay nits on clothing
- C Body lice are larger in size than head lice
- D Body lice infest only malnourished individuals, while head lice infest healthy individuals
Correct answer: A. Body lice live in clothing seams and can transmit trench fever, epidemic typhus, and relapsing fever
Explanation
Body lice live and lay eggs in the seams of clothing, not on body hair. They are important vectors for Bartonella quintana (trench fever), Rickettsia prowazekii (epidemic typhus), and Borrelia recurrentis (louse-borne relapsing fever). Head lice live on the scalp and attach nits to hair shafts. Size differences are minimal, and body lice are associated with overcrowding and poor hygiene, not malnutrition specifically.
Reference: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 21st ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.