The common parasites causing pediculosis capitis are which of the following?

• A. Head lice
• B. Body lice
• C. Ticks
• D. Fleas

Answer: (A)

Pediculosis capitis is infestation of the scalp by head lice, tiny blood-sucking insects that live on the hair and cling to the scalp. They lay eggs (nits) on hair shafts near the scalp, which hatch after about a week, and transmission occurs mainly through direct head-to-head contact or sharing combs, hats, or headphones. The itching often comes from an allergic reaction to louse saliva. Among common parasites, head lice specifically inhabit the scalp and hair, making them the correct cause of this condition. Body lice, ticks, and fleas target other areas or hosts and do not cause pediculosis capitis. So, the parasite responsible for this condition is head lice.