n. a widely distributed genus of lice. There are two varieties of the species affecting humans: P. humanus capitis, the head louse; and P. humanus corporis, the body louse. The presence of these parasites can irritate the skin (see pediculosis), and in some parts of the world body lice are involved in transmitting *relapsing fever and *typhus.
(body louse) di?ers from the head and crab louse in that it lives in clothing and only goes on to the body to feed. Infestation is found in vagabonds, armies in the ?eld, or prisoners in conditions where even minimal hygiene is impossible. The lice are found in the seams of clothing together with multiple eggs. Typically excoriation and pigmentation are seen on the back of the infested person. Replacement of clothing or autoclaving or hot ironing of the clothes is curative.... pediculus humanus var. corporis
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