Pthirus Pubis Research Paper

Pthirus pubis, also known as pubic lice or crab louse, is an ectoparasite, which is strictly host specific to humans. Pubic lice have three stages: egg, nymph, and adult (CDC, 2017). Pubic lice targets coarse hair at its base and normally remain on its host until it is removed, controlled, or treated. Initially, the female will lay two to three eggs, also known as nits, over the course of twenty-four hours (CDC, 2017). The nits have a whitish in color and have an oval-like structure, with an incubation period of six to eight days. Females can lie up to 30 eggs during their 3-4 week life span. Nits are also clearer to see due to its inactivity and location near the base of the hair rather than along the skin (CDC, 2017). Pubic lice appear as 1-2mm brownish-gray specks in areas with hair, where they remain dormant for days with its claws attached to the hair shaft and its mouth attached to the skin (Diaz, 2006). …show more content…
Nymphs undergo three molting periods before becoming adults. In this stage, the nymphs begin blood feeding and need blood in order to survive or they will die within twenty-four to forty-eight hours (“Crab louse, Pthirus Pubis, n.d.). Before the initial molting stage, nymphs feed for approximately five to six days by slowly moving along the hair follicle and maneuvering its mouth into the skin and remaining in the same location for several hours. The second molting stage is completed after nine to ten days, slowly growing in size (“Crab louse, Pthirus Pubis, n.d.). The third molting stage is further completed at thirteen to seventeen days. After the third molting stage, the nymphs have morphed into adults, who live for approximately fifteen to twenty-five days (“Crab louse, Pthirus Pubis,