Surveillance of insecticide resistance in head lice using biochemical and molecular methods.
Treatment of head louse infection is primarily through topical insecticides. However, there is growing evidence of resistance. A representative population sample was tested using biochemical and molecular methods; it was shown that, in Wales, treatments containing pyrethroids are likely to be less effective in controlling head louse infection than those containing organophosphates.
Thomas
D Rh
DR
National Public Health Service for Wales Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre, Cardiff, UK. Daniel.Thomas@nphs.wales.nhs.uk
McCarroll
L
L
Roberts
R
R
Karunaratne
P
P
Roberts
C
C
Casey
D
D
Morgan
S
S
Touhig
K
K
Morgan
J
J
Collins
F
F
Hemingway
J
J
D000818:Animals; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D007305:Insecticide Resistance / Q000235:genetics; D010373:Lice Infestations / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000469:parasitology; D010374:Pediculus / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000235:genetics; D012536:Scalp Dermatoses / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000469:parasitology