Ectoparasite survey of schoolchildren in the Republic of Guinea

Ectoparasitoses, caused by infestations of highly contagious and ubiquitous parasites, include Pediculus humanus capitis (the head louse) and human scabies. These diseases affect many school-age children and are a major public health problem in low-income countries such as the Republic of Guinea. These parasites, such as lice, are known to be potential disease vectors. Given the lack of data on these conditions in Guinea, we conducted a nationwide epidemiological study to assess their prevalence in schools.

In March 2023, 81 head lice were collected from 18 schoolgirls in the regions of Boké and Kankan. Molecular analyses were performed on all samples to assess genetic diversity and screen for pathogens. Using the A-D and B-C/E clade system applied to all 79 samples, it was found that 77 (97%) belonged to clade E, while two (3%) belonged to clade A. Three haplotypes were identified from clade E, including a new haplotype not previously described.

The search for louse-borne pathogens in 81 samples revealed the presence of Acinetobacter spp. DNA in 37 (46%) of the lice collected. Specific qPCR analysis revealed the presence of Acinetobacter baumannii in three (8%) of the samples.

Clinical lesions consistent with scabies were found in 20 children aged 3-17 years, 11 in Boké, 7 in Guéckédou, 1 in Kankan and 1 in Labé. Severe pruritus was reported in 40% of cases, mild pruritus in 30% and moderate pruritus in 25%.

Author summary

Skin diseases are a serious public health problem in the Republic of Guinea, particularly in the Boké and Kankan regions. This study highlight the genetic diversity of head lice and their associated pathogens in school children.