Pediculus humanus capitis as a potential vector for Acinetobacter baumannii

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: The presence of bacterial pathogens in the human head louse, Pediculus humanus capitis, has been subject to intense research in the last decade. Of particular interest, investigations from several countries in Europe, Asia, and Africa coincide in reporting Acinetobacter baumannii, a known opportunistic bacterium causing frequent health-care associated outbreaks. No reports from countries in South America have been published and is important to confirm whether this pathogen is also present in head lice in this continent. Objective: The aim of the present study was to determine whether Acinetobacter baumannii was present in head lice specimens collected from three countries in Latin America. Methods: 123 vials containing 368 head lice collected from Argentina, Colombia, and two locations in Honduras (La Hicaca and San Buenaventura), were analyzed in pools using PCR to determine the presence of A. baumannii DNA. Results: Two vials containing 3 insects halves each from La Hicaca, Honduras were positive for A. baumannii. Since lice were analyzed in pools, it is not possible to calculate an exact frequency of infection in lice. However, based on whether per each vial one, two or all three lice were positive for A. baumannii, a range can be determined between 1.83 - 5.50%. positivity. Genetic sequencing was used to verify our positive results. The remaining lice from Argentina, Colombia, and San Buenaventura; Honduras were identified as negative for the DNA of A. baumannii under the test conditions described. Conclusion: This study is the first to report the presence of Acinetobacter DNA in human head lice from Latin America. Further investigations are required to elucidate the significance of this finding.