Pediculosis pubis (pubic lice infestation) (synonyms: pubic lice infestation, phthiriasis; ICD-10 B85.3: phthiriasis) refers to infestation of the skin, especially in the pubic hair region (pubic hair and groin area, depending on the intensity of infestation also on the inner thighs), with pubic lice (Pthirus pubis; synonym: Phthirus pubis). The felt or pubic louse belongs to the order Anoplura (lice).
Felt lice are squat, crab-like lice about two millimeters in size that have characteristic appendages on the abdomen. They have a gray body. Crabs are ectoparasites, which are parasites that live on the surface of the body.
The disease belongs to the sexually transmitted diseases (STD) or STI (sexually transmitted infections).
Humans are currently the only relevant reservoir of the pathogen.
Occurrence: The infection occurs worldwide.
The disease occurs throughout the year.
Transmission of the pathogen (route of infection) occurs through direct physical contact (especially sexual intercourse). However, the pathogen can also be transmitted by sharing clothing, bed linen, etc. The survival time of the crabs is only 24 hours.
The incubation period (time from infection to outbreak of the disease) is usually 3-6 weeks.
Sex ratio: Males and females are equally affected.
Frequency peak: The maximum incidence of the crab louse infestation is in adulthood.
Course and prognosis: Infestation with crabs is considered harmless, but is very unpleasant. With appropriate pharmacotherapy (drug therapy), the crabs can be easily eliminated. The eggs of the parasites are also killed. The sooner the therapy is started, the quicker the success of treatment is achieved.
