The following are the most important diseases or complications that may be contributed to by pediculosis capitis (head lice infestation):
Infectious and parasitic diseases (A00-B99).
- Superinfection of scratch wounds, especially on the back of the head, neck, and behind the ears (staphylococci and streptococci).
- Pediculosis capitis is potential vector of highly pathogenic bacteria:
- Bartonella quintana (causative agent of five-day fever) [common in developing countries; very rare in central Europe; also occurs in the U.S.]
- Borrelia recurrentis (causative agent of lice fever) [common in developing countries; Central Europe very rare]
- Rickettsia prowazekii (causative agent of classical spotted fever) [common in developing countries; very rare in central Europe]
