Microphotography: Lice and nits, portraits of an unwelcome guest.

Abstract

We report the case of an 8-year-old female patient who presented to the laboratory with intense pruritus in the occipital region of the scalp, nocturnal irritability, and the presence of excoriations secondary to scratching. Clinical examination revealed active infestation with Pediculus humanus capitis, with multiple nits firmly attached to the base of the hair shafts.

The sample was obtained by fine combing using a specialized metal lice comb, collecting hairs with nits and live specimens of the parasite. The samples were placed directly on the equipment and observed without additional treatment.

Images were captured using a reflected light stereomicroscope at 40x magnification, which allowed detailed visualization of the external structures of the parasite without the need for histological sectioning or staining.

The images clearly show the external morphology of Pediculus humanus capitis, highlighting the segmented body and grasping legs adapted for anchoring to the hair. Oval-shaped nits are also visible, firmly attached to the hair shaft by a cement-like substance, at various stages of development.