How does a disease caused by lice manifest? - briefly
Infection transmitted by body lice typically produces abrupt high fever, severe headache, and a maculopapular rash that often begins on the trunk. Additional signs may include chills, muscle aches, and, in «epidemic typhus», a characteristic pale area surrounding each petechial lesion.
How does a disease caused by lice manifest? - in detail
Louse‑borne infections present with a characteristic set of systemic and dermatological signs that develop after an incubation period of several days to weeks, depending on the pathogen involved.
Fever emerges as the primary symptom, often abrupt and reaching 38‑40 °C. Accompanying chills, profuse sweating, and a general feeling of weakness are typical. Headache, frequently described as severe and throbbing, may be accompanied by neck stiffness in cases of epidemic typhus.
A maculopapular rash appears on the trunk within 48–72 hours of fever onset; it spreads centrifugally, sparing the face, palms, and soles in most instances. In trench fever, the rash is less pronounced, while relapsing fever may show a transient, non‑specific erythema.
Pruritus and excoriation result from the lice bite itself. Persistent itching leads to secondary bacterial infection, manifesting as localized erythema, edema, and purulent discharge. In severe infestations, hyperkeratotic lesions and crusted plaques (so‑called “nits”) develop, especially in immunocompromised hosts.
Gastrointestinal disturbances—nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and occasional diarrhea—frequently accompany the febrile phase.
Neurological involvement can include confusion, delirium, or, in rare cases, meningoencephalitis. Cardiovascular effects such as tachycardia and hypotension may develop during the acute phase, progressing to shock if untreated.
Laboratory findings typically reveal leukocytosis with a left shift, elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and mild transaminase elevation. Serological tests or polymerase chain reaction assays confirm the specific etiologic agent.
Prompt antimicrobial therapy—doxycycline for most louse‑borne pathogens—reduces symptom duration and prevents complications such as organ failure, chronic anemia, or death.