Louse-borne diseases

Louse-borne relapsing fever (LBRF) is a vector-borne disease transmitted by the body louse Pediculus humanus humanus. The disease can be severe. Currently the disease is primarily found in north-eastern Africa.

Louse-borne typhus is responsible for large epidemics in populations with poor sanitary and overcrowded conditions. The disease can be severe with a mortality of up to 60% without antibiotic treatment.

Bartonella quintana infection (historically called ‘trench fever’) is a vector-borne disease primarily transmitted by the human body louse. It has been recognised as a reemerging pathogen among impoverished and homeless populations — so-called ‘urban trench fever’.