Publication Details
Abstract
The results of the present study demonstrated a clear effect of head lice infestation on both hemoglobin (Hb) levels and adrenaline hormone concentrations among infected individuals. A gradual decline in hemoglobin levels was observed with increasing severity of infestation. The mean Hb level in the control group was 14.4 g/dL, which decreased to 12.7 g/dL in mild infestation cases, 12.1 g/dL in moderate infestation cases, and reached 11.3 g/dL in severe infestation cases. These findings suggest that chronic and severe infestation may contribute to relative anemia due to continuous blood loss and the physiological stress associated with persistent itching and inflammation. Conversely, adrenaline levels showed a significant progressive increase with infestation severity. The mean adrenaline concentration in the control group was 70.0 pg/mL, increasing to 77.1 pg/mL in mild infestation, 102.1 pg/mL in moderate infestation, and 157.4 pg/mL in severe infestation. This elevation likely reflects the body’s stress response to continuous irritation, discomfort, and physiological disturbances caused by head lice infestation. Statistical analysis further revealed a strong negative correlation between infestation severity and hemoglobin levels (r = -0.94), indicating that increased infestation severity is associated with decreased Hb levels. In contrast, a strong positive correlation was found between infestation severity and adrenaline levels (r = 0.97), suggesting that worsening infestation is accompanied by an enhanced hormonal stress response. All observed differences were statistically significant at P < 0.05.