Kirkuk Journal of Science

Kirkuk Journal of Science

Molecular study of head lice among primary school children in Kirkuk province – Iraq

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
1 Ministry of Education, Kirkuk Directorate of Education, Kirkuk, Iraq
2 Department of Biology, College of Science, Kirkuk University, Kirkuk, Iraq
Abstract
Head lice are a type of external parasitic insect belonging to the order Phthriaptera. These insects are characterized by their small size and flattened shape. Head lice do not have simple eyes, but the eyes are reduced or completely absent. They also have piercing-sucking mouthparts. These insects live on mammals and feed on their blood, potentially transmitting diseases to humans. Samples were taken from different areas in Kirkuk Governorate. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed on five DNA samples extracted from head lice parasites to detect the presence of the COX1 gene using primers designed for this purpose. Agarose gel electrophoresis of the PCR products showed the appearance of bands of 720 base pairs in all amplified samples, representing 100% of the studied samples.
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Volume 20, Issue 2
Spring 2025
Page 43-47

  • Receive Date 07 January 2025
  • Revise Date 07 April 2025
  • Accept Date 08 April 2025