Sample Collection
Head louse specimens were collected through collaborations including
both scientific researchers and the non-scientific community (head louse
removing clinics). In this study, we included a total of 377 specimens
collected worldwide and DNA extractions that were previously collected
and stored in Reed lab, Florida Museum of Natural History at University
of Florida, USA from Ascunce et al. 2013 publication. The samples that
were included in this study are summarized in Table 1. A special focus
was made in the classification and selection of individual lice
collected from different human heads, to maximize the genetic sampling
within an area. All specimens were stored in 95% ethanol at -80ÂșC prior
to DNA extractions.
Table 1: Geographic
localities and the number of head louse samples included in this
study