Ectoparasitosis, a rare cause of severe iron deficiency anemia: a case report

Pediculosis is a common condition caused by an infestation of head and body louse (ectoparasites) and remains a public health concern. Generally, infestation presents as pruritus in children and has a benign course, but there have been a handful of cases reported in the literature describing severe iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in high-risk groups such as children, history of psychiatric disorder including depression, and low socioeconomic status. Though an uncommonly encountered etiology of anemia, the aim of this case is to increase awareness of a rare cause of severe anemia from an ectoparasites affecting a high risk population, even in developed countries.