Inventors:
Sydney Z. Spiesel - New Haven CT
International Classification:
G01N 3352, A61K 4900
Abstract:
A method of detecting the infestation of a host by arthropod ectoparasites uses a fluorescent dye which stains the ectoparasites and/or their eggs but not the adjacent skin or hair to which they are attached. The dye can be incorporated into a shampoo or a rinsing solution and is applied to the scalp or other region of the host. After a suitable period of time has elapsed, the dye-containing solution or shampoo is rinsed off and the hair and adjacent area of the host examined under ultraviolet or near-ultraviolet light. Such illumination will cause the stained ectoparasites and/or eggs to glow and, thus, become easily detectable for diagnosis and subsequent removal. The method may be applied to detect scabies (i. e. skin-burrowing mites), head lice, body and pubic lice and to any other arthropod ectoparasites and their eggs containing a substantial percentage of chitin.