Patient Case: Pediculosis Pubis A 28-year-old male presents to the clinic with complaints of intense itching in the pubic region for the past two weeks. The itching is most severe at night and has progressively worsened. He also reports noticing tiny grayish spots on his underwear and what appears to be small insects in his pubic hair. The patient denies any significant medical history but mentions engaging in unprotected sexual activity with a new partner approximately three weeks ago. He denies similar symptoms in other body areas or systemic symptoms such as fever or fatigue. On physical examination, the patient appears well. Examination of the pubic region reveals multiple small, crab-shaped insects attached to the base of the hair shafts. Numerous oval-shaped nits are seen adhered to the hair shafts close to the skin in the pubic area. There are excoriations and erythema in the affected area, consistent with scratching. No other areas of the body, including the scalp, chest, axillae, or eyelashes, are involved. There are no signs of secondary bacterial infection. What is the most likely causative organism of this condition?
