What are pubic lice and how are they transmitted. What are the symptoms of pubic lice infestation. How are pubic lice diagnosed and treated. How can pubic lice be prevented. What should you do if you suspect you have pubic lice.

Understanding Pubic Lice: The Basics

Pubic lice, scientifically known as Phthirus pubis and commonly referred to as “crabs,” are small parasitic insects that infest human pubic hair. These tiny creatures, measuring about 1.5-2 mm in length, have a crab-like appearance due to their six legs and flattened bodies. While they primarily inhabit the pubic region, they can also be found in other coarse body hair areas, including the chest, armpits, beard, and occasionally eyebrows and eyelashes.

These parasites feed on human blood, causing irritation and itching in the affected areas. Unlike head lice, pubic lice cannot jump or fly; they spread through close physical contact, most commonly during sexual activity.

Key Facts About Pubic Lice

• Pubic lice are not a sign of poor hygiene
• They do not transmit diseases but can cause discomfort
• Infestation is considered a sexually transmitted infection (STI)
• Pubic lice cannot survive long away from a human host
• They are different from head lice and body lice

Transmission of Pubic Lice: How Do You Get Crabs?

Pubic lice are primarily transmitted through intimate skin-to-skin contact, most often during sexual activity. However, it’s important to note that transmission can occur through other means as well. Understanding the various ways pubic lice can spread is crucial for prevention and early detection.

Common Modes of Transmission

1. Sexual contact with an infested person
2. Sharing bedding, towels, or clothing with someone who has pubic lice
3. Close physical contact in crowded living conditions
4. Using infested toilet seats or furniture (though this is rare)

Can pubic lice be transmitted without sexual contact? Yes, while sexual contact is the most common mode of transmission, pubic lice can spread through any close body contact or sharing of personal items with an infested person. This is why it’s possible, though less common, for pubic lice to infest other areas of coarse body hair.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Pubic Lice Infestation

Identifying a pubic lice infestation early is key to prompt treatment and preventing spread. While some individuals may be asymptomatic, most people experience noticeable signs and symptoms. Being aware of these can help in early detection and treatment.

Common Symptoms of Pubic Lice

• Intense itching in the pubic region, which may worsen at night
• Visible lice or eggs (nits) in pubic hair
• Small, red or blue spots on the skin where lice have fed
• Mild fever or fatigue in some cases
• Irritability due to persistent itching

How quickly do symptoms of pubic lice appear after infestation? Symptoms typically develop within 5 to 7 days after infestation. However, if a person has had previous exposure to pubic lice, symptoms may appear as soon as 1 to 2 days after infestation due to increased sensitivity.

Diagnosis and Medical Assessment of Pubic Lice

Proper diagnosis of pubic lice is essential for effective treatment. While some people may self-diagnose based on symptoms and visible signs, a medical assessment is recommended to confirm the infestation and rule out other potential conditions.

Diagnostic Process

1. Physical examination of the affected area
2. Use of a magnifying glass to identify lice or nits
3. Collection of samples for microscopic examination
4. Differential diagnosis to exclude other skin conditions

What should you expect during a medical examination for pubic lice? During the examination, a healthcare provider will carefully inspect the pubic area and other potentially affected regions. They may use a magnifying glass to look for adult lice or nits attached to hair shafts. In some cases, they might collect samples for further analysis under a microscope.

Effective Treatment Options for Pubic Lice

Treating pubic lice promptly and effectively is crucial to alleviate symptoms and prevent spread. Several treatment options are available, with topical insecticides being the most common first-line approach. It’s important to follow treatment instructions carefully and often repeat the application to ensure complete eradication.

Common Treatment Methods

• Over-the-counter permethrin creams or lotions (1%)
• Prescription-strength permethrin (5%) for resistant cases
• Malathion lotion 0.5% (prescription only)
• Ivermectin tablets for severe or resistant infestations
• Manual removal of lice and nits with a fine-toothed comb

How long does it take for pubic lice treatment to be effective? Most treatments kill adult lice within 24 to 48 hours. However, a second treatment is often necessary after 7 to 9 days to kill any newly hatched lice before they can produce more eggs. Complete resolution of symptoms may take up to two weeks.

Prevention Strategies and Post-Treatment Care

Preventing re-infestation and spreading pubic lice to others is as important as the initial treatment. Implementing proper prevention strategies and post-treatment care can help ensure complete eradication and minimize the risk of future infestations.

Key Prevention and Care Steps

1. Wash all bedding, towels, and clothing in hot water (at least 130°F)
2. Dry clean items that can’t be washed, or seal them in plastic bags for two weeks
3. Vacuum carpets, mattresses, and furniture thoroughly
4. Avoid sharing personal items like towels or underwear
5. Inform sexual partners of the past month about the infestation
6. Abstain from sexual activity until treatment is complete

Can pubic lice survive in bedding or clothing? Pubic lice can survive for 1 to 2 days away from a human host. While transmission through bedding or clothing is less common, it’s still possible. This is why thorough cleaning of personal items is an essential part of treatment and prevention.

Complications and Associated Risks of Pubic Lice Infestation

While pubic lice infestations are generally not serious, they can lead to complications if left untreated. Understanding these potential risks can motivate prompt treatment and highlight the importance of comprehensive sexual health care.

Possible Complications

• Secondary bacterial infections from scratching
• Skin discoloration or scarring
• Eye infections (if lice infest eyelashes)
• Psychological distress or anxiety
• Increased risk of other STIs due to skin irritation

Do pubic lice infestations indicate the presence of other STIs? While pubic lice themselves do not cause other STIs, their presence can be an indicator of potential exposure to other sexually transmitted infections. It’s recommended that individuals diagnosed with pubic lice also get tested for other STIs as a precautionary measure.

Seeking Professional Help and Support

Dealing with a pubic lice infestation can be embarrassing and stressful. However, seeking professional medical help is crucial for proper diagnosis, treatment, and overall sexual health. Healthcare providers can offer confidential services and support throughout the treatment process.

When to Seek Medical Attention

1. If you suspect you have pubic lice
2. If over-the-counter treatments are ineffective
3. If you develop signs of secondary infection
4. For screening of other potential STIs
5. If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding and suspect infestation

Where can you go for confidential pubic lice treatment and STI screening? Many options are available for confidential care, including:
– Primary care physicians
– Sexual health clinics
– Planned Parenthood centers
– Local health departments
– University health centers (for students)
These facilities can provide discreet testing, treatment, and counseling services.

Pubic lice infestations, while uncomfortable and potentially embarrassing, are a common and treatable condition. By understanding the symptoms, seeking prompt medical attention, and following through with proper treatment and prevention measures, individuals can effectively manage and overcome this parasitic infection. Remember, pubic lice are not a reflection of personal hygiene but rather a consequence of close physical contact. Open communication with sexual partners and healthcare providers is key to preventing spread and ensuring comprehensive sexual health care.

Pubic lice (crabs) – Better Health Channel

Summary

Read the full fact sheet

• Pubic lice are usually sexually transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact.
• Pubic lice do not voluntarily leave the body and will need to be treated with a cream or lotion that contains permethrin.
• Do not use insecticides used in the home as these will not work and may damage your skin.
• Lice infestation causes no serious harm.
• If you have pubic lice it is a good idea to be tested for other sexually transmissible infections.

About pubic lice

Pubic lice, or crab lice, infest pubic hair. They can also sometimes affect the hair of the armpit, eyebrows, eyelashes, beard and torso. The infection is also called pediculosis pubis and the lice are called Phthirus pubis.

Pubic lice are small, flat, light-brown parasites that cling to pubic hair and suck blood for nourishment. Blood sucking from pubic lice can cause small red areas or sores and itching.

Pubic lice are usually transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity. However, they can also be spread by contact with towels, undergarments and bedding of an infected person.

Lice infestation causes no serious harm, but can be irritating. If you have pubic lice, it is a good idea to get tested for other sexually transmissible infections.

Symptoms of pubic lice

The main symptom is itching of the affected area. This is often worse at night. Lice and nits (eggs from the lice) can sometimes be seen, especially stuck to the pubic hairs.
Some people have no symptoms and may be unaware that they have a lice infestation.

Diagnosis of pubic lice

Pubic lice are diagnosed by careful inspection of the affected area.

Treatment of pubic lice

Applying topical creams or lotions containing permethrin (for example, Lyclear cream or Quellada lotion) to the whole body from neck to toes is the most commonly recommended treatment. You do not need to apply the cream to the hair on your head. See your doctor, pharmacist or sexual health centre for further advice.

Note: Do not apply permethrin to your eyelashes. If your eyelashes are affected, discuss alternative treatment with your doctor.

Treatment tips for pubic lice

You can treat pubic lice more effectively if you:

• read and follow the instructions on the medication carefully
• make sure your skin is cool, clean and dry when you apply the cream
• treat your whole body from neck to toes, including the perineum (the skin between the vagina and the anus) and the anal area. You don’t need to apply the cream to head hair
• leave the cream on overnight and wash it off the next morning
• wash clothing, towels and bedding at the same time as applying the treatment (hot machine washing and drying is enough)
• repeat the treatment after one to two weeks as it’s not effective against unhatched eggs. Eggs hatch in 6–10 days
• avoid close personal contact until you and your sexual contacts or partners are treated.

Symptoms may take a few days to settle. If you still have symptoms one week after treatment, see your doctor for review.

Sexual partners should be treated for pubic lice

Any sexual partners you have had over the past month will need to be examined and treated. Current sexual partners should be treated at the same time as you are. Condoms do not protect you against pubic lice.

Where to get help

• Your GP (doctor)
• Sexual Health Victoria (SHV)External Link. To book an appointment call SHV Melbourne CBD Clinic: (03) 9660 4700 or call SHV Box Hill Clinic: (03) 9257 0100 or (free call): 1800 013 952. These services are youth friendly.
• Melbourne Sexual Health CentreExternal Link Tel. (03) 9341 6200 or 1800 032 017 or TTY (for the hearing impaired) (03) 9347 8619
• Thorne Harbour HealthExternal Link (formerly Victorian AIDS Council) Tel. (03) 9865 6700 or 1800 134 840
• Ballarat Community Health Sexual Health ClinicExternal Link Tel. (03) 5338 4500
• Bendigo Community Health Sexual Health ClinicExternal Link Tel. (03) 5434 4300 Or (03) 5448 1600
• Gateway Health Clinic 35External Link, Wodonga Tel. (02) 6022 8888 or 1800657 573
• Sunraysia Community Health ServicesExternal Link Tel. (03) 5022 5444
• Barwon Health Sexual Health ClinicExternal Link Tel. (03) 5226 7489
• 1800MyOptionsExternal Link Tel:1800 696784 is a statewide phone service for information about sexual health as well as contraception and pregnancy options

• Sexual health factsheetsExternal Link, Melbourne Sexual Health Centre
• Australian STI Management GuidelinesExternal Link
• Sexually Transmissible InfectionsExternal Link, Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP)
• Family Planning VictoriaExternal Link
• Department of HealthExternal Link, Australian Government

This page has been produced in consultation with and approved
by:

Crabs

Resources

What are crabs?

Crabs are parasites. Crabs are often referred to as pubic lice and are not to be confused with body lice. The scientific name for crabs is Pediculus pubis. Crabs need blood to survive, but they can live up to 24 hours off a human body. Crabs have three very distinct phases; egg, nit (egg or young louse), and adult louse. The louse is the stage of the parasite that causes itching. Louse is the singular for lice (like mouse and mice).

How common are they?

In the United States, there are an estimated 3 million cases of crabs every year.

How do people get crabs?

Sexual transmission – You can get crabs when you have skin-to-skin contact with another person. Even when there is no sexual penetration, you can get (or give) crabs.

Non-sexual transmission – You can get crabs from sleeping in an infested bed or using infested towels.

Pubic lice found on children may be a sign of sexual exposure or abuse.

Animals do not get or spread lice.

What are the signs or symptoms of crabs?

• The most common symptom of crabs is itching in your pubic area. The itching is caused by an allergic reaction to the bites, and usually starts about five days after you get crabs.
• If you have crabs and look closely enough in your pubic area, you may see small crab-like parasites that may be whitish-gray or rust colored.
• Crab eggs are small and oval-shaped. They are attached to the base of the hair (close to where it comes out of your body).
• Crabs are usually found in your pubic area; however, you may find them in your armpits, eyelashes, beard/mustache and sometimes in the hair on your head.

How are crabs diagnosed?

You can usually see the crabs yourself if you look closely enough. The adult pubic louse resembles a miniature crab which has six legs, but their two front legs are very large and look like the pincher claws of a crab; this is how they got the nickname “crabs.” You might need a magnifying glass to help you identify them. If you are uncertain, have a health care provider examine you. He or she may need to use a microscope.

What is the treatment for crabs?

A lice-killing lotion containing 1 percent permethrin or a mousse containing pyrethrins and piperonyl butoxide can be used to treat pubic (“crab”) lice. These products are available over-the-counter without a prescription at a local drug store or pharmacy. These medications are safe and effective when used exactly according to the instructions in the package or on the label.

Lindane shampoo is a prescription medication that can kill lice and lice eggs. However, lindane is not recommended as a first-line therapy. Lindane can be toxic to the brain and other parts of the nervous system; its use should be restricted to patients who have failed treatment with or cannot tolerate other medications that pose less risk. Lindane should not be used to treat premature infants, persons with a seizure disorder, women who are pregnant or breast-feeding, persons who have very irritated skin or sores where the lindane will be applied, infants, children, the elderly, and persons who weigh less than 110 pounds.

Malathion* lotion 0.5 percent (Ovide*) is a prescription medication that can kill lice and some lice eggs; however, malathion lotion (Ovide*) currently has not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of pubic (“crab”) lice.

Ivermectin has been used successfully to treat lice; however, ivermectin currently has not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of lice.

How to treat pubic lice infestations:

(Warning: See special instructions for treatment of lice and nits on eyebrows or eyelashes. The lice medications described in this section should not be used near the eyes.)

1. Wash the infested area; towel dry.
2. Carefully follow the instructions in the package or on the label. Thoroughly saturate the pubic hair and other infested areas with lice medication. Leave medication on hair for the time recommended in the instructions. After waiting the recommended time, remove the medication by following carefully the instructions on the label or in the box.
3. Following treatment, most nits will still be attached to hair shafts. Nits may be removed with fingernails or by using a fine-toothed comb.
4.  Put on clean underwear and clothing after treatment.
5. To kill any lice or nits remaining on clothing, towels or bedding, machine wash and machine dry those items that the infested person used during the two to three days before treatment. Use hot water (at least 130 degrees F) and the hot dryer cycle.
6.  Items that cannot be laundered can be dry-cleaned or stored in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks.
7.  All sex partners from within the previous month should be informed that they are at risk for infestation and should be treated.
8.  Persons should avoid sexual contact with their sex partner(s) until both they and their partners have been successfully treated and re-evaluated to rule out persistent infestation.
9.  Repeat treatment in nine to ten days if live lice are still found.
10.  Persons with pubic lice should be evaluated for other sexually transmitted diseases.

Special instructions for treatment of lice and nits found on eyebrows or eyelashes:

• If only a few live lice and nits are present, it may be possible to remove these with fingernails or a nit comb.
• If additional treatment is needed for lice or nits on the eyelashes, careful application of ophthalmic-grade petrolatum ointment (only available by prescription) to the eyelid margins two to four times a day for 10 days is effective. Regular petrolatum (e.g., Vaseline)* should not be used because it can irritate the eyes if applied.

After you are cured, you may still have some itching as a result of a skin irritation or allergic reaction. If so, you can use hydrocortisone cream. Clothes and other items that cannot be washed can be placed in a plastic bag for two weeks. Repeat treatment in seven to ten days if lice are still found.

How can crabs be prevented?

Pubic (“crab”) lice most commonly are spread directly from person to person by sexual contact. Pubic lice very rarely may be spread by clothing, bedding or a toilet seat.

• Abstinence (not having sex).
• Mutual monogamy (having sex with only one uninfected partner).
• Limit the number of sex partners to reduce your risk of all STDs.
• Use latex condoms for all types of sexual penetration (oral, vaginal, anal). Note: Latex condoms, when used consistently and correctly, can reduce the risk of transmission of other STDs, but are not considered effective against crabs.
• Know your partner(s). Careful consideration and open communication between partners may protect all partners involved from infection.
• Have regular check-ups if you are sexually active.
• If you have an STD, don’t have sex (oral, vaginal, or anal) until all partners have been treated.
• Machine wash and dry clothing worn and bedding used by the infested person in the hot water (at least 130°F) laundry cycle and the high heat drying cycle. Clothing and items that are not washable can be dry-cleaned OR sealed in a plastic bag and stored for 2 weeks.
• Do not share clothing, bedding, and towels used by an infested person.
• Do not use fumigant sprays or fogs; they are not necessary to control pubic (“crab”) lice and can be toxic if inhaled or absorbed through the skin.
• Prompt, qualified, and appropriate medical intervention and treatment and follow-up are important steps in breaking the disease cycle.

Why should I worry about having crabs?

You may get a secondary infection as a result of scratching.

Should I tell my partner?

Yes. Telling a partner can be hard. It’s important that you talk to your partner as soon as possible so she or he can get treatment. Also, it is possible to pass crabs back and forth. If you get treated and your partner does not, you may get infected again. You will need to wash all clothes, sheets and towels in hot water (at least 130-degrees F).

Should I tell my healthcare provider that I had crabs?

Yes. If you have one sexually transmitted disease, you may be at risk for others. You may want to ask your doctor or nurse about being tested for other STDs.

IDPH HIV/STD Hotline: 800-243-2437 (TTY 800-782-0423)

Resources

• US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• American Sexual Health Association

POLYKLINIKA.RU – a network of private medical clinics and consultative diagnostic centers in Moscow provides paid medical services in medical centers and medical clinics

0

+7 (495) 085-15-41
Consultation on registration and preparation for analysis

How to use the section

Analysis 522419

The crab test is the determination of IgE antibodies to the corresponding allergen.

Crabs are crustaceans that live in salty sea water (although there are species that live in fresh water). They are covered with a thick exoskeleton, have ten legs and one pair of claws. Snow crabs (Chionoecetes opilio) are the most widely used species from the Oreoniidae family.

Crabs are one of the most popular crustaceans consumed by humans, accounting for one fifth of all marine crustaceans caught, farmed and consumed worldwide. Crab meat is valued for its soft, tender and sweet taste. A distinction is made between white crab meat, which is obtained from claws and legs, and brown crab meat, which is obtained from the body. White meat has less fat, but brown meat has more omega-3 fatty acids. The orange or yellow eggs of the female crab can also be eaten.

The preparation of crabs for eating differs from region to region. Some species are eaten whole, while others only use certain parts, such as the claws. Imitation crab, also called surimi, is made from minced fish that has been processed and colored to resemble crab meat, but usually does not contain real crab meat. Exposure to crab allergens can also occur in occupational settings, such as dust and sewage from seafood factories.

Most of the characterized shellfish allergens are found in the edible body parts (muscle areas) of various shellfish species. The main allergen in shellfish, tropomyosin, is present in the claws and tail of crabs, and arginine kinase is found in the leg muscles of the crab.

Crab is a strong allergen, sometimes causing dramatic manifestations. It can also be considered an occupational allergen for food workers. Shellfish allergy is one of the most common food allergies and usually persists throughout a patient’s life. Most people (about 60%) with shellfish allergies experience their first allergic reaction in adulthood.

Symptoms can be severe and potentially life-threatening, including anaphylaxis. Even a very small amount of shellfish can provoke a reaction. Ingestion of crab in sensitized individuals may result in skin reactions including urticaria, angioedema, eczema, gastrointestinal symptoms (diarrhea, vomiting), systemic reactions (anaphylactic shock), and respiratory symptoms.

Exposure to steam while cooking shellfish has been reported to cause an allergic reaction in some cases due to the presence of allergenic proteins in the steam. Fishermen, processors, shellfish grinders, cooks and even restaurant workers are at risk of developing allergic reactions to shellfish. Smoking may increase the risk of developing snow crab occupational asthma, while atopy may increase the risk of developing occupational snow crab allergy.

Children with seafood allergy have increased levels of specific IgE antibodies with a greater diversity of epitopes than adults. Generally, there are two types of epitopes in food allergens: sequential and conformational. Sensitization to consecutive epitopes is associated with persistent allergy, and the patient may recognize more consecutive IgE epitopes. It has been found that in elderly patients with persistent food allergies, sensitization to specific sequential IgE epitopes is different from that of children, who may outgrow their allergies.

Common major allergens have been identified in crabs, crayfish, shrimp and lobsters. Tropomyosin is cross-reactive among various species of the mollusk family (especially crustaceans) such as shrimp, crabs and lobsters due to identical amino acids (up to 95-100%). In addition, tropomyosin, an invertebrate panallergen, is responsible for cross-reactivity between food and animal aeroallergens.

In invertebrates (crustaceans, molluscs, mites and cockroaches), tropomyosin and arginine kinase are cross-reactive panallergens due to similar phylogenetic identities. Studies have shown that tropomyosin and arginine kinase cross-react with Portunus pelagicus (blue swimming crab) allergens.

Patients allergic to the crustacean family often react to shellfish groups (such as squid or cuttlefish, abalone, snails, oysters, mussels, scallops, clams) as well as mites, cockroaches and parasites.

• Identification of allergens that may cause characteristic symptoms of an allergic disease.
• Suspicion of food allergies in both adults and children.
• Assessing the risk of developing an allergic response to crabs and other seafood.
• Children with food allergies in their parents.
• Doubtful results of skin tests.

• modern high-precision equipment

• low prices

• work experience since 2008

• Service CITO

• wide range of studies

Coronavirus: why pharmacists need horseshoe crab blue blood and how it will help the Covid-19 vaccine?

July 8, 2020

Sign up for our ”Context” newsletter: it will help you understand the events.

Image copyright, Getty Images

They have ten eyes, are 60 centimeters long, have lived on Earth for over 300 million years, and they do indeed have pale blue blood, which is highly valued in pharmacology and saves our health .

No, this is not science fiction, but ordinary, good old science. Meet horseshoe crabs, or, as they are also called, horseshoe crabs – although, strictly speaking, they are not actually crabs, but their closest relatives are arachnids.

People are very dependent on horseshoe crabs, or rather, on their blood, which, among other things, is used to determine the purity of medicines, and now also to create a potential coronavirus vaccine.

However, each medal has a downside, in this case it is the life of the horseshoe crabs themselves, who also have their blood (in fact, hemolymph, which is actually a cross between blood and lymph).

Therefore, wildlife conservationists want to end the practice of “milking” these crabs (let’s call them that for convenience).

What are the benefits of horseshoe crabs?

Image copyright, Getty Images

Photo caption,

Some of us, quite possibly, owe their lives to these creatures and don’t even know it

The blood of these “living fossils” has a unique property: it coagulates when it enters even the smallest amount of pathogenic bacteria or other foreign microorganisms, turning into jelly. Thus, the immune system of horseshoe crabs protects other organs from damage.

Using extracts made from the cells of this hemolymph to test new medicines, scientists can be absolutely sure that they have not got bacteria or their metabolic products, which can then harm a person.

Only horseshoe crab blood possesses this amazing property.

Therefore, every year, thousands of these crabs are caught at sea and sent to American laboratories, where some of their blood is taken and then released into the wild.

The reagent extracted from the hemolymph of horseshoe crabs is highly valued – the cost of one liter of Limulus amebocyte lysate is about 15 thousand dollars, which makes it one of the most expensive medicines in the world.

Image copyright, Getty Images

Image caption,

About 30% of horseshoe crab’s hemolymph is extracted in the “milking shop”

What happens to “donors” afterwards

but these animals.

At first, experts thought that almost all horseshoe crabs survived this forced donation. Another ability of these sea creatures is that they give exactly as much blood as they can give without harming their health.

However, according to recent estimates, up to 30% of individuals die as a result of this procedure.

Other studies have shown that after blood sampling, female crabs are less likely to mate.

Image copyright Getty Images

Image caption,

Scientists estimate the age of horseshoe crabs at 300-450 million years, which makes them one of the oldest species on Earth.

“Right now they are milking about half a million crabs,” lamented Dr. Barbara Brammer, who leads an environmental group in New Jersey, where most of the American horseshoe crabs are caught.

In an interview with the BBC she lamented that no does not know exactly how blood sampling affects the future life of crabs after they are released. 0006

As a result, American horseshoe crabs are approaching the threshold beyond which they can be officially considered endangered.

At the same time, large pharmaceutical companies point to statistics, according to which the number of horseshoe crabs has remained at the same level over the past summer.

Is it possible to find an artificial substitute?

Research to create an artificial analogue of extract from horseshoe crab hemolymph has been going on for a long time, but the real breakthrough came only in 2016.

Scientists have succeeded in creating a substitute that has been approved for use in Europe. Some American pharmaceutical companies have also begun to use it.

Image copyright, Getty Images

Image caption,

The blood of these “living fossils” is indeed blue due to its high copper content.

What’s the problem then?

And the fact is that in June of this year, the organization responsible for the safety of medicines in the United States (Food and Drug Administration, or FDA), said that it could not guarantee that the substitute works as reliably as like a natural product.

Therefore, all companies that sell their drugs in the US are required to use horseshoe crab blood for purity testing.

The same goes for any potential coronavirus vaccine: whoever invents it will be required to test it in the old tried and true way if they want to sell their product to millions of Americans.

Dr. Brammer wants to force the American authorities to reconsider their approach, especially since in other countries the artificial substitute is already widely used.

Image copyright, Getty Images

Image caption,

Ridley Scott may have been inspired by horseshoe crabs to create the face-hugging parasitoid in Alien

“We need to stop depending on this natural source,” she says .

Some pharmaceutical companies claim they can meet the demand for a coronavirus vaccine without multiplying crab harvests.

However, according to Barbara, there are at least 30 companies working on the vaccine, and each of them will be required to conduct testing.