What condition is characterized by the presence of lice?

The condition characterized by the presence of lice is known as pediculosis. This term specifically refers to an infestation of lice, which are parasitic insects that can infest the hair and scalp (head lice), body (body lice), or pubic area (pubic lice). Pediculosis is typically identified by symptoms such as itching, irritation, and visible lice or nits (lice eggs) on the hair or skin.

Atrophy refers to the wasting away or decrease in size of an organ or tissue, often due to disuse, aging, or disease. Contracture involves the permanent tightening of muscles and tendons, leading to the restriction of movement in the affected area. Hirsutism is a condition that involves excessive hair growth in women, often in areas where men typically grow hair, which is not related to lice infestation. Each of these conditions is distinct and unrelated to the presence of lice, making pediculosis the correct choice.