Pubic Lice (Crabs, Pediculus Pubis) Pubic lice, or crabs, is an infestation of parasites that attach themselves to the pubic hair and other coarse hair on the body. The medical term for the infestation is called Pediculus Pubis and the parasite is called Pthirus pubis. Although pubic lice (crabs) come from the same family of parasites as head and body lice, they are not the same thing. Pubic lice can be cured with medicated shampoos and creams.