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Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) have proliferated globally and have become one of the most challenging pests to control indoors. They are nocturnal and use multiple sensory cues to detect and orient towards their human hosts. After feeding, usually on a sleeping human, they return to a shelter on or around the sleeping surface, but not directly on the host. We hypothesized that although human skin odors attract hungry bed bugs, human skin compounds may also prevent arrestment on hosts. We used arrestment assays to test human skin swabs, extracts from human skin swabs, and pure compounds identified from human skin swabs. When given a choice, bed bugs preferred to arrest on substrates not previously conditioned by humans. These responses were consistent among laboratory-reared and apartment-collected bed bugs. The compounds responsible for this behavior were found to be extractable in hexane, and bed bugs responded to such extracts in a dose-dependent manner. Bioassay-guided fractionation paired with thin-layer chromatography, GC–MS, and LC–MS analyses suggested that triglycerides (TAGs), common compounds found on human skin, were preventing arrestment on shelters. Bed bugs universally avoided sheltering in TAG-treated shelters, which was independent of the number of carbons or the number of double bonds in the TAG. These results provide strong evidence that the complex of human skin compounds serve as multifunctional semiochemicals for bed bugs, with some odorants attracting host-seeking stages, and others (TAGs and possibly other compounds) preventing bed bug arrestment. Host chemistry, environmental conditions and the physiological state of bed bugs likely influence the dual nature behavioral responses of bed bugs to human skin compounds.

Introduction Bed bugs are hematophagous insects that can be problematic in some urban emergency departments. The objective was to determine if red blood cell (RBC) and coagulation indices of bed bug–infested emergency department (ED) patients differed from those of noninfested control patients. Methods A chart review from a single health system was performed for ED patients between February 1, 2011, and February 1, 2017. Bed bug–infested patients were matched to noninfested control patients on the basis of age, sex, and the presenting ED. Variables were analyzed with the t-test and Pearson χ2 test and were modeled with multivariable logistic regression. Results The study had 332 bed bug–infested patients and 4952 controls. Infested patients had lower hemoglobin (11.7 g/dL vs 12.8 g/dL), hematocrit (35.0% vs 37.9%), RBC counts (4.1 × 109/L vs 4.4 × 109/L), mean corpuscular volume (86.0 vs 87.5 fL/cell), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentrations (33.2 vs 33.7 g/dL) and higher RBC distribution width-coefficient of variation (RDW-CV) (15.2% vs 14.2%) than noninfested patients (all P ≤ .003). Infested patients were more likely to be anemic (59.5% vs 36.9%) and to have severe anemia (4.4% vs 0.7%) (P Conclusion Bed bug infestated patients in the ED are associated with anemia.

Sperm performance can vary in ecologically divergent populations, but it is often not clear whether the environment per se or genomic differences arising from divergent selection cause the difference. One powerful and easily manipulated environmental effect is diet. Populations of bedbugs (Cimex lectularius) naturally feed either on bat or human blood. These are diverging genetically into a bat-associated and a human-associated lineage. To measure how male diet affects sperm performance, we kept males of two HL and BL populations each on either their own or the foreign diet. Then we investigated male reproductive success in a single mating and sperm competition context. We found that male diet affected female fecundity and changed the outcome of sperm competition, at least in the human lineage. However, this influence of diet on sperm performance was moulded by an interaction. Bat blood generally had a beneficial effect on sperm competitiveness and seemed to be a better food source in both lineages. Few studies have examined the effects of male diet on sperm performance generally, and sperm competition specifically. Our results reinforce the importance to consider the environment in which sperm are produced. In the absence of gene flow, such differences may increase reproductive isolation. In the presence of gene flow, however, the generally better sperm performance after consuming bat blood suggests that the diet is likely to homogenise rather than isolate populations.

The consumption of insect pests by birds can result in benefits for the farmer. In this sense, the present study aimed to investigate the consumption of insects by wild birds within guava orchards in the upper Sertão Sergipe. The records were conducted from 15 to 30 November 2018, using the direct observation method. 98 feeding events were recorded for 21 bird species. Among the insects consumed by birds, we highlight the caterpillars and bedbugs of the genus Leptoglossus, considered insects harmful to guava. It is possible that birds can reduce the populations of these insects and help with pest control. However, we recommend that experimental studies be performed for confirmation. The results of this research can also be used to change farmers' perceptions of birds, who normally see birds only as animals harmful to crops.

This study reports the first baseline information on tropical bed bug, Cimex hemipterus (F.) (Hemiptera: Cimicidae), infestations in Ghana. The purpose of this study was to assess bed bug infestation levels, and the efficacy of locally available insecticides and long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) in controlling field bed bugs populations in the Cape Coast region. A survey was undertaken to assess bed bug infestation levels and current control practices by residents. In total, 205 bed bug affected households were identified in 20 communities and live bed bug infestations were associated with most of these premises. Many homeowners knew of other households (from 1 to 3) with a bed bug infestation. Residents reported itching and swelling of the skin from the bed bug bites and the bites were considered severe. The most common household bed bug control strategy was the application of insecticides. However, LLINs and commercially formulated insecticides commonly used by households (notably chloropyrifos and pyrethroid-based formulations) did not efficaciously suppress field collected strains of C. hemipterus. Using a dipping bioassay, mean mortality ranged from 0 to 60% for eggs, nymphs, and adults, and less than 40% mortality was observed in bed bugs placed on insecticide-treated filter paper. Each LLINs (all are pyrethroid based) produced a mean mortality of less than 20% in adult bed bugs. For a more effective response to the global bed bug resurgence in developing countries, government and supporting agencies need to render assistance to bed bug affected residents through the provision of improved pest management strategies.

By the mid-eighteenth century, the need to protect zoological and botanical collections from attacks of insects became pressing for the community of naturalists. Living ornamental and economically important plants and their seeds also needed to be protected from insects when transported by sail. John Ellis ( c.1710–1776), one of the pioneers of plant transportation, was instrumental in disseminating the knowledge of insecticidal properties of corrosive sublimate (mercury(II) chloride or mercuric chloride, HgCl2). Although the use of corrosive sublimate for the protection of zoological collections had been proposed by John Woodward (1665–1728) in 1696, it was probably not widely used by naturalists until Ellis had published his Directions for bringing over seeds in 1770, recommending this substance for the protection of living plants, seeds and specimens during transport. Ellis possibly learned about the insecticidal properties of corrosive sublimate from the emerging use of this compound to control bedbugs ( Cimex lectularius). The history of bedbug management in eighteenth-century London, and some early exterminators, including John Southall ( fl.1726–1738), George Bridges ( c.1695–1768) and Thomas Tiffin ( fl.1760–1783), are discussed. Only a few days after the Directions was printed, Ellis asked Thomas Davies ( c.1737–1812) to publish a method of preparing bird skins that involved corrosive sublimate and was probably involved in drafting it. Following these two publications, corrosive sublimate was frequently used for the preservation of natural history collections including bird skins and herbarium specimens.

With the development of new metagenomic techniques, the microbial community structure of common bed bugs, Cimex lectularius, is well-studied, while information regarding the constituents of the bacterial communities associated with tropical bed bugs, Cimex hemipterus, is lacking. In this study, the bacteria communities in the blood-fed and starved tropical bed bugs were analysed and characterized by amplifying the v3-v4 hypervariable region of the 16S rRNA gene region, followed by MiSeq Illumina sequencing. Across all samples, Proteobacteria made up more than 99% of the microbial community. An alpha-proteobacterium Wolbachia and gamma-proteobacterium, including Dickeya chrysanthemi and Pseudomonas, were the dominant OTUs at the genus level. Although the dominant OTUs of bacterial communities of blood-fed and starved bed bugs were the same, bacterial genera present in lower numbers were varied. The bacteria load in starved bed bugs was also higher than blood-fed bed bugs.

This study investigated the efficacy of using Vikane gas fumigant (sulfuryl fluoride) at the 1.9× dosage rate for eliminating bed bugs (Cimex lectularius L.) in two challenging infestation situations: personal vehicles, and confined spaces densely packed with personal belongings. The vehicles used in this study were large minivans with seating that folded into the floor. The confined spaces were cargo trailers filled to 85% capacity with books, furniture, and other household items. Each van and trailer was equipped with ~90 sentinel bed bugs consisting of three groups of 9–11 bed bug eggs, 10 nymphs, and 10 adults. The Vikane Fumiguide calculator was used to determine the target dosage (g-h/m3) to apply in each replicate (e.g., one van or trailer). Sulfuryl fluoride concentrations were measured throughout the fumigation process using a Spectros SF-ReportIR. Concentration readings were input into the Fumiguide to determine when the accumulated dosage (g-h/m3) was achieved, and when aeration should be initiated. After aeration was complete, the sentinel bed bugs were removed from the replicates and bed bug nymph and adult mortality was recorded. Bed bug eggs were monitored for 23 d to determine latent mortality. Fumigated bed bug mortality for each replication was 100% regardless of life stage. Latent mortality was observed in a single bed bug egg, but the first instar never fully eclosed. This study determined that fumigation with sulfuryl fluoride at the 1.9× dosage factor is an effective method for eliminating resistant bed bugs from vehicles and personal belongings in densely packed situations.

Bed bug repellents should not only prevent humans from being bitten but impede an infestation of personal belongings. Only a few test proposals for evaluating the efficacy of repellents against bed bugs have been published so far. In the present study, two test systems were assessed for efficacy testing with five potential bed bug repellents (cinnamon oil, icaridin, N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide (DEET), permethrin, and margosa extract). The first test setup was a harborage choice test system that consisted of a crystallizing dish with a treated and an untreated harborage. Sixty minutes and 24 h after treatment, DEET, icaridin, and cinnamon oil showed the highest repellency with a median proportion of at least 99% repelled bed bugs. The second test system was a barrier test. Bed bugs were attracted by CO2 and heat to cross filter papers treated with the potential repellents. The repellency of substances was significantly lower in comparison to the harborage choice test, except for DEET. The latter showed the highest repellency (97%) against bed bugs 24 h after application compared to controls. Results show that bed bugs are less sensitive to repellents when searching for a bloodmeal than when searching for a shelter.

Reproductive fitness and survival are enhanced by adaptive behaviors that are modulated by internal physiological states and external social contexts. The common bed bug, Cimex lectularius, is an obligate hematophagous ectoparasite that requires host blood for growth, development, and reproduction. We investigated how mating, starvation and social interactions affect host-seeking, blood feeding, oviposition, and survival of female bed bugs. The percentage of females that fed and the amount of blood they ingested were greater in mated females (90–100%) than in unmated females (48–60%). Mating state also modulated the female’s orientation towards human skin odor in an olfactometer; more mated (69%) than unmated (23%) females responded to human odors. The response rate of unmated females (60%) to skin odor increased with longer starvation period, while the opposite pattern was observed in mated females (20%). Although fecundity after a single blood meal was unaffected by long or short residence and interaction with males, females subjected to frequent copulation attempts had lower survivorship and lifespan than females housed with males for only 24 h. Taken together, these results indicate that by adaptively and coordinately expressing behaviors based on the internal physiological state, females maximize their survival and reproductive fitness.

This article provides information about planting, propagation of medicinal Crocus, determining thecultivated area, depending on conditions, various harmful insects.The article shows that Crocusdamages winter scoops, gamma scoops, spider mites, bedbugs, aphids and thrips, especially bedbugs and spider mites, do more harm than others.It is also noted that the implementation of agreedmeasures against them is a guarantee of a high and quality crop.

Parasites evoke an array of emotions that subsequently can govern our action as well as our precautionary measures. If parasites are unknown, an important question is how people can be educated abo...

Introduction: Nowadays, bedbug infestation is one of the public health problems around the world. The objective of this study was to evaluate the spatial distribution of bedbug in different parts of the infested houses. Moreover, the association between house sanitation and presence of bedbug infestation was determined in infested houses in Ahvaz City, Iran. Materials and Methods: Totally, 57 bedbug-infested houses were visited door-to-door in Ahvaz City from April 2015 to April 2018. Data were collected by visual inspection. The spatial distribution of bedbug in different parts of the infested houses was assessed visually. Logistic regression was applied to assess the association between bedbug presence and house sanitation level. Results: In the 57 infested houses, bed room and living room were the main infested parts in 74% and 26% of the houses, respectively. The highest infestation sources in houses were bedding as well as cracks and crevices with frequency rates of 58% and 18%, respectively. No significant correlation was observed between house sanitation and presence of infestation (χ2 = 3.5; df = 4; P = 0.522). In total, 56% of the residents reported high levels of bedbug infestation in their houses. Furthermore, 46% of the participants mentioned that their houses had recently been infested, but many residents did not know the exact time of first infestation in the house. Conclusion: The present study confirms that bedbugs' infestations cannot be associated with house sanitation. Further research is needed to better understand the association between house situation and bedbug infestations.

Bedbugs are parasitic insects that feed mostly on blood (human). Cimex hemipterus commonly known as the Tropical bedbug resurge in warmer climates like Africa, Asia and America. Over the years bedbug infestation has remained a major public health concern among the residents of Nakuru Town Kenya. The purpose of this study was to determine socioeconomic factors and cultural practices that influence the resurgence of bedbugs in Nakuru Town, Kenya. This study adopted analytic epidemiological study design and used cross sectional descriptive survey for data collection. It was conducted in seven estates in Nakuru Town, Kenya with an estimated population of 32,856 in a period of seven months. Cluster sampling was used to sample the households in the estates with the study surveillance being done in four hundred and twenty two (422) households whereas 57% and 43% of the participants were male and female respectively. The main source of income among the respondents was self-employment with only 27% of the participants being employed. According to the findings of this study 31% of the residents were earning between 5000 and 10000 with only 4% of their monthly income been allocated to healthcare. The current socioeconomic status among the residents of Nakuru Town is inhibiting the fight against bedbug elimination. Cultural beliefs like witchcraft are limiting the eradication of bedbugs and leads to the resurgence in some of the households. In conclusion, the current socioeconomic status among the residents of Nakuru Town is inhibiting the fight against bedbug elimination. The findings of this study will be used to inform the policy makers in the Nakuru County government on measures to be taken to improve the socioeconomic status of its residents so that in the future residents are empowered to eradicate the bedbugs.

bBackground./bPapular urticaria is a chronic allergic reaction induced by insect bites. In México the most common causative arthropods reported are bed bugs, fleas and mosquitoes. Approximately 70% of people who are bitten byiCimex lectularius/iexperience hypersensitive reactions, papular urticaria, extensive erythema, urticaria, and even anaphylaxis has been reported, pruritus is the major complaint, impairing quality of life and sleep. Immunotherapy has been used in mosquito bite papular urticaria resulting in improvement of skin lesions and possibly protecting against reactions to subsequent exposures to mosquitoes.bMethods./bChildren, 4-10 years of age, with recurrent papular urticaria due to bedbugs not responsive to multiple treatments were included. An initial allergy assessment included clinical history, skin prick test (SPT), and specific IgE sensitisation was performed to confirmed bedbug sensitization. Twenty children were randomized to receive subcutaneous specific immunotherapy (SSI) with whole body bed bug extract or conventional treatment. The treatment was carried out over twelve months and the response was assessed using the Dermatology Quality of Life Index (DLQ), the immunotherapy satisfaction questionnaire (ESPIA questionnaire) and the 12-Item Pruritus Severity Scale (12-IPSS). The results from both the treated and control groups were compared.bResults./bThe twenty patients were randomized, 12 to receive immunotherapy and 8 to receive conventional treatment for 12 months. Quality of life improved with a reduction in the DLQI score of 19.83 in the immunotherapy group versus 9 in the conventional treatment group (p = 0.03). Itch improved with a reduction in the 12-IPSS of 16.5 in the immunotherapy group versus 9.63 in the conventional treatment group (p = 0.02). After twelve months of treatment, all 12 patients who received immunotherapy, reported a decrease of persistent cutaneous lesions but the 8 on conventional treatment did not. A mean score of 95.75 (SD 3.3) was recorded for satisfaction with immunotherapy.bConclusions./bPatients with papular urticaria byiCimex lectularius/ireceiving allergen immunotherapy for 1 year showed a significant improvement compared with baseline and patients receiving conventional treatment regarding skin lesions, quality of life impairment, intensity of pruritus and satisfaction with immunotherapy.

Background The tropical bed bug, Cimex hemipterus, is an important ectoparasite causing various health problems. This species is mainly confined to tropical regions; however, insecticide resistance, global warming, and globalization have changed its distribution map. Molecular information on pyrethroid resistance, which is essential for the development of control programs, is unknown for C. hemipterus in expanded areas. The present study was designed to determine the permethrin resistance status, characterize the pyrethroid receptor sites in voltage-gated sodium channel (vgsc) gene, and identify the resistance-related mutations in the populations of tropical bed bug in Iran. Methods Live bed bugs were collected, and adults of C. hemipterus were selected for bioassay and molecular surveys. Bioassay was performed by tarsal contact with permethrin 0.75% in mixed-sex of samples. Conventional and quantitative TaqMan and SYBR Green real-time PCR assays were conducted to characterize the vgsc gene and genotypes of studied populations. Results In the bioassay tests, the mortality rates were in the range of 30.7–38.7% and 56.2–77.4% in 24 and 48 h, respectively. The knockdown rates of studied populations were in the range of 32.2–46.6% and 61.5–83.8% in the first and second days, respectively. The KT50 and KT90 values in the Cimex lectularius Kh1 strain were presented as 5.39 and 15.55 h, respectively. These values in the selected populations of C. hemipterus varied from 27.9 to 29.5 and from 82.8 to 104.4 h, respectively. Knockdown time ratios (KR50 and KR90) in these populations varied from 5.17 to 6.17-fold compared with those of the C. lectularius Kh1 strain. Fragments of vgsc gene with 355 bp and 812 bp were amplified. Analysis of sequences revealed the A468T substitution, kdr-associated D953G, and super-kdr M918I and L1014F mutations in all populations. Conclusions The specific/sensitive, safe, and rapid diagnostic assays developed in this study are recommended for detection of kdr/super-kdr mutations and frequency of mutant alleles. The presence of super-kdr mutations and high resistance to permethrin in all the populations necessitate the reconsideration of control approaches against C. hemipterus. Graphical Abstract

Objectives. To compare outcomes when pesticides are used to control bed bugs by professionals and nonprofessionals. Methods. All US National Pesticide Information Center inquiries from 2013 to 2017 were assessed to identify scenarios involving bed bugs and pesticide applications. Cases were evaluated with respect to types of applicators, misapplications, and human pesticide exposures. Results. Misapplications were more than twice as likely to be reported in cases involving nonprofessional applications (14%) as in cases involving professional applications (5%). Human exposures to pesticides were reported more often when pesticides were misapplied (70%) than when there were no apparent misapplications (31%). Conclusions. Both professionals and nonprofessionals may misuse pesticides to control bed bugs, which may increase the risks of exposure and adverse outcomes. Policy interventions may reduce pesticide incidents related to bed bug control by promoting professional involvement and adherence to product label instructions.

Background: Tropical bed bug, Cimex hemipterus, is a nocturnal obligate blood-sucking ecto-parasite of humans that is highly prevalent in Nigeria. Bed bug control heavily relies on the application of several insecticides-based formulations. Insecticide resistance in bed bug populations has been widely reported. Here, we assessed the mortality and fecundity of bed bugs following exposure to different classes of insecticides. Methods: Bed bugs were collected from students’ halls of resident and exposed to DDT (4%), permethrin (0.75), bendiocarb (0.1) and malathion (4%) insecticide-impregnated papers. Mortality and number of eggs laid by each exposed groups were recorded at 24hrs, 48hrs and 72hrs. Results: The relative numbers of eggs produced by bedbugs in the DDT, bendiocarb and malathion assays were lower than what was observed in the control 24 hours after exposure. The highest reduction in egg production was observed in the malathion exposed-group compared to the other insecticides and the control group. The impact of the different assays on bugs mortality revealed DDT to produce a time-dependent outcome with the highest death rate (36.7%) recorded 24 hours’ post-exposure. In contrast, malathion and bendiocarb impacted the most mortality (53.3% and 46.6%) after 72 hours. Conclusion: This study revealed an occurrence of suspected insecticide resistance to all classes of insecticide used in bed bug populations in Lagos State, Nigeria.

PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW This review will update pediatric providers on the recent data regarding the epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment of common skin infestations affecting children and adolescents. RECENT FINDINGS Standard superficial skin biopsy for scabies and the vacuum method for head lice can increase diagnostic accuracy and efficiency. There is growing resistance to some of the traditional treatments for scabies and head lice, and progress has been made in finding newer and potentially more effective treatments, such as oral moxidectin for scabies and abametapir for head lice. Recent studies have established the safety of traditional treatments, such as permethrin and oral ivermectin in infants and small children. SUMMARY Permethrin and ivermectin are both considered safe and effective for children and adolescents with scabies. Permethrin is generally considered safe in infants less than two months of age. Proper application of permethrin is critical, and providers should emphasize proper application technique. Treatment of head lice should only be initiated with active infestations. Resistance to permethrin continues to increase and other options are now available, including an over-the-counter topical ivermectin formulation. Identification and eradication of bed bug infestations are crucial in preventing bedbug bites.

Introduction In the 1970s and 1980s, the occurrence of bedbugs ( Cimex lectularius Linnaeus, 1758) was noticed only sporadically in accommodation facilities in Slovakia. Under regular monitoring, it was possible to even eradicate its occurrence in the 1980s. Today, the problem is once again a major global health issue. Objective The aim of the study was to point out the occurrence of cimicosis in the case of atypical urticaria in patients referred to parasitological examination by inpatient and outpatient physicians. Material and methods During the period 2006–2015, 102 patients with suspected ectoparasitosis were examined in the Diagnostic Laboratory of Human Parasitology at the Faculty of Medicine of Comenius University in Bratislava. Specialists and general practitioners referred the patients with itching red efflorescences. Parasitological examination and entomologic analysis of insects confirmed in many of them the presence of skin ectoparasitosis caused by Cimex lectularius , and in one case Oeciacus hirundinis . Results A total number of 102 parasitologically patients were examined – 62 adults and 40 children. Among the 62 adults, there were 57 patients positive for cimicosis. In 5 patients cimicosis was not confirmed, in one of them ( Sarcoptes scabiei Linnaeus, 1758) was detected. Among the 40 children, there were 34 positive for cimicosis. One female child was diagnosed with lesions caused by Sarcoptes scabiei. Conclusions The bed bug should again be subjected to the reporting service to public health authorities, and thus recording the monitoring of its incidence and spread in the population.

Bedbugs are harmful human blood-sucking ectoparasites. The disadvantages of a bedbug bite cause itching, redness bumps, secondary infections, and anemia in children. Bedbugs controller so far uses harmful chemical pesticides, but reappearance of bedbugs indicates less effective chemical pesticides, and becomes a serious problem. So it needs safer controller for human health. This study aims to analyze the d-Limonene activity of orange peel (Citrus sinensis L.) in controlling the bedbug infestation (Cimex cimicidae). The study was conducted through 5 stages: d-Limonene isolation, GC-MS characterization, bioassay Y test d-Limonene nanoparticles, SEM characterization, and d-Limonene activity test on bedbug. The results showed that the essential oil of orange peel contained the main compounds as d-Limonene (90.018%), 1,6-Octadien-3-ol, 3,7-dimethyl- (3,017%), β-Myrcene (2.071%), Octanal (0.349%), 1-Octanol (0.589%), 1R-α-Pinene (0.688%), 6-Octen-1-ol, 3,7-dimethyl- (0.667%), 3-Cyclohexene-1- methanol, α, α, 4-trimethyl-, (S)-(1.453%), and Bicyclo [3.1.1] heptane, 6.6-dimethyl�2-methylene-, (1S) - (1.147%). The Bioassay Y test shows that d-Limonene was both repellent and fumigant, d-Limonene nanoparticles had uneven and irregular surface morphology, and in the flea activity test showed more than 50% bedbugs death. These research concluded that d-Limonene compounds from sweet orange peel had activity to control the bedbugs.

Morphology, protein profile and the level of Bedbug infestations were carried out at a University in Lagos, Nigeria after an outcry of high infestation by the students in halls of residence. Three bedbugswere each collected from nine halls of residence for morphological characterization of adults and to carry out protein profile analysis usingSodium Dodecyl Sulfate Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and Coomassie staining method. Level of infestation of Bedbugs was carried out in two female halls A and Busing blood smeared on the walls. All bedbugs found were Cimex hemipterus. 29.8% of the rooms in Hall Bhad no bedbug infestation, 23.9%, 20.2%, 15.4% and 10.6% had low, average, high and very high levels of bedbug infestation respectively while in A hall, it was 21.4%, 30.5%, 24.4%, 14.5% and 9.2% respectively. In A hall, 4.6%, 16.8% and 0.8% had one, two and three out of the four mattresses in the room infested with bedbugs respectively while 56.5% had all the four mattresses infested with bedbugs. In B hall, 1.6%, 16.0% and 0% had one, two and three mattresses infested with bedbugs respectively while the remaining 52.7% had all the four mattresses in the room infested with bedbugs. There was a significant relationship between the level of infestation and the number of mattresses infested in each hall (P < 0.01).The protein profile analysis of bedbugs did not show the protein bands clearly because of the low soluble protein content of Cimex hemipterus and the detection limit of Coomassie stain.

Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius L.) are blood-feeding human ectoparasites. Their cryptic nature and pesticide resistance have led to an upsurge in infestation abundance and increased difficulty to achieve control. A dosage-response study was conducted for fumigation with sulfuryl fluoride against bed bug eggs at 25 and 15°C. The least accumulated dosage that resulted in 100% mortality was then used in a confirmation study in which adults, third-instar nymphs, and additional eggs were fumigated. It was determined that all life stages tested were killed after fumigations at 88.40 and 170.00 g-h/m3, at 25 and 15°C, respectively. These dosages correspond to an application rate of 1.7× (multiplier of the drywood termite rate of 1×). However, sulfuryl fluoride fumigations at 80.08 and 154.00 g-h/m3 (25 and 15°C, respectively) each yielded >99.6% mortality of bed bug eggs, the most fumigant-resistant life stage. These dosages, rounded to the closest tenth, correspond to an application rate of 1.5×. Thus, this study supports that the MasterFume label rate against bed bugs should be decreased from 3× to 1.7×, at the minimum, because fumigation at 1.5× would suffice due to overly conservative estimation of field factors when calculating fumigant dosage.

Background: Papular urticaria is a prevalent disturbing condition manifested by chronic or recurring papules caused by a hypersensitivity response to the bites of mosquitoes, bedbugs, fleas, and other insects. D. gallinae was previously indicated as an etiological agent for papular urticaria and chronic itching by several researchers worldwide.Objective: To throw light on D. gallinae as a cause of papular urticaria in Upper Egypt discussing associating risk factors.Material and Methods: The present study evaluated patients attending the Dermatology Outpatient Clinic, Sohag University Hospitals, Egypt, and who were diagnosed as papular urticaria. Some patients with recurrent papular lesions gave history of exposure to domestic poultry or birds’ nests and insect bites. They were selected from 97 patients who complained of itching. They were advised to bring any insects suspected of biting them or that come in contact with their skin, which were then referred to the Parasitology Unit for identification by light (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).Results: The examined arthropods were identified as D. gallinae in thirty cases and human fleas in two cases. LM and SEM showed the remarkable identifying features of D. gallinae female. Contact with sources of infection (insects) either birds' nests or chicken husbandry was proved to be a risk factor for recurrent papular urticaria. Contact of the same family members to the same source of infection caused prevalence of arthropods borne recurrent papular urticaria among family members. Gender and residence were not associated risk factors.Conclusion: This is, to the best of our knowledge, the first repot of D. gallinae infestation in Egypt. Pruritic dermatitis caused by D. gallinae (associated with papules and vesicles) may sometimes be mistaken for scabies. Therefore, meticulous history recording, and environmental inspection are necessary to discover the etiology of recurrent papular urticaria.

In recent decades, the world has witnessed a remarkable resurgence of bedbugs (Hemiptera: Cimicidae). Although populations of the common bedbug, Cimex lectularius L., expanded in temperate regions of its original distribution, the tropical bedbug, C. hemipterus (F.), increased its abundance in warmer regions, where it also had been historically distributed. However, C. hemipterus has recently been observed to be expanding to other areas, e.g. North Australia, Middle East, the United States and Russia. In other parts of Europe, few sporadic and ephemeral introductions of C. hemipterus were recorded until recently. We conducted an extensive sampling of European bedbug populations starting in 2002 and found that C. hemipterus has recently become locally established. Among 566 examined infestations, nearly all of which involved C. lectularius, C. hemipterus occurred in six infestations collected since 2019. In at least three cases, the social background of inhabitants of the infested properties indicated that tropical bedbugs likely spread within local communities. Using cytochrome oxidase subunit I, we linked five of the infestations to the most common haplotype found globally, and one to an African haplotype. In all infestations, we observed two kdr-associated mutations in the sodium channel gene, which are also commonly found across the world.

AIMS To evaluate whether bed bugs are associated with allergic reactions in patients seen in the emergency department (ED). METHODS AND RESULTS This retrospective study included data from 9 EDs in Ohio between February 2011 and February 2017. The study comprised 332 patients with bed bug infestation matched 1:15 with 4952 control patients without bed bugs on the basis of age, sex and the presenting ED. Compared with uninfested patients, patients infested with bed bugs were more likely to have an ED or inpatient diagnosis of pruritus, hives or urticaria (odds ratio [OR], 9.12 [95% CI, 3.41-24.42]) and to be treated in the ED with an antihistamine (OR, 3.20 [95% CI, 1.87-5.50]) or albuterol (OR, 1.59 [95% CI, 1.07-2.36]) (P ≤ .02 for all). There were no significant differences in the rates of anaphylaxis and angioedema diagnosed in patients with and without bed bugs, which occurred in

Made available in DSpace on 2021-06-25T12:37:40Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2021-01-01. Added 1 bitstream(s) on 2021-07-15T14:36:34Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 S0037-86822021000100709.pdf: 1630376 bytes, checksum: 5eb29c6975737ce5898632d20ea6354b (MD5) Bed bugs are hematophagous arthropods that can parasitize humans. During the coronavirus disease pandemic, there has been an increase in elderly neglect. A man in his 90s came to the hospital complaining of generalized pruritus. Despite being a dependent patient, he was left alone in a home by his relatives during the pandemic. Examination revealed inflammatory nodules in addition to a live bed bug crawling over his trunk. Identifying a bed bug during consultation is an uncommon feature that can help determine a particular diagnosis. As this case shows, the need for social isolation during pandemics can contribute to elder abuse and neglect. Hosp Santa Casa Curitiba, Dept Dermatol, Curitiba, Parana, Brazil Univ Estadual Paulista, Fac Med, Dept Dermatol, Botucatu, SP, Brazil Univ Estadual Paulista, Fac Med, Dept Dermatol, Botucatu, SP, Brazil

INTRODUCTION: Since 2013, major Cimex lectularius infestations have been detected in public shelters in Belo Horizonte (Brazil). Due to this, insecticide resistance has been investigated as one of the possible causes for the failure to control bedbugs. METHODS: Cimicids were subjected to bioassays according to the World Health Organization recommendations using deltamethrin and all commercial insecticides available for control of Cimex in Brazil. RESULTS: Cimicids were deltamethrin resistant and presented indicative of resistance to other insecticides, except for propoxur 1%. CONCLUSIONS: The commercial insecticides have a limited effect on bedbug populations, which may justify the unsatisfactory control observed in the shelters studied.

Cimex lectularius (Hemiptera:Cimicidae) infestations have increased over the past decades in several parts of the world, constituting a major urban pest with no reversion signs. The impact on human health caused by these insects, commonly known as bedbugs, is associated with their obligatory hematophagous habit. Allergies induced by hematophagous arthropod bites are related to the deposition of salivary molecules in the host tissues. Many reports of humans developing severe allergic reactions due to bedbug bites have been recorded, however, there is limited information on the salivation of bedbugs on the host, which was the objective of this study. C. lectularius females were fed on blood containing acridine orange fluorochrome, which labeled the principal salivary glands content. The salivation pattern of bedbugs was investigated using intravital microscopy during its blood meal on the ear skin of hairless mice. Saliva deposition occurred during all insect blood-feeding phases, beginning as soon as the mouthpart touched the host skin. During the probing phase, saliva was deposited in large quantities in the host dermis. In contrast, during the engorgement phase (which represents the largest blood meal of the insects), saliva was released at a much slower rate. The apparent release of saliva into the cannulated vessel and/or adjacent tissue occurs only sporadically during insect blood ingestion. However, a small area (spot) of fluorescence was detected around the proboscis tip during this feeding phase. An interesting feature of bedbugs is that they release saliva inside and outside the vessels without removing their mouthparts from the vessel lumen. This is an effective feeding strategy because it does not interrupt blood ingestion and decreases the mouthparts movements on the host's skin, minimizing the damage to tissues and contact time with the host (feeding time).

Bed bug outbreaks pose a major challenge in urban environments and cause significant strain on public resources. Few studies have systematically analyzed this insect epidemic or the potential effects of policies to combat bed bugs. Here we use three sources of administrative data to characterize the spatial-temporal trends of bed bug inquiries, complaints, and reports in New York City. Bed bug complaints have significantly decreased (p < 0.01) from 2014–2020, the absolute number of complaints per month dropping by half (875 average complaints per month to 440 average complaints per month); conversely, complaints for other insects including cockroaches and flies did not decrease over the same period. Despite the decrease of bed bug complaints, areas with reported high bed bug infestation tend to remain infested, highlighting the persistence of these pests. There are limitations to the datasets; still the evidence available suggests that interventions employed by New York City residents and lawmakers are stemming the bed bug epidemic and may serve as a model for other large cities.

International audience

Hematophagous arthropods are important vectors for zoonotic pathogens. To date, a huge number of viruses have been identified in these arthropods, with a considerable proportion of them being human pathogens. However, the viromes of hematophagous arthropods are still largely unresearched. In this study, a number of arthropods were collected from Belgrade, Serbia including mosquitoes, ticks and bedbugs. The viromes of these arthropods were identified and characterized using Illumina MiSeq sequencing. In total, 21 viruses belonging to 11 families were characterized, with 11 of them representing novel species. These results may contribute to our knowledge of RNA viruses in arthropods and the discovery of novel human pathogens.

Background. Bedbug infestation is the worldwide problem according to World Health Organization, and the infestation is characterized by biting reactions including systemic, cutaneous reactions and sometimes psychological disturbance. Prevalence of bedbug infestation is low (6%) in developed countries while in Sierra Leone is 98% and Tanzania is 56% in which is tremendously high. As the bedbug infestation is among neglected conditions and because of high prevalence in Tanzania, the studies to determine this burden, some risk factors (crowding) and awareness among specific populated communities especially schools is inevitable for planning strategies in eradication of bedbug.Objective. To determine the prevalence of bedbug infestation, crowding and awareness level among boarding government secondary school students in Moshi Urban.Methodology. A cross-sectional study was conducted from May to July 2018 at Moshi Urban in Kilimanjaro region. The structured standard questionnaire was used to obtain the demographics information of participants, asses awareness. Personal observation was used to determine prevalence and crowding in the corresponding student’s dormitories. Results. The prevalence of bedbug infestation was 58.1% (223) among 384 study participants. Logistic regression analysis showed that 72.6% of the students with bedbug infestation were found to be living in the overcrowded dormitories. There was association between overcrowd and bedbug infestation (OR=2.50, 95%CI (1.63-3.83) P=0.001. Only 32.7% of the infested students involved in this study were aware with bedbugs (OR=0.8795% CI (0.56-1.35) P=0.54. Conclusion. The overall prevalence of bedbug infestation was found to be high among students living in the overcrowded dormitories and those who were not aware on bedbug biology and behavior, transmission, control and prevention ways. Education concerning bedbugs is needed to increase the community awareness together with management of number of student in accordance to the available facilities and resources.

Lateral flow strip tests are a cost-effective method for detecting specific proteins in biological samples, which can be performed in the field without specialized expertise. While most recognizable in the pregnancy tests, there are many other applications for lateral flow strip technology. The pest control industry has increasingly emphasized the importance of pest monitoring to reduce unnecessary applications, focus interventions into locations with active pest infestations, and to develop records of pest infestation. Due to their cryptic behavior, the detection of bed bugs often necessitates labor-intensive, time-consuming and invasive visual inspections. A lateral flow strip test for the detection of bed bugs would represent a novel use for a well-established technology, which can enable pest control operators to rapidly confirm the presence or absence of bed bugs in a room. In the current report, we present an effort to develop and calibrate the lateral flow test devices for the detection of a bed bug specific protein. A variety of bed bug residue samples were prepared by varying several parameters: bed bug infestation level (1 bed bug/3 bed bugs), surface type (wood/fabric), feeding status (fed/unfed), and bed bug time-on-surface (1 d/7 d). Using a prototype sensor and test strip, we examined how these variables influenced the detection of the bed bug specific proteins in the sample and to what degree. We discuss how this lateral flow test device can be an effective tool to determine the presence or absence of bed bug proteins on a surface, providing highly credible evidence on bed bug infestations.

Aims To investigate the immunoglobulin (Ig) G response after being fed upon by Cimex lectularius L. Methods and results Participants were fed upon by three male C lectularius insects weekly for a month. Blood was obtained before the feeding and at the last feeding, which was used for immunoblots against bed bug salivary gland extract, with antihuman Immunoglobulin G (IgG) secondary antibodies. No consistent IgG changes developed in 11 humans serially fed upon by C lectularius. Two participants had new IgG responses to proteins at molecular weights of approximately 12-13 kDa, and one had an IgG response to a protein at approximately 40 kDa. At the last study visit, more intense IgG bands to proteins at molecular weights of 12-13 kDa had developed in 55% of participants (6/11) and at molecular weights of ≈30, ≈40 and ≈70 kDa in 45% (5/11) compared with the first study visit. Nitrophorin and apyrase were the most common C lectularius proteins identified with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry in both crushed bed bug salivary gland extract and post-bed bug feeding extract. Conclusions Human participants did not have consistent IgG responses to crushed C lectularius salivary gland extract.

When children present with features of bed bug bites, many parents are reluctant to accept the diagnosis. Furthermore, standard methods to detect arthropods in or around one's home can be expensive, time-consuming, and frustrating. We developed a simple, inexpensive way to provide evidence that the lesions are in fact due to arthropod bites. The Modified Onesie Biting Bug Assessment (MOBBA) suit utilizes simple alterations to a full-body onesie-type footed pajama, exposing some body surfaces to insect predators while protecting other areas.

There is an ongoing need for safe and effective anti-bedbug compounds. Here, we tested the toxicity of three antimicrobial agents against bedbugs when administered orally. We reveal that doxycycline has direct insecticidal activity at 250 μg/ml (0.025%) that is particularly strong against immature bedbugs and appears to be independent of antimicrobial activity. Future studies to determine the mechanisms behind this property could be useful for the development of orally active insecticides or anti-bedbug therapeutics.

Background: Cimex lectularius Linnaeus and Cimex hemipterus L. (Bedbugs) are hematophagous ectoparasites which are a nuisance and public health menace. In recent past, bed bug infestation has been on the rise which is attributed to the emergence of resistance to commercial insecticides, particularly pyrethroids. Therefore, the aim of this investigation was to evaluate the insecticidal properties of aqueous extracts of different plants on bed bugs.Methods: Aqueous extracts separately obtained from four different plant materials; ripe fruits of Capsicum annuum L. (hot pepper), fruit peelings of Citrus x sinensis L. (citrus: orange), leaves of Tagetes minuta L. (Mexican marigold) and bulbs of Allium sativum L. (garlic) were studied against bedbugs in a controlled laboratory setting and their effect based on chemotaxis and mortality observed. The extracts were further tested in a field trial in seven villages randomly selected from Idakho central ward, Ikolomani constituency, Kakamega County, Kenya. The villages were assigned arbitrary identity as V1, V2, V3, V4, V5, V6 and V7. Twenty households confirmed to be infested with the bedbugs were selected randomly from each sample village. Each village received specific treatment; V1, V2, V3, V4 and V5 were treated with 5ml of 10mg/ml of extracts from Capsicum annuum, fruit peelings of Citrus x sinensis, leaves of Tagetes minuta, bulbs of Allium sativum and a concoction of the four extracts at the ratio of 1:1:1:1 respectively. Village V6 was treated with commercial potent synthetic insecticide (Bedlum® 200SL, Jiansu Lanfeng biochemical, China with acetamiprid as active compound) as a positive control and village V7 was treated with distilled water as a negative control.Results: The laboratory findings showed that the bed bugs had negative chemotaxis to T. minuta and A. sativum and also showed some direct mortality. Capsicum annuum and C. sinensis had a direct killing effect on the bedbugs. The combination of extracts from the four plants showed 100% mortality within the shortest time of 10 seconds as compared to individual plant extracts. The findings from field trials showed higher perception of bedbug management of 90% for a concoction of the four extract as compared to individual plant extracts: 55%, 70%, 40% and 45% for C. annuum C. sinensis T. minuta and A. sativum respectively. Both laboratory and field trial findings showed that a concoction of the four named plants is a potent insecticide and can be used in bedbug management. There is however need to carry out more research to ascertain other active compounds in the extracts and their mode of action.

During an ongoing virome metagenomics project we identified hepatitis C virus (HCV) in a pool of recently blood-fed common bed bug (Cimex lectularius) nymphs sampled from domestic residences in Europe. Additional PCR and genomic analysis revealed that the virus was a member of HCV genotype 3A, one of the most prevalent genotypes in Europe. Although the role of the common bed bug in the transmission of human hepatitis viruses remains unclear, our study suggests that it merits additional investigation.

The common bed bug, Cimex lectularius, possesses a cholinesterase expressed exclusively in the salivary gland (ClSChE). In this study, we investigated the molecular forms, tissue distribution patterns and biochemical properties of ClSChE and showed that ClSChE exists as a soluble monomeric form or a soluble dimeric form connected by a disulfide bridge. Immunohistochemical analysis confirmed that ClSChE was expressed in the epithelial cells of both the salivary gland and the duct. In addition, the secretion of monomeric ClSChE through the proboscis during feeding was confirmed by western blotting using a ClSChE-specific antibody. To predict the role of ClSChE injected into the tissue of an animal host, we analyzed the extent of hydrolysis of acetylcholine (ACh) by ClSChE by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. ClSChE binding to ACh was not clearly resolved in the binding assay format used in this study, probably due to the weak but detectable ACh-hydrolytic activity of ClSChE. Nevertheless, kinetic analysis revealed that ClSChE possesses extremely low Km (high affinity to ACh) and Vmax values. These findings suggest that ClSChE functions virtually as an ACh-sequestering protein by having a very strong affinity to ACh but an extremely long turnover time. Given that ACh regulates a wide variety of host physiologies, we discuss the tentative roles of ClSChE in blood vessel constriction and itch/pain regulation in the host.

Patients with suspected bites or skin rashes regularly present to their primary care physician. Common mite infections encountered in the primary care office include scabies, chiggers, grain itch, and allergic responses from dust mites. In fact, scabies is one of the 50 most prevalent diseases worldwide. Bed bugs are also becoming increasingly common, living in dark crevices, such as mattresses, feeding at night, and causing a maculopapular immune mediated allergic skin response in humans. Proper identification of the mite or bed bug is essential to guide treatment and eradication.

The common bed bug, Cimex lectularius, is an obligate blood-feeding ectoparasite that preferentially feeds on humans. All stages feed on blood and require a blood meal to molt (nymphs) and reproduce (adults). Differential diagnosis of bed bug bites is difficult and insufficient to determine the bed bugs or their extent. Infestation is a worldwide epidemic due to emergence of insecticide-resistant strains.

Bed bug populations are increasing around the world at an alarming rate and have become a major public health concern. The appearance of bed bug populations in areas where Chagas disease is endemic raises questions about the role of these insects in the transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiological agent of the disease. In a series of laboratory evaluations, bed bug adults and nymphs were experimentally fed with T. cruzi-infected blood to assess the ability of T. cruzi to survive inside the bed bug and throughout the insect's molting process. Live T. cruzi were observed in gut contents of experimentally infected bed bug adults via light microscopy and the identity of the parasite was confirmed via polymerase chain reaction analysis. T. cruzi persisted at least 97-d postinfection in adult bed bugs. Nymphal stage bed bugs that were infected with T. cruzi maintained the parasite after molting, indicating that transstadial passage of T. cruzi in bed bugs took place. This report provides further evidence of acquisition, maintenance, and for the first time, transstadial persistence of T. cruzi in bed bugs.