A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Bed Bug Infestation (Cimex lectularius) as a Public Health Insect in Iran (1995 – 2019)

Abstract

Background:The common bed bug (Cimex lectularius) is a small hematophagous and wingless insect of the order of Hemiptera and the Cimex genus. This insect is mainly nocturnal and feeds specifically on humans. Objectives: This systematic review reflects the distribution of the bed bug and this is a hypothesis about the relationship between the mean of humidity and temperature with the bed bug infestation that the meta-analysis evaluates. Data Sources: Various electronic databases were investigated for choosing reliable research by suitable keywords during 1995 to 2019. Relevant studies were accepted regarding to the inclusion criteria. Cochrane Q and I2 statistics were used to evaluate heterogeneity and inconsistency. Small study effects were assessed by Egger's regression test. Statistical analysis was performed using STATA12 software. Results: Four researches were entered in this review based on inclusion criteria. According to previous studies, the prevalence of bed bug infestation was reported to be from 2.8% to 90.1% in Iran. Despite of an extensive range of insect infestation, only the reports of the bed bug distribution were published in the Kohgiluye-and-Buyer Ahmad, Esfahan and Mazandaran provinces. The weighted mean of prevalence of common bed bug infestation was obtained using random effects method. The summary estimate of the prevalence was 0.28 [95% CI: (-0.01 -0.71)]. Conclusions:The current study showed that the prevalence of the common bed bug is mainly focused on the southern, southwestern and northern provinces of Iran. Moreover, the bed bug can be called a neglected urban pest, which needs further investigation to know its distribution in the country.

Prevalence and Spatial Distribution of Bed Bug, Cimex lectularius, Infestation in Southwest of Iran: GIS Approach

“…The presence of bed bugs has been documented in Kashan (6.7%). A meta-analysis study of the bed bug infestation (Cimex lectularius) in Iran during 1995-2019 reported the weighted mean of this infestation was estimated 0.28 (18). A door-to-door survey showed 11.1% of Cimex lectularius infestations in row homes in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (19).…”

Do Bed Bugs (Cimex Spp.) Can Transmit Viruses to Human?

“…Bed bugs are human ectoparasites that include two species Cimex lectularius and Cimex hemipterus [3]. Recently, bed bugs infestation has been increased globally [4] and it has become a major concern to public health [5] and economic importance [6]. Hence, some pest professionals in the U.S. have reported these pests as the most challenging pest to control [5,7].…”