Advances in Molecular Research on Bed Bugs (Hemiptera: Cimicidae)

Abstract

With the resurgence and increase in infestations of the common bed bug, Cimex lectularius L. (Hemiptera: Cimicidae), across the world, there has been renewed interest in molecular research on this pest. In this paper, we present current information on the biology, medical importance, management practices, behavior and physiology, and molecular research conducted on bed bugs. The majority of molecular studies are focused towards understanding the molecular mechanism of insecticide resistance. Bed bugs are hematophagous insects with no prior record of vectoring any disease organisms. An improved understanding of how bed bugs lack vector competency may provide information to prevent disease transmission in other hematophagous insects. The genome of bed bugs has been sequenced, and genomic studies may provide a better understanding of bed bug behavior that might be utilized in developing effective management strategies. Recently, with the advancement of RNA interference (RNAi ) as a tool to suppress insects, a few RNAi studies have been conducted in bed bugs. RNAi in bed bugs shows potential to suppress populations in laboratory conditions. However, delivery of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) into bed bugs under field condition requires extensive research.

Cockroach and Bedbug Infestation in Poultry Farms and Residential Apartments in Makurdi, Nigeria

“…In poultry, bedbugs are a reemerging pests and can be significant pests in commercial poultry production as researches have shown that they are zoonotic for Aboviruses (Wood et al 2012, Adelman et al 2013, Basnet & Kamble 2019 and heavy infestations can cause a reduction in egg production, cloacal irritation, feather loss, and anemia (Williams et al 2012, Scanes & Toukhsati 2018. Cimicids that attack domestic poultry include Cimex lectularis in North America, Europe, and the former Soviet Union; Haemato siphoninodorus in Central America; and Ornitho coristoledoi in Brazil (Krinsky 2019).…”