Bed bugs and possible transmission of human pathogens: a systematic review

Abstract

The global population of bed bugs (Cimex lectularius and Cimex hemipterus, family Cimicidae) has undergone a significant resurgence since the late 1990s. This is likely due to an increase in global travel, trade, and the number of insecticide-resistant bed bugs. The global bed bug population is estimated to be increasing by 100–500 % annually. The worldwide spread of bed bugs is concerning, because they are a significant socioeconomic burden and a major concern to public health. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, bed bugs are “a pest of significant health importance.” Additionally, 68 % of U.S. pest professionals reported that bed bugs are the most challenging pest to treat. Upwards of 45 disease pathogens have been reported in bed bugs. Recent studies report that bed bugs may be competent vectors for pathogens, such as Bartonella quintana and Trypanosoma cruzi. However, public health reports have thus far failed to produce evidence that major infectious disease outbreaks have been associated with bed bugs. Since many disease pathogens have previously been reported in bed bugs and the worldwide bed bug population is now drastically increasing, it stands to reason to wonder if bed bugs might transmit human pathogens. This review includes a literature search on recently published clinical and laboratory studies (1990–2016) investigating bed bugs as potential vectors of infectious disease, and reports the significant findings and limitations of the reviewed studies. To date, no published study has demonstrated a causal relationship between bed bugs and infectious disease transmission in humans. Also, we present and propose to expand on previous hypotheses as to why bed bugs do not transmit human pathogens. Bed bugs may contain “neutralizing factors” that attenuate pathogen virulence and, thereby, decrease the ability of bed bugs to transmit infectious disease.

Az El Camino zarándokút egészségügyi kockázatai. Tanulságok és tanácsok

“…Noha a poloska nem okoz betegséget, és nem fertőző betegséget hordozó vektor, a csípése viszkető kiütéseket és sokszor allergiás reakciót idéz elő. Mivel a szúrósörte érzéstelenítő és antikoaguláns anyagot fecskendez be vérszívás előtt, az áldozat a csípést nem érzi [22]. A vörös, urticariaszerű bőrjelenségek differenciáldiagnosztikája az utazási előzmények ismeretében egyszerűsödhet.…”

Nitrophorins and nitrobindins: structure and function

“…Although many disease pathogens have been reported in Cl, the latter may possess 'neutralizing factors' that attenuate pathogen virulence and thereby, decrease the ability of bed bugs to transmit infectious disease. However, Cl has been recently reported to be a competent vector for Bartonella quintana and T. cruzi, the causes of trench fever and Chagas disease, respectively (88).…”

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

“…humans (2). The common bed bug causes undesirable effects such as insomnia, anxiety, depression, and also allergic symptoms (12). The reactions, including itching skin, papules, blisters, and nodules were observed on the forearm of Iranian man who lived in the southwest of Iran (13).…”