Histamine excretion in common indoor and hematophagous arthropods

Abstract

Histamine is a biogenic amine that regulates multiple physiological functions in diverse organisms, specifically playing a central role in the mammalian immune response. The common bed bug, Cimex lectularius L. (Hemiptera: Cimicidae), excretes histamine in large amounts in its feces as a component of its aggregation pheromone, which contaminates homes. The potential health risks associated with the presence of indoor histamine are unclear, but to predict future exposure risks, it is critical that we understand if other arthropods excrete histamine in any discernible phylogenetic pattern. In the present study, we evaluated histamine excretion by various arthropods; specifically those commonly found in large numbers indoors, other hematophagous species, and other species in the order Hemiptera. To evaluate arthropods for histamine excretion, rearing containers for each arthropod were swabbed and/or the harborage substrates were collected. Samples were then analyzed for the presence of histamine using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. For those arthropods where histamine was present above the method detection limit, total histamine excretion was quantified over a period of 2 wk. Our results indicate that histamine excretion is limited to hematophagous hemipterans (bed bugs, bat bugs, tropical bed bugs, and kissing bugs), suggesting that indoor histamine contamination in the United States can be primarily linked to bed bugs.

Identification of the pan-allergen tropomyosin from the common bed bug (Cimex lectularius)

“…Bed bugs as a potential source of respirable allergen has gained traction following the discovery of high levels of histamine in bed bug infested homes 28 , 29 . This finding is particularly concerning given the large quantities of histamine bed bugs can excrete 30 and the unique ability of bed bugs to contaminate the indoor environment with histamine 31 . Histamine, a critical modulator within the mammalian system, can lead to significant health effects on humans through consumption 32 , dermal contact 33 , and respiration 34 , 35 .…”