Cimex lectularius

Cimex lectularius
Scientific classification
Kingdom:Animalia
Clade:Euarthropoda
Class:Insecta
Order:Hemiptera
Family:Cimicidae
Genus:Cimex
Species: C. lectularius
Binomial name
Cimex lectularius
Linnaeus, 1758

Cimex lectularius is a species of Cimicidae (bed bugs). Its primary hosts are humans, and it is one of the world's major "nuisance pests".

Although bed bugs can be infected with at least 28 human pathogens, no studies have found that the insects are capable of transmitting any of these to humans.[1] They have been found with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)[2] and with vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VRE), but the significance of this is still unknown.[3]

Investigations into potential transmission of HIV, MRSA, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and hepatitis E have not shown that bed bugs can spread these diseases. However, there is some evidence that arboviruses may be transmissible.[4]

Bed bug bites or cimicosis may lead to a range of skin manifestations from no visible effects to prominent blisters.[5] Effects include skin rashes, psychological effects, and allergic symptoms.[6]

Cimex lectularius goes through five immature life stages that each require a blood meal to develop and move on to the next stage. Blood meals are necessary for each life stage in order to reproduce. They tend to feed exclusively on humans. C. lectularius are obligate blood feeders. C. lectularius typically feed on hosts when they are asleep. Haematophagous insects can use body temperature, moisture, carbon dioxide and visual cues to locate a host. (Siljander) C. lectularius is found all over the world in almost every area that has been colonized by humans.

References

  1. ↑ Kolb, Adam; Needham, Glen R.; Neyman, Kimberly M.; High, Whitney A. (2009). "Bedbugs". Dermatologic Therapy. 22 (4): 347–52. doi:10.1111/j.1529-8019.2009.01246.x. PMID 19580578.
  2. ↑ Melnick, Meredith (12 May 2011). "Study: Bedbugs May Carry MRSA; Germ Transmission Unclear | TIME.com". Healthland.time.com. Retrieved 11 November 2013.
  3. ↑ "Do Bedbugs Spread MRSA and VRE?". Webmd.com. 11 May 2011. Retrieved 11 November 2013.
  4. ↑ Adelman, ZN (Aug 2013). "Bed bugs and infectious disease: a case for the arboviruses". PLoS Pathogens. 9 (8): e1003462. doi:10.1371/journal.ppat.1003462. PMC 3744395. PMID 23966852.
  5. ↑ James, William D.; Berger, Timothy G. (2006). Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: clinical Dermatology. Saunders Elsevier. ISBN 0-7216-2921-0.
  6. ↑ Doggett SL, Russell R (November 2009). "Bed bugs – What the GP needs to know". Aust Fam Physician. 38 (11): 880–4. PMID 19893834.


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