INTRODUCTION: Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius and Cimex hemipterus) are blood-sucking insects that readily bite humans. Infestations of this insect are rapidly increasing worldwide. Health consequences include nuisance biting and cutaneous and systemic reactions (Giorda et al., 2013, Veterinaria Italiana, 49(4): 335-40; Dogget et al, 2012, Clin Microbiol Rev, 25(1): 164-92). MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 2006 the presence of bed bugs in the area of Pisa was monitored by Entomox (Company of disinfestation and rat extermination). The specific identification of arthropods was conducted in the Department of Veterinary Science of Pisa following the identification keys of Chinery (Field guide insects of Britain and Northern Europe. 1993, 3rd ed. London: Harper Collins Publisher). RESULTS: From 2006 up to the present 64 calls for bed bugs have been received with a total of 173 interventions with disinfestation’s treatments: 4 infestations in 2006, 5 in 2007, 2 in 2008, 5 in 2009, 7 in 2010, 14 in 2011, 13 infestations in 2012, 14 in 2013. All collected specimens were identified as C. lectularius. The samples were collected mainly during spring and summer and for each infestation occurred 2 or more interventions for eradicate the insect. The principal calls were by private citizens that reported bites and dermatological reactions, hotels, motels and bed and breakfast. Bed bugs were found in most of the cases in the bedroom. CONCLUSIONS: As clearly evidenced in this study in the last three years it has been an increase of calls and of disinfestation’s treatments. This trend could be due primarily to the increase of international travels since bed bugs can be passively transported over long distances by clothing and luggage (Delaunay et al., 2011, Clin Infect Dis, 52:200-10). Furthermore second-hand furniture can be an easy way to transfer bed bugs (Romero et al., 2007, J Med Entomol, 44:175-8). The widespread use of air conditioning, which uniforms the temperature and avoids extreme variations (Doggett et al., 2004, Environ Health, 4: 30-8), creates ideal conditions for the bug development. Bed bugs resurgence should be considered an emerging public health problem. Adequate surveillance of bed bug populations is important for future monitoring and control.
MONITORING OF CIMEX LECTULARIUS IN PISA AREA DURING THE PERIOD 2006-2013
MACCHIONI, FABIO;MAGI, MARTA
2014-01-01
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius and Cimex hemipterus) are blood-sucking insects that readily bite humans. Infestations of this insect are rapidly increasing worldwide. Health consequences include nuisance biting and cutaneous and systemic reactions (Giorda et al., 2013, Veterinaria Italiana, 49(4): 335-40; Dogget et al, 2012, Clin Microbiol Rev, 25(1): 164-92). MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 2006 the presence of bed bugs in the area of Pisa was monitored by Entomox (Company of disinfestation and rat extermination). The specific identification of arthropods was conducted in the Department of Veterinary Science of Pisa following the identification keys of Chinery (Field guide insects of Britain and Northern Europe. 1993, 3rd ed. London: Harper Collins Publisher). RESULTS: From 2006 up to the present 64 calls for bed bugs have been received with a total of 173 interventions with disinfestation’s treatments: 4 infestations in 2006, 5 in 2007, 2 in 2008, 5 in 2009, 7 in 2010, 14 in 2011, 13 infestations in 2012, 14 in 2013. All collected specimens were identified as C. lectularius. The samples were collected mainly during spring and summer and for each infestation occurred 2 or more interventions for eradicate the insect. The principal calls were by private citizens that reported bites and dermatological reactions, hotels, motels and bed and breakfast. Bed bugs were found in most of the cases in the bedroom. CONCLUSIONS: As clearly evidenced in this study in the last three years it has been an increase of calls and of disinfestation’s treatments. This trend could be due primarily to the increase of international travels since bed bugs can be passively transported over long distances by clothing and luggage (Delaunay et al., 2011, Clin Infect Dis, 52:200-10). Furthermore second-hand furniture can be an easy way to transfer bed bugs (Romero et al., 2007, J Med Entomol, 44:175-8). The widespread use of air conditioning, which uniforms the temperature and avoids extreme variations (Doggett et al., 2004, Environ Health, 4: 30-8), creates ideal conditions for the bug development. Bed bugs resurgence should be considered an emerging public health problem. Adequate surveillance of bed bug populations is important for future monitoring and control.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
