What can bed bugs transmit? - briefly
Bed bugs are not proven vectors of human diseases, but their bites can provoke allergic skin reactions and secondary bacterial infections.
What can bed bugs transmit? - in detail
Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius and related species) are not recognized as efficient biological vectors for most human pathogens, yet several lines of research demonstrate their capacity to harbor and mechanically transfer microorganisms. Laboratory studies have shown that these insects can acquire, retain, and deposit a range of agents, although natural transmission events remain undocumented.
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Bacterial agents:
Staphylococcus aureus (including methicillin‑resistant strains) can survive on the exoskeleton and in the gut of bed bugs, allowing potential transfer to skin lesions.
Bacillus anthracis spores have been demonstrated to adhere to the cuticle, suggesting a possible route for cutaneous exposure.
Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae persist in the alimentary tract, providing a mechanism for mechanical spread during feeding. -
Viral particles:
Experimental inoculation indicates that bed bugs can retain hepatitis B surface antigen and HIV‑1 RNA on their mouthparts for several hours, yet no epidemiological evidence supports transmission to humans. -
Protozoan parasites:
Trypanosoma cruzi (the agent of Chagas disease) has been shown to survive within bed bug feces under laboratory conditions, but field data do not confirm vector competence. -
Allergenic and irritant substances:
Salivary proteins provoke IgE‑mediated hypersensitivity in sensitized individuals, leading to pruritic wheals, papular urticaria, and, in rare cases, anaphylaxis. Repeated bites often result in secondary bacterial infection of the lesions, which can complicate the clinical picture. -
Psychological impact:
Persistent infestations generate anxiety, insomnia, and stress‑related disorders, indirectly affecting immune function and overall health.
In summary, bed bugs can mechanically carry a variety of microorganisms and allergenic compounds, but they have not been proven to act as natural disease vectors for most infectious agents. Their primary health relevance lies in cutaneous reactions, secondary infections, and the psychosocial burden associated with infestation.