The Common bed bug (Cimex lectularius) in metropolitan France. Survey on the attitudes and practices of private- and public-sector professionals

Annual incidence of general practice consultations related, according to the general practitioner, to bed bugs and description of cases, 2019-2020, France

Bed bug infestations have been increasing worldwide since the 2000s. Their consequences for health range from skin reactions to major psychological distress. However, epidemiological data is still lacking. This study estimated the incidence of general practice consultations related to bed bugs in France and evaluated factors associated with repercussions on everyday life. We conducted a prospective observational study from March 2019 to April 2020 among 217 GPs in France. Annual and monthly GP consultations related to bed bugs were estimated from the reported cases. Descriptive analyses were performed, and factors associated with repercussions on everyday life were assessed using a logistic regression model. The annual incidence rate of GP consultations related to bed bugs was estimated at 109 per 100,000 inhabitants [95%CI: 92-126]. Bed bug-related consultations occurred in all regions, peaking in the summer. Moderate-to-severe repercussions on everyday life were reported by 39% of the patients. The associated factors with this level of repercussions were: having seen bed bugs (OR = 4.02 [95%CI: 1.6-10.73]), having lesions from scratching (OR = 5.25 [1.65-19.92]), having lesions on the head and the neck (OR = 3.97 [1.52-10.95]) and reporting psychological distress (OR = 6.79 [2.47-20.42]). This study provides new knowledge on GP consultations related to bed bugs in France. These data will help tailor public health programs to the population's needs, including information and training for primary healthcare professionals.

Efficacy of a topical product combining esafoxolaner, eprinomectin and praziquantel against bedbug (Cimex lectularius) experimental infestations in cats

Bedbugs (Cimex lectularius) are a persistent nuisance pest for humans and their home environment, and may also opportunistically feed on other mammals, including household pets like dogs and cats. NexGard® Combo is a topical endectoparasiticide product for cats combining esafoxolaner, an isoxazoline compound with insecticidal and acaricidal properties, the nematocide eprinomectin and the cestocide praziquantel. The insecticidal efficacy of this product was evaluated in cats experimentally infested with C. lectularius in a blinded, negative controlled and randomized study. Two groups of 7 cats were formed: an untreated control group, and a NexGard® Combo group treated once on Day 0 at the label dose. Cats were then challenged weekly, each with twenty unfed adult C. lectularius, on Days 1, 7, 14, 21 and 28. After close contact with the cat's skin for 15 min, live fed C. lectularius were collected and incubated for 96 h. The weekly efficacy evaluations were based on a comparison of the number of surviving bedbugs in the control and the treated group after 48, 72 and 96 h of incubation. The model was demonstrated to be robust as in the control group the average feeding rate after the 15-minute challenge was 94%, and as 96% of incubated bed bugs were alive after 96 hours of incubation. Significant live bedbug reductions were demonstrated in the Nexgard® Combo treated group: after 96 h of incubation, the reductions ranged from 80.6 to 88.0% during the Day 1 to Day 21 period, and dropped to 58% at Day 28.

Bed bugs infestation in a French university hospital: control strategy, financial impact and perspectives

BACKGROUND

With the increase of international travel and development of insecticide resistance, a reemergence of the bed bug has been observed since the 2000's and becoming a worldwide public health problem. Hospital and other medical settings haven't been spared while the cases reported remains limited. However, there is no specific recommendation for the healthcare settings emanating from learned society.

AIMS

We report our experience with a bed bug infestation of a medical unit, in the French University Hospital Center of Brest, caused by the admission of a patient carrier in October 2020. We described the practical methods we used to control bed bugs infestation, we evaluated the cost of this episode and we created a specific procedure to take care of the patients at risk or known carrier of bed bugs.

FINDINGS

The decision to close the unit for a global treatment was taken after the investigations using a sniffing dog revealed that 4 rooms were infested. The closure lasted 24 days. We estimated the total cost of the infestation to approximately 400 000 US dollars. No other wave of infestation occurred. We created a specific protocol of care for patient known carrier or at risk of carriage of bed bug to graduate strategy of control.

CONCLUSION

Bed bugs infestation in Health facilities has a major impact on the care of patients and relevant economic consequences. Prevention and education policies are an essential starting point to response to the scale of the phenomenon.

Effects of Chemical Insecticide Residues and Household Surface Type on a Beauveria bassiana-Based Biopesticide (Aprehend®) for Bed Bug Management

The biopesticide Aprehend, containing spores of the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana, is a biological control agent for the management of the common bed bug (Cimex lectularius L.) (Hemiptera: Cimicidae). The spores are applied in strategically placed barriers, which bed bugs walk across as they search for a bloodmeal. Application of chemical insecticides by the general public and professional pest managers is common, which means that Aprehend may be sprayed on existing insecticide residues. We evaluated the effect of chemical residues, of 22 different chemical insecticides on different household surface types. We found that residues from 12 chemical pesticides significantly reduced spore viability measured 5 weeks after application in comparison to the control. However, efficacy of Aprehend, as measured by bed bug mortality and mean survival time after exposure to sprayed surfaces, seven weeks after application was not impacted detrimentally. Furthermore, in some cases, efficacy of old chemical residues was enhanced by the combination of chemical and Aprehend seven weeks after application. Surface type also played a role in the relative efficacy of all products and combinations, particularly as the residues aged.

Magnitude and Spread of Bed Bugs (Cimex lectularius) throughout Ohio (USA) Revealed by Surveys of Pest Management Industry

Simple Summary

Bed bugs are small blood-sucking insects that live indoors and feed on humans. They have become a problem in countries worldwide. In this study, the problem in Ohio (Midwest U.S.) was measured based on treatments by licensed pest control companies throughout the state. Results from 2005 showed that Ohio’s bed bug problem likely started in Hamilton County, which includes Cincinnati. Much larger numbers of bed bug treatments were performed in 2011 and again in 2016, especially in counties with large cities. Almost every Ohio county had numerous bed bug treatments in 2016. Most treatments were in apartments/condos and single-family homes. Residents misused many pesticides, especially over-the-counter “bug bombs” and household cleaners, trying to eliminate bed bugs. Many people also threw away unwrapped infested furniture, which may further spread these bugs. More public education is needed to stop such practices. This study shows that bed bug problems can grow and spread quickly. Federal, state, and local officials and the public should immediately deal with bed bugs rather than waiting until they become an even bigger problem.

Abstract

Bed bugs have recently re-emerged as human pests worldwide. In this study, two surveys queried licensed pest management companies in Ohio (Midwest USA) about their experiences managing bed bugs. A primary objective was to assess the magnitude and spread of bed bug infestations statewide based on companies’ treatment records from 2005 and 2011 (first survey) and 2016 (second survey). The survey response rates were 35.6% and 31.6%, respectively. Treatment data from 2005 indicated that Ohio’s bed bug problem likely started in the SW corner of the state in Hamilton County (includes city of Cincinnati), since it totaled five times more treatments (approximately 4500) than second-ranking, centrally located Franklin County (Columbus). In the first half of 2011, more than 15,000 treatments were performed in these two counties. In 2016, treatments reached nearly 38,000 in Franklin County and in NE Ohio in the three combined counties that include Cleveland-Akron-Canton. Bed bug problems expanded statewide during an 11 y period, with an estimated 100+ treatments in 7 counties in 2005, 45 counties in 2011, and nearly all 88 counties in 2016. Apartments/condos and single-family residences comprised the largest share of bed bug work. Residents misused many pesticides and household cleaners trying to eliminate bed bugs. Many also discarded unwrapped infested furniture, which may further spread these bugs. More public education is needed to stop such practices. This study shows that bed bug problems grow and spread quickly; federal, state, and local officials and the public should immediately deal with bed bugs.

Insecticidal efficacy of afoxolaner against bedbugs, Cimex lectularius, when administered orally to dogs

The objective of this experimental study was to assess the insecticidal efficacy of afoxolaner (NexGard^®) against bedbugs (Cimex lectularius) on dogs. For each challenge, 20 bedbugs were placed in two chambers positioned in contact to the dog’s skin for 15 min, after which live fed parasites were counted and incubated for survival evaluations. On Day 0, 7 dogs assigned to the treated group were administered afoxolaner orally at the registered dose. All 14 dogs were challenged on Days 1, 7, 14, 21 and 28, and the collected live fed C. lectularius incubated for 72 h (Day 1), and 72 h and 96 h (Days 7, 14, 21 and 28) for survival evaluation. The percent feeding in the control group ranged from 95% to 98.6% and the percent of live fed bedbugs at 96 h ranged from 99.3% to 100% in the control group, demonstrating the viability of the strain and their capacity to feed on dogs. Significantly fewer live fed bedbugs were counted in the treated group, compared to the control group, at all time-points. The reduction of live fed C. lectularius in the afoxolaner group was 41.4% at 72 h after the Day 1 challenge, and 77.2%, 82.7%, 85.0% and 63.5% at 96 h after the Days 7, 14, 21 and 28 challenges, respectively. It is hypothesized that monthly treatment of dogs with afoxolaner could help in preventing a bed bug population from installing in a household if bedbugs bite dogs in the presence of humans.

Widespread Mutations in Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel Gene of Cimex lectularius (Hemiptera: Cimicidae) Populations in Paris

Bed bugs, Cimex lectularius and C. hemipterus, are common blood-sucking ectoparasites of humans with a large geographical distribution, worldwide. In France, little is known about the status of bed bugs' infestation and their resistance to insecticides, particularly, pyrethroids. Here, we aimed to find mutations in the kdr gene, known to be involved in resistance to insecticides. We gathered bed bugs from various infested locations, including 17 private houses, 12 HLM building complex, 29 apartments, 2 EHPAD, and 2 immigrants' residences. A total of 1211 bed bugs were collected and morphologically identified as C. lectularius. Two fragments of the kdr gene, encompassing codons V419L and L925I, were successfully amplified for 156 specimens. We recorded sense mutation in the first amplified fragment (kdr1) in 89 out of 156 (57%) samples, in which in 61 out of 89 (68.5%) sequences, a change of valine (V) into leucine (L) V419L was observed. Within the second fragment (kdr2), a homozygous mutation was recorded in 73 out of 156 (46.7%) specimens at the codon 925. At this position, 43 out of 73 (58.9%) specimens had a sense mutation leading to the replacement of leucine (L) by isoleucine (I). Among 162 mutant sequences analyzed (89 for the kdr1 fragment and 73 for the kdr2 one), we detected single point mutation in 26.6%, while 73.4% presented the mutation in both kdr1 and kdr2 fragments. All modifications recorded in bed bug populations of Paris are described to be involved in the knockdown resistance (kdr) against pyrethroids.

Neglected vector-borne bacterial diseases and arboviruses in the Mediterranean area

Arthropod vectors can transmit pathogenic microorganisms from one vertebrate to another during their blood meal. Although some vector-borne diseases have been eradicated in the Mediterranean area, such as malaria and dengue, recent endemic microorganisms (Toscana virus, Rickettsia spp.) remain neglected even though they cause many more cases. New diagnostic tools and innovative tools for the identification and characterization of vector species and microorganisms have been developed at IHU Méditerranée Infection, either internally or through collaborative and integrated projects. We have detected Rickettsia slovaca as a human pathogen and have described the disease; we have shown that Rickettsia felis can be transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes; we have emphasized the increasing importance of bedbug (Cimex lectularius) as a potential vector of Bartonella quintana; and we have described the Toscana virus, a major agent of meningitis and meningoencephalitis which was disseminated in North Africa and Central and Eastern Europe, where it frequently cocirculates with a large number of newly described phleboviruses transmitted by sand flies.