title: Hepatitis-B virus in bedbugs (Cimex hemipterus) from Senegal.
abstract: Bedbugs of the species Cimex hemipterus (F) were collected on four separate occasions from the bedding in the huts of village dwellers in Senegal, West Africa. Hepatitis-B surface antigen (HBSAg) was detected in unengorged nymph and adult bedbugs in each of the first three collections. 3 of 28 such specimens were HBSAg(+) in the first collection and 3 of 17 specimens were positive in the second collection. In the third, 6 of 9 were HBSAg(+) when the bed occupant was known to be HBSAg(+). 2 of these 6 positive insects did not contain human serum proteins. Bedbugs in the fourth collection were captured and kept alive without a blood meal for 30 days. 3 of 89 of these samples were HBSAg(+). These are the highest field infection-rates of hepatitis-B virus reported in any insect species. The bedbug must be considered a potential vector of hepatitis-B virus.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D001511:Bedbugs / Q000382:microbiology*; D001512:Bedding and Linens; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006515:Hepatitis B virus / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D006801:Humans; D007303:Insect Vectors; D008297:Male; D009758:Nymph; D012423:Rural Health; D012675:Senegal
chemical_list: D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens