Severe infestation by tropical bedbugs (Cimex hemipterus) in Medellín, Colombia. Case series
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction: Bedbugs are obligate hematophagous parasites that are difficult to control and eradicate, which can cause a great psychological and economic impact. This paper presents three clinical cases secondary to a tropical bedbug infestation that were morphologically and genetically identified.
Case presentation: A three-member family (mother aged 53 years and two daughters aged 25 and 22 years) living in Medellín (Colombia) requested a private teleconsultation due to generalized pruritus and psychological symptoms (feeling of isolation, anxiety, difficulty sleeping, and jumpiness). During the appointment, it was found that the patients presented subtle welts on the upper and lower extremities. Therefore, a visit to the family home was scheduled, finding 155 insects that were later identified as Cimex hemipterus. The patients were prescribed symptomatic treatment and informed about measures to control infestations. A pest control company made several visits to eliminate the bed bugs, but they were ineffective. Finally, the insects were eradicated after 3 months of meticulous daily cleaning with steam and heat.
Conclusion: These cases confirm the presence of a tropical bedbug (C. hemipterus) in Colombia and illustrate the significant psychological burden that bedbug infestations can cause and the difficulty of controlling them, thus making this issue an important public health problem.
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a case series, done in people. Its evidence level is 5 of 5 (Very low · case / narrative / animal / in vitro / in silico). Case reports, narrative reviews, and animal, cell or computer-model studies give the weakest evidence for human health.
Read the paper
Related studies
- Improving the translation of search strategies using the Polyglot Search Translator: a randomized controlled trial
- Nutritional, Physical, Cognitive, and Combination Interventions and Frailty Reversal Among Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial
- Clinical characteristics and risk factors associated with COVID-19 severity in patients with haematological malignancies in Italy: a retrospective, multicentre, cohort study
- A randomized, controlled trial of oral propranolol in infantile hemangioma
- Clinical phenotypes of delirium during critical illness and severity of subsequent long-term cognitive impairment: a prospective cohort study
- Increased physical activity improves sleep and mood outcomes in inactive people with insomnia: a randomized controlled trial
Go deeper in Evidence Hub
Evidence Hub adds a study data sheet (design, sample size, evidence level, key numbers), an AI summary and a chat grounded in the paper's text.