Scientific Reports (Aug 2023)

Survey of bed bug infestations in homeless shelters in southern France

  • Bouthaina Hasnaoui,
  • Jean Michel Bérenger,
  • Pascal Delaunay,
  • Adama Zan Diarra,
  • El Hadji Ibrahima Ndiaye,
  • Saidou Ahamada M’madi,
  • Noelle Masotti,
  • Jacques Sevestre,
  • Philippe Parola

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-38458-2
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 13, no. 1
pp. 1 – 11

Abstract

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Abstract Bed bug has become a major public health pest worldwide. Infestation may result in numerous negative health effects. Homeless shelters are one of the most habitats that can be infested with bed bugs, a few studies have focused on bed bug infestations in these settings. We conducted a survey of infestations of bed bugs in a homeless shelter in southern France, using an innovative seven-level scale (0–6) to assess the degree of infestation, MALDI TOF-MS to identify bed bugs, and a biomolecular tool to detect bacteria. Bed bug infestations were documented in 13% (9/68) of investigated rooms. A total of 184 bed bugs were collected and morphologically identified as Cimex lectularius. MALDI TOF–MS analysis allowed us to obtain high-quality MS spectra for all 184 specimens, to correctly identify all specimens, and included 178/184 (97%) Log Score Values higher than 1.8. Among the bacteria tested, Wolbachia sp. DNA was found in 149/184 (81%) of the bed bugs, and one sample was positive for Coxiella burnetii, the agent of Q fever. Our study is the first of its kind that offers new perspectives for increasing public awareness of the conditions in homeless shelters.