Bedbugs (Cimex)
Bugs of the family CIMICIDAE, genus Cimex. They are flattened, oval, reddish insects which inhabit houses, wallpaper, furniture, and beds. C. lectularius, of temperate regions, is the common bedbug that attacks humans and is frequently a serious pest in houses, hotels, barracks, and other living quarters. Experiments have shown that bedbugs can transmit a variety of diseases, but they are not normal vectors under natural conditions. (From Dorland, 27th ed; Borror, et al., An Introduction to the Study of Insects, 4th ed, p272)
Source: National Library of Medicine 2013 MeSH Scope Note and Classification
Images
Figure 1. <i>Cimex lectularius linnaeus</i> (bedbug), engorged (5 mm in length).
Figure 1. Cimex lectularius linnaeus (bedbug), engorged (5 mm in length).
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Figure 2. <i>C. lectularius linnaeus</i> (bedbug), engorged (5 mm in length).
Figure 2. C. lectularius linnaeus (bedbug), engorged (5 mm in length).
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Notes
Figures 1 and 2 were contributed by Luz S Sierra, MT (ASCP) of the Microbiology Laboratories at the Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA and Aurora Kiviat, Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA.
Related Cases
Organism found in the bed linens of a hospitalized patient.
Related Images From Cases
References
  1. National Library of Medicine 2013 MeSH Scope Note and Classification