Unique features of a global human ectoparasite identified through sequencing of the bed bug genome.
basic_science · Level V
Where this comes from
- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 26836814.
- Also identified by DOI 10.1038/ncomms10165 and PMC identifier 4740739.
- Licence recorded as CC BY.
- The licence permits redistribution, so the abstract is shown in full and the full text is available from the publisher.
Abstract
The bed bug, Cimex lectularius, has re-established itself as a ubiquitous human ectoparasite throughout much of the world during the past two decades. This global resurgence is likely linked to increased international travel and commerce in addition to widespread insecticide resistance. Analyses of the C. lectularius sequenced genome (650 Mb) and 14,220 predicted protein-coding genes provide a comprehensive representation of genes that are linked to traumatic insemination, a reduced chemosensory repertoire of genes related to obligate hematophagy, host-symbiont interactions, and several mechanisms of insecticide resistance. In addition, we document the presence of multiple putative lateral gene transfer events. Genome sequencing and annotation establish a solid foundation for future research on mechanisms of insecticide resistance, human-bed bug and symbiont-bed bug associations, and unique features of bed bug biology that contribute to the unprecedented success of C. lectularius as a human ectoparasite.
Medical subject headings
- Bedbugs
- Ectoparasitic Infestations
- Feeding Behavior
- Gene Transfer, Horizontal
- Host-Parasite Interactions
- Insecticide Resistance
- Insecticides