Antibody Titers to Bed Bug Salivary Proteins in Chickens from an Infested Broiler Breeder House

Authors

J. Goddard, Mississippi State UniversityFollow
J. S. Portugal, Mississippi State University
K. Maschek, Mississippi State University

Abstract

Bed bugs (Hemiptera: Cimicidae) might be significant pests in poultry operations, especially in broiler breeder houses. In this study, chickens in breeder houses, known to be infested with bed bugs, demonstrated antibodies to bed bug salivary gland extract, while those not exposed to bed bugs, did not. Antibody titers ranged from 1:160 to 1:640. These results document for the first time that chickens in commercial production, when exposed to bed bug biting, produce antibody responses to proteins contained in bed bug saliva.

Recommended Citation

Goddard, J.; Portugal, J. S.; and Maschek, K. (2016) "Antibody Titers to Bed Bug Salivary Proteins in Chickens from an Infested Broiler Breeder House," Midsouth Entomologist: Vol. 9: No. 1, Article 1.
Available at: https://scholarsjunction.msstate.edu/midsouthent/vol9/iss1/1