Effects of Bed Bug Saliva on Human Skin
ORCID
Goddard: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2617-7141
MSU Affiliation
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences; Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Entomology and Plant Pathology
Creation Date
2026-10-30
Abstract
Bed bug infestations are increasing in scope, frequency, and geographic distribution worldwide, and bed bug bites should be included in the differential diagnosis in cases of unexplained or cryptic insect bites and anaphylactoid reactions.1-4 Some patients apparently develop sensitivity to bed bug bites, while others do not.5,6 The nature, type, and location of allergens in bed bugs causing dermatologic reactions in humans have not been elucidated. Presumably, bed bug allergens are located in the saliva. With appropriate institutional review board approval, we tested that hypothesis, feeding bed bugs, both with and without intact salivary glands, on a volunteer known to react to the bites.
Publication Date
3-1-2013
Publication Title
JAMA Dermatology
Publisher
Taylor and Francis Group; Taylor and Francis
First Page
372
Last Page
373
Recommended Citation
Goddard J, Edwards KT. Effects of Bed Bug Saliva on Human Skin. JAMA Dermatol. 2013;149(3):372–373. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2013.878
