Transfer of Radioactive Tracer by the Bedbug Cimex Hemipterus (Hemiptera: Cimicidae): a Model for Mechanical Transmission of Hepatitis B Virus1
- 30 April 1981
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Oxford University Press (OUP) in Journal of Medical Entomology
- Vol. 18 (2) , 107-111
- https://doi.org/10.1093/jmedent/18.2.107
Abstract
Experiments designed to assess the potential of bedbugs (Cimex hemipterus) to mechanically transmit viruses, especially hepatitis B virus, are described. Bedbugs allowed to probe on an artificial feeder containing a highly radioactive solution were then immediately transferred to an identical feeder containing no radioisotope. By measuring the radioactivity of the contents of the 2nd feeder, the amount of liquid transferred was estimated. Each insect transferred an average of 150 to 180 μm3 of fluid. The implication of this result for transmission of hepatitis B virus depends on the titer of virus in the superficial tissue fluids sampled by the insects, and on the infectivity of the virus when inoculated subcutaneously. These factors require further study.This publication has 1 reference indexed in Scilit:
- Persistence of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen in the Bedbug Cimex hemipterus (Fabr.)The Journal of Infectious Diseases, 1979