Loss of haemoglobin iron due to excessive biting by bed bugs

Abstract
The bed bug (C. lectularius and C. hemipterus) was found to be a common and widely prevalent domestic parasite in Hyderabad and surrounding areas. An analysis of a large number of these parasites with blood meals at various stages of digestion indicated that the mean iron content of 100 large bed bugs was 0.73 mg., and 100 mixed-size specimens was 0.37 mg. The significance of this iron lost through repeated bug bites is discussed in relation to wide-spread iron deficiency anaemia among infants and young children in this area.

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