Identification of Bed Bugs from Comoros, Using Morphological, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionisation Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry, and Molecular Biology Tools, and the Detection of Associated Bacteria

After virtually disappearing from domestic dwellings in the Western world at the end of the Second World War, bed bugs have re-emerged in recent years. Few studies, however, have been carried out on these insects in tropical islands. In this study, we focussed on describing bed bug specimens collect...

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Main Authors: Saidou Ahamada M’madi, Adama Zan Diarra, Jean-Michel Bérenger, Bouthaina Hasnaoui, Philippe Parola
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-02-01
Series:Insects
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4450/16/2/148
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author Saidou Ahamada M’madi
Adama Zan Diarra
Jean-Michel Bérenger
Bouthaina Hasnaoui
Philippe Parola
author_facet Saidou Ahamada M’madi
Adama Zan Diarra
Jean-Michel Bérenger
Bouthaina Hasnaoui
Philippe Parola
author_sort Saidou Ahamada M’madi
collection DOAJ
description After virtually disappearing from domestic dwellings in the Western world at the end of the Second World War, bed bugs have re-emerged in recent years. Few studies, however, have been carried out on these insects in tropical islands. In this study, we focussed on describing bed bug specimens collected from dwellings in a high-altitude village in Grande Comore, an island in the Comoros, in the Indian Ocean. We also aimed to detect the bacteria associated with them. Using MALDI-TOF MS coupled with molecular biology, we were able to confirm that the <i>C. hemipterus</i> species (the tropical bug) was the bug infesting these homes. Interestingly, the results also show that MALDI-TOF MS can differentiate between the developmental stages of bed bugs (immature and adult). Screening for bacteria was carried out using qPCR, regular PCR, and sequencing, with only <i>Wolbachia</i> DNA being found. Widespread surveys throughout the country are needed to ascertain the level of bed bug infestation, with a view to implementing appropriate control measures.
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issn 2075-4450
language English
publishDate 2025-02-01
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series Insects
spelling doaj-art-2d553beaf6134f4a80ffb3245ec928eb2025-08-20T02:45:00ZengMDPI AGInsects2075-44502025-02-0116214810.3390/insects16020148Identification of Bed Bugs from Comoros, Using Morphological, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionisation Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry, and Molecular Biology Tools, and the Detection of Associated BacteriaSaidou Ahamada M’madi0Adama Zan Diarra1Jean-Michel Bérenger2Bouthaina Hasnaoui3Philippe Parola4RITMES, Aix-Marseille Univ, SSA, 13005 Marseille, FranceRITMES, Aix-Marseille Univ, SSA, 13005 Marseille, FranceRITMES, Aix-Marseille Univ, SSA, 13005 Marseille, FranceRITMES, Aix-Marseille Univ, SSA, 13005 Marseille, FranceRITMES, Aix-Marseille Univ, SSA, 13005 Marseille, FranceAfter virtually disappearing from domestic dwellings in the Western world at the end of the Second World War, bed bugs have re-emerged in recent years. Few studies, however, have been carried out on these insects in tropical islands. In this study, we focussed on describing bed bug specimens collected from dwellings in a high-altitude village in Grande Comore, an island in the Comoros, in the Indian Ocean. We also aimed to detect the bacteria associated with them. Using MALDI-TOF MS coupled with molecular biology, we were able to confirm that the <i>C. hemipterus</i> species (the tropical bug) was the bug infesting these homes. Interestingly, the results also show that MALDI-TOF MS can differentiate between the developmental stages of bed bugs (immature and adult). Screening for bacteria was carried out using qPCR, regular PCR, and sequencing, with only <i>Wolbachia</i> DNA being found. Widespread surveys throughout the country are needed to ascertain the level of bed bug infestation, with a view to implementing appropriate control measures.https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4450/16/2/148bed bug<i>Cimex hemipterus</i>ComorosMALDI-TOF MS<i>Wolbachia</i>
spellingShingle Saidou Ahamada M’madi
Adama Zan Diarra
Jean-Michel Bérenger
Bouthaina Hasnaoui
Philippe Parola
Identification of Bed Bugs from Comoros, Using Morphological, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionisation Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry, and Molecular Biology Tools, and the Detection of Associated Bacteria
Insects
bed bug
<i>Cimex hemipterus</i>
Comoros
MALDI-TOF MS
<i>Wolbachia</i>
title Identification of Bed Bugs from Comoros, Using Morphological, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionisation Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry, and Molecular Biology Tools, and the Detection of Associated Bacteria
title_full Identification of Bed Bugs from Comoros, Using Morphological, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionisation Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry, and Molecular Biology Tools, and the Detection of Associated Bacteria
title_fullStr Identification of Bed Bugs from Comoros, Using Morphological, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionisation Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry, and Molecular Biology Tools, and the Detection of Associated Bacteria
title_full_unstemmed Identification of Bed Bugs from Comoros, Using Morphological, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionisation Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry, and Molecular Biology Tools, and the Detection of Associated Bacteria
title_short Identification of Bed Bugs from Comoros, Using Morphological, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionisation Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry, and Molecular Biology Tools, and the Detection of Associated Bacteria
title_sort identification of bed bugs from comoros using morphological matrix assisted laser desorption ionisation time of flight mass spectrometry and molecular biology tools and the detection of associated bacteria
topic bed bug
<i>Cimex hemipterus</i>
Comoros
MALDI-TOF MS
<i>Wolbachia</i>
url https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4450/16/2/148
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