Bedbug (Cimex lectularius) infestations in Colombia. Report of two cases

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: Cimex lectularius (bed bug) is a hematophagous parasite that can be considered as an emergent and neglected concern in Colombia. Due to their increasing importance, the following two clinical cases secondary to a bed bug infestation are presented. Case presentation: Two patients, one male and one female (31 and 30 years old, respectively) went on their honeymoon trip to Costa Rica and Nicaragua in 2017. During those trips, both patients stayed in the same room in hotels of different categories. Upon their return to Bogotá (Colombia), erythematous lesions and pruritic papules appeared without any apparent explanation, which were associated with intense pruritus and had a clustered and linear (breakfast-lunch-dinner) pattern. During consultation with the Travel Medicine service, a diagnosis of dermatitis due to bed bug infestation was made. With the recommendations given by the medical staff (in which no chemical measures were suggested), the bugs and lesions disappeared. Conclusion: Bed bugs are a public health problem of increasing importance worldwide. This report of two cases presents one of the few published evidences of their presence in Colombia. As both cases are domestic, the relevance of an early diagnosis and a comprehensive approach based on the needs of the patients is demonstrated.