Bed bug histamines persistent in infested areas

New research suggests bed bugs are a medically important threat


New research suggests bed bugs are a medically important threat, according to an article on the Infection Control Today website.

A North Carolina State University study shows that histamine levels are substantially higher in areas bed-bug-infested areas and that these histamine levels persist for months after the bed bugs have been eliminated.

“Histamine levels in bed bug-infested homes were at least 20 times higher than histamine levels in homes without bed bugs,” the study's author said. “And these levels didn’t decrease much three months after treating the infested homes with heat and insecticides.”

Bed bugs naturally give off high levels of histamine in their feces. They use histamine as a marker of a good place to aggregate. 

Read the article.

 

 



February 16, 2018


Topic Area: Infection Control


Recent Posts

Choosing a Disinfectant That Kills Biofilm

Bacteria form biofilms in pipes from which cells can be released during sink use and spread outside the drains in droplets or as aerosols.


Third-Party Data Breach Case Underscores Need for Cyber Risk Management

Plaintiffs alleged negligence in safeguarding patient data; defendants denied wrongdoing but settled to avoid litigation costs.


Northwest Medical Specialties Reports Data Breach

An investigation determined that certain data within the network was potentially copied without authorization on August 15, 2025.


Streamlined Integrated Project Delivery Tackles Design Challenges

Successful implementation of IPD Light can improve patient care, project outcomes and bottom lines.


Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Central Florida - Sumter County Opens

It is a satellite location of Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Central Florida.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.