Molecular Markers Reveal Infestation Dynamics of the Bed Bug (Hemiptera: Cimicidae) Within Apartment Buildings

Abstract

The bed bug, Cimex lectularius L. (Hemiptera: Cimicidae), has experienced an extraordinary global resurgence in recent years, the reasons for which remain poorly understood. Once considered a pest of lower socioeconomic classes, bed bugs are now found extensively across all residential settings, with widespread infestations established in multiapartment buildings. Within such buildings, understanding the population genetic structure and patterns of dispersal may prove critical to the development of effective control strategies. Here, we describe the development of 24 high-resolution microsatellite markers through next generation 454 pyrosequencing and their application to elucidate infestation dynamics within three multistory apartment buildings in the United States. Results reveal contrasting characteristics potentially representative of geographic or locale differences. In Raleigh, NC, an infestation within an apartment building seemed to have started from a single introduction followed by extensive spread. In Jersey City, NJ, two or more introductions followed by spread are evident in two buildings. Populations within single apartments in all buildings were characterized by high levels of relatedness and low levels of diversity, indicative of foundation from small, genetically depauperate propagules. Regardless of the number of unique introductions, genetic data indicate that spread within buildings is extensive, supporting both active and human-mediated dispersal within and between adjacent rooms or apartments spanning multiple floors.

Genetic Variability and Geographic Diversity of the Common Bed Bug (Hemiptera: Cimicidae) Populations from the Midwest Using Microsatellite Markers

“…The rest of the populations showed heterozygote advantage maybe because of random mating or multiple sources introduced at one time, allowing for the exchange of multiple alleles. This agrees with studies by Szalanski et al (2008) and Booth et al (2012). The difference in these two studies is the geographic area they encompass.…”

“…All loci used in this study had unique alleles in addition to those previously identified by Saenz et al (2012) and Booth et al (2012). The possible explanation that fits this scenario is outbreeding and random mating by the female bed bugs.…”

“…Previous studies by Booth et al (2012) and Saenz et al (2012) on the genetic diversity of bed bugs in the eastern United States demonstrated that microsatellite markers were a useful tool to differentiate bed bug populations within an apartment building or even across large areas (Massachusetts to Florida). Our report is the first analysis of bed bug populations in the Midwest, including Nebraska and Missouri.…”

“…The difference in these two studies is the geographic area they encompass. The Szalanski et al (2008) study covers a wider region and includes the southern Midwest, whereas the Booth et al (2012) study was limited to one apartment building. Booth et al (2012) suggested that a combination of genetic diversity and pyrethroid resistance could provide evidence for the possible sources of heterozygosity.…”

“…The Szalanski et al (2008) study covers a wider region and includes the southern Midwest, whereas the Booth et al (2012) study was limited to one apartment building. Booth et al (2012) suggested that a combination of genetic diversity and pyrethroid resistance could provide evidence for the possible sources of heterozygosity. Pyrethroidresistant bed bugs have been documented globally (Davies et al 2012) in Europe (Durand et al 2012, Kilpinen et al 2011, Asia (Tawatsin et al 2011, Swannayod et al 2010, and Australia (Lilly et al 2010).…”