Clinical Features:
Although bed bugs have been found naturally-infected with blood-borne pathogens, they are not effective vectors of disease.  The primary medical importance is inflammation associated with their bites (due to allergic reactions to components in their saliva).

Laboratory Diagnosis:
The inflammatory reaction to the bites is not diagnostic specifically for bed bugs, and confirmation of a bed bug bite or infestation is best achieved by identification of adults or nymphs collected in sheltered areas near where the patient was bitten.  Bed bugs possess stink glands and emit a distinctive odor; homes or motel/hotel rooms with heavy infestations may have this odor.

Diagnostic findings

• Microscopy

Treatment:
Bed bug bites are usually self-limiting, and require little attention other than antiseptic creams or lotions to prevent infection at the bite site.  Efforts should be made to eliminate the source of the bed bugs in their sheltered locations.  Insecticide treatments are usually effective, but care should be taken, as people may have prolonged contact with treated areas (beds, couches, etc).  Professional pest control is recommended as over-the-counter pesticides are usually ineffective.  Local environmental health officials should be contacted regarding control efforts in public places (hotels, motels, etc).