Characteristics, Diagnosis, and Treatment Methods of Bed Bugs as a Rising Health Problem in Public Places

Bed bugs that are wingless hematophagous ectoparasites from approximately 65 million years ago co-existed with human. Based on current information as the bed bugs have not sylvatic cycles, so do not transmit diseases. The incidence of bed bugs was highest until World War II, but by using synthetic chemical insecticides, such as DDT and Malathion, they reduced and controlled. Available global reports show a resurgence in bed bug populations during the past 15 years. Also, many reports show influenced population knowing little or nothing about bed bugs. We found bed bug prevalence in Iran especially in public places such as dorms, hotels and etc. We tried to provide a mini review on the epidemiology, life cycle, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment methods of bed bugs.