Cimex lectularius Linnaeus, 1758 (Hemiptera: Cimicidae) in Costa Rica: First Case Report Confirmed by Molecular Methods in Central America

Abstract

Cimex lectularius and Cimex hemipterus are the most common species of bedbugs that infest homes. Although case reports decreased substantially by the end of the 20th century, bed bugs, and especially C. lectularius, are currently suffering a resurgence mostly attributed to insecticide resistance, inadequate pest control, and increased travel. Here, we report, to the best of our knowledge, the first molecular confirmation of C. lectularius in Central America. Specimens were obtained from an apartment located in Heredia, Costa Rica. These specimens were identified morphologically as C. lectularius. The species identification was confirmed by amplifying and sequencing fragments of the cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) and the 16S rRNA (16S) genes. The phylogenetic analysis showed that the sequences obtained were more closely related to a C. lectularius mitochondrial complete genome sequence from China, with similarities of 98.84% (686/694) for COI and 98.97% (387/391) for 16S. The finding of C. lectularius in Costa Rica will require further investigation in order to determine the extent of current infestations and the susceptibility to insecticides, especially due to the impact that this species can have in human health, as well as the tourism industry in the region.