Detection of Bartonella spp. in parasitic bugs Oeciacus hirundinis

Abstract

Cimicidae are a family of blood-sucking ectoparasites. Parasitic bugs of Cimicidae family are widespread in the world but their effects on the spread of pathogens have been poorly investigated. Oeciacus hirundinis L. are blood-sucking ectoparasites of swallows and martins (Hirundinidae). Every year when the birds return to the same nest, they increases the probability of survival of the parasite population and abundance. Ectoparasites actively proliferate, or on the host's death lack of food, are looking for new hosts. Nests in people's living environment is a threat because the parasites can enter the premises and parasiteze pets. The aim of this study was to identify infection of Bartonella species in parasitic bugs O. hirundinis using molecular tools. Bartonella DNA in samples was detected using a nested-PCR of the 16S-23S rRNA ITS region. A total 204 pools of O. hirundinis were tested. Bartonella DNA was detected in 19.6% pools. Sequence analysis of 16S-23S rRNA ITS region showed that sequences were identical or similar to B. schoenbuchensis. This study is the first detection of Bartonella species in swallow bugs O. hirundinis in Lithuania.