Clinical manifestations of bed bug bites: A systematic review of case reports

Clinical Snapshot

Key Findings

• P Value: p = 0.332 for age difference between sexes

• Effect Size: Not applicable (descriptive study)

• Primary Outcome: Anatomical distribution of bed bug bites with arms affected in 71.4% and legs in 59.5% of cases

• Nnt Or Sensitivity: C. lectularius responsible for 90.5% of cases vs C. hemipterus 9.5%

• Confidence Interval: Not reported

Clinical Application

High feasibility for clinical recognition and differential diagnosis in primary care and dermatology settings Relevant for Australian clinicians given increasing bed bug reports in urban areas; supports clinical recognition for appropriate management and public health notification Patients presenting with suspected arthropod bites, particularly in areas with known bed bug infestations

Abstract

IMPORTANCE: Clinical characterization of bed bug (Cimex spp.) bite manifestations remains limited. OBJECTIVE: This systematic review synthesizes case reports to describe dermatological, systemic, and psychological outcomes of bed bug bites. EVIDENCE REVIEW: Following PRISMA guidelines, multiple databases, including Pubmed and Scopus, were searched using terms such as "bed bug," "Cimex lectularius," "Cimex hemipterus," "case report," and "case series." Extracted data included demographics, species, lesion type, anatomical distribution, and clinical manifestations. Quantitative and qualitative analyses were conducted. RESULTS: Eighty-four patients were included: 76 with C. lectularius (90.5%) and, 8 with C. hemipterus (9.5%). Sex distribution was balanced (47.6% females, 52.4% males), and mean ages were similar (females 37.5 ± 22.1, males 42.3 ± 21.27 years; p = 0.332). Extremities were commonly affected, arms were reported in 71.4% of cases, legs in 59.5% and trunk in 34.5%. Psychological symptoms were registered in a handful of case reports (Anxiety 9.5%, Stress 9.5%, Hopelessness 9.5%). Systemic symptoms, generally associated with anemia, were reported in cases related to severe infestations in neglected patients. Some differences in systemic and local signs and symptoms were detected depending on age group. CONCLUSIONS: Bed bug bites predominantly affect exposed extremities, although with variable dermatologic patterns that can be confused with other arthropod bites. Psychological manifestations were reported in a small subset of cases, while systemic complications were rare.

References

1. 1.Porras-Villamil, J. F., & DeVries, Z. C. (2026). Clinical manifestations of bed bug bites: A systematic review of case reports. PLoS One. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0341398