A Reovirus from the Bedbug, Cimex lectularius

Large numbers of virus particles were identified by electron microscopy in the epithelial cells of the ventriculus of the bedbug, Cimex lectularius. The morphology of the virus particles and the presence of a segmented double-stranded RNA genome imply that this isolate should be included in the Reoviridae. The bedbug, Cimex lectularius (Cimicidae: Hemiptera), is a widely distributed haematopha-gous bug normally found associated with man in socially deprived omestic environments. The bug is negatively phototropic and conceals itself in the crevices of human dwellings where it lays its eggs. An obligate haematophagous in ect, it feeds repeatedly throughout i s nymphal stage and as an adult, taking blood meals from man. Under experimental conditions, Cimex can transnait Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas ' disease although Triatomine bugs (see Brumpt, 1912; Hoare, 1972; Miles, 1979) are the natural vectors. Evidence from Williams et al. (1976) has implicated the bedbugs Stricticimex parvus and C. insuetus as vectors of the bunyavirus, Kaeng Khoi, in central Thailand, and the surface antigen of hepatitis B virus was detected ina significant number of bedbugs (C. hemipterus) gathered from bedding in villages in Senegal, West Africa (Wills et al., 1977)