First preliminary profile of bed bugs’ saliva proteins
June 24th, 2010 - 2:37 pm ICT by ANIWashington, June 24 (ANI): Scientists are reporting the first preliminary description of the bed bug saliva proteins - a finding that could be used in diagnosing bed bug bites and preventing the itch.
The saliva proteins give the bug its ability to suck blood from its human victims and escape to bite again with risking a lethal slap. They have substances that make the victim’s blood vessels dilate (for a better flow of blood), inhibit clotting, and prevent immediate pain and itching.
Using adult bed bugs (male and female) from a government-maintained colony, Jose Ribeiro and colleagues analysed the salivary gland proteins to find unique enzymes that characterize the saliva profile of the bug. The substances could also offer insight into how insects evolved to a blood diet.
“Independent of their function, these proteins may also be used for immune detection of humans and animals to bed bug exposure, or as part of desensitization vaccines,” the report says.
The study appears in ACS’ monthly Journal of Proteome Research. (ANI)
- Scientists clue in on why saliva glands stop working - Jun 03, 2011
- Repulsive smell could fight bed bug infestation in homes - Apr 01, 2011
- Rising immigrants in Russia leading to increase in bed bugs - Jun 20, 2010
- Dental bugs may trigger fatal heart condition - Mar 26, 2012
- Bat's saliva to cure stroke victims - Sep 04, 2011
- Oral vaccines are 'alternative to jab' - Feb 11, 2011
- The real life vampires who stalk you throughout the year - Oct 31, 2009
- Making mosquitoes pay for every bite - Jul 20, 2011
- Male mosquitoes' proteins may affect females' behaviour, physiology - Mar 16, 2011
- Enzyme in saliva influenceshow we sense food texture - Oct 14, 2010
- Humans stink worse than other animals - Feb 24, 2011
- Key blood component produced from GM rice - Nov 06, 2011
- Firefly protein paves way for improved detection of blood clots - Feb 10, 2011
- Compound in apple, onion can beat blood clots: Study - May 09, 2012
- How malaria parasite enters body - Dec 24, 2009
Tags: acs, adult bed, animals, bed bug bites, bed bugs, blood vessels, colleagues, diet, enzymes, insects, insight, jose ribeiro, journal of proteome research, june 24, proteins, saliva, salivary gland, scientists, slap, vaccines