There has recently been a surge of news regarding bed bugs being
associated with MRSA and VRE. It is important to clarify that
these strains of bacteria can be found on many surfaces and it
is not surprising that bed bugs could be one of them. It has
long been known that HIV, hepatitis, and many other pathogens
can survive in/on bed bugs. What has not been shown is any
correlation of transfer of these pathogens from one person to
another via bed bugs. The most recent study that has caused this
media frenzy can be found here (CDC Website). The patients in
this study were from the Downtown Eastside (DTES) where roughly
50% of skin and soft tissue infections contain MRSA. It is then
no surprise that bed bugs in close quarters with these people
could also carry the bacteria on their bodies. President of the
SPMA of BC