Triatominae (Hemiptera, Reduviidae) in homes: Report of their occurrence in the municipality of Cruzeiro do Sul, Acre, South Western Amazon

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Triatomines are hematophagous insects that are important to public health since they are the vectors of American Trypanosomiasis. The objective of this study was to describe the occurrence of triatomines in homes in Cruzeiro do Sul, Acre, Brazil. METHODS The specimens were collected by an active search inside homes and also by a passive search by the residents. RESULTS: A total of 55 triatomines were captured comprising of 5 species each of the genera Rhodnius , Eratyrus , and Panstrongylus . No colonies were detected, ruling out the possibility of domiciliation. CONCLUSIONS: Information on regional epidemiological dynamics contributes to the prevention and control of disease.

Occurrence of triatomines in public spaces: An atypical case in the Southwestern Brazilian Amazon

“…The genus Rhodnius Stål, 1859 is among the three main genera demonstrated by epidemiology to transmit CD, and the species belonging to this genus have been frequently associated with the invasion of artificial environments in the Western Amazon [4][5][6]12 . Several species were found to be naturally infected by T. cruzi, including R. robustus 3 , the first species described in the state of Acre and possibly the first autochthonous case of disease transmission in the state 7 .…”

“…Among the species of the genus Panstrongylus Berg , 1879, P. geniculatus is considered a wild vector, is potentially found in birds' nests and in several palm trees, and has been reported in human habitations, possibly because they are attracted to light 3 . In addition, studies have reported insects of the genus Panstrongylus in domestic environments and subjects infected by T. cruzi in western Amazon 5,[9][10][11][12] , and some Latin American countries that border Brazil have reported the colonization of P. geniculatus in human dwellings 13 .…”

“…Although the presence of P. geniculatus in the adult phase has been reported in homes in the state of Acre 5 , 12 , the native natural habitats of this species are still unknown, as all specimens collected so far were at rare encounters. However, the degradation and occupation of forest environments can cause the adaptation of this species to artificial habitats and, subsequently, favor CD transmission 14 .…”