Colonization by Panstrongylus megistus (Hemiptera, Reduviidae, Triatominae) in an urban park in the city of São Paulo

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: This communication reports on the occurrence of colonization by Panstrongylus megistus in an urban park in the municipality of São Paulo , Brazil. METHODS: Entomological research includes active search for vectors based on notifications by the population and identification and examination of insects. RESULTS: A colony of triatomines was found to be associated with enclosed birds. CONCLUSIONS: The occurrence of P. megistus has already been reported in the city of São Paulo; however, reports of colonization by this species provide evidence of its potential for the occupation of artificial ecotopes, which may pose a risk to the human population.

Serosurvey of Trypanosoma cruzi in persons experiencing homelessness and shelter workers of Brazil

“…Interestingly, the entomological surveillance service at São Paulo city has reported several confirmed vectors within city limits including Panstrongylus geniculatus, Panstrongylus megistus, Triatoma infestans, and Triatoma sordida infected by T. cruzi from 1988 to 2007 (22). Although these triatomine species were reported in the southern city area near the Atlantic Rainforest fragments, with no reports of vector domiciliation (22), P. megistus was recently reported in an urban São Paulo city park surrounded by artificial ecotopes (23). In addition, 34/108 (31.5%) triatomine species were molecularly infected by T. cruzi from 2012 to 2017 in the São Paulo state, with only one statewide reported case in 2016, two in 2017, and none in 2018, 2019, and 2020 (24).…”

Genetic diversity of Trypanosoma cruzi strains isolated from chronic chagasic patients and non-human hosts in the state of São Paulo, Brazil

“… 25 In this scenario, Panstrongylus megistus stands out for the following factors: the remarkable ability to colonise artificial environments, with important reports of its finding in households and peridomiciles, especially in condominiums established in the urban areas of the metropolitan region of São Paulo; high infection rates by T. cruzi ; and a great anthropophilia. 26 , 27 This conjuncture of factors represents an alert for a possible recurrence of Chagas disease by vector transmission in the state, last reported more than 50 years ago. 28…”

“…(4) Concerning the state of São Paulo (SP), it was already considered the territory with one of the highest prevalence of Chagas disease in Brazil, with the triatomine Triatoma infestans as the main transmitting species and with wide distribution in the region. (25,26) After the implementation of successful actions to control vector transmission by local authorities between the 1950s and 1970s, the state's epidemiological surveillance service has constantly monitored occurrences involving other triatomine species and the participation of sylvatic reservoirs in the process. (25) In this scenario, Panstrongylus megistus stands out for the following factors: the remarkable ability to colonise artificial environments, with important reports of its finding in households and peridomiciles, especially in condominiums established in the urban areas of the metropolitan region of São Paulo; high infection rates by T. cruzi; and a great anthropophilia.…”

“…(25) In this scenario, Panstrongylus megistus stands out for the following factors: the remarkable ability to colonise artificial environments, with important reports of its finding in households and peridomiciles, especially in condominiums established in the urban areas of the metropolitan region of São Paulo; high infection rates by T. cruzi; and a great anthropophilia. (26,27) This conjuncture of factors represents an alert for a possible recurrence of Chagas disease by vector transmission in the state, last reported more than 50 years ago. (28) Contributing to epidemiological surveillance actions within the context of Chagas disease, the Instituto Adolfo Lutz (IAL), Laboratório Central de Saúde Pública do Estado de São Paulo (LACEN-SP), through the Centro de Parasitologia e Micologia (CPM), performs laboratory diagnosis of biological samples from different municipalities and health services and carries out field works in different regions of the state to study the ecoepidemiology of the disease by verifying the participation of sylvatic and domestic animals in its transmission.…”