Triatoma dimidiata (Latreille) Abundance and Infection with Trypanosoma cruzi in a Rural Community of Yucatan, Mexico

Abstract

The present is a longitudinal study that describes the abundance of Triatoma dimidiata (Latreille) (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) and its infection with Trypanosoma cruzi in a rural community of Yucatan, Mexico. From a total of 370 individuals collected, 81.3% were adults, most from intradomicile ecotope (282/301), but nymphs were more abundant in peridomicile (58/69). The overall proportion of infected bugs was 21.9% (23.9% of adults and 13% of nymphs). The infection proportion was similar between intradomicile and peridomicile ecotopes (22.8% and 18.1%, respectively). Overall, 76.5% (36/47) of the houses and their backyards were infested. Of those, 27.7% were colonized and 75% had infected triatomines. Our data showed different proportions on infestation, colonization and bug density. Ninety-seven percent of overall peridomicile abundance was distributed in chicken coops, doghouses, opossum nests and dove cages. Triatomine entomological indices showed higher infestation and density inside domiciles, but higher colonization in the peridomicile. The abundance, the amount of infected intradomicile adult T. dimidiata and the incidence of infestation showed a seasonal pattern, with 63.7% of all individuals collected during the late dry season (April to June). We showed the peridomicile colonization of animal shelters and suggest it as a relevant source of T. dimidiata individuals. As infected bugs were found in both ecotopes, the studied area is under a high risk of T. cruzi transmission to humans.

Potential for entomopathogenic fungi to control Triatoma dimidiata (Hemiptera: Reduviidae), a vector of Chagas disease in Mexico

“…While a higher percentage of adults were captured in intradomiciliary locations, the majority of nymphs were collected in peridomiciliary locations. Similar infection rates with T. cruzi in insects collected indoors and outdoors 44 highlight the importance of peridomiciliary insects in the risk of transmission of T. cruzi to humans 45 . Taking into account environmental factors such as temperature and relative humidity, it has been recommended that B. bassiana be applied peridomestically during the rainy season to control peridomestic T. sordida and that insecticides be applied during dry periods; a combination of both strategies during both seasons has also been suggested 46 .…”

Eco-bio-social research on community-based approaches for Chagas disease vector control in Latin America

“… 12 The combined use of site-specific timed manual searches and bug sensing devices for continuous monitoring of infestations may give valuable information on the different demographic processes involved in house (re)infestation. The frequent finding of peridomestic colonies of T. dimidiata 49 suggests that IVM (including modification of key peridomestic habitats combined with carefully administered peridomestic insecticide sprays) may be justified in areas with recurrent domestic infestation and transmission risks. More investigations including the social determinants of health, house infestation and domestic transmission of T. cruzi are needed.…”

CHICKEN COOPS, Triatoma dimidiata INFESTATION AND ITS INFECTION WITH Trypanosoma cruzi IN A RURAL VILLAGE OF YUCATAN, MEXICO

“…However, other studies have reported that the location of a house within a community (especially if located on the periphery) is a significant risk factor for infestation and the invasion of dispersing adult insects 2 , 5 , 13 . REYES-NOVELO et al 14 showed that T. dimidiata did colonize animal shelters (e. g. chicken and dove coops, dog houses and opossum nests). More recently, DUMONTEIL et al 5 quantified that the number of dogs in a house and keeping chickens in a corral were strong determinants for house infestation in rural communities.…”