Insect vectors of Chagas disease (Trypanosoma cruzi) in Northeastern Brazil

Abstract

These results verify the presence of triatomines in both intra- and peridomiciliary areas, thereby ensuring persistence of the pathogen and consequently, the disease, as the presence of infected vectors in households is an important risk factor. According to these findings, the Chagas Disease Control Program should intensify its efforts in order to prevent the spread of the disease.

Spatial distribution of triatomine bugs in a Chagas disease endemic region in Brazil

“…The dispersion of triatomines in different environments may be related to mating or a search for food 19 . In this study, the presence of nymphs intradomicile indicates the formation of colonies in these environments represented by the phenomenon of domiciliation, and consequently high risk for human infection 7,12 .…”

“…In Brazil, the presence of these reduvids has been reported in different regions, since they are adapted to distinct ecotypes 5,6 . These specimens may live in intradomiciliary and peridomiciliary environments 7,8 . Peridomiciliary ecotypes, including animal facilities and building remains, play an important role as a bridge between the domestic and wild cycles of the disease 8,9 .…”

“…For instance, in the Southeast region, P. megistus has been retrieved in urban areas 10 , while in the South Brazil, Triatoma circummaculata and Triatoma rubrovaria 11 have been reported as the most commonly detected species. In the Northeastern region species such as Triatoma brasiliensis, Panstrongylus lutzi and Triatoma pseudomaculata are frequently reported 7,9,12 . It is important to note that several natural environments in this region (e.g., xerophilous trees and rocks) are inhabited by triatomines 13 .…”

“…Data on the distribution of these vectors is needed to better understand the epidemiological aspects related to the transmission of CD and to drive preventive interventions 7 . Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the occurrence and distribution of triatomine species in an endemic region for CD in Northeastern Brazil.…”

Seroprevalence and risk factors of Chagas disease in a rural population of the Quixeré municipality, Ceará, Brazil

“…In this municipality, estimated seroprevalence rates of 2.6% (4/154) and 4.2% (34/812) were observed in 2011 and 2013, respectively 6,7 . This region presents a high risk of vectorial transmission due to the high rate of natural infection by T. cruzi (estimated in 7.9%) in triatomines 8 .…”