Monitoring Trypanosoma cruzi infection in triatomines using PCR in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil

Abstract

Introduction:The aim of the present study was to assess the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) as a method for detecting Trypanosoma cruzi infection in triatomines that had been previously determined by microscopic examination in the State of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Methods: In total, 515 specimens were collected. Material from the digestive tract of each triatomine was analyzed for the presence of T. cruzi by microscopic examination and PCR using the 121/122 primer set. Results: Among the 515 specimens tested, 58 (11.3%) were positive by microscopy and 101 (19.61%) were positive by PCR and there was an association between the results of the techniques (χ 2 = 53.354, p = 0.001). The main species of triatomine identifi ed was T. sordida (95.5%) Conclusions: The use of PCR in entomological surveillance may contribute to a better assessment of the occurrence of T. cruzi in triatomine populations.

Geographical distribution of Trypanosoma cruzi in triatomine vectors in the State of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil

“…The most commonly captured triatomine was T. sordida, which was similar to what was observed in previous studies, showing that this species, which is usually considered secondary, is the most frequently encountered species in MS 4,26,27 . Triatoma sordida is native to the Cerrado, the biome in which State of Mato Grosso do Sul as well as the transition areas of Maranhão, Piauí, Bahia, the Pantanal and the eastern Chaco are located 39 .…”

“…After the tests, the collected triatomines were placed in tubes containing 70% alcohol and sent to the Animal Health unit of Embrapa Beef Cattle for molecular tests, as described by Cominetti et al 27…”

Characteristics of Triatomine infestation and natural Trypanosoma cruzi infection in the State of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil

“…However, higher infection rates were reported with fl agellates morphologically similar to T. cruzi in Pernambuco (63) , and similar or higher triatomine infection rates have been reported between methods (19) (23) (24) (25) . High PCR positivity in relation to DME has been previously observed, indicating its utility for epidemiological studies (19) (23) (24) (65) . PCR can also directly detect T. cruzi vector infection thus improving triatomine evaluation and should be used to assess infection rates in dead insects (25) owing to its higher relative degree of precision.…”

Prevalence and Transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi in People of Rural Communities of the High Jungle of Northern Peru

“…cruzi can vary according to vector species [ 50 , 51 ]. While limited diagnostic information exists for the sensitivity in Panstrongylus species specifically, in other genera, molecular techniques can offer greater sensitivity [ 52 , 53 ]. Lastly, it is difficult to ascertain temporal sequence of transmission between domestic animals, vectors and humans in a cross sectional survey.…”