Synanthropic triatomines (Hemiptera, Reduviidae) in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil: geographical distribution and natural Trypanosoma infection rates between 2006 and 2007

Abstract

<jats:p>INTRODUCTION: The present study shows a descriptive analysis of triatomine occurrence and its natural Trypanosoma infection rates in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil, between 2006 and 2007. METHODS: Entomological data for the species, such as specimens captured in both intra and peridomiciles and natural infection index, were obtained via domiciliary capture in 147 municipalities from 11 Regional Managements of Health. The database was obtained from a sample of insects (100% infected and 20% non-infected) sent to the Central Laboratory of Pernambuco. RESULTS: A total of 18,029 triatomines were analyzed from 138 municipalities of the state. Triatoma pseudomaculata (35%), Triatoma brasiliensis (34%), and Panstrongylus lutzi (25%) were the most captured species. These species also showed a widespread geographical distribution in the state. Panstrongylus megistus, Triatoma petrocchiae, Triatoma melanocephala, Triatoma sordida, Rhodnius nasutus, Rhodnius neglectus, and Triatoma infestans showed more limited geographical distribution and lower relative abundance. The parasitological research showed that 8.8% of the triatomines were naturally infected with flagellates morphologically similar to Trypanosoma cruzi and 91.3% of them were captured inside houses in 113 municipalities. P. lutzi showed the highest rates of natural infection. CONCLUSIONS: After the control of T. infestans, synanthropic species, such as T. brasiliensis, T. pseudomaculata, and P. lutzi, maintain the risk of T. cruzi transmission to humans in the state of Pernambuco. These species are widely distributed, and infected specimens have been found inside houses. Thus, an enhanced surveillance and vector control of Chagas disease is recommended in Pernambuco.</jats:p>

Description of the feeding preferences of triatominae in the Chagas disease surveillance study for the State of Pernambuco, Brazil (Hemiptera: Reduviidae)

“…A study conducted in several Northeast states, including Pernambuco, showed a predominance of T. brasiliensis and T. pseudomaculata in the surroundings of residences. However, research carried out in the State of Piauí in 2008 revealed T. brasiliensis to be the most prevalent inside the home, corroborating the results of the present study, in which these two species were the ones most commonly found indoors [8][9][10] . Triatoma brasiliensis is widely distributed in Bahia and Pernambuco, principally in caatinga regions.…”

Spatiotemporal analysis of reported cases of acute Chagas disease in the State of Pernambuco, Brazil, from 2002 to 2013

“…This distribution coincides with areas of Triatoma occurrence in Pernambuco, as observed by Silva and colleagues (18) . According to these authors, no infected triatomines were found in the metropolitan region of Recife, although 92.2% of identifi ed instances of uninfected triatomines were within housing structures.…”

“…These species are widely distributed, and infected specimens have been found inside houses. Even more alarming is the fact that T. infestans specimens were captured inside houses in one municipality (Lagoa Grande, São Francisco Pernambucano mesoregion); however, the insects were not infected (18) . These fi ndings reveal the need to strengthen entomological surveillance programs that include routine house visitation by health agents, the stimulation of community involvement through educational campaigns, chemical control activities, and housing improvements in areas most affected by T. cruzi to reduce the risk of Chagas disease infection.…”

Distribution of constitutive heterochromatin in Triatoma melanocephala (Hemiptera, Triatominae)

“…melanocephala is a species endemic to Brazil, specifically the States of Bahia, Paraíba, Pernambuco, Rio Grande do Norte, and Sergipe (Gurgel-Gonçalves et al, 2012). Recently, this organism was found infected with T. cruzi inside homes in the State of Pernambuco (Silva et al, 2012).…”