Urban infestation by Triatoma infestans (Hemiptera: Reduviidae), an overlooked phenomena for Chagas disease in Argentina

Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz. 2021 Jun 2;116:e210056. doi: 10.1590/0074-02760210056. eCollection 2021.ABSTRACTVector-borne transmission of Chagas disease in urban areas of Argentina has been an overlooked phenomena. We conducted the first comprehensive cross-sectional study of domestic infestation with Triatoma infestans and vector infection with Trypanosoma cruzi in a metropolitan area of San Juan, Argentina. Our results document the occurrence of T. infestans infected with T. cruzi in human sleeping quarters. In this urban setting, we also show that infestation was associated with construction materials, the presence of chickens, cats and a large number of dogs that can provide blood meals for the vector. Our findings reveal new challenges for vectorial control agencies.PMID:34105689 | DOI:10.1590/0074-02760210056

Source: Memorias do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz - June 9, 2021 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Yael Mariana Provecho Mar ía Del Pilar Fernández Liliana Salv á Sergio Meli Florencia Cano Paula Sartor Ana Laura Carbajal-de-la-Fuente Source Type: research