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

• Published in: Memórias do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz Vol. 116; p. e210056
• Main Authors: Provecho, Yael Mariana, Fernández, María del Pilar, Salvá, Liliana, Meli, Sergio, Cano, Florencia, Sartor, Paula, Carbajal-de-la-Fuente, Ana Laura
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Brazil Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Ministério da Saúde 01.01.2021; Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ)
• Subjects: Animals; Argentina; Cats; Chagas Disease; Chickens; Cross-Sectional Studies; Dogs; Insect Vectors; PARASITOLOGY; San Juan; Short Communication; Triatoma; TROPICAL MEDICINE; Trypanosoma cruzi; urban infestation; vector control; Argentina; urban infestation; San Juan; vector control
• ISSN: 0074-0276; 1678-8060; 1678-8060
• DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760210056

Vector-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.