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

Rev Soc Bras Med Trop. 2017 Jul-Aug;50(4):543-546. doi: 10.1590/0037-8682-0334-2016.

Abstract

Introduction:: Studying the feeding preferences of triatomines is an important entomological surveillance tool, since continuous surveillance of the disease is necessary.

Methods:: The precipitin reaction was used to describe the feeding preferences of triatomines along with their natural infection by flagellates similar to Tyrpanosoma cruzi. Six hundred eighty-seven insects were examined, including Triatoma brasiliensis, Triatoma pseudomaculata, and Panstrongylus lutzi.

Results:: Sixty-nine (10%) of 687 triatomines examined tested positive for flagellates similar to T. cruzi, and 8 (1.2%) of these fed on human blood.

Conclusions:: This study found potential transmitters of Chagas disease both inside and outside the domiciliar environment.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brazil
  • Chagas Disease / transmission
  • Feeding Behavior / physiology*
  • Female
  • Gastrointestinal Contents*
  • Insect Vectors / classification
  • Insect Vectors / physiology*
  • Male
  • Precipitin Tests
  • Triatominae / classification
  • Triatominae / physiology*