How to translate text using browser tools
1 September 2013 Identification of Bloodmeal Sources and Trypanosoma cruzi Infection in Triatomine Bugs (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) from Residential Settings in Texas, the United States
Sonia A. Kjos, Paula L. Marcet, Michael J. Yabsley, Uriel Kitron, Karen F. Snowden, Kathleen S. Logan, John C. Barnes, Ellen M. Dotson
Author Affiliations +
Abstract

The host-vector-parasite interactions in Chagas disease peridomestic transmission cycles in the United States are not yet well understood. Trypanosoma cruzi (Kinetoplastida: Trypanosomatidae) infection prevalence and bloodmeal sources were determined for adult and immature triatomine (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) specimens collected from residential settings in central Texas. Sequenced cytochrome b DNA segments obtained from triatomine digestive tract identified nine vertebrate hosts and one invertebrate host in four triatomine species (Triatoma gerstaeckeri, Triatoma indictiva, Triatoma protracta, and Triatoma sanguisuga). The broad range of wild and domestic host species detected in triatomine specimens collected from residential sites indicates high host diversity and potential movement between the sylvatic and peridomestic settings. Domestic dogs appear to be key in the maintenance of the peridomestic transmission cycle as both a blood host for the triatomine vectors and a potential reservoir for the parasite. The high rate of T. cruzi infection among triatomine specimens that were collected from inside houses, outside houses, and dog kennels (69, 81, and 82%, respectively) suggests a current risk for Chagas disease vector-borne transmission for humans and domestic animals in residential settings in Texas because of overlap with the sylvatic cycle.

Sonia A. Kjos, Paula L. Marcet, Michael J. Yabsley, Uriel Kitron, Karen F. Snowden, Kathleen S. Logan, John C. Barnes, and Ellen M. Dotson "Identification of Bloodmeal Sources and Trypanosoma cruzi Infection in Triatomine Bugs (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) from Residential Settings in Texas, the United States," Journal of Medical Entomology 50(5), 1126-1139, (1 September 2013). https://doi.org/10.1603/ME12242
Received: 23 October 2012; Accepted: 1 July 2013; Published: 1 September 2013
JOURNAL ARTICLE
14 PAGES

This article is only available to subscribers.
It is not available for individual sale.
+ SAVE TO MY LIBRARY

KEYWORDS
bloodmeal analysis
host association
triatomine
Trypanosoma cruzi
RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS
Get copyright permission
Back to Top