First report of mixed Trypanosoma cruzi discrete typing units infection in Triatoma phyllosoma in the peri-urban environment of Oaxaca, Mexico

ABSTRACT Background: Chagas disease, a zoonosis transmitted mainly by hematophagous insects of the subfamily Triatominae, is caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, classified into six discrete typing units (DTUs: TcI-TcVI and Tcbat). Methods: Insect vectors were collected from 84 human dwellings in the municipality of Santo Domingo Tehuantepec, Oaxaca, Mexico; 4.76% were infested. DTUs were determined using conventional and nested PCR. Results: The infection rate was 43.6%. All insects were infected with TcI while one specimen showed mixed infection with TcII. Conclusions: This is the first report of T. cruzi mixed infection in Triatoma phyllosoma, its main vector in the study region.

External quality assessment of the entomological identification of triatomines in the network of public laboratories in Rondônia, Brazil

ABSTRACT Background: An external quality assessment on the identification of triatomines within the laboratory network in the state of Rondônia. Methods: Seven laboratories participated in this evaluation. Each was provided with support materials and nine insects from the Hemiptera order for identification. Results: All samples were accurately identified at the species level. However, correct sex identification was achieved for only 79% of the samples. The most significant challenges were encountered in determining the sex of predators, phytophagous species, Rhodnius robustus, and Rhodnius pictipes. Conclusions: The identified shortcomings can inform enhancements in vector control programs for Chagas disease.

Moradores de áreas rurais de municípios mineiros endêmicos para a doença de Chagas: ideias e concepções sobre a doença, os vetores e os serviços de saúde / Residents of rural areas in municipalities of Minas Gerais endemic for Chagas disease: their ideas and conceptions about the disease, vector, and health services

Resumo Introdução A vigilância da doença de Chagas (DC), baseada na participação popular, ocorre por meio da detecção e notificação de insetos suspeitos de serem vetores da DC aos Postos de Informação de Triatomíneos (PITs). Objetivo Compreender as ideias e concepções dos moradores em áreas rurais dos municípios da Microrregião de Saúde de Itaúna (MSI) em relação a aspectos relacionados à DC, seus vetores e serviços de saúde. Método Em 2016, foram realizados quatro grupos focais nos municípios da MSI. Esses grupos focais foram gravados, transcritos e analisados utilizando a técnica de análise de conteúdo. Neste processo, identificamos e categorizamos unidades de análise tanto dentro de cada grupo focal quanto entre eles. Resultados Descobrimos que há compreensão por parte de alguns moradores sobre a natureza da transmissão da DC, as características morfológicas e hábitos dos vetores, o encaminhamento do vetor para os PITs e o diagnóstico da DC. Também encontramos relatos da ausência de intervenções educacionais e de saúde relacionadas à DC. Conclusão Compreender as concepções e ideias sobre a DC das populações em áreas endêmicas é fundamental para desenvolver futuras estratégias envolvendo a participação popular.

Abstract Background The surveillance of Chagas disease (CD) based on public participation is carried out through the detection and notification of insects suspected of being vectors of CD to Triatomine Information Posts (TIPs). Objective To understand the ideas and conceptions of residents in rural areas of the municipalities of the Micro-region of Health de Itaúna (MHI) regarding aspects related to CD, its vectors, and health services. Method In 2016, four focus groups were conducted in the municipalities of MHI. These focus groups were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using the content analysis technique. In this process, units of analysis, both within each focus group and between them, were identified and categorized. Results It was found that some residents have a good understanding of the nature of CD transmission and of the morphological characteristics and habits of the vectors, in addition to an understanding of the forwarding of the vector to TIPs, and the diagnosis of CD. Reports of the absence of education and health interventions related to CD were also found. Conclusion Understanding the conceptions and ideas about CD of populations in endemic areas is fundamental to developing future strategies involving public participation.

Occurrence and distribution of Panstrongylus megistus (Burmeister, 1835) (Hemiptera, Reduviidae) in a metropolitan area of Southern Brazil

ABSTRACT Two triatomine genera (Panstrongylus and Triatoma) have essentially been recorded in Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. Panstrongylus megistus should be highlighted since this species is one of the main vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi in Brazil, due to its wide geographical distribution and the high susceptibility to this protozoan. This study aimed to present not only the occurrence and distribution of P. megistus in the Porto Alegre city's metropolitan area (PAMA), Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil, but also the rates of T. cruzi infection, from 2009 to 2020. The PAMA, which comprises 34 cities and 4.4 million habitants, extends across the transition area in two biomes - Pampa and Mata Atlantica - found in the state. Results showed that P. megistus was recorded in 76.5% of cities (i.e., 26 out of 34), mainly in Porto Alegre city, where the vector was found in 11 out of the 12 years that were monitored. Three hundred and nineteen specimens were captured. Two hundred and sixty-seven specimens (83.7%) were located intradomicile (p < 0.0001), while 52.3% positivity for T. cruzi was found. Thus, P. megistus is important in the PAMA, because it invades and colonizes the households. Moreover, the high rates of T. cruzi infection have drawn attention.

Enfermedad de Chagas: Riesgo de transmisión por especies secundarias de triatominos capturados en etapa de vigilancia entomológica en las dos regiones del Paraguay

El principal vector intradomiciliar del Trypanosoma cruzi en el Cono Sur de América Latina ha sido el Triatoma infestans. En la última década se ha declarado la interrupción de transmisión de la enfermedad por esta especie en varias áreas endémicas. El T. cruzi interactúa con triatominos silvestres y reservorios mamíferos, por ello hay un riesgo permanente de la invasión de viviendas por especies secundarias como T. sordida y nativas de focos selváticos como: T. guasayana, T. guasu, Panstrongylus geniculatus, P. megistus que deben ser vigiladas para evitar el proceso de colonización de las viviendas. El objetivo fue evaluar el potencial riesgo de transmisión de la enfermedad de Chagas por especies secundarias de triatominos capturados en etapa de vigilancia entomológica en áreas endémicas de las regiones Oriental y Occidental del país. Se aplicaron técnicas moleculares asociadas a indicadores entomológicos a un total de 759 ejemplares de 4 especies de triatominos capturados en las dos regiones. Se detectó colonización del 19% por la especie T. sordida en viviendas del Departamento de Concepción. De las especies T. guasayana, T. guasu, P. geniculatus consideradas especies del ambiente selvático, se capturó al menos 1 ejemplar en cada departamento en el intradomicilio. De 759 ejemplares analizados, se detectaron 17 con infección natural con T. cruzi (2,2%), de los cuales 2 eran de P. geniculatus y 1 de T. guasayana, ambos del intradomicilio. Estos hallazgos ponen en evidencia que existe un potencial riesgo de transmisión de T. cruzi por estas especies de triatominos.

The main intradomiciliary vector of Trypanosoma cruzi in the Southern Cone of Latin America has been Triatoma infestans. In the last decade, the decrease in transmission of the disease by this species has been declared in endemic areas. T. cruzi interacts with wild triatomines and mammalian reservoirs, therefore there is a permanent risk of invasion of dwellings by secondary species such as T. sordida and native to jungle foci such as: T. guasayana, T. guasu, Panstrongilus geniculatus, P. megistus that should be monitored to avoid the process of colonization of dwellings. The objective of the study was to evaluate the potential risk of transmission of Chagas disease by secondary triatomine species captured in the entomological surveillance stage in endemic areas of the Eastern and Western regions of the country. Molecular techniques associated with entomological indicators were applied to a total of 759 specimens of 4 species of triatomines captured in the two regions. Colonization of 19% by the species T. sordida was detected in dwellings of the department of Concepción. At least one specimen of the species T. guasayana, T. guasu, P. geniculatus considered species of the jungle environment was captured in each department in the intradomiciliary environment. Of the total number of specimens analyzed (759), 17 were detected with natural infection with T. cruzi (2.2%), of which 2 were of P. geniculatus and 1 of T. guasayana both from intradomiciliary environment. These findings show that there is a potential risk of transmission of T. cruzi by these triatomine species.

Hemolymph of triatomines presents fungistatic activity against Cryptococcus neoformans and improves macrophage function through MCP-I/TNF-α increase

Triatomines are blood-feeding arthropods belonging to the subfamily Triatominae (Hemiptera; Reduviidae), capable of producing immunomodulatory and water-soluble molecules in their hemolymph, such as antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). In this work, we evaluated the antifungal and immunomodulatory activity of the hemolymph of Meccus pallidipennis (MPH) and Rhodnius prolixus (RPH) against Cryptococcus neoformans. Methods: We assessed the activity of the hemolymph of both insects on fungal growth by a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assay. Further, RAW 264.7 macrophages were cultivated with hemolymph and challenged with C. neoformans. Then, their phagocytic and killing activities were assessed. The cytokines MCP-1, IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-10, IL-12, and IL-6 were measured in culture supernatants 4- and 48-hours post-infection. Results: Both hemolymph samples directly affected the growth rate of the fungus in a dose-dependent manner. Either MPH or RPH was capable of inhibiting fungal growth by at least 70%, using the lowest dilution (1:20). Treatment of RAW 264.7 macrophages with hemolymph of both insects was capable of increasing the production of MCP-I and TNF-α. In addition, when these cells were stimulated with hemolymph in the presence of C. neoformans, a 2- and a 4-fold increase in phagocytic rate was observed with MPH and RPH, respectively, when compared to untreated cells. For the macrophage killing activity, MPH decreased in approximately 30% the number of viable yeasts inside the cells compared to untreated control; however, treatment with RPH could not reduce the total number of viable yeasts. MPH was also capable of increasing MHC-II expression on macrophages. Regarding the cytokine production, MCP-I and TNF-α, were increased in the supernatant of macrophages treated with both hemolymphs, 4 and 48 hours after stimulation. Conclusion: These results suggested that hemolymph of triatomines may represent a source of molecules capable of presenting antifungal and immunomodulatory activity in macrophages during fungal infection.(AU)

Chagas disease in the context of the 2030 agenda: global warming and vectors

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is a plan of action for people, planet and prosperity. Thousands of years and centuries of colonisation have passed the precarious housing conditions, food insecurity, lack of sanitation, the limitation of surveillance, health care programs and climate change. Chagas disease continues to be a public health problem. The control programs have been successful in many countries in reducing transmission by T. cruzi; but the results have been variable. WHO makes recommendations for prevention and control with the aim of eliminating Chagas disease as a public health problem. Climate change, deforestation, migration, urbanisation, sylvatic vectors and oral transmission require integrating the economic, social, and environmental dimensions of sustainable development, as well as the links within and between objectives and sectors. While the environment scenarios change around the world, native vector species pose a significant public health threat. The man-made atmosphere change is related to the increase of triatomines' dispersal range, or an increase of the mobility of the vectors from their sylvatic environment to man-made constructions, or humans getting into sylvatic scenarios, leading to an increase of Chagas disease infection. Innovations with the communities and collaborations among municipalities, International cooperation agencies, local governmental agencies, academic partners, developmental agencies, or environmental institutions may present promising solutions, but sustained partnerships, long-term commitment, and strong regional leadership are required. A new world has just opened up for the renewal of surveillance practices, but the lessons learned in the past should be the basis for solutions in the future.

Seroprevalence of Chagas disease in Southern Brazilian cardiac patients and their knowledge about the parasitosis and vectors / Soroprevalência da doença de Chagas em pacientes cardíacos do sul do Brasil e seu conhecimento sobre a parasitose e vetores

Abstract Chagas disease (CD) is considered a typical low-income population sickness of the developing countries in Latin America. Given the historical relevance of CD in individuals in southern Rio Grande do Sul (RS) State, Brazil, the aim of this study was to identify the knowledge of the CD and its vectors by cardiac patients, and the prevalence of anti-T cruzi antibodies in these individuals in Pelotas, city located in Rio Grande do Sul (RS) state, Brazil. The subjects with cardiac disease were submitted to a semi-structured questionnaire as well as two serological tests in order to detect anti-T. cruzi IgG antibodies. Of the individuals that born in municipalities showing the highest triatomine infestation rates in recent decades, 81.8% were able to recognize the vector insect (p = 0.0042; OR = 5.9), and 83.3% reported either themselves or someone in their families to have CD (p = 0.043, OR = 5.2). Of the 54 patients submitted to serological analysis, only 01 patient (1.9%) was positive for anti-T. cruzi antibodies, a 55 year old man from the rural area of Canguçu county. This study provides support for the evaluation to be extended to other cardiology centers, given the importance of Chagas disease in Brazil.

Resumo A doença de Chagas (DC) é considerada uma doença típica da população de baixa renda dos países em desenvolvimento da América Latina. Dada a relevância histórica da DC em indivíduos do sul do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul (RS), o objetivo deste estudo foi identificar o conhecimento da doença de Chagas (DC) e seus vetores em pacientes cardíacos, e a prevalência de anticorpos anti-T cruzi nesses indivíduos, em Pelotas, cidade localizada no Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Brasil. Os pacientes cardiopatas foram submetidos a um questionário semiestruturado, e também a dois testes sorológicos para detecção de anticorpos anti-T. cruzi IgG. Dos indivíduos que nasceram em municípios com as maiores taxas de infestação por triatomíneos nas últimas décadas, 81,8% foram capazes de reconhecer o inseto vetor (p = 0,0042; OR = 5,9), e 83,3% relataram que eles próprios ou alguém em suas famílias tem DC (p = 0,043, OR = 5,2). Dos 54 pacientes submetidos à análise sorológica, apenas 01 paciente (1,9%) foi positivo para anticorpos anti-T.cruzi, um homem de 55 anos da área rural do município de Canguçu. Este estudo fornece subsídios para que a avaliação seja estendida a outros centros de cardiologia, devido à importância da doença de Chagas no Brasil.

INFECCIÓN NATURAL POR Trypanosoma cruzi (TRYPANOSOMATIDAE) EN TRIATOMINOS INTRADOMÉSTICOS DEL DEPARTAMENTO DE GUAINÍA / Natural infection with Trypanosoma cruzi (TRYPANOSOMATIDAE) in intradomestic triatomine bugs from Guainía department

RESUMEN La búsqueda continua de triatominos forma parte de los programas de vigilancia de la enfermedad de Chagas en zonas con características ecológicas apropiadas para la presencia del vector, permitiendo priorizar y definir las acciones de intervención. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue determinar la presencia y estado de infección de triatominos en viviendas del municipio de Inírida (Guainía). El estudio se realizó entre 2018 y 2019 mediante vigilancia comunitaria y búsqueda activa. Los vectores se identificaron y evaluaron por PCR. Se recolectaron cinco triatominos (un Panstrongylus lignarius y cuatro P. geniculatus). Se evidenció la infección natural en ambas especies. La genotipificación mostró la presencia de TcI Dom. Se actualiza así la presencia e infección P. lignarius, así como la infección de P. geniculatus para Inírida.

ABSTRACT The continuous search and characterization of triatomine bugs is essential for Chagas disease surveillance programs in areas with ideal ecological conditions for the distribution of these vectors. These activities are necessary to define and optimize intervention strategies. The objective of this work was to determine the presence of triatomine and its infection status in households located in the municipality of Inírida (Guainía). Between 2018 and 2019, we developed a community participation strategy where an active search was essential for the capturing of triatomine bugs. The collected bugs were evaluated by PCR allowing to identify one as Panstrongylus lignarius and four as P. geniculatus. Genotyping showed the presence of TcI Dom confirming infection in both species. Thus, this study presents an update of the infection status of P. geniculatus and the presence of infected P. lignarius in the Guainía region in Colombia.

Colonization by Panstrongylus megistus (Hemiptera, Reduviidae, Triatominae) in an urban park in the city of São Paulo

Abstract INTRODUCTION: This communication reports on the occurrence of colonization by Panstrongylus megistus in an urban park in the municipality of São Paulo, Brazil. METHODS: Entomological research includes active search for vectors based on notifications by the population and identification and examination of insects. RESULTS: A colony of triatomines was found to be associated with enclosed birds. CONCLUSIONS: The occurrence of P. megistus has already been reported in the city of São Paulo; however, reports of colonization by this species provide evidence of its potential for the occupation of artificial ecotopes, which may pose a risk to the human population.

Confirmation of the first report of Psammolestes tertius Lent and Jurberg, 1965 (Hemiptera, Reduviidae, Triatominae) in Paraná State, Brazil

Abstract INTRODUCTION This study confirms the occurrence of Psammolestes tertius Lent & Jurberg, 1965 (Hemiptera, Reduviidae, Triatominae) in the state of Paraná, Brazil. METHODS: In 2002, a male specimen of P. tertius was collected in the municipality of Porto Rico, Paraná, Brazil. RESULTS: This finding adds to the data on the geographical distribution of P. tertius from 14 to 15 known occurrences in Brazilian states and, therefore, reports the increase in the diversity of triatomines in Paraná. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of P. tertius in the state of Paraná demonstrates that the biodiversity of these insects may have been underestimated.

First report of Rhodnius montenegrensis (Hemiptera, Reduviidae, Triatominae) in Amazonas, Brazil

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Triatomines are hematophagous insects of epidemiological importance because they are vectors of Chagas disease. We present here the first report of Rhodnius montenegrensis in Amazonas, Brazil. METHODS: Triatomines were collected from Attalea butyracea palm trees in the municipality of Guajará. RESULTS: Two adult female R. montenegrensis specimens were identified. CONCLUSIONS: The present study confirms that the number of triatomine species within the Amazon has increased from 10 to 11, and the number of Brazilian states with R. montenegrensis has increased from two to three.

Revisión de más de 40 años de estudios en pacientes seropositivos para la enfermedad de Chagas en la provincia de Entre Ríos, Argentina / Review of more than 40 years of studies in seropositive patients for Chagas disease in the province of Entre Ríos, Argentina

El presente trabajo es una revisión de más de 40 años de investigación sobre los aspectos epidemiológicos, socioeconómicos y clínicos de la Enfermedad de Chagas en el Departamento Uruguay (Provincia de Entre Ríos). Se resumen las investigaciones sobre la presencia de vectores triatominos en viviendas urbanas y rurales donde se procedió a su identificación y búsqueda de Trypanosoma cruzi. Se describió la seroprevalencia de la enfermedad y su evolución a lo largo del tiempo. Se agregaron también aspectos cardiológicos y gastroenterológicos de pacientes en el período crónico de la enfermedad. La presencia de triatominos derivó en campañas de fumigación y de educación sanitaria, que provocaron un marcado descenso en el número de vectores capturados en los años siguientes. También se destacó el descenso de la seroprevalencia de la enfermedad de Chagas a través del tiempo, debido a las campañas de fumigación, educación sanitaria, controles en banco de sangre y embarazadas, mejora de las técnicas utilizadas y la aparición de tratamientos efectivos contra el parásito. Los estudios cardiológicos y gastroenterológicos de los pacientes crónicos mostraron alteraciones dentro de lo esperado para este estadio de la enfermedad. También se describió la detección de personas infectadas con acceso al tratamiento y los estudios cardiológicos y gastroenterológicos realizados en pacientes en estadio crónico. Por último, se considera que, globalmente, los estudios realizados en la zona han colaborado en lograr que la Provincia de Entre Ríos fuera declarada libre de transmisión vectorial en 2012.

This is a review of more than 40 years of research on the epidemiological, socioeconomic and clinical aspects of Chagas disease in the Department of Uruguay (Entre Ríos province). Research on the presence of triatomine vectors in urban and rural housing is summarized here.These vectors were identified and Trypanosoma cruzi was searched for. . The seroprevalence of the disease and its evolution over time were described. Cardiological and gastroenterological aspects of patients in the chronic period of the disease were also added. The presence of triatomines resulted in fumigation and health education campaigns, which caused a marked decrease in the number of vectors captured in the following years. The decrease in the seroprevalence of Chagas disease over time was also highlighted, due to fumigation campaigns, health education, blood bank and pregnant women controls, improvement of the techniques used and the development of effective treatments against the parasite. Cardiological and gastroenterological studies of chronic patients showed the abnormalities expected for this stage of the disease. The detection of infected persons with access to treatment and cardiological and gastroenterological studies performed in patients with chronic stage were also described. Finally, it is considered that, globally, the studies carried out in the area have helped to ensure that the Province of Entre Ríos be declared free of the vector transmission in 2012.

Este trabalho é uma revisão de mais de 40 anos de pesquisa sobre os aspectos epidemiológicos, socioeconômicos e clínicos da doença de Chagas no Departamento Uruguai (província de Entre Ríos). São resumidas as pesquisas sobre a presença de vetores de triatomíneos em moradias urbanas e rurais, onde foram identificados e pesquisados por Trypanosoma cruzi nelas. A soroprevalência da doença e sua evolução ao longo do tempo foram descritas. Também foram adicionados aspectos cardiológicos e gastroenterológicos dos pacientes no período crônico da doença. A presença de triatomíneos resultou em campanhas de fumigação e educação sanitária, o que causou uma redução acentuada no número de vetores capturados nos anos seguintes. Também foi destacada a diminuição da soroprevalência da doença de Chagas através do tempo, devido às campanhas de fumigação, educação sanitária, controles em bancos de sangue e gestantes, melhora das técnicas utilizadas e surgimento de tratamentos eficazes contra o parasita. Estudos cardiológicos e gastroenterológicos de pacientes crônicos mostraram alterações dentro do esperado para esse estágio da doença. Também foram descritas a detecção de pessoas infectadas com acesso ao tratamento e estudos cardiológicos e gastroenterológicos realizados em pacientes em estágio crônico. Por fim, consideramos que, globalmente, os estudos realizados na área ajudaram a garantir que a Província de Entre Ríos fosse declarada livre de transmissão vetorial em 2012.

DETECCIÓN DE INFECCIÓN NATURAL POR Trypanosoma cruzi (TRYPANOSOMATIDAE) EN TRIATOMINOS DEL MUNICIPIO DE COLOSÓ, COLOMBIA / Detection of Natural Infection with Trypanosoma cruzi (Trypanosomatidae) in Triatomines From the Municipality of Colosó, Colombia

RESUMEN El reporte de triatominos infectados por Trypanosoma cruzi en un área silvestre del municipio de Colosó, hizo necesario determinar las especies de vectores en cercanía a las viviendas de la vereda Jorro, por ser el asentamiento rural próximo al hallazgo. En la presente nota, se informa por primera vez para el municipio la presencia de especies de triatominos de importancia epidemiológica con un alto porcentaje de infección por el parásito, además, de ampliar la distribución de estos vectores en el departamento de Sucre. Para ello, se realizaron capturas de los insectos en 13 viviendas por búsqueda activa, vigilancia comunitaria y trampas de luz. La determinación de la infección natural se llevó a cabo por observación directa al microscopio y amplificación por PCR del ADN de T. cruzi presente en el contenido intestinal de los triatominos. En total se capturaron 40 ejemplares de las especies Panstrongylus geniculatus, Rhodnius pallescens, Eratyrus cuspidatus y Triatoma dimidiata. La mayoría de los individuos fueron recolectados en el extradomicilio, con un menor porcentaje de insectos adultos encontrados en ambientes domésticos y la tasa de infección natural en los insectos fue del 85 %.

ABSTRACT The report of triatomines infected with Trypanosoma cruzi in a wild area of the municipality of Colosó, made it necessary to determine the species of vectors near the houses in the village Jorro, because it is the closest rural settlement to this finding. The presence of triatomine species with epidemiological importance was reported by first time, with a high percentage of infection with the parasite, in addition to expanding the distribution of these vectors in the department of Sucre. The researchers captured insects in 13 dwellings through active search, community surveillance and light traps, and demonstrated the natural infection by direct observation under the microscope and PCR amplification DNA from T. cruzi present in the intestinal content of the triatomines. Were captured 40 specimens belonging to the species Panstrongylus geniculatus, Rhodnius pallescens, Eratyrus cuspidatus and Triatoma dimidiata. The majority of the specimens were collected in the extradomicile, with a lower percentage of adult insects found in domestic environments. The natural infection rate in the insects was 85 %.

Trypanosoma cruzi in Triatomines and wild mammals in the National Park of Serra das Confusões, Northeastern Brazil

Abstract INTRODUCTION The National Park of Serra das Confusões (NPSC) is a protected area of natural landscape located in Southern Piauí, Brazil, and it is considered as one of the largest and most important protected areas in the Caatinga biome. METHODS The natural occurrences of trypanosomatids from hemocultures on small mammals and cultures from intestinal contents triatomines were detected through molecular diagnoses of blood samples, and phylogenetic relationship analysis of the isolates parasites using the trypanosome barcode (V7V8 SSUrDNA) were realized. RESULTS Only two Galea spixii (8.1%) and six Triatoma brasiliensis (17.6%) were positive by hemoculture, and the isolates parasites were cryopreserved. All the isolates obtained were positioned on the Trypanosoma cruzi DTU TcI branch. CONCLUSIONS Research focused on studying the wild animal fauna in preserved and underexplored environments has made it possible to elucidate indispensable components of different epidemiological chains of diseases with zoonotic potential.

First report of Triatoma sordida Stål, 1859 (Hemiptera, Reduviidae, Triatominae) in the State of Acre and Brazilian Western Amazon

Abstract INTRODUCTION The occurrence of Triatoma sordida in the Brazilian Western Amazon is reported for the first time. METHODS Triatoma sordida specimens were collected from a Gallus gallus nest in a peridomiciliary area of Senador Guiomard municipality in the state of Acre. RESULTS The number of triatomine species in Acre increased from six to seven with this first report of T. sordida in the Brazilian Western Amazon. CONCLUSIONS The occurrence of T. sordida in Acre is of concern since it is among the most captured triatomines in peridomiciliary environments in Brazil, and carries a high potential for vector transmission.

Dicistroviridae: A new viral purification technique / Dicistroviridae: una nueva técnica de purificación viral

The family Dicistroviridae comprises three genera and about twenty species of RNA virus, most of them with health or agricultural importance. The Triatoma virus (TrV) is the only entomopathogenic virus identified in triatomine bugs up to the present. TrV replicates within the intestinal epithelial cells, causing high mortality rate and delayed development of the molt of these bugs. TrV has been proposed as a biological control agent for vectors of Chagas disease. Viral particles were purified from feces of 1, 5 and 10 insects from an experimental colony of Triatoma infestans infected with TrV. Viral concentration and infectivity were corroborated using polyacrylamide gels and RT-PCR, respectively. In this work we report a method of viral purification that allows to reduce necessary reagents and time, using a very small amount of fecal matter.

La familia Dicistroviridae está compuesta por tres géneros y casi una veintena de especies de virus ARN, la mayoría de ellas de importancia sanitaria o agrícola. Triatoma virus (TrV) es el único virus entomopatógeno identificado en triatominos hasta el momento. El TrV se replica en las células del epitelio intestinal; ello provoca una alta tasa de mortalidad y retraso en el desarrollo de la muda del insecto. Se ha propuesto la utilización de TrV como agente de control biológico para vectores de la enfermedad de Chagas. Las partículas virales fueron purificadas a partir de materia fecal de 1, 5 y 10 insectos obtenidos de una colonia experimental infectada con TrV de Triatoma infestans y se corroboró su concentración viral e infectividad mediante geles de poliacrilamida y RT-PCR, respectivamente. En este trabajo se reporta un método de purificación viral que permite la reducción de los reactivos y del tiempo necesario para lograr dicha purificación, partiendo de una mínima cantidad de materia fecal.

Rhodnius stali: new vector infected by Trypanosoma rangeli (Kinetoplastida, Trypanosomatidae)

Abstract INTRODUCTION Rhodnius stali infection by Trypanosoma rangeli is reported in this study for the first time. METHODS The triatomines were collected from the campus of the Federal University of Acre in Rio Branco, Acre, Brazil. The identification of T. rangeli was confirmed by multiplex polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS The examinations of two specimens revealed R. stali infection by the epimastigote forms of T. rangeli. CONCLUSIONS The encounter of R. stali infected by T. rangeli generates an alert for the state of Acre, since the simultaneous presence with Trypanosoma cruzi can make the differential diagnosis of Chagas disease difficult.

Sinanthropization of triatomines (Hemiptera: reduviidae) in the Itumbiara municipality, Goiás, Brazil

This notification presents the occurrence of triatomines captured in the synanthropic environment in the urban area of the municipality of Itumbiara, Goiás. The colonies were found inside homes and on beds, walls, ceilings and counters. They were also found outside the houses on fences, in hen houses, pigeon nests and pigpens. In descending order, the infestation by triatomine species was: Triatoma sordida (99.7%), Rhodnius neglectus (0.2%) and Panstrongylus diasi (0.1%). Only the species T. sordida was infected by Trypanosoma cruzi, with an index of 5.5%.

Detección de unidades discretas de tipificación de Trypanosoma cruzi en triatominos recolectados en diferentes regiones naturales de Perú / Identifying Trypanosoma cruzi discreet typing units in triatomines collected in different natural regions of Perú

Resumen Introducción. Trypanosoma cruzi se ha dividido en seis unidades taxonómicas discretas (Discreet Typing Units, DTU) denominadas TcI, TcII, TcIII, TcIV, TcV y TcVI. Aún se desconocen los factores determinantes de la dinámica de la transmisión vectorial de los genotipos de T. cruzi en las diferentes regiones geográficas de distribución de la enfermedad de Chagas en Perú. Objetivo. Detectar y tipificar las unidades taxonómicas discretas de T. cruzi en las heces de siete especies de triatominos (Panstrongylus chinai, P. geniculatus, P. herreri, Rhodnius robustus, R. pictipes, Triatoma carrioni y T. infestans), capturados en ocho departamentos de diferentes regiones naturales de Perú. Materiales y métodos. Se examinaron 197 insectos para la detección de tripanosomas. Se extrajo el ADN del contenido intestinal de cada insecto y se amplificó mediante reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR) de los genes kDNA, SL-IR, 24Sa rRNA y 18Sa RNA para detectar las DTU de T. cruzi. Resultados. Se detectaron cinco infecciones con T. rangeli y 113 con T. cruzi. De estas últimas, fue posible identificar 95 de TcI (dos en P. chinai, una en P. geniculatus, 68 en P. herreri, cuatro en R. pictipes, siete en R. robustus, una en T. carrioni, y 12 en T. infestans); cinco de TcII (cuatro en P. herreri, una en T. infestans); cuatro de TcIII (tres en P. herreri, una en R. robustus) y cuatro infecciones de TcIV en P. herreri. Conclusión. Este es el primer trabajo de caracterización a gran escala de T. cruzi en el intestino de vectores de importancia epidemiológica en Perú, orientado a generar información básica que permita entender la dinámica de la transmisión vectorial de T. cruzi en esta región del continente.

Abstract Introduction: Trypanosoma cruzi has been divided by international consensus into six discrete typing units (DTU): TcI, TcII, TcIII, TcIV, TcV y TcVI. The factors determining the dynamics of T. cruzi genotypes vector transmission of Chagas' disease in the different geographical regions of Perú are still unknown. Objective: To detect and type T. cruzi DTUs from the faeces of seven species of triatomines (Panstrongylus chinai, P. geniculatus, P. herreri, Rhodnius robustus, R. pictipes, Triatoma carrioni and T. infestans) captured in eight departments from different natural regions of Perú. Materials and methods: We examined 197 insects for detecting trypanosomes. DNA was extracted from each insect intestinal contents and PCR amplification of kDNA, SL-IR, 24Sa rRNA and 18Sa RNAwas performed for detecting T. cruzi DTUs. Results: Five T. rangeli and 113 T. cruzi infections were detected; 95 of the latter were identified as TcI (two in P. chinai, one in P. geniculatus, 68 in P. herreri, four in R. pictipes, seven in R. robustus, one in T. carrioni, 12 in T. infestans), five as TcII (four in P. herreri, one in T. infestans), four as TcIII (three in P. herreri, one in R. robustus) and four TcIV infections in P. herreri. Conclusions: This is the first study which has attempted a large-scale characterization of T. cruzi found in the intestine of epidemiologically important vectors in Perú, thus providing basic information that will facilitate a better understanding of the dynamics of T. cruzi vector transmission in Perú.