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.