Descriptive analysis and geospatial statistics were performed on triatomine data, (1) the relative abundance and (2) proportional spatial distribution, from Bahia during two periods (A) 1957 to 1971 and (B) 2006 to 2019.
Results:
We observed a decrease in the relative abundance of Panstrongylus megistus (A n=22.032, 61.9%; B n=1.842, 1.0%) and Triatoma infestans (A n=1.310, 3.7%; B n=763, 0.43%), as well as an increase in the relative abundance of T. sordida (A n=8.314, 23.4%, B n=146.901, 81.6%) and T. pseudomaculata (A n=894, 2.5%, B n=16.717, 9.3%).
Conclusions:
Our results indicate a clear reduction in the occurrence of P. megistus and T. infestans (last record in 2015) and an increase in the relative abundance and geographical distribution of T. sordida and T. pseudomaculata after 40 years of the vector-control program. The high frequency of other triatomine species in the municipalities of the state of Bahia and their abundance in recent years highlight the need to reinforce permanent entomological surveillance actions to prevent Chagas disease.