ABSTRACT
There are reports regarding the presence of triatomine vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi, the causal agent of Chagas' disease, and infected individuals on the coast and zones south of the State of Guerrero, Mexico. Nonetheless, there are no completed reports in the Valley of Iguala. To know with greater precision endemic zones, seropositive individuals and their health condition, T. cruzi-infected triatomines and characteristics of dwellings were studied. Seroprevalence was 1.8% by indirect ELISA and latex agglutination techniques were carried out in serum of 450 individuals of three municipalities of the Valley of Iguala. We reported presence of triatomine and conditions of dwellings. Of 71 triatomines collected, 38.2% were infected with T. cruzi. Triatoma pallidipennis was the only triatomine species found. No seropositive persons presented intestinal, or cardiac problems. The greatest percentage of infected triatomines was observed in rural zones as compared to urban. Results suggest considerable risk of infection in the Valley of Iguala but studies regarding the infectivity capacity of T. cruzi strains are required.
