Entomological survey in the state of Piauí, Northeastern Brazil, reveals intradomiciliary colonization of Triatoma brasiliensis macromelasoma

• Published in: Revista do Instituto de Medicina Tropical de São Paulo
• Main Authors: Silvia Menezes dos Santos, Danielle Misael de Sousa, Jessica Pereira dos Santos, José Felipe Pinheiro do Nascimento Vieira, Teresa Cristina Monte Gonçalves, Jacenir Reis dos Santos-Mallet, Filipe Anibal Carvalho-Costa
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Universidade de São Paulo (USP)
• Subjects: Chagas disease; Triatoma brasiliensis macromelasoma; State of Piauí; Arctic medicine. Tropical medicine; RC955-962; Infectious and parasitic diseases; RC109-216; Arctic
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1590/s1678-9946201759027; https://doaj.org/article/5470ebeeb37b4850a7d75443ae68f2cf

ABSTRACT This survey aimed to assess the presence of triatomine vectors of Chagas disease within the rural communities of São João do Piauí, Northeast Brazil. Intradomiciliary and peridomiciliary collection strategies were implemented wherein 279 specimens of Triatoma brasiliensis macromelasoma, both nymph and adult were found in 15 (50%) of the studied homes. Of the intradomiciliary insects, 73 (67.6%) were identified as nymph instars (1st instar [N1]= 6, N2= 14, N3= 28, N4= 7 and N5= 18). In the studied communities, a continuous interaction between triatomine bugs and humans could be shown. It is therefore urgent that suitable strategies for the control of the triatomine vector are implemented in this area.