Geographic distribution, domiciliary infestation and natural infection of triatomines (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) in Piauí State, Brazil, in 2008

Abstract

ABSTRACT

The control and surveillance of Chagas disease must include ecological and geographical data on its vectors. The objective of this study is to analyze the geographic distribution, domiciliary infestation and natural infection patterns of triatomines captured in Piauí State, Brazil. Occurrence records and entomological data for the triatominae species, such as specimens captured in intra- and peridomiciliary locations and infestation, colonization, and natural infection data, were obtained via domiciliary capture in 129 municipalities in Piauí in 2008. Of the 11 recorded species, Triatoma brasiliensis and T. pseudomaculata presented the widest geographic distribution, followed by Panstrongylus lutzi and T. sordida. Rhodnius neglectus was more frequent in the south (cerrado areas), whereas R. nasutus, R. pictipes and R. robustus were found in northern areas of the State. P. geniculatus, P. megistus and Psammolestes tertius were rare. Of the 22,896 captured triatomine specimens, T. brasiliensis presented the highest rates of infestation and colonization. The index of natural infection of triatominae by flagellates morphologically similar to Trypanosoma cruzi was 0.8%. After 30 years of control and surveillance of Chagas disease vectors in Piauí, T. infestans may have been eliminated, and maintenance of a wide distribution of T. brasiliensis and T. pseudomaculata has been shown. Under this scenario, it is recommended that entomological surveillance and health education be reinforced to reduce the chances of colonization by native triatomine insects in households in Piauí State.