Dados do Trabalho

Título

Assessment of triatomine fauna in Novo Horizonte: Insights from the Oxente Chagas Bahia Project

Introdução

Chagas disease (CD) is a life-threatening neglected disease caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi. The parasite is primarily transmitted by triatomine insects, commonly known as kissing bugs. Despite Brazil being certified in 2006 for interrupting  transmission by Triatoma infestans, the main vector of T. cruzi, residual foci of this vector were reported in Novo Horizonte, Bahia, in 2015. Since then, other triatomine species have emerged, potentially contributing to the continued transmission of T. cruzi. This issue persists across nearly Brazilian states, including Bahia.

Objetivo (s)

This study investigated the spatio-temporal distribution of triatomines in Novo Horizonte, Bahia, from 2017 to 2024. 

Material e Métodos

Data were collected through active and passive surveillance conducted by the municipal Endemic Disease Center. Information included geographic location, type of residential area, species of captured vectors, and microscopic detection of the parasite via intestinal compression.

Resultados e Conclusão

Between 2017 and 2024, 617 triatomines were captured, with 604 found in residences. Among these, 544 cases (88.2%) were in rural areas and 73 (12.1%) in urban area, with nine residences had multiple species identified. The distribution of captures is as follows: 350 triatomines in the peridomestic area, 110 in the intradomestic area, and 145 with no specific residential area registration. The species identified were: Triatoma sordida (n = 314), T. lenti (n = 126), T. pseudomaculata (n = 20), Panstrongylus diasi (n = 4), T. melanocephala (n = 1 specimen), T. geniculatus (n = 1), T. lutzi (n = 3), and six unidentified specimens. Trypanosoma cruzi was identified in a single specimen of T. pseudomaculata captured in the peridomestic area from a rural residence. Although T. infestans has been eradicated, the population of Novo Horizonte, Bahia, remains at risk of T. cruzi infection via other vectors. Despite municipal epidemiological surveillance efforts, greater attention is required, particularly in actively searching for chronic CD cases through serological screening and clinical monitoring. In this context, the Oxente Chagas Bahia Project has significantly contributed to supporting the local population by adopting an One Health approach.

Palavras Chave

Chagas disease; Vector Control of Diseases; One health; Oxente Chagas Bahia