Analysis on the food source of Panstrongylus megistus (Hemiptera, Reduviidae, Triatominae) and its present importance as a vector for Trypanosoma cruzi, in the State of Minas Gerais

作者：Villela Marcos Marreiro^*; Cortico Correa Rodrigues Vera Lucia; Casanova Claudio; Pinto Dias Joao Carlos

来源：Revista da Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical, 2010, 43(2): 125-128.

DOI：10.1590/S0037-86822010000200004

• Chagas disease
• Food source
• Panstrongylus megistus

Introduction: Investigation of the food source of triatomines helps in understanding the biology of these insects, and also helps to infer their importance in transmitting Trypanosoma cruzi to humans. Methods: The present study aimed to use the precipitin reaction to record the food source of triatomines from 54 municipalities in the central-western region of the State of Minas Gerais, as well as their natural infection by flagellates similar to Trypanosoma cruzi. Results: From July 2003 to March 2007, 416 insects were evaluated, all from the species Panstrongylus megistus. Among all these occurrences, birds (70%) and humans (22.5%) were the major blood sources. Sixteen (3.8%) of the insects were found to be positive for flagellates similar to Trypanosoma cruzi, and eight performed hematophagia on humans. Conclusions: The results show the need to increase the entomological surveillance in this region, given that the possibility of new cases of Chagas disease occurring through vector transmission was detected.

• 出版日期2010-4