Distribution of Triatoma dimidiata sensu lato (Reduviidae: Triatominae) and Risk Factors Associated with Household Invasion in Northern Belize, Central America

Angela T. Caranci*, John P. Grieco, Nicole L. Achee, David F. Hoel, Kim Bautista, Russell King, V. Ann Stewart, Jittawadee Murphy, Penny Masuoka, Cara H. Olsen

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

To date, Triatoma dimidiata sensu lato [Reduviidae: Triatominae (Latreille 1811)] remains the sole vector species associated with Chagas disease transmission reported from Belize. Human infection data are limited for Belize and the disease transmission dynamics have not been thoroughly investigated, yet the likelihood of autochthonous transmission is supported by the widespread collection of infected vectors from within local households. Here, we report updated infection rates of the vector population and infestation rates for villages in north and central Belize. Overall, 275 households were enrolled in an ongoing vector surveillance program. Of the 41 insects collected, 25 were PCR positive for T. cruzi, indicating an infection rate as high as 60%. To further characterize the epidemiological risk of human-vector contact, determinants of household invasion were modeled. Local households were surveyed and characterized with respect to over 25 key factors that may be associated with household infestation by T. dimidiata s.l. While final models were not strongly predictive with respect to the risk factors that were surveyed, likely due to the low number of collection observations, the presence of domestic/peri-domestic dogs, nearby light sources, and household structure materials could be the focus of continued risk assessments. In northern Belize, this vector survey lends support to T. dimidiata s.l. inhabiting sylvatic settings as opposed to the classical paradigm of domiciliated vector populations. This designation has strong implications for the local level of human exposure risk which can help guide vector surveillance and control resources.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)764-771
Number of pages8
JournalJournal of Medical Entomology
Volume59
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Mar 2022
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Chagas disease
  • Triatoma dimidiata
  • sylvatic
  • vector surveillance

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