The triatomines of northern Peru, with emphasis on the ecology and infection by trypanosomes of Rhodnius ecuadoriensis (Triatominae).
Information on the distribution and synanthropic behaviour of triatomines is essential for Chagas disease vector control. This work summarises such information from northern Peru, and presents new data on Rhodnius ecuadoriensis - an important local vector infesting 10-35% of dwellings in some zones. Three species are strongly synanthropic and may be suitable targets for chemical control of domestic/peridomestic bug populations. Panstrongylus herreri, the main domestic vector in the area, is probably present in sylvatic ecotopes in the Marañón river system. R. ecuadoriensis and Triatoma dimidiata seem exclusively domestic; biogeographical and ecological data suggest they might have spread in association with humans in northern Peru. Confirmation of this hypothesis would result in a local eradication strategy being recommended. Presence of trypanosome natural infection was assessed in 257 R. ecuadoriensis; Trypanosoma rangeli was detected in 4% of bugs. Six further triatomine species are potential disease vectors in the region (T. carrioni, P. chinai, P. rufotuberculatus, P. geniculatus, R. pictipes, and R. robustus), whilst Eratyrus mucronatus, E. cuspidatus, Cavernicola pilosa, Hermanlentia matsunoi, and Belminus peruvianus have little or no epidemiological significance. A strong community-based entomological surveillance system and collaboration with Ecuadorian public health authorities and researchers are recommended.
Cuba
César A Cuba
CA
Unidade de Parasitologia Médica-Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brasil.
Abad-Franch
Fernando
F
Roldan Rodriguez
Judith
J
Vargas Vasquez
Franklin
F
Pollack Velasquez
Luis
L
Miles
Michael A
MA
D000818:Animals; D017753:Ecosystem; D004484:Ecuador; D007303:Insect Vectors / Q000145:classification* / Q000469:parasitology*; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D014225:Triatominae / Q000145:classification* / Q000469:parasitology*; D014349:Trypanosoma cruzi / Q000302:isolation & purification*