[Triatomines (Reduviidae: Triatominae) in a Chagas disease focus in Talaigua Nuevo (Bolívar, Colombia)].
BACKGROUND
The epidemiological importance and ecological characteristics of triatomines were investigated in a Chagas disease focus in Talaigua Nuevo, Bolivar Province.


OBJECTIVE
To describe and correlate the ecological characteristics of triatomines in a Chagas disease focus.


METHODS
Triatomines were collected in 300 domiciles located in the urban zone of Talaigua Nuevo. This included inspection of microhabitats in and around the domestic environment, and also wine palms, woodpiles and firewood.


RESULTS
Among the 103 triatomines collected, four species were identified--Triatoma maculata, Eratyrus cuspidatus, Panstrongylus geniculatus, and Rhodnius prolixus. T. maculata was the most abundant species (92.23%). The majority (93%) were collected in the intradomiciliary environment.


CONCLUSIONS
Individuals of T. maculata naturally infected with Trypanosoma were recorded for the first time in Bolivar Province. The distribution range of P. geniculatus and R. prolixus was expanded. Using a multiple correspondence analysis, no relationship was discerned between the house type and occurrence of triatomines.
Corté
Luis Alberto
LA
Unidad de Entomología, Secretaría de Salud de Bolívar, Cartagena, Colombia. luisgonatodes@hotmail.com
Suárez
Henry Alberto
HA
D000818:Animals; D014355:Chagas Disease / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000469:parasitology*; D003105:Colombia / Q000453:epidemiology; D004772:Entomology; D006801:Humans; D014225:Triatominae / Q000469:parasitology*