Combining geospatial analysis and exploratory study of triatomine ecology to evaluate the risk of Chagas disease in a rural locality.
The use of geo-spatial analysis to anticipate transmission risk for Chagas disease was tested in a rural area of northeast Brazil in an approach that combined geo-referencing and exploratory study of triatomine infestation, including related elements such as the environment and hosts. A total of 617 triatomine specimens, mainly Triatoma brasiliensis, were captured, exhibiting an overall T. cruzi positivity of 44.4%. Layer analysis indicated that the greatest transmission risk to man was associated with woodpiles. The buffer area generated contained uninhabited dwellings teeming with bats and positive bugs. Other locations outside the buffer, near uninhabited dwellings housing cattle, contained colonies of triatomines harboring T. cruzi. The results indicate that local residents' activities themselves favor the development of risk areas for Chagas disease.
Laboratório de Eco-Epidemiologia da Doença de Chagas, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Brazil.
Carolina F S
CF
Coutinho
Reinaldo
R
Souza-Santos
Marli M
MM
Lima
D000822:Animal Husbandry; D000818:Animals; D000829:Animals, Domestic; D001938:Brazil; D002417:Cattle; D014355:Chagas Disease / Q000635:transmission*; D017753:Ecosystem; D005843:Geography; D006802:Human Activities; D006801:Humans; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012424:Rural Population; D014224:Triatoma / Q000145:classification / Q000254:growth & development*