title: An innovative ecohealth intervention for Chagas disease vector control in Yucatan, Mexico.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Non-domiciliated (intrusive) triatomine vectors remain a challenge for the sustainability of Chagas disease vector control as these triatomines are able to transiently (re-)infest houses. One of the best-characterized examples is Triatoma dimidiata from the Yucatan peninsula, Mexico, where adult insects seasonally infest houses between March and July.
  
  
  METHODS
  We focused our study on three rural villages in the state of Yucatan, Mexico, in which we performed a situation analysis as a first step before the implementation of an ecohealth (ecosystem approach to health) vector control intervention.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The identification of the key determinants affecting the transient invasion of human dwellings by T. dimidiata was performed by exploring associations between bug presence and qualitative and quantitative variables describing the ecological, biological and social context of the communities. We then used a participatory action research approach for implementation and evaluation of a control strategy based on window insect screens to reduce house infestation by T. dimidiata.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This ecohealth approach may represent a valuable alternative to vertically-organized insecticide spraying. Further evaluation may confirm that it is sustainable and provides effective control (in the sense of limiting infestation of human dwellings and vector/human contacts) of intrusive triatomines in the region.
authors.affiliation: Laboratorio de Parasitología, Centro de Investigaciones Regionales "Dr. Hideyo Noguchi", Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico.
authors.forename: Etienne
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Waleckx
authors.affiliation: Laboratorio de Parasitología, Centro de Investigaciones Regionales "Dr. Hideyo Noguchi", Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico.
authors.forename: Javier
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Camara-Mejia
authors.affiliation: Laboratorio de Parasitología, Centro de Investigaciones Regionales "Dr. Hideyo Noguchi", Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico.
authors.forename: Maria Jesus
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Ramirez-Sierra
authors.affiliation: Laboratorio de Parasitología, Centro de Investigaciones Regionales "Dr. Hideyo Noguchi", Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico.
authors.forename: Vladimir
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Cruz-Chan
authors.affiliation: Laboratorio de Parasitología, Centro de Investigaciones Regionales "Dr. Hideyo Noguchi", Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico.
authors.forename: Miguel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rosado-Vallado
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Control de Vectores, Servicios de Salud de Yucatán, Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico.
authors.forename: Santos
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Vazquez-Narvaez
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Control de Vectores, Servicios de Salud de Yucatán, Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico.
authors.forename: Rosario
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Najera-Vazquez
authors.affiliation: EA 4218 Institut de Modélisation et d'Analyses en Géo-Environnement et Santé, Université de Perpignan Via Domitia, Perpignan, France.
authors.forename: Sébastien
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gourbière
authors.affiliation: Laboratorio de Parasitología, Centro de Investigaciones Regionales "Dr. Hideyo Noguchi", Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico oliver@uady.mx edumonte@tulane.edu.
authors.forename: Eric
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Dumonteil
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D014355:Chagas Disease / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission; D004197:Disease Reservoirs; D017753:Ecosystem; D006790:Host-Parasite Interactions; D006798:Housing / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D007300:Insect Control / Q000458:organization & administration*; D007303:Insect Vectors; D008800:Mexico / Q000453:epidemiology; D009936:Organizational Innovation; D011159:Population Surveillance; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D012424:Rural Population; D012621:Seasons; D014224:Triatoma / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000469:parasitology; D014349:Trypanosoma cruzi / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000472:pathogenicity*
keywords: Chagas disease; Community participation; Triatoma dimidiata; Vector control