title: Habitat Management to Reduce Human Exposure to Trypanosoma cruzi and Western Conenose Bugs (Triatoma protracta).
abstract: Chagas disease, which manifests as cardiomyopathy and severe gastrointestinal dysfunction, is caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, a vector-borne parasite. In California, the vector Triatoma protracta frequently colonizes woodrat (Neotoma spp.) lodges, but may also invade nearby residences, feeding upon humans and creating the dual risk of bite-induced anaphylaxis and T. cruzi transmission. Our research aimed to assess T. cruzi presence in woodrats in a previously unstudied northern California area, statistically evaluate woodrat microhabitat use with respect to vegetation parameters, and provide guidance for habitat modifications to mitigate public health risks associated with Tr. protracta exposure. Blood samples from big-eared woodrats (N. macrotis) trapped on rural private properties yielded a T. cruzi prevalence of 14.3%. Microhabitat analyses suggest that modifying vegetation to reduce understory density within a 40 meter radius of human residences might minimize woodrat lodge construction within this buffer area, potentially decreasing human exposure to Tr. protracta.
authors: One Health Institute, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA.
authors: Lisa
authors: L
authors: Shender
authors: California Department of Public Health, Sacramento, CA, USA.
authors: Michael
authors: M
authors: Niemela
authors: One Health Institute, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA.
authors: Patricia
authors: P
authors: Conrad
authors: One Health Institute, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA.
authors: Tracey
authors: T
authors: Goldstein
authors: One Health Institute, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA. jkmazet@ucdavis.edu.
authors: Jonna
authors: J
authors: Mazet
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002140:California; D014355:Chagas Disease; D017753:Ecosystem; D006801:Humans; D007303:Insect Vectors; D014224:Triatoma; D014349:Trypanosoma cruzi
keywords: California; Chagas disease; Microhabitat; Neotoma; Triatoma; Trypanosoma cruzi