Seasonal changes in infectivity of domestic populations of Triatoma infestans

Abstract

This paper examines the infection rate of Trypanosoma cruzi in Triatoma infestans, the main vector of Chagas disease in Argentina and neighbouring countries. The study was carried out in 1986–1987 on 5 houses ( ranchos) in the endemic area of central Argentina. Domestic T. infestans populations were sampled in each season with a constant capture effort (2·5 man-hours/house) using a chemical irritant. The rectal content of the bugs was examined for the presence of T. cruzi. The vector population density showed seasonal changes with highest values during the hot season (November–April). The percentage of infected bugs was higher in mid-spring (November) and autumn (April) than in winter (August) and early spring (October). The mean number of parasites (epimastigotes and trypomastigotes) per μl of rectal material was very high during mid- and late spring (December). The percentage and number of metacyclic forms differed between seasons, reaching the highest values in late spring. The percentage of infected bugs in houses with children younger than 10 years old was higher than that in houses without children, during all the seasons. Late spring seemed to be the period when domestic populations of T. infestans had the highest vector potential.