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6 September 2024 Pilot Program for the Passive Surveillance of Triatomines and Increasing the Awareness of Chagas Disease in Mexico
Juan P. Fimbres-Macias, Jader de Oliveira, Enrique Corona-Barrera, Rogelio Carrera-Treviño, Gabriel L. Hamer, Sarah A. Hamer
Author Affiliations +
Abstract

Chagas disease (CD) is a zoonotic disease caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi (Chagas), which is transmitted by triatomine insects. Our objective was to generate data about the vectors of CD through passive surveillance and inform the public using social media and community science. We received pictures and specimens to be tested for T. cruzi and identified recent sources of bloodmeal using PCR. Citizen scientists reported 44 triatomines from 15 states in Mexico and one from Nicaragua, including 9 species. Triatoma dimidiata sensu lato and Triatoma gerstaeckeri were the most common. We received 12 specimens, and T. cruzi was detected in eight (67%) of the discrete typing unit TcI. We identified bloodmeal sources in six triatomines, including humans and dogs. We generated data that matches previous findings and new information for northeastern Mexico. Thus, we conclude that citizen science can complement the study of CD.

La enfermedad de Chagas (EC) es una enfermedad zoonótica causada por Trypanosoma cruzi (Chagas), un parásito protozoario que es transmitido por insectos triatominos. Nuestro objetivo fue generar datos sobre vectores de la EC mediante vigilancia pasiva e informar a la población utilizando redes sociales y ciencia ciudadana. Recibimos fotografías y especímenes que analizamos para detectar T. cruzi e identificar la fuente reciente de alimentación mediante PCR. Nos reportaron 44 triatominos de 15 estados en México y uno de Nicaragua; incluyendo nueve especies, siendo T. dimidiata sensu lato y Triatoma gerstaeckeri las más comunes. Recibimos 12 especímenes y encontramos T. cruzi en ocho (67%) de la unidad taxonómica discreta TcI. Identificamos la fuente de alimentación en seis triatominos incluyendo humano y perro. Generamos datos que coinciden con reportes previos e información nueva para el noreste de México, por lo que concluimos que la ciencia ciudadana puede ser un complemento para estudiar la EC.

Juan P. Fimbres-Macias, Jader de Oliveira, Enrique Corona-Barrera, Rogelio Carrera-Treviño, Gabriel L. Hamer, and Sarah A. Hamer "Pilot Program for the Passive Surveillance of Triatomines and Increasing the Awareness of Chagas Disease in Mexico," Southwestern Entomologist 49(3), 1059-1070, (6 September 2024). https://doi.org/10.3958/059.049.0325
Published: 6 September 2024
KEYWORDS
chinche besucona
ciencia ciudadana
citizen science
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kissing bug
Trypanosoma cruzi
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