Entomological profile of Chagas disease in the municipality of Potengi – CE, Brazi

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the entomological profile of Chagas disease in rural and peri-urban areas in Potengi – CE, and triatomine bugs’ infection by Trypanosoma cruzi. Secondary data were obtained from the 20th Regional Health Coordination of Chagas Disease Control Program, originated from active search of Agents for Combating Endemic Diseases made between 2013 and 2015. It was found that 69.23% of surveyed homes were infested by triatomine bugs, being 1.150 specimens collected in peridomicile and 145 in intradomicile. The species Triatoma pseudomaculata, T. brasiliensis, Panstrongylus lutzi, and Rhodnius nasutus were identified, being T. pseudomaculata the most prevalent, followed by T. brasiliensis. Amongst the captured triatomine bugs, 1.34% were infected by Trypanosoma cruzi, of which Triatoma pseudomaculata had the highest infection representativeness. Triatomine bugs’ infestation in residences and annexes in Potengi municipality shows their colonization and adaption to domestic environment, being necessary improvements epidemiological surveillances and control of these vectors.