Diversity and interactions among triatomine bugs, their blood feeding sources, gut microbiota and Trypanosoma cruzi in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta in Colombia

Trypanosoma cruzi/Triatomine Interactions-A Review

This review summarizes the interactions between Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiologic agent of Chagas disease, and its vectors, the triatomines, and highlights open questions. Four important facts should be emphasized at the outset: (1) The development of T. cruzi strains and their interactions with the mammalian host and the insect vector vary greatly. (2) Only about 10 of over 150 triatomine species have been studied for their interactions with the protozoan parasite. (3) The use of laboratory strains of triatomines makes generalizations difficult, as maintenance conditions influence the interactions. (4) The intestinal microbiota is involved in the interactions, but the mutualistic symbionts, Actinomycetales, have so far only been identified in four species of triatomines. The effects of the vector on T. cruzi are reflected in a different colonization ability of T. cruzi in different triatomine species. In addition, the conditions in the intestine lead to strong multiplication in the posterior midgut and rectum, with infectious metacyclic trypomastigotes developing almost exclusively in the latter. Starvation and feeding of the vector induce the development of certain stages of T. cruzi. The negative effects of T. cruzi on the triatomines depend on the T. cruzi strain and are particularly evident when the triatomines are stressed. The intestinal immunity of the triatomines responds to ingested blood-stage trypomastigotes of some T. cruzi strains and affects many intestinal bacteria, but not all and not the mutualistic symbionts. The specific interaction between T. cruzi and the bacteria is evident after the knockdown of antimicrobial peptides: the number of non-symbiotic bacteria increases and the number of T. cruzi decreases. In long-term infections, the suppression of intestinal immunity is indicated by the growth of specific microbiota.

Coinfection by multiple Trypanosoma cruzi clones: a new perspective on host-parasite relationship with consequences for pathogenesis and management of Chagas disease

SUMMARYChagas disease (CD) is caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi (Tc), infecting 6-7 million people. It is transmitted by insect vectors, orally, through infected tissues, or congenitally. Tc infection can progress toward chronic cardiac and/or digestive severe and fatal CD in 20%-40% of patients. Tc exhibits an important genetic and phenotypic intraspecies diversity and a preponderant clonal population structure. The impact of multiclonal coinfections has been little studied in CD patients. Relationships between the currently used discrete typing unit (DTU)-based classification of Tc lineages and the occurrence of the different clinical forms of CD, its congenital transmission, as well as the efficacy of trypanocidal molecules (benznidazole and nifurtimox) could not be established. In this review, we revisit the different aspects of Tc diversity and analyze the impact of infections with multiple clones and their variants on the dynamic and pathogenesis of CD and its maternal-fetal transmission. We propose to call "cruziome" all the Tc clones and their variants infecting a given host and provide strong evidence that (i) multiclonal Tc infections are likely the rule rather than the exception; (ii) each "cruziome" is associated with a unique combination of virulence factors, tissular tropisms, and host immune responses; (iii) accordingly, some particularly harmful "cruziomes" likely trigger the occurrence and progression of CD and might also favor the congenital transmission of parasites. We propose that our concept of "cruziome" should be taken into consideration because of its practical consequences in epidemiological studies, laboratory diagnosis, clinical management, and treatment of CD.

Triatomine Fauna and Natural Infection by Trypanosoma (Schizotrypanum) cruzi (Kinetoplastea: Trypanosomatidae) in the Caribbean Region of Panama, Colombia, and Venezuela: A Systematic Review

Chagas disease (CD) is a zoonosis caused by the hemoflagellate Trypanosoma cruzi, which is transmitted by insects of the subfamily Triatominae. Studies to identify the vectors involved in the transmission of T. cruzi have been conducted in the Caribbean regions of Colombia, Venezuela, and Panama. However, retrospective studies and comprehensive reviews covering these three countries are still lacking, limiting our understanding of this issue. This study used the PRISMA method to conduct a systematic review of studies on the triatomine fauna and its natural infection by T. cruzi in the Caribbean regions of Panama, Colombia, and Venezuela, using descriptors such as "Chagas disease," "Triatominae," and "Trypanosoma cruzi" applied individually for each state, department, or province of the three countries. A total of 3477 studies were identified through a search of the PubMed, Scielo, and ScienceDirect databases. After the selection process, 48 articles were included, with six additional articles obtained through indirect search methods. A total of 18,344 triatomines belonging to 14 species of seven genera were identified from these 48 articles. The most common species was Rhodnius pallescens (Barber) with 7540 individuals (41.10%). Among the total sample, 5158 triatomines (28.28%) tested positive for T. cruzi infection. Five discrete typing units (DTUs) were detected, TcI, TcII, TcIII, TcIV, and TcV, with TcI being more prevalent and widely distributed in the three countries. This study contributed significantly to the identification of knowledge gaps and priority areas for future epidemiologic research.

Trypanosomes and gut microbiota interactions in triatomine bugs and tsetse flies: A vectorial perspective

Triatomines (kissing bugs) and tsetse flies (genus: Glossina) are natural vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi and Trypanosoma brucei, respectively. T. cruzi is the causative agent of Chagas disease, endemic in Latin America, while T. brucei causes African sleeping sickness disease in sub-Saharan Africa. Both triatomines and tsetse flies are host to a diverse community of gut microbiota that co-exist with the parasites in the gut. Evidence has shown that the gut microbiota of both vectors plays a key role in parasite development and transmission. However, knowledge on the mechanism involved in parasite-microbiota interaction remains limited and scanty. Here, we attempt to analyse Trypanosoma spp. and gut microbiota interactions in tsetse flies and triatomines, with a focus on understanding the possible mechanisms involved by reviewing published articles on the subject. We report that interactions between Trypanosoma spp. and gut microbiota can be both direct and indirect. In direct interactions, the gut microbiota directly affects the parasite via the formation of biofilms and the production of anti-parasitic molecules, while on the other hand, Trypanosoma spp. produces antimicrobial proteins to regulate gut microbiota of the vector. In indirect interactions, the parasite and gut bacteria affect each other through host vector-activated processes such as immunity and metabolism. Although we are beginning to understand how gut microbiota interacts with the Trypanosoma parasites, there is still a need for further studies on functional role of gut microbiota in parasite development to maximize the use of symbiotic bacteria in vector and parasite control.

Interaction of Trypanosoma cruzi, Triatomines and the Microbiota of the Vectors-A Review

This review summarizes the interactions between Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiologic agent of Chagas disease, its vectors, triatomines, and the diverse intestinal microbiota of triatomines, which includes mutualistic symbionts, and highlights open questions. T. cruzi strains show great biological heterogeneity in their development and their interactions. Triatomines differ from other important vectors of diseases in their ontogeny and the enzymes used to digest blood. Many different bacteria colonize the intestinal tract of triatomines, but only Actinomycetales have been identified as mutualistic symbionts. Effects of the vector on T. cruzi are indicated by differences in the ability of T. cruzi to establish in the triatomines and in colonization peculiarities, i.e., proliferation mainly in the posterior midgut and rectum and preferential transformation into infectious metacyclic trypomastigotes in the rectum. In addition, certain forms of T. cruzi develop after feeding and during starvation of triatomines. Negative effects of T. cruzi on the triatomine vectors appear to be particularly evident when the triatomines are stressed and depend on the T. cruzi strain. Effects on the intestinal immunity of the triatomines are induced by ingested blood-stage trypomastigotes of T. cruzi and affect the populations of many non-symbiotic intestinal bacteria, but not all and not the mutualistic symbionts. After the knockdown of antimicrobial peptides, the number of non-symbiotic bacteria increases and the number of T. cruzi decreases. Presumably, in long-term infections, intestinal immunity is suppressed, which supports the growth of specific bacteria, depending on the strain of T. cruzi. These interactions may provide an approach to disrupt T. cruzi transmission.

Abundant triatomines in Texas dog kennel environments: Triatomine collections, infection with Trypanosoma cruzi, and blood feeding hosts

Triatomine insects are vectors of the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi- the causative agent of Chagas disease. Chagas disease is endemic to Latin America and the southern United States and can cause severe cardiac damage in infected mammals, ranging from chronic disease to sudden death. Identifying interactions among triatomines, T. cruzi discrete typing units (DTUs), and blood feeding hosts is necessary to understand parasite transmission dynamics and effectively protect animal and human health. Through manual insect trapping efforts, kennel staff collections, and with the help of a trained scent detection dog, we collected triatomines from 10 multi-dog kennels across central and south Texas over a one-year period (2018-2019) and tested a subset to determine their T. cruzi infection status and identify the primary bloodmeal hosts. We collected 550 triatomines, including Triatoma gerstaeckeri (n = 515), Triatoma lecticularia (n = 15), Triatoma sanguisuga (n = 6), and Triatoma indictiva (n = 2), with an additional 10 nymphs and 2 adults unable to be identified to species. The trained dog collected 42 triatomines, including nymphs, from areas not previously considered vector habitat by the kennel owners. Using qPCR, we found a T. cruzi infection prevalence of 47 % (74/157), with T. lecticularia individuals more likely to be infected with T. cruzi than other species. Infected insects harbored two T. cruzi discrete typing units: TcI (64 %), TcIV (23 %), and mixed TcI/TcIV infections (13 %). Bloodmeal host identification was successful in 50/149 triatomines, revealing the majority (74 %) fed on a dog (Canis lupus), with other host species including humans (Homo sapiens), raccoons (Procyon lotor), chickens (Gallus gallus), wild pig (Sus scrofa), black vulture (Coragyps atratus), cat (Felis catus), and curve-billed thrasher (Toxostoma curviostre). Given the frequency of interactions between dogs and infected triatomines in these kennel environments, dogs may be an apt target for future vector control and T. cruzi intervention efforts.

Intra-host Trypanosoma cruzi strain dynamics shape disease progression: the missing link in Chagas disease pathogenesis

Chronic Chagasic cardiomyopathy develops years after infection in 20-40% of patients, but disease progression is poorly understood. Here, we assessed Trypanosoma cruzi parasite dynamics and pathogenesis over a 2.5-year period in naturally infected rhesus macaques. Individuals with better control of parasitemia were infected with a greater diversity of parasite strains compared to those with increasing parasitemia over time. Also, the in vivo parasite multiplication rate decreased with increasing parasite diversity, suggesting competition among strains or a stronger immune response in multiple infections. Significant differences in electrocardiographic (ECG) profiles were observed in Chagasic macaques compared to uninfected controls, suggesting early conduction defects, and changes in ECG patterns over time were observed only in macaques with increasing parasitemia and lower parasite diversity. Disease progression was also associated with plasma fibronectin degradation, which may serve as a biomarker. These data provide a novel framework for the understanding of Chagas disease pathogenesis, with parasite diversity shaping disease progression.IMPORTANCEChagas disease progression remains poorly understood, and patients at increased risk of developing severe cardiac disease cannot be distinguished from those who may remain asymptomatic. Monitoring of Trypanosoma cruzi strain dynamics and pathogenesis over 2-3 years in naturally infected macaques shows that increasing parasite diversity in hosts is detrimental to parasite multiplication and Chagasic cardiomyopathy disease progression. This provides a novel framework for the understanding of Chagas disease pathogenesis.

Humans as blood-feeding sources in sylvatic triatomines of Chile unveiled by next-generation sequencing

BACKGROUND

Triatomines are blood-sucking insects capable of transmitting Trypanosoma cruzi, the parasite that causes Chagas disease in humans. Vectorial transmission entails an infected triatomine feeding on a vertebrate host, release of triatomine infective dejections, and host infection by the entry of parasites through mucous membranes, skin abrasions, or the biting site; therefore, transmission to humans is related to the triatomine-human contact. In this cross-sectional study, we evaluated whether humans were detected in the diet of three sylvatic triatomine species (Mepraia parapatrica, Mepraia spinolai, and Triatoma infestans) present in the semiarid-Mediterranean ecosystem of Chile.

METHODS

We used triatomines collected from 32 sites across 1100 km, with an overall T. cruzi infection frequency of 47.1% (N = 4287 total specimens) by conventional PCR or qPCR. First, we amplified the vertebrate cytochrome b gene (cytb) from all DNA samples obtained from triatomine intestinal contents. Then, we sequenced cytb-positive PCR products in pools of 10-20 triatomines each, grouped by site. The filtered sequences were grouped into amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) with a minimum abundance of 100 reads. ASVs were identified by selecting the best BLASTn match against the NCBI nucleotide database.

RESULTS

Overall, 16 mammal (including human), 14 bird, and seven reptile species were identified in the diet of sylvatic triatomines. Humans were part of the diet of all analyzed triatomine species, and it was detected in 19 sites representing 12.19% of the sequences.

CONCLUSIONS

Sylvatic triatomine species from Chile feed on a variety of vertebrate species; many of them are detected here for the first time in their diet. Our results highlight that the sylvatic triatomine-human contact is noteworthy. Education must be enforced for local inhabitants, workers, and tourists arriving in endemic areas to avoid or minimize the risk of exposure to Chagas disease vectors.

Metabolomics of developmental changes in Triatoma sanguisuga gut microbiota

Triatoma sanguisuga is one of the major vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi in the southeastern US, where it sustains a robust zoonotic parasite transmission cycle and occasional human infections. A better understanding of triatomine development may allow for alternative approaches to insecticide-based vector control. Indeed, the role of the gut microbiota and bacterial endosymbionts in triatomine development and in their vectorial capacity is emerging. We investigated here the differences in microbiota among nymph and adult T. sanguisuga, to shed light on the metabolomic interactions occurring during development. Microbiota composition was assessed by 16s gene amplification and deep sequencing from field-caught adult bugs and their laboratory-raised progeny. Significant differences in microbiota bacterial diversity and composition were observed between nymphs and adults. Laboratory-raised nymphs showed a higher taxonomic diversity, and at least seven families predominated. On the other hand, field-caught adults had a lower bacterial diversity and four families comprised most of the microbiota. These differences in compositions were associated with differences in predicted metabolism, with laboratory-raised nymphs microbiota metabolizing a limited diversity of carbon sources, with potential for resource competition between bacterial families, and the production of lactic acid as a predominant fermentation product. On the other hand, field-caught adult microbiota was predicted to metabolize a broader diversity of carbon sources, with complementarity rather than competition among taxa, and produced a diverse range of products in a more balanced manner. The restricted functionality of laboratory-raised nymph microbiota may be associated with their poor development in captivity, and further understanding of the metabolic interactions at play may lead to alternative vector control strategies targeting triatomine microbiota.

Opportunistic or selective? Stage-dependent feeding behavior in a wild vector of Chagas disease

The composition and contribution of different host species in the dynamics of vector-borne zoonotic parasites are particularly relevant for public health. Hence, the study of host selection by vectors is fundamental. Developmental stage and infection status are factors that may modulate vector feeding behavior. In the semi-arid Mediterranean ecosystem of South America, the transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi, the protozoan causing Chagas disease, includes the triatomine vector Mepraia spinolai and several vertebrate species. In this field study, we examined whether M. spinolai exhibits an opportunistic feeding behavior dependent upon developmental stage and/or infection status. We found that M. spinolai does not feed according to the relative availability of vertebrate species. In addition, early stage nymphs (first/second instars) fed on twice as many different species as middle (third/fourth instars) and late (fifth instars and adults) M. spinolai, with the former feeding on native rodents and lizards and the latter mostly on rabbits. Infected and uninfected M. spinolai showed similar feeding profiles. Wild triatomine species might be described as stage-dependent selective blood feeders, as a consequence of the temporal and spatial scale at which host-vector interactions occur, highlighting that all developmental stages might be infected and capable of transmitting T. cruzi.

Estimating the genetic structure of Triatoma dimidiata (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) and the transmission dynamics of Trypanosoma cruzi in Boyacá, eastern Colombia

Chagas disease is considered a public health issue in Colombia, where many regions are endemic. Triatoma dimidiata is an important vector after Rhodnius prolixus, and it is gaining importance in Boyacá, eastern Colombia. Following the recent elimination of R. prolixus in the region, it is pivotal to understand the behavior of T. dimidiata and the transmission dynamics of T. cruzi. We used qPCR and Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) to evaluate T. cruzi infection, parasite load, feeding profiles, and T. cruzi genotyping for T. dimidiata specimens collected in nine municipalities in Boyacá and explored T. dimidiata population genetics. We found that T. dimidiata populations are composed by a single population with similar genetic characteristics that present infection rates up to 70%, high parasite loads up to 1.46 × 10⁹ parasite-equivalents/mL, a feeding behavior that comprises at least 17 domestic, synanthropic and sylvatic species, and a wide diversity of TcI genotypes even within a single specimen. These results imply that T. dimidiata behavior is similar to other successful vectors, having a wide variety of blood sources and contributing to the circulation of different genotypes of the parasite, highlighting its importance for T. cruzi transmission and risk for humans. In the light of the elimination of R. prolixus in Boyacá and the results we found, we suggest that T. dimidiata should become a new target for vector control programs. We hope this study provides enough information to enhance surveillance programs and a future effective interruption of T. cruzi vector transmission in endemic regions.

Chagas disease is a complex zoonotic infection caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi. This pathology is endemic in the Americas and causes a tremendous burden in terms of public health. The feces of triatomine bugs mainly transmit this parasite. A massive diversity of triatomines can be found in the north of South America, where Rhodnius is considered the most epidemiologically relevant genus. However, government efforts have attempted to control the vector transmission of specific regions. That is the case of Boyaca in eastern Colombia, which has several municipalities certified as free of R. prolixus transmission of the parasite. However, other species such as Triatoma dimidiata can occupy the left niche due to R. prolixus elimination. We explored the infection rate, parasite load, feeding preferences, and T. cruzi diversity in T. dimidiata specimens collected in municipalities with no R. prolixus infestation. Our results highlight the preponderant need for increasing serological surveillance and prevention in those communities due to the risk of a plausible reactivation of T. cruzi vector transmission due to T. dimidiata.

Towards environmental detection of Chagas disease vectors and pathogen

Chagas disease vector control relies on prompt, accurate identification of houses infested with triatomine bugs for targeted insecticide spraying. However, most current detection methods are laborious, lack standardization, have substantial operational costs and limited sensitivity, especially when triatomine bug densities are low or highly focal. We evaluated the use of FTA cards or cotton-tipped swabs to develop a low-technology, non-invasive method of detecting environmental DNA (eDNA) from both triatomine bugs and Trypanosoma cruzi for use in household surveillance in eastern Colombia, an endemic region for Chagas disease. Study findings demonstrated that Rhodnius prolixus eDNA, collected on FTA cards, can be detected at temperatures between 21 and 32 °C, when deposited by individual, recently blood-fed nymphs. Additionally, cotton-tipped swabs are a feasible tool for field sampling of both T. cruzi and R. prolixus eDNA in infested households and may be preferable due to their lower cost. eDNA detection should not yet replace current surveillance tools, but instead be evaluated in parallel as a more sensitive, higher-throughput, lower cost alternative. eDNA collection requires virtually no skills or resources in situ and therefore has the potential to be implemented in endemic communities as part of citizen science initiatives to control Chagas disease transmission.

Trypanosoma cruzi infection in the wild Chagas disease vector, Mepraia spinolai: Parasitic load, discrete typing units, and blood meal sources

BACKGROUND

Mepraia spinolai, a wild vector of Trypanosoma cruzi in Chile, is an abundant triatomine species that is frequently infected by the parasite that causes Chagas disease. The aim of this study was to determine if the parasitic load of T. cruzi in M. spinolai is related to its blood meal source and the infecting DTUs of T. cruzi.

METHODS

The vector was captured in rural areas. In the laboratory, DNA was extracted from its abdomen and T. cruzi was quantified using qPCR. Real time PCR assays for four T. cruzi DTUs were performed. Blood meal sources were identified by real-time PCR amplification of vertebrate cytochrome b gene sequences coupled with high resolution melting (HRM).

RESULTS

Trypanosoma cruzi was detected in 735 M. spinolai; in 484 we identified one blood meal source, corresponding to human, sylvatic, and domestic species. From these, in 224 we were able to discriminate the infecting DTU. When comparing the parasitic loads between the unique blood meal sources, no significant differences were found, but infections with more than one DTU showed higher parasitic loads than single infections. DTU TcI was detected in a high proportion of the samples.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher parasitic loads are related to a greater number of T. cruzi DTUs infecting M. spinolai, and this triatomine seems to have a wide span of vertebrate species in its diet.

Exposure to Trypanosoma parasites induces changes in the microbiome of the Chagas disease vector Rhodnius prolixus

BACKGROUND

The causative agent of Chagas disease, Trypanosoma cruzi, and its nonpathogenic relative, Trypanosoma rangeli, are transmitted by haematophagous triatomines and undergo a crucial ontogenetic phase in the insect's intestine. In the process, the parasites interfere with the host immune system as well as the microbiome present in the digestive tract potentially establishing an environment advantageous for development. However, the coherent interactions between host, pathogen and microbiota have not yet been elucidated in detail. We applied a metagenome shotgun sequencing approach to study the alterations in the microbiota of Rhodnius prolixus, a major vector of Chagas disease, after exposure to T. cruzi and T. rangeli focusing also on the functional capacities present in the intestinal microbiome of the insect.

RESULTS

The intestinal microbiota of R. prolixus was dominated by the bacterial orders Enterobacterales, Corynebacteriales, Lactobacillales, Clostridiales and Chlamydiales, whereas the latter conceivably originated from the blood used for pathogen exposure. The anterior and posterior midgut samples of the exposed insects showed a reduced overall number of organisms compared to the control group. However, we also found enriched bacterial groups after exposure to T. cruzi as well as T rangeli. While the relative abundance of Enterobacterales and Corynebacteriales decreased considerably, the Lactobacillales, mainly composed of the genus Enterococcus, developed as the most abundant taxonomic group. This applies in particular to vectors challenged with T. rangeli and at early timepoints after exposure to vectors challenged with T. cruzi. Furthermore, we were able to reconstruct four metagenome-assembled genomes from the intestinal samples and elucidate their unique metabolic functionalities within the triatomine microbiome, including the genome of a recently described insect symbiont, Candidatus Symbiopectobacterium, and the secondary metabolites producing bacteria Kocuria spp.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results facilitate a deeper understanding of the processes that take place in the intestinal tract of triatomine vectors during colonisation by trypanosomal parasites and highlight the influential aspects of pathogen-microbiota interactions. In particular, the mostly unexplored metabolic capacities of the insect vector's microbiome are clearer, underlining its role in the transmission of Chagas disease. Video Abstract.

Diversity of Trypanosoma cruzi parasites infecting Triatoma dimidiata in Central Veracruz, Mexico, and their One Health ecological interactions

Triatoma dimidiata is the main vector of Trypanosoma cruzi parasites in Veracruz, Mexico, and its association with human housing appears variable. Also, in spite of a high seroprevalence of T. cruzi infection in humans, parasite transmission remains poorly understood. Therefore, we aimed to identify T. dimidiata blood feeding sources and its parasite and microbial diversity to reconstruct T. cruzi parasite transmission ecology in central Veracruz, Mexico, within a One Health/Ecohealth framework. We used a metabarcoding and deep sequencing approach of specific markers for the simultaneous identification of T. dimidiata haplogroup (ITS-2), vertebrate blood meals (12 s gene), T. cruzi parasites (mini-exon gene), and gut microbiota (bacterial 16 s). Twelve species of domestic/synanthropic animals and humans were identified as blood sources, with multiple feeding on 4.2 ± 0.4 hosts per bug. The feeding/parasite transmission network was strongly centered on humans, emphasizing a significant risk of infection. We also unambiguously confirmed the presence of TcI, TcII, TcV and TcVI DTUs in T. dimidiata, and sequences from Veracruz tended to cluster apart from parasites from other regions, suggesting some level of local differentiation. Analysis of T. dimidiata microbiota suggested that several bacterial families may be associated with the presence/absence of T. cruzi, and some of these associations may also be parasite DTU-specific. Such integrative approaches within the EcoHealth/One Health framework provide key insights on T. cruzi transmission and potential novel strategies for disease control.

Molecular ecology of Triatoma dimidiata in southern Belize reveals risk for human infection and the local differentiation of Trypanosoma cruzi parasites

OBJECTIVE

In Belize, the main vector for Trypanosoma cruzi, the agent of Chagas disease, is Triatoma dimidiata, but transmission cycles and the risk for human infection are unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify T. dimidiata blood feeding sources and its parasite and microbial diversity, in order to reconstruct T. cruzi parasite transmission ecology in southern Belize.

METHODS

A metabarcoding approach based on deep sequencing of markers was used for bug taxonomy, blood meal sources, T. cruzi genotypes, and microbiota composition. Bugs were collected in 13 villages of Toledo district.

RESULTS

Bugs fed on at least 13 species, from domestic hosts such as humans, dogs, cows, and pigs, to synanthropic species such as mice, rats, and opossums, and sylvatic species such as deer, peccary, and kinkajou, in agreement with an opportunistic feeding behavior. Nonetheless, most feeding focused on a few species, including humans. Infection with T. cruzi was detected in 24 of 39 bugs (62%), and the analysis of 242 T. cruzi mini-exon sequences (average 10 ± 5 haplotypes per bug) indicated the presence of TcI and TcIV parasite discrete typing units (DTUs). However, for both DTUs, sequences from Belize mostly clustered apart from sequences from North and South America, suggesting the local differentiation of parasites. T. dimidiata also harbored a diverse bacterial microbiota, with ontogenic changes suggesting microbiota maturation during nymphal development.

CONCLUSIONS

Together, these results indicate a significant risk for T. cruzi infection in humans. They also highlight the need to better characterize the diversity of T. cruzi strains in the region and its impact on disease epidemiology.