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Bernasconi DA, Miller ML, Hill JE, Gupta P, Chipman R, Gilbert AT, Rhodes OE, Dharmarajan G. RACCOONS (PROCYON LOTOR) SHOW HIGHER TRYPANOSOMA CRUZI DETECTION RATES THAN VIRGINIA OPOSSUMS (DIDELPHIS VIRGINIANA) IN SOUTH CAROLINA, USA. J Wildl Dis 2023; 59:673-683. [PMID: 37846907 DOI: 10.7589/jwd-d-22-00174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
Chagas disease, a significant public health concern in the Americas, is caused by a protozoan parasite, Trypanosoma cruzi. The life cycle of T. cruzi involves kissing bugs (Triatoma spp.) functioning as vectors and mammalian species serving as hosts. Raccoons (Procyon lotor) and opossums (Didelphis virginiana) have been identified as important reservoir species in the life cycle of T. cruzi, but prevalence in both species in the southeastern US is currently understudied. We quantified T. cruzi prevalence in these two key reservoir species across our study area in South Carolina, US, and identified factors that may influence parasite detection. We collected whole blood from 183 raccoons and 126 opossums and used PCR to detect the presence of T. cruzi. We then used generalized linear models with parasite detection status as a binary response variable and predictor variables of land cover, distance to water, sex, season, and species. Our analysis indicated that raccoons experienced significantly higher parasite detection rates than Virginia opossums, with T. cruzi prevalence found to be 26.5% (95% confidence interval [CI], 20.0-33.8) in raccoons and 10.5% (95% CI, 5.51-17.5) in opossums. Overall, our results concur with previous studies, in that T. cruzi is established in reservoir host populations in natural areas of the southeastern US.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Bernasconi
- Idaho Department of Fish and Game, 15950 North Gate Boulevard, Nampa, Idaho 83687, USA
| | - Madison L Miller
- Division of Sciences, School of Interwoven Arts and Sciences, Krea University, 5655 Central Expressway, Sri City, Andhra Pradesh 517646, India
| | - Jacob E Hill
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, Building 737-A Aiken, South Carolina 29802, USA
| | - Pooja Gupta
- Utah Public Health Laboratory, Utah Department of Health and Human Services, 4431 South 2700 West, Taylorsville, Salt Lake City, Utah 84129, USA
| | - Richard Chipman
- National Rabies Management Program, US Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services, 59 Chenell Drive, Suite 2, Concord, New Hampshire 03301, USA
| | - Amy T Gilbert
- National Wildlife Research Center, US Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services, 4101 LaPorte Avenue, Fort Collins, Colorado 80521, USA
| | - Olin E Rhodes
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, Building 737-A Aiken, South Carolina 29802, USA
| | - Guha Dharmarajan
- Division of Sciences, School of Interwoven Arts and Sciences, Krea University, 5655 Central Expressway, Sri City, Andhra Pradesh 517646, India
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Torhorst CW, Ledger KJ, White ZS, Milleson MP, Corral CC, Beatty NL, Wisely SM. Trypanosoma cruzi infection in mammals in Florida: New insight into the transmission of T. cruzi in the southeastern United States. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2023; 21:237-245. [PMID: 37575667 PMCID: PMC10422094 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2023.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
In Latin America, synanthropic mammalian reservoirs maintain Trypanosoma cruzi, a parasitic protozoan, where they facilitate the transmission of the parasite to humans and other reservoir hosts in peridomestic settings. In the United States, raccoons (Procyon lotor) and Virginia opossums (Didelphis virginiana) are known synanthropic T. cruzi reservoir hosts; however, the role these species have in the peridomestic transmission cycle in the US is not well understood. This study aimed to identify the suite of mammalian reservoirs of T. cruzi in Florida. We also compared infection prevalence in raccoon populations sampled from within and outside of the estimated distribution of the common T. cruzi vector in Florida to gain insight into how the arthropod vector distribution impacts the distribution of infected reservoirs in the state. Finally, to investigate the impact of peridomestic landscapes on parasite prevalence, we compared the prevalence of T. cruzi-infected raccoons and opossums across five paired peridomestic and sylvatic sites. We live-trapped and collected peripheral blood samples from 135 raccoons, 112 opossums, 18 nine-banded armadillos (Dasypus novemcinctus), and nine species of rodents in north central Florida. Using quantitative PCR methods, we found that raccoons (42.2%, 95% CI [34.2-50.7%]) and opossums (50.9%, 95% CI [41.8-60.0%]) were infected with T. cruzi and the prevalence across habitats was similar for both raccoons (peridomestic: n = 77, 44.2%, 95% CI [33.6-55.3%], sylvatic: n = 58, 39.7%, 95% CI [28.1-52.5%]) and opossums (peridomestic: n = 66, 48.5%, 95% CI [36.8-60.3%], sylvatic: n = 46, 54.3%, 95% CI [40.2-67.8%]). Raccoons sampled outside the estimated distribution of Triatoma sanguisuga were not infected with T. cruzi (n = 73, 0.0%, 95% CI [0.0-5.0%]). Our study did not indicate that peridomestic habitats in Florida maintained a higher infection prevalence than their sylvatic counterparts; however, we did find a difference in prevalence within vs. outside the estimated vector distribution in Florida.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carson W. Torhorst
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Kimberly J. Ledger
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Zoe S. White
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Michael P. Milleson
- United States Department of Agriculture-Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, National Wildlife Disease Surveillance and Emergency Response Program, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Catalina C. Corral
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Norman L. Beatty
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Medicine, Department of Medicine in the College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Samantha M. Wisely
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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Durden C, Tian Y, Knape K, Klemashevich C, Norman KN, Carey JB, Hamer SA, Hamer GL. Fluralaner systemic treatment of chickens results in mortality in Triatoma gerstaeckeri, vector of the agent of Chagas disease. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:178. [PMID: 37268980 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05805-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chagas disease remains a persistent vector-borne neglected tropical disease throughout the Americas and threatens both human and animal health. Diverse control methods have been used to target triatomine vector populations, with household insecticides being the most common. As an alternative to environmental sprays, host-targeted systemic insecticides (or endectocides) allow for application of chemicals to vertebrate hosts, resulting in toxic blood meals for arthropods (xenointoxication). In this study, we evaluated three systemic insecticide products for their ability to kill triatomines. METHODS Chickens were fed the insecticides orally, following which triatomines were allowed to feed on the treated chickens. The insecticide products tested included: Safe-Guard® Aquasol (fenbendazole), Ivomec® Pour-On (ivermectin) and Bravecto® (fluralaner). Triatoma gerstaeckeri nymphs were allowed to feed on insecticide-live birds at 0, 3, 7, 14, 28 and 56 days post-treatment. The survival and feeding status of the T. gerstaeckeri insects were recorded and analyzed using Kaplan-Meier curves and logistic regression. RESULTS Feeding on fluralaner-treated chickens resulted 50-100% mortality in T. gerstaeckeri over the first 14 days post-treatment but not later; in contrast, all insects that fed on fenbendazole- and ivermectin-treated chickens survived. Liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-QQQ) analysis, used to detect the concentration of fluralaner and fenbendazole in chicken plasma, revealed the presence of fluralaner in plasma at 3, 7, and 14 days post-treatment but not later, with the highest concentrations found at 3 and 7 days post-treatment. However, fenbendazole concentration was below the limit of detection at all time points. CONCLUSIONS Xenointoxication using fluralaner in poultry is a potential new tool for integrated vector control to reduce risk of Chagas disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra Durden
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, USA
- Schubot Center for Avian Health, Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, USA
| | - Yuexun Tian
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, USA
| | - Koyle Knape
- Department of Poultry Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, USA
| | - Cory Klemashevich
- Integrated Metabolomics Analysis Core, Texas A&M University, College Station, USA
| | - Keri N Norman
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, USA
| | - John B Carey
- Department of Poultry Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, USA
| | - Sarah A Hamer
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, USA
- Schubot Center for Avian Health, Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, USA
| | - Gabriel L Hamer
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, USA.
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Lukas P, Melikian G, Hildebrandt JP, Müller C. Make it double: identification and characterization of a Tandem-Hirudin from the Asian medicinal leech Hirudinaria manillensis. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:2995-3006. [PMID: 36006484 PMCID: PMC9464118 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07634-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Haematophagous leeches express a broad variety of secretory proteins in their salivary glands, among them are hirudins and hirudin-like factors. Here, we describe the identification, molecular and initial functional characterization of Tandem-Hirudin (TH), a novel salivary gland derived factor identified in the Asian medicinal leech, Hirudinaria manillensis. In contrast to the typical structure of hirudins, TH comprises two globular domains arranged in a tandem-like orientation and lacks the elongated C-terminal tail. Similar structures of thrombin inhibitors have so far been identified only in kissing bugs and ticks. Expression of TH was performed in both cell-based and cell-free bacterial systems. A subsequent functional characterization revealed no evidence for a thrombin-inhibitory potency of TH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phil Lukas
- Animal Physiology, Zoological Institute and Museum, University of Greifswald, Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 1, D-17489, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Georgij Melikian
- Animal Physiology, Zoological Institute and Museum, University of Greifswald, Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 1, D-17489, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Jan-Peter Hildebrandt
- Animal Physiology, Zoological Institute and Museum, University of Greifswald, Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 1, D-17489, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Christian Müller
- Animal Physiology, Zoological Institute and Museum, University of Greifswald, Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 1, D-17489, Greifswald, Germany.
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5
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Laiño MA, Cardinal MV, Gaspe MS, Enriquez GF, Alvedro A, Macchiaverna NP, Gürtler RE. Control of pyrethroid-resistant populations of Triatoma infestans, the main vector of Trypanosoma cruzi, by treating dogs with fluralaner in the Argentine Chaco. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2022; 36:149-158. [PMID: 34866216 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
We assessed whether fluralaner administered to outbred healthy dogs reduced or supressed site infestation and abundance of pyrethroid-resistant populations of Triatoma infestans Klug (Heteroptera: Reduviidae). We conducted a placebo-controlled before-and-after efficacy trial in 28 infested sites in Castelli (Argentine Chaco) over 10 months. All 72 dogs initially present received either an oral dose of fluralaner (treated group) or placebo (control group) at month 0 posttreatment (MPT). Preliminary results justified treating all 38 control-house dogs with fluralaner 1 month later, and 71 of 78 existing dogs at 7 MPT. Site-level infestation and triatomine abundance were evaluated using timed manual searches with a dislodging aerosol. In the fluralaner-treated group, infestation dropped significantly from 100% at baseline to 19% over 6-10 MPT whereas mean abundance fell highly significantly from 5.5 to 0.8-0.9 triatomines per unit effort. In the placebo group, site infestation and mean abundance remained stable between 0 and 1 MPT, and strongly declined after fluralaner administration from 13.0-14.7 - triatomines at 0-1 MPT to 4.0-4.2 over 6-10 MPT. Only one of 81 noninfested sites before fluralaner treatment became infested subsequently. Fluralaner significantly reduced the site-level infestation and abundance of pyrethroid-resistant T. infestans and should be tested more widely in Phase III efficacy trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariano Alberto Laiño
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Laboratory of Eco-Epidemiology, Ciudad Universitaria, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Ciudad Universitaria, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Marta Victoria Cardinal
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Laboratory of Eco-Epidemiology, Ciudad Universitaria, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Ciudad Universitaria, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Sol Gaspe
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Laboratory of Eco-Epidemiology, Ciudad Universitaria, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Ciudad Universitaria, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Gustavo Fabián Enriquez
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Laboratory of Eco-Epidemiology, Ciudad Universitaria, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Ciudad Universitaria, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alejandra Alvedro
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Laboratory of Eco-Epidemiology, Ciudad Universitaria, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Ciudad Universitaria, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Natalia Paula Macchiaverna
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Laboratory of Eco-Epidemiology, Ciudad Universitaria, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Ciudad Universitaria, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ricardo E Gürtler
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Laboratory of Eco-Epidemiology, Ciudad Universitaria, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Ciudad Universitaria, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Haywood CJ, Jordon AM, Pena M, Nielsen CK, Jiménez FA. Tissue and Gastrointestinal Parasites of Colonizing Nine-Banded Armadillos at the Edge of Their Northern Range. J Parasitol 2022; 108:57-63. [DOI: 10.1645/21-76] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Carly J. Haywood
- School of Biological Sciences, Southern Illinois University, 1125 Lincoln Drive, Carbondale, Illinois 62901-6501
| | - Abigail M. Jordon
- School of Biological Sciences, Southern Illinois University, 1125 Lincoln Drive, Carbondale, Illinois 62901-6501
| | - Maria Pena
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration, Health Systems Bureau, National Hansen's Disease Program, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70809
| | - Clayton K. Nielsen
- School of Biological Sciences, Southern Illinois University, 1125 Lincoln Drive, Carbondale, Illinois 62901-6501
| | - F. Agustín Jiménez
- School of Biological Sciences, Southern Illinois University, 1125 Lincoln Drive, Carbondale, Illinois 62901-6501
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7
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Marcus R, Henao-Martínez AF, Nolan M, Livingston E, Klotz SA, Gilman RH, Miranda-Schaeubinger M, Meymandi S. Recognition and screening for Chagas disease in the USA. Ther Adv Infect Dis 2021; 8:20499361211046086. [PMID: 34589212 PMCID: PMC8474340 DOI: 10.1177/20499361211046086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease (CD), caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi,
is a public health concern, mainly among countries in South and Central America.
However, despite the large number of immigrants from endemic countries living in
the USA, awareness of CD is poor in the medical community, and therefore it is
significantly underdiagnosed. To avoid the catastrophic cardiac complications of
CD and to prevent maternal–fetal transmission, widespread educational programs
highlighting the need for diagnosis are urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Marcus
- LASOCHA, MedStar Union Memorial Hospital, Baltimore, MD 21218-2829, USA
| | - Andrés F Henao-Martínez
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Melissa Nolan
- Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Elizabeth Livingston
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Stephen A Klotz
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Robert H Gilman
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Sheba Meymandi
- Division of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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8
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Kissing Bug Intrusions into Homes in the Southwest United States. INSECTS 2021; 12:insects12070654. [PMID: 34357314 PMCID: PMC8306929 DOI: 10.3390/insects12070654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Kissing bugs readily enter homes in the Sonoran Desert and bite the residents. Their saliva is highly antigenic, causing local and systemic skin reactions and life-threatening anaphylaxis. We attempted to determine what characteristics of homesites may have contributed to home intrusion by kissing bugs. Extensive and detailed information about the homes and the home environment was collected from 78 homeowners in Tucson who suffered kissing bug intrusions. Homeowners collected 298 Triatoma rubida in and around their homes. Of the homes entered by kissing bugs, 29 of 46 (63%) contained bugs harboring Trypanosoma cruzi. Although in the aggregate, homeowners were bitten > 2200 times, no individual tested positive for Chagas disease (N = 116). Although yearly intrusion likely occurs in some homes, T. rubida does not domiciliate within homesites in the Desert Southwest. We conclude there is little risk to homeowners for Chagas disease given the current behavior of resident kissing bugs and absent ingesting kissing bug fecal matter.
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9
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Carmona-Galindo VD, Sheppard CC, Bastin ML, Kehrig MR, Marín-Recinos MF, Choi JJ, Castañeda de Abrego V. Chromatic and Morphological Differentiation of Triatoma dimidiata (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) with Land Use Diversity in El Salvador. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10060753. [PMID: 34198542 PMCID: PMC8231922 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10060753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, which is transmitted by insect-vectors in the taxonomic subfamily Triatominae and affects approximately 8,000,000 people world-wide. Current mitigation strategies for Chagas focus on insecticides, infrastructure improvements, and management of symptoms, which are largely unsustainable in underserved communities where the disease is widespread. Transmission patterns of vector-borne diseases are known to adaptively respond to habitat change; as such, the objective of our study was to evaluate how the physical characteristics of Triatoma dimidiata would vary in relation to land use in El Salvador. We hypothesized that the color and morphology of T. dimidiata would change with municipal levels of urban and natural green space, natural green space, and agricultural space, as well as municipal diversity, richness, and evenness of land use types. Our results characterize how T. dimidiata color and morphology vary directly with anthropogenic changes to natural and agricultural environments, which are reflective of a highly adaptable population primed to respond to environmental change. Mitigation studies of Chagas disease should exploit the relationships between anthropogenic land use and T. dimidiata morphology to evaluate how the transmission pattern of T. cruzi and Chagas disease symptomology are impacted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Víctor D. Carmona-Galindo
- Biology Department, University of Detroit Mercy, Detroit, MI 48221, USA; (C.C.S.); (M.L.B.); (M.R.K.)
- Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Salud, Universidad de El Salvador, San Salvador CP1101, El Salvador;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-313-993-1182
| | - Claire C. Sheppard
- Biology Department, University of Detroit Mercy, Detroit, MI 48221, USA; (C.C.S.); (M.L.B.); (M.R.K.)
| | - Madelyn L. Bastin
- Biology Department, University of Detroit Mercy, Detroit, MI 48221, USA; (C.C.S.); (M.L.B.); (M.R.K.)
| | - Megan R. Kehrig
- Biology Department, University of Detroit Mercy, Detroit, MI 48221, USA; (C.C.S.); (M.L.B.); (M.R.K.)
| | | | - Joyce J. Choi
- School for Environment and Sustainability, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA;
| | - Vianney Castañeda de Abrego
- Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Salud, Universidad de El Salvador, San Salvador CP1101, El Salvador;
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10
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Forsyth CJ, Hernandez S, Flores CA, Roman MF, Nieto JM, Marquez G, Sequeira J, Sequeira H, Meymandi SK. "You Don't Have a Normal Life": Coping with Chagas Disease in Los Angeles, California. Med Anthropol 2021; 40:525-540. [PMID: 33784220 DOI: 10.1080/01459740.2021.1894559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Chagas disease is the neglected tropical disease of greatest public health impact in the United States, where it affects over 300,000 people. Diverse barriers limit healthcare access for affected people; fewer than 1% have obtained testing or treatment. We interviewed 50 people with Chagas disease in Los Angeles, California, and administered a cultural consensus analysis questionnaire. Participants were asked about their experiences and perceptions of Chagas disease, access to healthcare, and strategies for coping with the disease. In participants' narratives, the physical and emotional impacts of the disease were closely interwoven. Participant explanatory models highlight difficulties in accessing care, despite a desire for biomedical treatment. Obtaining testing and treatment for Chagas disease poses substantial challenges for US patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin J Forsyth
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative-North America, New York, New York, USA.,Center of Excellence for Chagas Disease, Olive View-UCLA Medical Center, Sylmar, California, USA
| | - Salvador Hernandez
- Center of Excellence for Chagas Disease, Olive View-UCLA Medical Center, Sylmar, California, USA
| | - Carmen A Flores
- Center of Excellence for Chagas Disease, Olive View-UCLA Medical Center, Sylmar, California, USA
| | - Mario F Roman
- Center of Excellence for Chagas Disease, Olive View-UCLA Medical Center, Sylmar, California, USA
| | - J Maribel Nieto
- Center of Excellence for Chagas Disease, Olive View-UCLA Medical Center, Sylmar, California, USA
| | - Grecia Marquez
- Center of Excellence for Chagas Disease, Olive View-UCLA Medical Center, Sylmar, California, USA
| | - Juan Sequeira
- Center of Excellence for Chagas Disease, Olive View-UCLA Medical Center, Sylmar, California, USA
| | - Harry Sequeira
- Center of Excellence for Chagas Disease, Olive View-UCLA Medical Center, Sylmar, California, USA
| | - Sheba K Meymandi
- Center of Excellence for Chagas Disease, Olive View-UCLA Medical Center, Sylmar, California, USA
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11
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Brown JJ, Rodríguez-Ruano SM, Poosakkannu A, Batani G, Schmidt JO, Roachell W, Zima J, Hypša V, Nováková E. Ontogeny, species identity, and environment dominate microbiome dynamics in wild populations of kissing bugs (Triatominae). MICROBIOME 2020; 8:146. [PMID: 33040738 PMCID: PMC7549230 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-020-00921-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Kissing bugs (Triatominae) are blood-feeding insects best known as the vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas' disease. Considering the high epidemiological relevance of these vectors, their biology and bacterial symbiosis remains surprisingly understudied. While previous investigations revealed generally low individual complexity but high among-individual variability of the triatomine microbiomes, any consistent microbiome determinants have not yet been identified across multiple Triatominae species. METHODS To obtain a more comprehensive view of triatomine microbiomes, we investigated the host-microbiome relationship of five Triatoma species sampled from white-throated woodrat (Neotoma albigula) nests in multiple locations across the USA. We applied optimised 16S rRNA gene metabarcoding with a novel 18S rRNA gene blocking primer to a set of 170 T. cruzi-negative individuals across all six instars. RESULTS Triatomine gut microbiome composition is strongly influenced by three principal factors: ontogeny, species identity, and the environment. The microbiomes are characterised by significant loss in bacterial diversity throughout ontogenetic development. First instars possess the highest bacterial diversity while adult microbiomes are routinely dominated by a single taxon. Primarily, the bacterial genus Dietzia dominates late-stage nymphs and adults of T. rubida, T. protracta, and T. lecticularia but is not present in the phylogenetically more distant T. gerstaeckeri and T. sanguisuga. Species-specific microbiome composition, particularly pronounced in early instars, is further modulated by locality-specific effects. In addition, pathogenic bacteria of the genus Bartonella, acquired from the vertebrate hosts, are an abundant component of Triatoma microbiomes. CONCLUSION Our study is the first to demonstrate deterministic patterns in microbiome composition among all life stages and multiple Triatoma species. We hypothesise that triatomine microbiome assemblages are produced by species- and life stage-dependent uptake of environmental bacteria and multiple indirect transmission strategies that promote bacterial transfer between individuals. Altogether, our study highlights the complexity of Triatominae symbiosis with bacteria and warrant further investigation to understand microbiome function in these important vectors. Video abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel J. Brown
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
- Institute of Entomology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | | | - Anbu Poosakkannu
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Giampiero Batani
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | | | - Walter Roachell
- US Army Public Health Command-Central, JBSA Fort Sam, Houston, TX USA
| | - Jan Zima
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Václav Hypša
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Eva Nováková
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
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12
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Stigler Granados P, Pacheco GJ, Núñez Patlán E, Betancourt J, Fulton L. Assessing the effectiveness of Chagas disease education for healthcare providers in the United States. BMC Infect Dis 2020; 20:743. [PMID: 33036559 PMCID: PMC7547496 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-020-05474-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chagas disease is a zoonotic infection caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, which affects an estimated 8-11 million people globally. Chagas disease is almost always associated with poverty in rural areas and disproportionately impacts immigrants from Latin America living in the United States. Approximately 20-30% of people who are infected with Chagas disease will develop a chronic form of the infection that can be fatal if left untreated. Chagas disease is vastly underestimated in the United States, often goes undiagnosed and is not well understood by most U.S. healthcare providers. One of the most important ways at reducing barriers to improving diagnostics of Chagas disease in the U.S. is giving healthcare providers the most up-to-date information and access to leading experts. METHODS An online webinar was conducted for healthcare providers, veterinarians and public health professionals using Chagas disease expert panelists. Pre and post tests were administered to participants (n = 57) to determine the efficacy in raising awareness and to determine key focus areas for improving knowledge. A Wilcoxon rank-sum was used for non-parametric variables equivalent and for questions that assessed knowledge the McNemar's Chi-Square test was used. RESULTS There were statistically significant learning increases in multiple categories including transmission (p = <.001), clinical presentation (p = 0.016), diagnostics (p = <.001), and treatment (p = <.001). CONCLUSION Providing easily accessible learning opportunities using validated testing and evaluations should be further developed for rural healthcare providers in the U.S. as well as healthcare providers serving under represented populations such as immigrants. There is a clear lack of knowledge and awareness surrounding Chagas disease in the United States and just by raising awareness and providing education on the topic, lives will be saved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Stigler Granados
- School of Health Administration, Texas State University, 601 University Dr, San Marcos, TX 78666-4606 USA
| | - Gerardo J. Pacheco
- School of Health Administration, Texas State University, 601 University Dr, San Marcos, TX 78666-4606 USA
| | - Evangelina Núñez Patlán
- School of Health Administration, Texas State University, 601 University Dr, San Marcos, TX 78666-4606 USA
| | - Jose Betancourt
- School of Health Administration, Texas State University, 601 University Dr, San Marcos, TX 78666-4606 USA
| | - Lawrence Fulton
- School of Health Administration, Texas State University, 601 University Dr, San Marcos, TX 78666-4606 USA
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13
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Reeves WK, Miller MM. A New State Record for Triatoma sanguisuga (Leconte) (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) from Wyoming, U.S.A. COMP PARASITOL 2020. [DOI: 10.1654/1525-2647-87.1.118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Will K. Reeves
- C. P. Gillette Museum of Arthropod Diversity, Colorado State University, 1177 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, U.S.A. (e-mail: )
| | - Myrna M. Miller
- Wyoming State Veterinary Laboratory, 1174 Snowy Range Road, Laramie, Wyoming 82070, U.S.A
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Mann AE, Mitchell EA, Zhang Y, Curtis-Robles R, Thapa S, Hamer SA, Allen MS. Comparison of the Bacterial Gut Microbiome of North American Triatoma spp. With and Without Trypanosoma cruzi. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:364. [PMID: 32231645 PMCID: PMC7082358 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.00364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease, caused by the hemoflagellate protist Trypanosoma cruzi, affects nearly 6 million people worldwide, mainly in Latin America. Hematophagous triatomine insects (“kissing bugs”) are the primary vectors of T. cruzi throughout the Americas and feed on a variety of animals, including humans. Control of triatomines is central to the control of T. cruzi infection. Recent advances in mitigation of other insect-borne diseases via the manipulation of insect-associated bacteria as a way to halt or slow disease transmission has opened questions to the applicability of these methods to Chagas disease vectors. Few studies have examined the hindgut microbiome of triatomines found in North America. In the current study, two species of triatomines were collected across Texas, United States, screened for the presence of T. cruzi, and analyzed for the bacterial composition of their hindguts using a 16S rRNA gene-fragment metabarcoding approach. We compared diversity of microbial community profiles across 74 triatomine insects to address the hypothesis that the richness and abundance of bacterial groups differ by T. cruzi infection and strain type, blood meal engorgement status, insect species, sex, and collection location. The gut microbial community of individual triatomines was characterized by low intraindividual taxonomic diversity and high interindividual variation that was weakly predicted by triatomine species, and was not predicted by triatomine sex, collection location, T. cruzi infection status, or blood meal score. However, we did find bacterial groups enriched in T. cruzi-positive individuals, including Enterobacterales, and Petrimonas. Additionally, we detected Salmonella enterica subspecies diarizonae in three triatomine individuals; this species is commonly associated with reptiles and domesticated animals and is a pathogen of humans. These data suggest that Triatoma spp. in Texas have variable patterns of colonized and transient bacteria, and may aid in development of novel means to interfere with transmission of the Chagas disease parasite T. cruzi. Deeper understanding of the effects of parasite infection on diverse insect vector microbiomes may highlight disease transmission risk and facilitate discovery of possible intervention strategies for biological control of this emerging vector-borne disease of global health significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison E Mann
- Tick-Borne Disease Research Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, United States
| | - Elizabeth A Mitchell
- Tick-Borne Disease Research Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, United States
| | - Yan Zhang
- Tick-Borne Disease Research Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, United States
| | - Rachel Curtis-Robles
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Santosh Thapa
- Tick-Borne Disease Research Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, United States.,Texas Children's Microbiome Center, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, United States.,Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Sarah A Hamer
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Michael S Allen
- Tick-Borne Disease Research Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, United States
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15
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Bates BR, Villacís AG, Mendez-Trivino A, Mendoza LE, Grijalva MJ. Determinants of intentions to prevent triatomine infestation based on the health belief model: An application in rural southern Ecuador. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0007987. [PMID: 31999721 PMCID: PMC6991950 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Control of triatomine infestation is a key strategy for the prevention of Chagas disease (CD). To promote this strategy, it is important to know which antecedents to behavioral change are the best to emphasize when promoting prevention. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to determine predictors for intention to prevent home infestation based on the Health Belief Model (HBM), a commonly used health intervention planning theory. MATERIALS & METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted with 112 heads of household in six communities with endemic and high rates of triatomine infestation in Loja province, Ecuador. The data was collected by a questionnaire including perceived severity, susceptibility, benefits to action, barriers to action, and self-efficacy. These data were also used to predict actual infestation of homes. RESULTS Community members reported strong intentions to prevent home infestation. HBM constructs predicted about 14% of the observed variance in intentions. Perceived susceptibility and severity did not predict behavioral intention well; perceived barriers to small-scale action that reduce likelihood of infestation and self-efficacy in participating in surveillance systems did. Self-efficacy and perception of barriers were equally powerful predictors. The HBM constructs, however, did not predict well actual infestation. CONCLUSION The findings supported the HBM as a way to predict intentions to prevent infestation of the home by triatomine bugs. The findings highlight that messages emphasizing self-efficacy in participating in surveillance systems and overcoming barriers to small-scale action that reduce likelihood of infestation, rather than a focus on risk, should be central messages when designing and implementing educational interventions for CD. The gap between behavioral intention and actual infestation reveals the need to assess home practices and their actual efficacy to fully enact and apply the HBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin R. Bates
- School of Communication Studies, Ohio University, Athens, OH, United States of America
- Infectious and Tropical Disease Institute, Biomedical Sciences Department, Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, OH, United States of America
- Center for International Studies, Ohio University, Athens, OH, United States of America
| | - Anita G. Villacís
- Infectious and Tropical Disease Institute, Biomedical Sciences Department, Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, OH, United States of America
- Centro de Investigación para la Salud en América Latina, Escuela de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Angela Mendez-Trivino
- Infectious and Tropical Disease Institute, Biomedical Sciences Department, Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, OH, United States of America
- Center for International Studies, Ohio University, Athens, OH, United States of America
| | - Luis E. Mendoza
- Infectious and Tropical Disease Institute, Biomedical Sciences Department, Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, OH, United States of America
- Center for International Studies, Ohio University, Athens, OH, United States of America
| | - Mario J. Grijalva
- Infectious and Tropical Disease Institute, Biomedical Sciences Department, Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, OH, United States of America
- Center for International Studies, Ohio University, Athens, OH, United States of America
- Centro de Investigación para la Salud en América Latina, Escuela de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
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16
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Bern C, Messenger LA, Whitman JD, Maguire JH. Chagas Disease in the United States: a Public Health Approach. Clin Microbiol Rev 2019; 33:e00023-19. [PMID: 31776135 PMCID: PMC6927308 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00023-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi is the etiological agent of Chagas disease, usually transmitted by triatomine vectors. An estimated 20 to 30% of infected individuals develop potentially lethal cardiac or gastrointestinal disease. Sylvatic transmission cycles exist in the southern United States, involving 11 triatomine vector species and infected mammals such as rodents, opossums, and dogs. Nevertheless, imported chronic T. cruzi infections in migrants from Latin America vastly outnumber locally acquired human cases. Benznidazole is now FDA approved, and clinical and public health efforts are under way by researchers and health departments in a number of states. Making progress will require efforts to improve awareness among providers and patients, data on diagnostic test performance and expanded availability of confirmatory testing, and evidence-based strategies to improve access to appropriate management of Chagas disease in the United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caryn Bern
- University of California San Francisco School of Medicine, San Francisco, California, USA
| | | | - Jeffrey D Whitman
- University of California San Francisco School of Medicine, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - James H Maguire
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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17
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Forsyth C, Meymandi S, Moss I, Cone J, Cohen R, Batista C. Proposed multidimensional framework for understanding Chagas disease healthcare barriers in the United States. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2019; 13:e0007447. [PMID: 31557155 PMCID: PMC6762052 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Chagas disease (CD) affects over 300,000 people in the United States, but fewer than 1% have been diagnosed and less than 0.3% have received etiological treatment. This is a significant public health concern because untreated CD can produce fatal complications. What factors prevent people with CD from accessing diagnosis and treatment in a nation with one of the world’s most advanced healthcare systems? Methodology/Principal findings This analysis of barriers to diagnosis and treatment of CD in the US reflects the opinions of the authors more than a comprehensive discussion of all the available evidence. To enrich our description of barriers, we have conducted an exploratory literature review and cited the experience of the main US clinic providing treatment for CD. We list 34 barriers, which we group into four overlapping dimensions: systemic, comprising gaps in the public health system; structural, originating from political and economic inequalities; clinical, including toxicity of medications and diagnostic challenges; and psychosocial, encompassing fears and stigma. Conclusions We propose this multidimensional framework both to explain the persistently low numbers of people with CD who are tested and treated and as a potential basis for organizing a public health response, but we encourage others to improve on our approach or develop alternative frameworks. We further argue that expanding access to diagnosis and treatment of CD in the US means asserting the rights of vulnerable populations to obtain timely, quality healthcare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin Forsyth
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative, North America, New York, New York, United States of America
- Center of Excellence for Chagas Disease at Olive View-UCLA Medical Center, Sylmar, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Sheba Meymandi
- Center of Excellence for Chagas Disease at Olive View-UCLA Medical Center, Sylmar, California, United States of America
| | - Ilan Moss
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative, North America, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Jason Cone
- Médecins sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders USA, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Rachel Cohen
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative, North America, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Carolina Batista
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative, Latin America, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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18
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Hu Y, Gao MZ, Huang P, Zhou HL, Ma YB, Zhou MY, Cheng SY, Xie HG, Lv ZY. Taxonomic integrative and phylogenetic identification of the first recorded Triatoma rubrofasciata in Zhangzhou, Fujian Province and Maoming, Guangdong Province, China. Infect Dis Poverty 2019; 8:70. [PMID: 31409377 PMCID: PMC6693202 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-019-0579-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most species of Triatominae live exclusively in Latin America. However, one species, Triatoma rubrofasciata, has been recorded in the Americas as well as in various port areas in Africa and Asia. An increasing number of T. rubrofasciata have been reported in southern China in recent years. However, the origin of this invasive insect vector in China remains unknown, therefore, accurate identification and phylogenetic analysis of the bugs are urgently needed. METHODS A total of seven triatomine insect specimens were found and collected from Maoming City, Guangdong Province, China (GDMM) and Zhangzhou City, Fujian Province, China (FJZZ), respectively. The obtained insect vector specimens were observed under a dissecting microscope for morphological classification and then the genomic DNA was extracted, and the 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA), 28S rRNA as well as cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) genes of the species were amplified and sequenced. Subsequently, molecular phylogenetic analyses based on multiple alignments of the above genes were conducted in order to identify the species and determine the phylogenetic origin approximation accurately. RESULTS The triatomine insects collected from GDMM and FJZZ were identified as Triatoma rubrofasciata using morphological and genetic analyses. All of the Chinese T. rubrofasciata captured in FJZZ, GDMM and other localities in southern China, together with a Vietnamese and Brazilian strain, formed a new, cohesive clade. T. rubrofasciata in GDMM and FJZZ are likely derived from strains found in Vietnam or Brazil. CONCLUSIONS To the best of our knowledge, this is the first record of the invasive insect T. rubrofasciata, which is likely derived from strains native to Vietnam or Brazil, in both Maoming City, Guangdong Province and Zhangzhou City, Fujian Province of China. A comparison of the DNA sequences of the 16 s rRNA, 28 s rRNA and COI genes confirmed the specific identification of T. rubrofasciata, and its potential origin in China is based on the phylogenetic analyses undertaken in this study. More targeted interventions and improved entomological surveillance are urgently needed to control the spread of this haematophagous insect in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Hu
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, 510080, China.,Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Biological Vector Control, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Min-Zhao Gao
- Department of Gastroenterology of the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, 519000, China
| | - Ping Huang
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, 510080, China.,Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Biological Vector Control, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Hong-Li Zhou
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, 510080, China.,Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Biological Vector Control, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Yu-Bin Ma
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, 510080, China.,Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Biological Vector Control, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Min-Yu Zhou
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, 510080, China.,Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Biological Vector Control, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Shao-Yun Cheng
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, 510080, China.,Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Biological Vector Control, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Han-Guo Xie
- Fujian Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Fuzhou, 350001, China.
| | - Zhi-Yue Lv
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China. .,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, 510080, China. .,Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Biological Vector Control, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
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Huckins GL, Eshar D, Schwartz D, Morton M, Herrin BH, Cerezo A, Yabsley MJ, Schneider SM. Trypanosoma cruzi infection in a zoo-housed red panda in Kansas. J Vet Diagn Invest 2019; 31:752-755. [PMID: 31342874 DOI: 10.1177/1040638719865926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
A 9-y-old, zoo-housed, male red panda (Ailurus fulgens) became progressively lethargic and inappetent over a 1-wk period. Physical examination was unremarkable. A complete blood count showed mild normocytic, normochromic, non-regenerative anemia with the presence of trypomastigote organisms, consistent with a Trypanosoma sp. The organism was confirmed later as Trypanosoma cruzi lineage TcI via PCR and genome sequencing. The panda was initially treated supportively; however, its clinical status within 24 h from presentation deteriorated, and euthanasia was elected. Autopsy showed severe systemic T. cruzi infection with the presence of amastigotes in the heart, brain, peripheral nerves, skeletal muscles, tongue, liver, and testes. We used genome sequencing and serology in identifying the agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gail L Huckins
- Departments of Clinical Sciences (Huckins, Eshar), College of Veterinary of Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS.,Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology (Schwartz, Morton, Herrin, Cerezo, Schneider), College of Veterinary of Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS.,Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA (Yabsley)
| | - David Eshar
- Departments of Clinical Sciences (Huckins, Eshar), College of Veterinary of Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS.,Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology (Schwartz, Morton, Herrin, Cerezo, Schneider), College of Veterinary of Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS.,Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA (Yabsley)
| | - Diana Schwartz
- Departments of Clinical Sciences (Huckins, Eshar), College of Veterinary of Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS.,Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology (Schwartz, Morton, Herrin, Cerezo, Schneider), College of Veterinary of Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS.,Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA (Yabsley)
| | - Mark Morton
- Departments of Clinical Sciences (Huckins, Eshar), College of Veterinary of Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS.,Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology (Schwartz, Morton, Herrin, Cerezo, Schneider), College of Veterinary of Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS.,Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA (Yabsley)
| | - Brian H Herrin
- Departments of Clinical Sciences (Huckins, Eshar), College of Veterinary of Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS.,Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology (Schwartz, Morton, Herrin, Cerezo, Schneider), College of Veterinary of Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS.,Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA (Yabsley)
| | - Argine Cerezo
- Departments of Clinical Sciences (Huckins, Eshar), College of Veterinary of Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS.,Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology (Schwartz, Morton, Herrin, Cerezo, Schneider), College of Veterinary of Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS.,Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA (Yabsley)
| | - Michael J Yabsley
- Departments of Clinical Sciences (Huckins, Eshar), College of Veterinary of Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS.,Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology (Schwartz, Morton, Herrin, Cerezo, Schneider), College of Veterinary of Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS.,Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA (Yabsley)
| | - Sarah M Schneider
- Departments of Clinical Sciences (Huckins, Eshar), College of Veterinary of Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS.,Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology (Schwartz, Morton, Herrin, Cerezo, Schneider), College of Veterinary of Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS.,Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA (Yabsley)
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20
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Current Gaps and Needs for Increasing Access to Healthcare for People with Chagas Disease in the USA. CURRENT TROPICAL MEDICINE REPORTS 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s40475-019-0170-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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21
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Varikuti S, Jha BK, Volpedo G, Ryan NM, Halsey G, Hamza OM, McGwire BS, Satoskar AR. Host-Directed Drug Therapies for Neglected Tropical Diseases Caused by Protozoan Parasites. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:2655. [PMID: 30555425 PMCID: PMC6284052 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.02655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2018] [Accepted: 10/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) caused by protozoan parasites are responsible for significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Current treatments using anti-parasitic drugs are toxic and prolonged with poor patient compliance. In addition, emergence of drug-resistant parasites is increasing worldwide. Hence, there is a need for safer and better therapeutics for these infections. Host-directed therapy using drugs that target host pathways required for pathogen survival or its clearance is a promising approach for treating infections. This review will give a summary of the current status and advances of host-targeted therapies for treating NTDs caused by protozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjay Varikuti
- Department of Pathology, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Bijay Kumar Jha
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Greta Volpedo
- Department of Pathology, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States.,Department of Microbiology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Nathan M Ryan
- Department of Pathology, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Gregory Halsey
- Department of Pathology, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Omar M Hamza
- Department of Pathology, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Bradford S McGwire
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Abhay R Satoskar
- Department of Pathology, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States.,Department of Microbiology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
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22
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Ocaña-Mayorga S, Lobos SE, Crespo-Pérez V, Villacís AG, Pinto CM, Grijalva MJ. Influence of ecological factors on the presence of a triatomine species associated with the arboreal habitat of a host of Trypanosoma cruzi. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:567. [PMID: 30373640 PMCID: PMC6206927 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-3138-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2018] [Accepted: 10/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The white-naped squirrel, Simosciurus nebouxii (previously known as Sciurus stramineus), has recently been identified as an important natural host for Trypanosoma cruzi in Ecuador. The nests of this species have been reported as having high infestation rates with the triatomine vector Rhodnius ecuadoriensis. The present study aims to determine the levels of nest infestation with R. ecuadoriensis, the ecological variables that are influencing the nest site selection, and the relationship between R. ecuadoriensis infestation and trypanosome infection. RESULTS The study was carried out in transects in forest patches near two rural communities in southern Ecuador. We recorded ecological information of the trees that harbored squirrel nests and the trees within a 10 m radius. Manual examinations of each nest determined infestation with triatomines. We recorded 498 trees (n = 52 with nests and n = 446 without nests). Rhodnius ecuadoriensis was present in 59.5% of the nests and 60% presented infestation with nymphs (colonization). Moreover, we detected T. cruzi in 46% of the triatomines analyzed. CONCLUSIONS We observed that tree height influences nest site selection, which is consistent with previous observations of squirrel species. Factors such as the diameter at breast height and the interaction between tree height and tree species were not sufficient to explain squirrel nest presence or absence. However, the nest occupancy and tree richness around the nest were significant predictors of the abundance of triatomines. Nevertheless, the variables of colonization and infection were not significant, and the data observed could be expected because of chance alone (under the null hypothesis). This study ratifies the hypothesis that the ecological features of the forest patches around rural communities in southern Ecuador favor the presence of nesting areas for S. nebouxii and an increase of the chances of having triatomines that maintain T. cruzi populations circulating in areas near human dwellings. Additionally, these results highlight the importance of including ecological studies to understand the dynamics of T. cruzi transmission due to the existence of similar ecological and land use features along the distribution of the dry forest of southern Ecuador and northern Peru, which implies similar challenges for Chagas disease control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofía Ocaña-Mayorga
- Centro de Investigación para la Salud en América Latina (CISeAL), Escuela de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Calle San Pedro y Pamba Hacienda, 170530 Nayón, Ecuador
| | - Simón E. Lobos
- Centro de Investigación para la Salud en América Latina (CISeAL), Escuela de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Calle San Pedro y Pamba Hacienda, 170530 Nayón, Ecuador
- Museo de Zoología, Escuela de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Av. 12 de octubre 1076 y Roca, 170525 Quito, Ecuador
| | - Verónica Crespo-Pérez
- Laboratorio de Entomología, Escuela de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Av. 12 de octubre 1076 y Roca, 170525 Quito, Ecuador
| | - Anita G. Villacís
- Centro de Investigación para la Salud en América Latina (CISeAL), Escuela de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Calle San Pedro y Pamba Hacienda, 170530 Nayón, Ecuador
| | - C. Miguel Pinto
- Centro de Investigación para la Salud en América Latina (CISeAL), Escuela de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Calle San Pedro y Pamba Hacienda, 170530 Nayón, Ecuador
- Instituto de Ciencias Biológicas, Escuela Politécnica Nacional, Ladrón de Guevara E11-254, 170517 Quito, Ecuador
| | - Mario J. Grijalva
- Centro de Investigación para la Salud en América Latina (CISeAL), Escuela de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Calle San Pedro y Pamba Hacienda, 170530 Nayón, Ecuador
- Infectious and Tropical Disease Institute, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701 USA
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23
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Forsyth CJ, Hernandez S, Flores CA, Roman MF, Nieto JM, Marquez G, Sequeira J, Sequeira H, Meymandi SK. "It's Like a Phantom Disease": Patient Perspectives on Access to Treatment for Chagas Disease in the United States. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2018; 98:735-741. [PMID: 29380723 PMCID: PMC5930901 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.17-0691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease (CD) affects > 6 million people globally, including > 300,000 in the United States. Although early detection and etiological treatment prevents chronic complications from CD, < 1% of U.S. cases have been diagnosed and treated. This study explores access to etiological treatment from the perspective of patients with CD. In semi-structured interviews with 50 Latin American-born patients of the Center of Excellence for Chagas Disease at the Olive View-UCLA Medical Center, we collected demographic information and asked patients about their experiences managing the disease and accessing treatment. Patients were highly marginalized, with 63.4% living below the U.S. poverty line, 60% lacking a high school education, and only 12% with private insurance coverage. The main barriers to accessing health care for CD were lack of providers, precarious insurance coverage, low provider awareness, transportation difficulties, and limited time off. Increasing access to diagnosis and treatment will not only require a dramatic increase in provider and public education, but also development of programs which are financially, linguistically, politically, and geographically accessible to patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin J Forsyth
- Center of Excellence for Chagas Disease at Olive View-UCLA Medical Center, Sylmar, California
| | - Salvador Hernandez
- Center of Excellence for Chagas Disease at Olive View-UCLA Medical Center, Sylmar, California
| | - Carmen A Flores
- Center of Excellence for Chagas Disease at Olive View-UCLA Medical Center, Sylmar, California
| | - Mario F Roman
- Center of Excellence for Chagas Disease at Olive View-UCLA Medical Center, Sylmar, California
| | - J Maribel Nieto
- Center of Excellence for Chagas Disease at Olive View-UCLA Medical Center, Sylmar, California
| | - Grecia Marquez
- Center of Excellence for Chagas Disease at Olive View-UCLA Medical Center, Sylmar, California
| | - Juan Sequeira
- Center of Excellence for Chagas Disease at Olive View-UCLA Medical Center, Sylmar, California
| | - Harry Sequeira
- Center of Excellence for Chagas Disease at Olive View-UCLA Medical Center, Sylmar, California
| | - Sheba K Meymandi
- Center of Excellence for Chagas Disease at Olive View-UCLA Medical Center, Sylmar, California
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24
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Indacochea A, Gard CC, Hansen IA, Pierce J, Romero A. Short-Range Responses of the Kissing Bug Triatoma rubida (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) to Carbon Dioxide, Moisture, and Artificial Light. INSECTS 2017; 8:insects8030090. [PMID: 28850059 PMCID: PMC5620710 DOI: 10.3390/insects8030090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2017] [Revised: 08/15/2017] [Accepted: 08/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The hematophagous bug Triatoma rubida is a species of kissing bug that has been marked as a potential vector for the transmission of Chagas disease in the Southern United States and Northern Mexico. However, information on the distribution of T. rubida in these areas is limited. Vector monitoring is crucial to assess disease risk, so effective trapping systems are required. Kissing bugs utilize extrinsic cues to guide host-seeking, aggregation, and dispersal behaviors. These cues have been recognized as high-value targets for exploitation by trapping systems. A modern video-tracking system was used with a four-port olfactometer system to quantitatively assess the behavioral response of T. rubida to cues of known significance. Also, response of T. rubida adults to seven wavelengths of light-emitting diodes (LED) in paired-choice pitfall was evaluated. Behavioral data gathered from these experiments indicate that T. rubida nymphs orient preferentially to airstreams at either 1600 or 3200 ppm carbon dioxide and prefer relative humidity levels of about 30%, while adults are most attracted to 470 nm light. These data may serve to help design an effective trapping system for T. rubida monitoring. Investigations described here also demonstrate the experimental power of combining an olfactometer with a video-tracking system for studying insect behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andres Indacochea
- Department of Entomology, Plant Pathology and Weed Science, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM 88003, USA.
| | - Charlotte C Gard
- Department of Economics, Applied Statistics, and International Business, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM 88003, USA.
| | - Immo A Hansen
- Department of Biology, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM 88003, USA.
| | - Jane Pierce
- Department of Entomology, Plant Pathology and Weed Science, New Mexico State University, Artesia, NM 88210, USA.
| | - Alvaro Romero
- Department of Entomology, Plant Pathology and Weed Science, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM 88003, USA.
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25
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Webber BJ, Pawlak MT, Valtier S, Daniels CC, Tully CC, Wozniak EJ, Roachell WD, Sanchez FX, Blasi AA, Cropper TL. Prevalence and Seroprevalence of Trypanosoma cruzi Infection in a Military Population in Texas. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2017; 97:1477-1481. [PMID: 28820695 PMCID: PMC5817750 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.17-0109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent biosurveillance findings at Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA), a large military installation located in south-central Texas, indicate the potential for vector-borne human Chagas disease. A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence and seroprevalence of Trypanosoma cruzi infection in highest risk subpopulations on the installation, including students and instructors who work and sleep in triatomine-endemic field settings. Real-time polymerase chain reaction, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and indirect immunofluorescent antibody assay were performed on enrolled subjects (N = 1,033), none of whom tested positive for T. cruzi or anti-T. cruzi antibodies. Current countermeasures used during field training on JBSA appear to be sufficient for preventing autochthonous human Chagas disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryant J Webber
- 59th Medical Wing, Joint Base San Antonio, Lackland, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Mary T Pawlak
- 59th Medical Wing, Joint Base San Antonio, Lackland, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Sandra Valtier
- 59th Medical Wing, Joint Base San Antonio, Lackland, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Candelaria C Daniels
- Brooke Army Medical Center, Joint Base San Antonio, Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, Texas
| | | | - Edward J Wozniak
- Texas State Guard Medical Brigade Headquarters, Camp Mabry, Austin, Texas
| | - Walter D Roachell
- US Army Public Health Command Central, Joint Base San Antonio, Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Francisco X Sanchez
- US Army Public Health Command Central, Joint Base San Antonio, Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Audra A Blasi
- 59th Medical Wing, Joint Base San Antonio, Lackland, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Thomas L Cropper
- 59th Medical Wing, Joint Base San Antonio, Lackland, San Antonio, Texas
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26
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Flores A, Vitek C, Feria-Arroyo TP, Fredensborg BL. Temporal Variation in the Abundance and Timing of Daily Activity of Chagas Disease Vector Triatoma gerstaeckeri (Stål, 1859) in a Natural Habitat in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, South Texas. J Parasitol 2017; 103:574-578. [PMID: 28530845 DOI: 10.1645/17-50] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease caused by Trypanosoma cruzi is a burden to millions of people in South and Central America. A sylvatic life cycle of the parasite exists in the Southern United States, but recent studies indicate an active peri-domestic life cycle of T. cruzi in Texas. The United States-Mexico border region in Texas displays areas of high poverty and sub-standard housing conditions which are important risk factors for a potential spill-over transmission to a domestic life cycle including humans. The objectives of the study were to examine short- and long-term temporal variation in vector activity and to evaluate the effect of different combinations of attractants on the capture of potential triatomine vectors. We collected local triatomine vectors (all of them identified as Triatoma gerstaeckeri) from a natural habitat in South Texas during the course of a year. The exact time of collection was recorded to examine the timing of flight activity of the triatomine vector. We also conducted a comparative study of the efficiency of 2 commonly used attractants (light and CO2) and the combination of those on the capture rate of Tr. gerstaeckeri. Our study indicates a short season of dispersal of Tr. gerstaeckeri (April/May) and it suggests a unimodal distribution of activity peaking between 2 and 3 hr after sunset. Ultra-violet light served as the main attractant of Tr. gerstaeckeri while CO2 from dry ice did not significantly contribute to the collection of vectors. The pronounced timing of activity in Tr. gerstaeckeri reported in this study contributes to our understanding of the epidemiology of T. cruzi in wildlife and its potential as a Chagas disease vector to humans in the Rio Grande Valley, South Texas.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Flores
- Department of Biology, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, 1201 W University Drive, Edinburg, Texas 78539
| | - C Vitek
- Department of Biology, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, 1201 W University Drive, Edinburg, Texas 78539
| | - T P Feria-Arroyo
- Department of Biology, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, 1201 W University Drive, Edinburg, Texas 78539
| | - B L Fredensborg
- Department of Biology, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, 1201 W University Drive, Edinburg, Texas 78539
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27
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Browne AJ, Guerra CA, Alves RV, da Costa VM, Wilson AL, Pigott DM, Hay SI, Lindsay SW, Golding N, Moyes CL. The contemporary distribution of Trypanosoma cruzi infection in humans, alternative hosts and vectors. Sci Data 2017; 4:170050. [PMID: 28398292 PMCID: PMC5387921 DOI: 10.1038/sdata.2017.50] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2016] [Accepted: 03/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Chagas is a potentially fatal chronic disease affecting large numbers of people across the Americas and exported throughout the world through human population movement. It is caused by the Trypanosoma cruzi parasite, which is transmitted by triatomine vectors to humans and a wide range of alternative host species. The database described here was compiled to allow the risk of vectorial transmission to humans to be mapped using geospatial models. The database collates all available records, published since 2003, for prevalence and occurrence of infection in humans, vectors and alternative hosts, and links each record to a defined time and location. A total of 16,802 records of infection have been extracted from the published literature and unpublished sources. The resulting database can be used to improve our understanding of the geographic variation in vector infection prevalence and to estimate the risk of vectorial transmission of T. cruzi to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annie J Browne
- Oxford Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7BN, UK
| | - Carlos A Guerra
- Sanaria Institute for Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Rockville, Maryland 20850, USA
| | - Renato Vieira Alves
- Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde, Ministério da Saúde, Brasília, Distrito Federal 70058-900, Brasil
| | - Veruska Maia da Costa
- Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde, Ministério da Saúde, Brasília, Distrito Federal 70058-900, Brasil
| | - Anne L Wilson
- School of Biosciences, Durham University, Durham DH1 3LE, UK
| | - David M Pigott
- Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98121, USA
| | - Simon I Hay
- Oxford Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7BN, UK.,Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98121, USA
| | - Steve W Lindsay
- School of Biosciences, Durham University, Durham DH1 3LE, UK
| | - Nick Golding
- School of Biosciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Catherine L Moyes
- Oxford Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7BN, UK
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28
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Klotz SA, Shirazi FM, Boesen K, Beatty NL, Dorn PL, Smith S, Schmidt JO. Kissing Bug (Triatoma spp.) Intrusion into Homes: Troublesome Bites and Domiciliation. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH INSIGHTS 2016; 10:45-49. [PMID: 27042091 PMCID: PMC4807888 DOI: 10.4137/ehi.s32834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2015] [Revised: 01/27/2016] [Accepted: 01/29/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Kissing bugs (Triatoma spp.) frequently enter homes and bite human and pet occupants. Bites may lead to severe allergic reactions and, in some cases, death. Kissing bugs are also vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi, the cause of Chagas disease. In general, modern houses in the United States are not conducive to domiciliation of kissing bugs (bugs living out their entire life within the home with the presence of eggs, nymphs, adults, and exuviae). Construction features such as concrete foundations, solid walls and ceilings, window screens, tight thresholds for doors and windows, and other measures impede bug entry into homes, and air conditioning reduces the need for open doors and windows. Where Chagas disease is endemic in Mexico and Central and South America, homes often have thatch roofs, adobe walls, and open doors and windows. We investigated numerous instances of kissing bug intrusions into homes in Southern Arizona, California, and Louisiana and documented the reactions to kissing bug bites. Our work confirms the importance of modern home construction in limiting kissing bug intrusions. Older homes, especially those lacking modern screening, caulking, and weather stripping to reduce air leakage, may be subject to kissing bug intrusions and domiciliation. We describe a community in Southern Arizona where domiciliation of homes by Triatoma recurva is common. We also provide recent data regarding kissing bug bites and allergic reactions to the bites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen A. Klotz
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - F. Mazda Shirazi
- Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Keith Boesen
- Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Norman L. Beatty
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Patricia L. Dorn
- Department of Biological Sciences, Loyola University New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Shannon Smith
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
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29
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Garcia MN, Woc-Colburn L, Aguilar D, Hotez PJ, Murray KO. Historical Perspectives on the Epidemiology of Human Chagas Disease in Texas and Recommendations for Enhanced Understanding of Clinical Chagas Disease in the Southern United States. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2015; 9:e0003981. [PMID: 26540273 PMCID: PMC4634991 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease (Trypanosoma cruzi infection) has recently been identified as an important neglected tropical disease in the United States. Anecdotally referred to as a "silent killer," it leads to the development of potentially fatal cardiac disease in approximately 30% of those infected. In an attempt to better understand the potential of Chagas disease as a significant underlying cause of morbidity in Texas, we performed a historical literature review to assess disease burden. Human reports of triatomine bites and disease exposure were found to be prevalent in Texas. Despite current beliefs that Chagas disease is a recently emerging disease, we report historical references dating as far back as 1935. Both imported cases and autochthonous transmission contribute to the historical disease burden in Texas. We end by discussing the current knowledge gaps, and recommend priorities for advancing further epidemiologic studies and their policy implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa N. Garcia
- Department of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Laila Woc-Colburn
- Department of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - David Aguilar
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Peter J. Hotez
- Department of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Kristy O. Murray
- Department of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas, United States of America
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30
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Wozniak EJ, Lawrence G, Gorchakov R, Alamgir H, Dotson E, Sissel B, Sarkar S, Murray KO. The Biology of the Triatomine Bugs Native to South Central Texas and Assessment of the Risk They Pose for Autochthonous Chagas Disease Exposure. J Parasitol 2015; 101:520-8. [DOI: 10.1645/15-748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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