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Busselman RE, Curtis-Robles R, Meyers AC, Zecca IB, Auckland LD, Hodo CL, Christopher D, Saunders AB, Hamer SA. Abundant triatomines in Texas dog kennel environments: Triatomine collections, infection with Trypanosoma cruzi, and blood feeding hosts. Acta Trop 2024; 250:107087. [PMID: 38061614 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.107087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- R E Busselman
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - R Curtis-Robles
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - A C Meyers
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - I B Zecca
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - L D Auckland
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - C L Hodo
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States; Michale E. Keeling Center for Comparative Medicine and Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Bastrop, TX, United States
| | | | - A B Saunders
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - S A Hamer
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States.
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Chaves LF, Meyers AC, Hodo CL, Sanders JP, Curtis-Robles R, Hamer GL, Hamer SA. Trypanosoma cruzi infection in dogs along the US-Mexico border: R 0 changes with vector species composition. Epidemics 2023; 45:100723. [PMID: 37935075 DOI: 10.1016/j.epidem.2023.100723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Infection with Trypanosoma cruzi, etiological agent of Chagas disease, is common in US government working dogs along the US-Mexico border. This 3145 km long border comprises four states: Texas (TX), New Mexico (NM), Arizona (AZ) and California (CA) with diverse ecosystems and several triatomine (a.k.a., kissing bug) species, primary vectors of T. cruzi in this region. The kissing bug (Heteroptera: Reduviidae) community ranging from CA to TX includes Triatoma protracta (Uhler), Triatoma recurva (Stål) and Triatoma rubida (Uhler) and becomes dominated by Triatoma gerstaeckeri Stål in TX. Here, we ask if T. cruzi infection dynamics in dogs varies along this border region, potentially reflecting changes in vector species and their vectorial capacity. Using reversible catalytic models of infection, where seropositivity can be lost, we estimated an R0 (Estimate ± S.E.) of 1.192 ± 0.084 for TX and NM. In contrast, seropositivity decayed to zero as dogs aged in AZ and CA. These results suggest that dogs are likely infected by T. cruzi during their training in western TX, with a force of infection large enough for keeping R0 above 1, i.e., the disease endemically established, in TX and NM. In AZ and CA, a lower force of infection, probably associated with different vector species communities and associated vectorial capacity and/or different lineages of T. cruzi, results in dogs decreasing their seropositivity with age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Fernando Chaves
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington IN 47405, USA.
| | - Alyssa C Meyers
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Bioscienes, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Carolyn L Hodo
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Bioscienes, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; Department of Comparative Medicine, Keeling Center for Comparative Medicine and Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Bastrop, TX 78602, USA
| | - John P Sanders
- Office of Health Security, US Department of Homeland Security, Washington, DC 20528, USA
| | - Rachel Curtis-Robles
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Bioscienes, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Gabriel L Hamer
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Sarah A Hamer
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Bioscienes, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
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Christopher DM, Curtis-Robles R, Hamer GL, Bejcek J, Saunders AB, Roachell WD, Cropper TL, Hamer SA. Collection of triatomines from sylvatic habitats by a Trypanosoma cruzi-infected scent detection dog in Texas, USA. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0010813. [PMID: 36940217 PMCID: PMC10063167 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Triatomine insects, vectors of the etiologic agent of Chagas disease (Trypanosoma cruzi), are challenging to locate in sylvatic habitats. Collection techniques used in the United States often rely on methods to intercept seasonally dispersing adults or on community scientists' encounters. Neither method is suited for detecting nest habitats likely to harbor triatomines, which is important for vector surveillance and control. Furthermore, manual inspection of suspected harborages is difficult and unlikely to reveal novel locations and host associations. Similar to a team that used a trained dog to detect sylvatic triatomines in Paraguay, we worked with a trained scent detection dog to detect triatomines in sylvatic locations across Texas. PRINCIPLE METHODOLOGY/FINDINGS Ziza, a 3-year-old German Shorthaired Pointer previously naturally infected with T. cruzi, was trained to detect triatomines. Over the course of 6 weeks in the fall of 2017, the dog and her handler searched at 17 sites across Texas. The dog detected 60 triatomines at 6 sites; an additional 50 triatomines were contemporaneously collected at 1 of these sites and 2 additional sites without the assistance of the dog. Approximately 0.98 triatomines per hour were found when only humans were conducting searches; when working with the dog, approximately 1.71 triatomines per hour were found. In total, 3 adults and 107 nymphs of four species (Triatoma gerstaeckeri, Triatoma protracta, Triatoma sanguisuga, and Triatoma indictiva) were collected. PCR testing of a subset revealed T. cruzi infection, including DTUs TcI and TcIV, in 27% of nymphs (n = 103) and 66% of adults (n = 3). Bloodmeal analysis of a subset of triatomines (n = 5) revealed feeding on Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana), Southern plains woodrat (Neotoma micropus), and eastern cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus). CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE A trained scent detection dog enhanced triatomine detections in sylvatic habitats. This approach is effective at detecting nidicolous triatomines. Control of sylvatic sources of triatomines is challenging, but this new knowledge of specific sylvatic habitats and key hosts may reveal opportunities for novel vector control methods to block the transmission of T. cruzi to humans and domestic animals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rachel Curtis-Robles
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Gabriel L. Hamer
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Justin Bejcek
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Ashley B. Saunders
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Walter D. Roachell
- Public Health Command Central, JBSA-Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
| | - Thomas Leo Cropper
- Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center, Joint Base San Antonio, San Antonio Texas
| | - Sarah A. Hamer
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
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Edmunds SC, Fouque F, Copas KA, Hirsch T, Shimabukuro PHF, Andrade-filho JD, Marceló C, Morales CA, Lesmes MC, Fuya P, Méndez S, Cadena H, Ávila-Díaz Á, Santamaría E, Južnič-Zonta Ž, Eritja R, Palmer JRB, Bartumeus F, dos Santos-Conceição M, Chahad-Ehlers S, Silva-Inácio CL, Lozovei AL, de Andrade AJ, Paull S, Ángel Miranda M, Barceló C, Schaffner F, Della-Torre A, Brosens D, Dekoninck W, Hendrickx G, Van Bortel W, Deblauwe I, Smitz N, Versteirt V, Godoy RE, Brilhante AF, Ceccarelli S, Balsalobre A, Vicente ME, Curtis-Robles R, Hamer SA, Landa JMA, Rabinovich JE, Marti GA, Schigel D. Publishing data to support the fight against human vector-borne diseases. Gigascience 2022; 11:6795290. [PMID: 36329618 PMCID: PMC9633277 DOI: 10.1093/gigascience/giac114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Vector-borne diseases are responsible for more than 17% of human cases of infectious diseases. In most situations, effective control of debilitating and deadly vector-bone diseases (VBDs), such as malaria, dengue, chikungunya, yellow fever, Zika and Chagas requires up-to-date, robust and comprehensive information on the presence, diversity, ecology, bionomics and geographic spread of the organisms that carry and transmit the infectious agents. Huge gaps exist in the information related to these vectors, creating an essential need for campaigns to mobilise and share data. The publication of data papers is an effective tool for overcoming this challenge. These peer-reviewed articles provide scholarly credit for researchers whose vital work of assembling and publishing well-described, properly-formatted datasets often fails to receive appropriate recognition. To address this, GigaScience's sister journal GigaByte partnered with the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) to publish a series of data papers, with support from the Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR), hosted by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Here we outline the initial results of this targeted approach to sharing data and describe its importance for controlling VBDs and improving public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott C Edmunds
- Corresponding author. Scott Edmunds, BGI Hong Kong Tech Co Ltd., Hong Kong, NT HONG KONG. E-mail:
| | - Florence Fouque
- Special Programme for Research & Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR), World Health Organization, Avenu Appia 20, 1211 Geneva 27, Switzerland
| | - Kyle A Copas
- GBIF Secretariat Universitetsparken 15. DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Tim Hirsch
- GBIF Secretariat Universitetsparken 15. DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Paloma Helena Fernandes Shimabukuro
- Coleção de Flebotomíneos (FIOCRUZ/COLFLEB), Instituto René Rachou, Fiocruz Minas Avenida Augusto de Lima, 1715 - Barro Preto, 30190009, Belo Horizonte, Brazil,Grupo de Estudos em Leishmanioses, Instituto René Rachou, Fiocruz Minas Avenida Augusto de Lima, 1715 - Barro Preto, 30190009, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - José Dilermando Andrade-filho
- Coleção de Flebotomíneos (FIOCRUZ/COLFLEB), Instituto René Rachou, Fiocruz Minas Avenida Augusto de Lima, 1715 - Barro Preto, 30190009, Belo Horizonte, Brazil,Grupo de Estudos em Leishmanioses, Instituto René Rachou, Fiocruz Minas Avenida Augusto de Lima, 1715 - Barro Preto, 30190009, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Catalina Marceló
- Grupo de Entomología, Instituto Nacional de Salud, 111321, Bogotá, Colombia
| | | | - María Camila Lesmes
- Grupo de Entomología, Instituto Nacional de Salud, 111321, Bogotá, Colombia,Universidad de Ciencias Aplicadas y Ambientales, 111166, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Patricia Fuya
- Grupo de Entomología, Instituto Nacional de Salud, 111321, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Sergio Méndez
- Grupo de Entomología, Instituto Nacional de Salud, 111321, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Horacio Cadena
- Programa de Estudio y Control de Enfermedades Tropicales PECET, 050010, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Álvaro Ávila-Díaz
- Universidad de Ciencias Aplicadas y Ambientales, 111166, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Erika Santamaría
- Grupo de Entomología, Instituto Nacional de Salud, 111321, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Živko Južnič-Zonta
- Centre d'Estudis Avançats de Blanes (CEAB-CSIC), C/d'accés a la Cala St. Francesc 14, 17300 Blanes, Girona, SpainCentre d'Estudis Avançats de Blanes (CEAB-CSIC), C/d'accés a la Cala St. Francesc 14, 17300 Blanes, Girona, Spain
| | - Roger Eritja
- Centre de Recerca Ecològica i Aplicacions Forestals (CREAF), Edifici C Campus de, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - John R B Palmer
- Departament de Ciències Polítiques i Socials, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Plaça de la Mercè, 10-12, 08002 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Frederic Bartumeus
- Centre d'Estudis Avançats de Blanes (CEAB-CSIC), C/d'accés a la Cala St. Francesc 14, 17300 Blanes, Girona, SpainCentre d'Estudis Avançats de Blanes (CEAB-CSIC), C/d'accés a la Cala St. Francesc 14, 17300 Blanes, Girona, Spain,Centre de Recerca Ecològica i Aplicacions Forestals (CREAF), Edifici C Campus de, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain,Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), 23 Passeig de Lluís Companys, 08010 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maurício dos Santos-Conceição
- Basic Pathology Department, Federal University of Paraná, Av. Cel. Francisco H. dos Santos, 100 - Jardim das Américas, Curitiba, PR 81531-980, Brazil
| | - Samira Chahad-Ehlers
- Genetics and Evolution Department, Federal University of São Carlos, Rodovia Washington Luís, km 235 SP-310, São Carlos, SP 13565-905, Brazil
| | - Cássio Lázaro Silva-Inácio
- Microbiology and Parasitology Department, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Av. Senador Salgado Filho, 3000, Natal, RN 59078-970, Brazil
| | - Ana Leuch Lozovei
- Basic Pathology Department, Federal University of Paraná, Av. Cel. Francisco H. dos Santos, 100 - Jardim das Américas, Curitiba, PR 81531-980, Brazil
| | - Andrey José de Andrade
- Post-graduate Programme in Entomology, Zoology Department, Federal University of Paraná, Av. Cel. Francisco H. dos Santos, 100 - Jardim das Américas, Curitiba, PR 81531-980, Brazil
| | - Sara Paull
- National Ecological Observatory Network, Battelle, 1685 38 St, Boulder, CO 80301, USA
| | - Miguel Ángel Miranda
- Applied Zoology and Animal Conservation group, University of the Balearic Islands (UIB), Ctra Valldemossa km 7.5, 07122 Palma, Spain
| | - Carlos Barceló
- Applied Zoology and Animal Conservation group, University of the Balearic Islands (UIB), Ctra Valldemossa km 7.5, 07122 Palma, Spain
| | - Francis Schaffner
- Francis Schaffner Consultancy, Lörracherstrasse 50, 4125 Riehen, Switzerland
| | - Alessandra Della-Torre
- Dep. Public Health and Infectious diseases, University Sapienza, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Dimitri Brosens
- Research Institute for Nature and Forest (INBO), Havenlaan 88 b73, 1000, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Wouter Dekoninck
- Royal Belgian Institute for Natural Sciences (RBINS - BopCo & Scientific Heritage Service), Vautierstraat 29, 1000, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Wim Van Bortel
- Unit Entomology, Dept. of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine (ITG), Nationalestraat, 155, 2000, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Isra Deblauwe
- Unit Entomology, Dept. of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine (ITG), Nationalestraat, 155, 2000, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Nathalie Smitz
- Royal Museum for Central Africa (RMCA - BopCo), Leuvensesteenweg 17, 3080 Tervuren, Belgium
| | - Veerle Versteirt
- Agency for Nature and Forests, (ANB), Havenlaan 88 b75, 1000, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Andreia Fernandes Brilhante
- Universidade Federal do Acre, Departamento de Ciências da Saúde e Educação Física. Universidade Federal do Acre, Distrito Industrial, Rio Branco, 69920900, Er, Brasil
| | - Soledad Ceccarelli
- Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectores (CEPAVE-CCT-La Plata-CONICET-UNLP), La Plata, Buenos Aires 1900, Argentina,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, 1002, Argentina
| | - Agustín Balsalobre
- Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectores (CEPAVE-CCT-La Plata-CONICET-UNLP), La Plata, Buenos Aires 1900, Argentina,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, 1002, Argentina
| | - María Eugenia Vicente
- Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectores (CEPAVE-CCT-La Plata-CONICET-UNLP), La Plata, Buenos Aires 1900, Argentina
| | - Rachel Curtis-Robles
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, 77845, USA
| | - Sarah A Hamer
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, 77845, USA
| | - José Manuel Ayala Landa
- Facultad de Agronomia, UCV, Apdo. 4579, Museo del Instituto de Zoología Agrícola (MIZA), 2101A, Maracay, Venezuela
| | - Jorge E Rabinovich
- Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectores (CEPAVE-CCT-La Plata-CONICET-UNLP), La Plata, Buenos Aires 1900, Argentina,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, 1002, Argentina
| | - Gerardo A Marti
- Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectores (CEPAVE-CCT-La Plata-CONICET-UNLP), La Plata, Buenos Aires 1900, Argentina,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, 1002, Argentina
| | - Dmitry Schigel
- GBIF Secretariat Universitetsparken 15. DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
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Ceccarelli S, Balsalobre A, Vicente ME, Curtis-Robles R, Hamer SA, Ayala Landa JM, Rabinovich JE, Marti GA. American triatomine species occurrences: updates and novelties in the DataTri database. GigaByte 2022; 2022:gigabyte62. [PMID: 36824504 PMCID: PMC9930499 DOI: 10.46471/gigabyte.62] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The causative agent of Chagas disease (Trypanosoma cruzi) is transmitted to mammals, including humans, mainly by insect vectors of the subfamily Triatominae (Hemiptera: Reduviidae). Also known as "kissing bugs", the subfamily currently includes 157 validated species (154 extant and three extinct), in 18 genera and five tribes. Here, we present a subdataset (7852 records) of American triatomine occurrences; an update to the most complete and integrated database available to date at a continental scale. New georeferenced records were obtained from a systematic review of published literature and colleague-provided data. New data correspond to 101 species and 14 genera from 22 American countries between 1935 and 2022. The most important novelties refer to (i) the inclusion of new species, (ii) synonymies and formal transferals of species, and (iii) temporal and geographical species records updates. These data will be a useful contribution to entomological surveillance implicated in Chagas disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soledad Ceccarelli
- Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectores (CEPAVE-CCT-La Plata-CONICET-UNLP), La Plata, Buenos Aires 1900, Argentina,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina, Corresponding author. E-mail:
| | - Agustín Balsalobre
- Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectores (CEPAVE-CCT-La Plata-CONICET-UNLP), La Plata, Buenos Aires 1900, Argentina,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Eugenia Vicente
- Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectores (CEPAVE-CCT-La Plata-CONICET-UNLP), La Plata, Buenos Aires 1900, Argentina
| | - Rachel Curtis-Robles
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Sarah A. Hamer
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | | | - Jorge E. Rabinovich
- Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectores (CEPAVE-CCT-La Plata-CONICET-UNLP), La Plata, Buenos Aires 1900, Argentina,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Gerardo A. Marti
- Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectores (CEPAVE-CCT-La Plata-CONICET-UNLP), La Plata, Buenos Aires 1900, Argentina,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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6
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Busselman RE, Meyers AC, Zecca IB, Auckland LD, Castro AH, Dowd RE, Curtis-Robles R, Hodo CL, Saunders AB, Hamer SA. High incidence of Trypanosoma cruzi infections in dogs directly detected through longitudinal tracking at 10 multi-dog kennels, Texas, USA. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009935. [PMID: 34758049 PMCID: PMC8631682 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Canine Chagas disease, caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, is increasingly recognized as a health concern for dogs in the USA, and infected dogs may signal geographic regions of risk for human disease. Dogs living in multi-dog kennel environments (kennels with more than one dog) where triatomine vectors are endemic may be at high risk for infection. We monitored a cohort of 64 T. cruzi-infected and uninfected dogs across 10 kennels in Texas, USA, to characterize changes in infection status over one year. We used robust diagnostic criteria in which reactivity on multiple independent platforms was required to be considered positive. Among the 30 dogs enrolled as serologically- and/or PCR-positive, all but one dog showed sustained positive T. cruzi diagnostic results over time. Among the 34 dogs enrolled as serologically- and PCR-negative, 10 new T. cruzi infections were recorded over a 12-month period. The resulting incidence rate for dogs initially enrolled as T. cruzi-negative was 30.7 T. cruzi infections per 100 dogs per year. This study highlights the risk of T. cruzi infection to dogs in kennel environments. To protect both dog and human health, there is an urgent need to develop more integrated vector control methods as well as prophylactic and curative antiparasitic treatment options for T. cruzi infection in dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel E. Busselman
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Alyssa C. Meyers
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Italo B. Zecca
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Lisa D. Auckland
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Andres H. Castro
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Rebecca E. Dowd
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Rachel Curtis-Robles
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Carolyn L. Hodo
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Michale E. Keeling Center for Comparative Medicine and Research, Bastrop, Texas, United States of America
| | - Ashley B. Saunders
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Sarah A. Hamer
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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Curtis-Robles R, Meyers AC, Auckland LD, Zecca IB, Skiles R, Hamer SA. Parasitic interactions among Trypanosoma cruzi, triatomine vectors, domestic animals, and wildlife in Big Bend National Park along the Texas-Mexico border. Acta Trop 2018; 188:225-233. [PMID: 30205082 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2018.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2018] [Revised: 09/03/2018] [Accepted: 09/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
National parks attract millions of visitors each year. Park visitors, employees, and pets are at risk of infection with various zoonotic pathogens, including Trypanosoma cruzi, causative agent of Chagas disease. Big Bend National Park is located along the Texas-Mexico border in a region with endemic triatomine insects- vectors of T. cruzi- yet the degree to which the parasite is transmitted in this region is unknown. We collected triatomines for T. cruzi detection and discrete typing unit (DTU) determination, and conducted blood meal analyses to determine recent hosts. As an index of domestic/peridomestic transmission, we tested residential dogs in the Park for exposure to T. cruzi. From 2015 to 2017, 461 triatomines of three species-Triatoma rubida, Triatoma gerstaeckeri, and Triatoma protracta-were collected in and around the Park. Adult triatomine encounters peaked in June of each year (52.8% of collections). We detected an overall infection prevalence of 23.1% in adult triatomines (n = 320) and 4.2% in nymph triatomines (n = 24). DTU TcI was the only T. cruzi strain detected. Of 89 triatomines subjected to blood meal analyses, vertebrate host DNA was successfully amplified from 42 (47.2%); blood meal sources included humans, domestic animals, and avian and mammalian wildlife species. Tested dogs were considered positive if reactive on at least two independent serologic assays; we found 28.6% seroprevalence in 14 dogs. These findings reveal interactions between infected triatomines, humans, dogs, and wildlife in and around Big Bend National Park, with potential risk of human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Curtis-Robles
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, 4458 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843, USA.
| | - Alyssa C Meyers
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, 4458 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843, USA.
| | - Lisa D Auckland
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, 4458 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843, USA.
| | - Italo B Zecca
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, 4458 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843, USA.
| | - Raymond Skiles
- Big Bend National Park, P.O. Box 129, Big Bend National Park, TX 79834, USA.
| | - Sarah A Hamer
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, 4458 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843, USA.
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Hamer GL, Bejcek JR, Valdez EA, Curtis-Robles R, Hamer SA. A Pilot Radio Telemetry Field Study of Triatomine Vectors (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) of the Chagas Disease Parasite. J Med Entomol 2018; 55:1380-1385. [PMID: 29986045 PMCID: PMC6201830 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjy094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2017] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
We conducted the first pilot radio telemetry study of hematophagous arthropods by placing transmitters on wild-caught triatomine insects ('kissing bugs'), vectors of the Chagas disease parasite. In Texas-a recognized hotspot for triatomine diversity and locally-acquired human and animal Chagas disease-we tagged five female and four male Triatoma gerstaeckeri (Stål) (Hemiptera: Reduviidae), as well as one female and one male Triatoma sanguisuga (Leconte) (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) in three counties from 2015 to 2017. In comparative trials, placement of the transmitter on the dorsal side of the abdomen underneath the hemelytra wings, with the transmitter antenna shortened to 3 cm, yielded the best results. We tracked the movements of the 11 tagged bugs over an average of 4.8 d (range of 1 to 12 d) and detected 18 movement events with an average distance of 3.8 m (range of 1 to 20 m). This pilot study demonstrates the potential utility for using telemetry as a tool for studying fine-scale non-flight movement of triatomines and the discovery of cryptic resting habitats. Future studies using this or similar technologies to study movement and behavior of triatomines could test for site-fidelity of resting habitats and provide novel insight into aspects of vector biology that could be targeted in disease risk reduction efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel L Hamer
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
| | - Justin R Bejcek
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
| | - Edwin A Valdez
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
| | - Rachel Curtis-Robles
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
| | - Sarah A Hamer
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
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Hamer SA, Curtis-Robles R, Hamer GL. Contributions of citizen scientists to arthropod vector data in the age of digital epidemiology. Curr Opin Insect Sci 2018; 28:98-104. [PMID: 30551774 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2018.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2018] [Revised: 05/01/2018] [Accepted: 05/09/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Citizen-collected arthropod vectors are useful for epidemiological studies of vector-borne disease, especially since the vectors encountered by the public are the subset of vectors in nature that have a disproportionate impact on health. Programs integrating educational efforts with collecting efforts may be particularly effective for public health initiatives, resulting in an empowered public with knowledge of vector-borne disease prevention. Citizen science programs have been successfully implemented for the collection of unprecedented sample sets of mosquitos, ticks, and triatomines. Cyber infrastructure employed in digital epidemiology-including websites, email, mobile phone apps, and social media platforms-has facilitated vector citizen science initiatives to assess disease risk over vast spatial and temporal scales, advancing research to mitigate vector-borne disease risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A Hamer
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, 4458 TAMU, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA.
| | - Rachel Curtis-Robles
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, 4458 TAMU, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Gabriel L Hamer
- Department of Entomology, 2475 TAMU, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
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Bejcek JR, Curtis-Robles R, Riley M, Brundage A, Hamer SA, Hamer GL. Clear Resin Casting of Arthropods of Medical Importance for Use in Educational and Outreach Activities. J Insect Sci 2018; 18:4955728. [PMID: 29718496 PMCID: PMC5888432 DOI: 10.1093/jisesa/iey030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Arthropod-related morbidity and mortality represent a major threat to human and animal health. An important component of reducing vector-borne diseases and injuries is training the next generation of medical entomologists and educating the public in proper identification of arthropods of medical importance. One challenge of student training and public outreach is achieving a safe mounting technique that allows observation of morphological characteristics, while minimizing damage to specimens that are often difficult to replace. Although resin-embedded specimens are available from commercial retailers, there is a need for a published protocol that allows entomologists to economically create high-quality resin-embedded arthropods for use in teaching and outreach activities. We developed a detailed protocol using readily obtained equipment and supplies for creating resin-embedded arthropods of many species for use in teaching and outreach activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin R Bejcek
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
| | - Rachel Curtis-Robles
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
| | - Michael Riley
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
| | | | - Sarah A Hamer
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
| | - Gabriel L Hamer
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
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Curtis-Robles R, Auckland LD, Hodo CL, Snowden KF, Nabity MB, Hamer SA. Trypanosoma cruzi discrete typing unit TcIV implicated in a case of acute disseminated canine Chagas disease. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2018; 12:85-88. [PMID: 31014814 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2018.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2018] [Revised: 02/12/2018] [Accepted: 02/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
In 2006, Nabity et al. reported on an atypical presentation of Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi) infection in an 8-month old English Mastiff from central Texas. Clinical signs and laboratory findings included lymphadenopathy, weight loss, amastigotes in lymph node aspirates, and initial serological results suggestive of either T. cruzi or Leishmania infection. Given the poor prognosis, the dog was euthanized and subsequent testing and culture of parasites from a lymph node revealed T. cruzi infection. Because different parasite discrete typing units (DTUs) are potentially associated with different disease outcomes in a variety of mammalian hosts, an understanding of these relationships in naturally infected dogs may be useful for informing canine prognosis and may also have human health implications. Here, we compared strains using culture versus culture-independent methods. We subjected archived cultured parasites harvested from the lymph node in the infected Mastiff to two independent approaches for determining parasite DTU, including sequencing of the TcSC5D gene and use of DTU-specific qPCR probes to hybridize the nuclear spliced leader intergenic region (SL-IR). Both approaches revealed T. cruzi discrete typing unit TcIV. Testing of multiple other tissues directly without culturing, including heart/tongue, intestine, trachea/lymph nodes, and uterus/ovary, provided further evidence of disseminated TcIV infection in this dog. We report T. cruzi DTU TcIV as the cause of a severe disseminated infection in a dog from an area with triatomine vectors in central Texas, adding to the limited body of clinicopathologic data that links specific parasite strains to disease outcomes in dogs in the US. Future studies to type parasites from asymptomatic dogs and those with diverse disease manifestations will be useful in informing the degree to which parasite genetics is associated with disease presentation and severity. If applied to antemortem samples, diagnostic typing of parasites from infected dogs may assist in determining prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Curtis-Robles
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, MS4458, TX 77843-4458, United States
| | - L D Auckland
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, MS4458, TX 77843-4458, United States
| | - C L Hodo
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, MS4467, TX 77843-4467, United States
| | - K F Snowden
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, MS4467, TX 77843-4467, United States
| | - M B Nabity
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, MS4467, TX 77843-4467, United States
| | - S A Hamer
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, MS4458, TX 77843-4458, United States.
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Curtis-Robles R, Hamer SA, Lane S, Levy MZ, Hamer GL. Bionomics and Spatial Distribution of Triatomine Vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi in Texas and Other Southern States, USA. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2018; 98:113-121. [PMID: 29141765 PMCID: PMC5928729 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.17-0526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2017] [Accepted: 09/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Defining spatial and temporal occurrences of triatomine vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi, the agent of Chagas disease, in the US is critical for public health protection. Through a citizen science program and field collections from 2012 to 2016, we collected 3,215 triatomines, mainly from Texas. Using morphological and molecular approaches, we identified seven Triatoma species and report sex, length, and blood engorgement status. Many citizen-collected triatomines (92.9%) were encountered indoors, in peridomestic settings, or in dog kennels and represent spillover transmission risk of T. cruzi to humans and domestic animals. The most commonly collected species were Triatoma gerstaeckeri and Triatoma sanguisuga. Adult T. gerstaeckeri were collected from May to September, peaking from June to July, whereas adult T. sanguisuga were active later, from June to October, peaking from July to September. Based on cross correlation analyses, peaks of captures varied by species and across years. Point pattern analyses revealed unique occurrences of T. sanguisuga in north and east Texas, T. gerstaeckeri in south and west Texas, Triatoma indictiva and Triatoma lecticularia in central Texas, and Triatoma rubida in west Texas. These relatively unique spatial occurrences suggest associations with different suitable habitats and serve as a basis for future models evaluating the ecological niches of different vector species. Understanding the temporal and spatial heterogeneity of triatomines in the southern United States will improve targeted interventions of vector control and will guide public outreach and education to reduce human and animal contact with vectors and reduce the risk of exposure to T. cruzi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Curtis-Robles
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Sarah A. Hamer
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Sage Lane
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Texas A&M Health Science Center, College Station, Texas
| | - Michael Z. Levy
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Gabriel L. Hamer
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
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Curtis-Robles R, Auckland LD, Snowden KF, Hamer GL, Hamer SA. Analysis of over 1500 triatomine vectors from across the US, predominantly Texas, for Trypanosoma cruzi infection and discrete typing units. Infect Genet Evol 2017; 58:171-180. [PMID: 29269323 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2017.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2017] [Revised: 12/04/2017] [Accepted: 12/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Across the Americas, triatomine insects harbor diverse strains of Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi), agent of Chagas disease. Geographic patterns of vector infection and parasite strain associations, especially in vectors encountered by the public, may be useful in assessing entomological risk, but are largely unknown across the US. We collected Triatoma spp. from across the US (mainly Texas), in part using a citizen science initiative, and amplified T. cruzi DNA to determine infection prevalence and parasite discrete typing units (DTUs). We found 54.4% infection prevalence in 1510 triatomines of 6 species; prevalence in adult T. gerstaeckeri (63.3%; n=897) and T. lecticularia (66.7%; n=66) was greater than in T. sanguisuga (47.6%; n=315), T. indictiva (47.8% n=67), T. rubida (14.1%; n=64), and T. protracta (10.5%; n=19). The odds of infection in adults were 9.73 times higher than in nymphs (95% CI 4.46-25.83). PCR of the spliced leader intergenic region (SL-IR) and/or the putative lathosterol/episterol oxidase TcSC5D gene revealed exclusively T. cruzi DTUs TcI and TcIV; 5.5% of T. cruzi-positive samples were not successfully typed. T. gerstaeckeri (n=548) were more frequently infected with TcI (53.9%) than TcIV (34.4%), and 11.9% showed mixed TcI/TcIV infections. In contrast, T. sanguisuga (n=135) were more frequently infected with TcIV (79.3%) than TcI (15.6%), and 5.2% showed mixed infections. Relative abundance of parasite DTUs varied spatially, with both TcI and TcIV co-circulating in vectors in central Texas, while TcIV predominated in northern Texas. Given prior findings implicating TcI in human disease and TcI and TcIV in animal disease in the US, knowledge of spatial distribution of T. cruzi infection and DTUs in vectors is important to understanding public and veterinary health risk of T. cruzi infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Curtis-Robles
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, 4458 TAMU, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA.
| | - Lisa D Auckland
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, 4458 TAMU, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA.
| | - Karen F Snowden
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, 4467 TAMU, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA.
| | - Gabriel L Hamer
- Department of Entomology, 2475 TAMU, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA.
| | - Sarah A Hamer
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, 4458 TAMU, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA.
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Curtis-Robles R, Zecca IB, Roman-Cruz V, Carbajal ES, Auckland LD, Flores I, Millard AV, Hamer SA. Trypanosoma cruzi (Agent of Chagas Disease) in Sympatric Human and Dog Populations in "Colonias" of the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2017; 96:805-814. [PMID: 28167589 PMCID: PMC5392625 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.16-0789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The zoonotic, vector-borne parasite Trypanosoma cruzi causes Chagas disease throughout the Americas, but human and veterinary health burdens in the United States are unknown. We conducted a cross-sectional prevalence study in indigent, medically underserved human and cohabiting canine populations of seven south Texas border communities, known as colonias. Defining positivity as those samples that were positive on two or more independent tests, we found 1.3% seroprevalence in 233 humans, including one child born in the United States with only short-duration travel to Mexico. Additionally, a single child with no travel outside south Texas was positive on only a single test. Among 209 dogs, seroprevalence was 19.6%, but adjusted to 31.6% when including those dogs positive on only one test and extrapolating potential false negatives. Parasite DNA was detected in five dogs, indicating potential parasitemia. Seropositive dogs lived in all sampled colonias with no difference in odds of positivity across age, sex, or breed. Colonia residents collected two adult Triatoma gerstaeckeri and one nymph triatomine from around their homes; one of three bugs was infected with T. cruzi, and blood meal hosts were molecularly determined to include dog, human, and raccoon. Dogs and the infected vector all harbored T. cruzi discrete typing unit I, which has previously been implicated in human disease in the United States. Colonias harbor active T. cruzi transmission cycles and should be a priority in outreach and vector control initiatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Curtis-Robles
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Italo B Zecca
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Valery Roman-Cruz
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Ester S Carbajal
- International Valley Health Institute, Edinburg, Texas.,Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Lisa D Auckland
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | | | - Ann V Millard
- School of Public Health, Texas A&M Health Science Center, McAllen, Texas
| | - Sarah A Hamer
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
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Curtis-Robles R, Snowden KF, Dominguez B, Dinges L, Rodgers S, Mays G, Hamer SA. Epidemiology and Molecular Typing of Trypanosoma cruzi in Naturally-Infected Hound Dogs and Associated Triatomine Vectors in Texas, USA. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017; 11:e0005298. [PMID: 28095511 PMCID: PMC5287457 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2016] [Revised: 02/01/2017] [Accepted: 01/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trypanosoma cruzi is the etiologic agent of Chagas disease throughout the Americas. Few population-level studies have examined the epidemiology of canine infection and strain types of T. cruzi that infect canines in the USA. We conducted a cross-sectional study of T. cruzi infection in working hound dogs in south central Texas, including analysis of triatomine vectors collected within kennel environments. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPLE FINDINGS Paired IFA and Chagas Stat-Pak serological testing showed an overall seroprevalence of 57.6% (n = 85), with significant variation across kennels. Dog age had a marginally significant effect on seropositivity, with one year of age increase associated with a 19.6% increase in odds of being seropositive (odds ratio 95% CI 0.996-1.435; p = 0.055). PCR analyses of blood revealed 17.4% of dogs harbored parasite DNA in their blood, including both seronegative and seropositive dogs. Molecular screening of organs from opportunistically sampled seropositive dogs revealed parasite DNA in heart, uterus, and mammary tissues. Strain-typing showed parasite discrete typing units (DTU) TcI and TcIV present in dog samples, including a co-occurrence of both DTUs in two individual dogs. Bloodmeal analysis of Triatoma gerstaeckeri and Triatoma sanguisuga insects collected from the kennels revealed exclusively dog DNA. Vector infection with T. cruzi was 80.6% (n = 36), in which T. gerstaeckeri disproportionately harbored TcI (p = 0.045) and T. sanguisuga disproportionately harbored TcIV (p = 0.029). Tracing infection status across dog litters showed some seropositive offspring of seronegative dams, suggesting infection of pups from local triatomine vectors rather than congenital transmission. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Canine kennels are high-risk environments for T. cruzi transmission, in which dogs likely serve as the predominant parasite reservoir. Disease and death of working dogs from Chagas disease is associated with unmeasured yet undoubtedly significant financial consequences because working dogs are highly trained and highly valued.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Curtis-Robles
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Karen F. Snowden
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Brandon Dominguez
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Lewis Dinges
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Sandy Rodgers
- Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Glennon Mays
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Sarah A. Hamer
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Curtis-Robles R, Lewis BC, Hamer SA. High Trypanosoma cruzi infection prevalence associated with minimal cardiac pathology among wild carnivores in central Texas. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2016; 5:117-23. [PMID: 27330982 PMCID: PMC4900435 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2016.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2016] [Revised: 04/07/2016] [Accepted: 04/09/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Infection with the zoonotic vector-borne protozoal parasite Trypanosoma cruzi causes Chagas disease in humans and dogs throughout the Americas. Despite the recognized importance of various wildlife species for perpetuating Trypanosoma cruzi in nature, relatively little is known about the development of cardiac disease in infected wildlife. Using a cross-sectional study design, we collected cardiac tissue and blood from hunter-donated wildlife carcasses- including raccoon (Procyon lotor), coyote (Canis latrans), gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus), and bobcat (Lynx rufus) - from central Texas, a region with established populations of infected triatomine vectors and increasing diagnoses of Chagas disease in domestic dogs. Based on PCR analysis, we found that 2 bobcats (14.3%), 12 coyotes (14.3%), 8 foxes (13.8%), and 49 raccoons (70.0%) were positive for T. cruzi in at least one sample (right ventricle, apex, and/or blood clot). Although a histologic survey of right ventricles showed that 21.1% of 19 PCR-positive hearts were characterized by mild lymphoplasmocytic infiltration, no other lesions and no amastigotes were observed in any histologic section. DNA sequencing of the TcSC5D gene revealed that raccoons were infected with T. cruzi strain TcIV, and a single racoon harbored a TcI/TcIV mixed infection. Relative to other wildlife species tested here, our data suggest that raccoons may be important reservoirs of TcIV in Texas and a source of infection for indigenous triatomine bugs. The overall high level of infection in this wildlife community likely reflects high levels of vector contact, including ingestion of bugs. Although the relationship between the sylvatic cycle of T. cruzi transmission and human disease risk in the United States has yet to be defined, our data suggest that hunters and wildlife professionals should take precautions to avoid direct contact with potentially infected wildlife tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Curtis-Robles
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, 4458 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Barbara C. Lewis
- Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, P.O. Drawer 3040, College Station, TX 77841-3040, USA
| | - Sarah A. Hamer
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, 4458 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843, USA
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Abstract
Chagas disease, an infection with the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, is increasingly diagnosed among humans in the southern United States. We assessed exposure of shelter dogs in Texas to T. cruzi; seroprevalence across diverse ecoregions was 8.8%. Canine serosurveillance is a useful tool for public health risk assessment.
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Bryan LK, Hamer SA, Shaw S, Curtis-Robles R, Auckland LD, Hodo CL, Chaffin K, Rech RR. Chagas disease in a Texan horse with neurologic deficits. Vet Parasitol 2015; 216:13-7. [PMID: 26801589 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2015.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2015] [Revised: 11/28/2015] [Accepted: 11/28/2015] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
A 10-year-old Quarter Horse gelding presented to the Texas A&M University Veterinary Teaching Hospital with a six month-history of ataxia and lameness in the hind limbs. The horse was treated presumptively for equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM) based on clinical signs but was ultimately euthanized after its condition worsened. Gross lesions were limited to a small area of reddening in the gray matter of the thoracic spinal cord. Histologically, trypanosome amastigotes morphologically similar to Trypanosoma cruzi, the agent of Chagas disease in humans and dogs, were sporadically detected within segments of the thoracic spinal cord surrounded by mild lymphoplasmacytic inflammation. Ancillary testing for Sarcocystis neurona, Neospora spp., Toxoplasma gondii and Leishmania spp. was negative. Conventional and real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of affected paraffin embedded spinal cord were positive for T. cruzi, and sequencing of the amplified T. cruzi satellite DNA PCR fragment from the horse was homologous with various clones of T. cruzi in GenBank. While canine Chagas disease cases have been widely reported in southern Texas, this is the first report of clinical T. cruzi infection in an equid with demonstrable amastigotes in the spinal cord. In contrast to previous instances of Chagas disease in the central nervous system (CNS) of dogs and humans, no inflammation or T. cruzi amastigotes were detected in the heart of the horse. Based on clinical signs, there is a potential for misdiagnosis of Chagas disease with other infectious diseases that affect the equine CNS. T. cruzi should be considered as a differential diagnosis in horses with neurologic clinical signs and histologic evidence of meningomyelitis that originate in areas where Chagas disease is present. The prevalence of T. cruzi in horses and the role of equids in the parasite life cycle require further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura K Bryan
- Department of Pathobiology, Texas A&M University, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, College Station, TX 77843-4467, USA.
| | - Sarah A Hamer
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, College Station, TX 77843-4467, USA
| | - Sarah Shaw
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, College Station, TX 77843-4467, USA
| | - Rachel Curtis-Robles
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, College Station, TX 77843-4467, USA
| | - Lisa D Auckland
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, College Station, TX 77843-4467, USA
| | - Carolyn L Hodo
- Department of Pathobiology, Texas A&M University, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, College Station, TX 77843-4467, USA
| | - Keith Chaffin
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, College Station, TX 77843-4467, USA
| | - Raquel R Rech
- Department of Pathobiology, Texas A&M University, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, College Station, TX 77843-4467, USA
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Curtis-Robles R, Wozniak EJ, Auckland LD, Hamer GL, Hamer SA. Combining Public Health Education and Disease Ecology Research: Using Citizen Science to Assess Chagas Disease Entomological Risk in Texas. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2015; 9:e0004235. [PMID: 26658425 PMCID: PMC4687635 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0004235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2015] [Accepted: 10/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chagas disease is a zoonotic parasitic disease well-documented throughout the Americas and transmitted primarily by triatomine 'kissing bug' vectors. In acknowledgment of the successful history of vector control programs based on community participation across Latin America, we used a citizen science approach to gain novel insight into the geographic distribution, seasonal activity, and Trypanosoma cruzi infection prevalence of kissing bugs in Texas while empowering the public with information about Chagas disease. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS We accepted submissions of kissing bugs encountered by the public in Texas and other states from 2013-2014 while providing educational literature about Chagas disease. In the laboratory, kissing bugs were identified to species, dissected, and tested for T. cruzi infection. A total of 1,980 triatomines were submitted to the program comprised of at least seven species, of which T. gerstaeckeri and T. sanguisuga were the most abundant (85.7% of submissions). Triatomines were most commonly collected from dog kennels and outdoor patios; Overall, 10.5% of triatomines were collected from inside the home. Triatomines were submitted from across Texas, including many counties which were not previously known to harbor kissing bugs. Kissing bugs were captured primarily throughout April-October, and peak activity occurred in June-July. Emails to our dedicated account regarding kissing bugs were more frequent in the summer months (June-August) than the rest of the year. We detected T. cruzi in 63.3% of tested bugs. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Citizen science is an efficient approach for generating data on the distribution, phenology, and infection prevalence of kissing bugs-vectors of the Chagas disease parasite-while educating the public and medical community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Curtis-Robles
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Edward J. Wozniak
- Texas Department of State Health Services, Uvalde, Texas, United States of America
- Texas State Guard Medical Brigade, Uvalde, Texas, United States of America
| | - Lisa D. Auckland
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Gabriel L. Hamer
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Sarah A. Hamer
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
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