Primer hallazgo de vectores de la enfermedad de Chagas asociados a matorrales silvestres en la Región Metropolitana, Chile
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2006Metadata
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Bacigalupo, Antonella
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Primer hallazgo de vectores de la enfermedad de Chagas asociados a matorrales silvestres en la Región Metropolitana, Chile
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Abstract
Background: Insects of the subfamily triatominae are the biological
vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi, the causal agent of Chagas disease. Aim: To search for wild colonies of
triatomines in the Metropolitan Region of Chile. Material and Methods: Ad hoc traps were placed in
two endemic zones of the Metropolitan Region of Chile, during 30 nights. The dejections of 16 T infestans
and 43 M spinolai specimens were examined under the microscope, searching for live metacyclic
trypomastigotes. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed in macerates of all insects looking
for T cruzi DNA. Results: A total of 269 bugs were captured. Forty four were Triatoma infestans and
225 were Mepraia spinolai. They were not syntopic, since T infestans was restricted to a Southern zone
(Calera de Tango) while M spinolai was only found in the Northern zone (Til-Til). Both species were
found associated to terrestrial bromeliads (Puya sp) but M spinolai was also detected in stony grounds.
Microscopic examination of dejections yielded a trypano-triatomine index of 56.3 and 32.6 for T
infestans and M spinolai, respectively. PCR detected T cruzi DNA in 41 and 43% of T infestans and M
spinolai specimens, respectively. Conclusions: The finding of T infestans in a wild habitat is noticeable.
This is the first report of such phenomenon in Chile. The high infection rates with T cruzi, explains the
maintenance of Chagas disease wild cycle in Chile.
Patrocinador
Financiamiento: Secretaría Regional Ministerial de Salud Región Metropolitana; Unidad Docente
de Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina Occidente, Universidad de Chile.
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URI: https://repositorio.uchile.cl/handle/2250/122354
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Rev Méd Chile 2006; 134: 1230-1236
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