Biological Aspects of Rhodnius montenegrensis (Hemiptera, Reduviidae, Triatominae) Under Laboratory Conditions

Flying to the moon: Impactful accounts of triatomines invasion from the 2nd to the 13th floor of an urban residential building in the municipality of Rio Branco, Acre, Brazil

BACKGROUND

Vectorial transmission through hematophagous triatomine insects remains the primary mode of Chagas Disease contagion. These insects have become increasingly common in urban environments. Therefore, this study aimed to report an encounter of triatomines with trypanosomatid infection in a vertical residential condominium in Rio Branco, the capital of the state of Acre, in the western Brazilian Amazon.

METHODS

Triatomines were collected from residents and sent to the municipality's Entomological Surveillance sector. Trypanosomatid positivity was evaluated using optical microscopy, followed by species and genotype identification using molecular biology techniques.

RESULTS

Twenty-five adult triatomine specimens were collected from two of three condominium buildings invading apartments from the 2nd to 13th floors. Six specimens were identified as Rhodnius sp. and 19 as R. montenegrensis. Among these, molecular tests were conducted on seven specimens, with five testing positive for Trypanosoma cruzi, all belonging to genotype TcI.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings underscore the need for further studies to better understand the invasive capacity of these insects in these environments and the mechanisms involved in this process.

First report of Rhodnius montenegrensis (Hemiptera, Reduviidae, Triatominae) in Amazonas, Brazil

INTRODUCTION:

Triatomines are hematophagous insects of epidemiological importance because they are vectors of Chagas disease. We present here the first report of Rhodnius montenegrensis in Amazonas, Brazil.

METHODS:

Triatomines were collected from Attalea butyracea palm trees in the municipality of Guajará.

RESULTS:

Two adult female R. montenegrensis specimens were identified.

CONCLUSIONS:

The present study confirms that the number of triatomine species within the Amazon has increased from 10 to 11, and the number of Brazilian states with R. montenegrensis has increased from two to three.