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Llovera A, Abras A, Fernández-Arévalo A, Ballart C, Heras S, Muñoz C, Gállego M. Genetic Diversity of Trypanosoma cruzi in the United States of America: The Least Endemic Country for Chagas Disease. Life (Basel) 2024; 14:901. [PMID: 39063654 PMCID: PMC11278504 DOI: 10.3390/life14070901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2024] [Revised: 07/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease (CD), caused by Trypanosoma cruzi and endemic in Latin America, has become an emergent health problem in non-endemic countries due to human migration. The United States (US) is the non-Latin American country with the highest CD burden and cannot be considered as non-endemic, since triatomine vectors and reservoir animals have been found. Populations of T. cruzi are divided into genetic subdivisions, which are known as discrete typing units (DTUs): TcI to TcVI and TcBat. Autochthonous human T. cruzi infection in the US is sporadic, but it may change due to environmental factors affecting the geographic distribution of triatomines. We aimed to perform a literature review of the genetic diversity of T. cruzi in triatomine vectors and mammalian hosts, including human cases, in the US. The 34 analyzed studies revealed the presence of T. cruzi in 18 states, which was mainly concentrated in Texas, Louisiana and New Mexico. TcI and TcIV were the principal DTUs identified, being TcI the most genotyped (42.4%; 917/2164). This study represents a first attempt to compile the molecular epidemiology of T. cruzi in the US, which is fundamental for predicting the progression of the infection in the country and could be of great help in its future management.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alba Abras
- Laboratori d’Ictiologia Genètica, Departament de Biologia, Universitat de Girona, 17003 Girona, Spain;
| | - Anna Fernández-Arévalo
- Secció de Parasitologia, Departament de Biologia, Sanitat i Medi Ambient, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l’Alimentació, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (A.F.-A.); (C.B.); (M.G.)
| | - Cristina Ballart
- Secció de Parasitologia, Departament de Biologia, Sanitat i Medi Ambient, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l’Alimentació, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (A.F.-A.); (C.B.); (M.G.)
- Institut de Salut Global de Barcelona (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sandra Heras
- Laboratori d’Ictiologia Genètica, Departament de Biologia, Universitat de Girona, 17003 Girona, Spain;
| | - Carmen Muñoz
- Servei de Microbiologia, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, 08025 Barcelona, Spain;
- Institut de Recerca Biomèdica Sant Pau, 08041 Barcelona, Spain
- Departament de Genètica i Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Montserrat Gállego
- Secció de Parasitologia, Departament de Biologia, Sanitat i Medi Ambient, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l’Alimentació, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (A.F.-A.); (C.B.); (M.G.)
- Institut de Salut Global de Barcelona (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- CIBERINFEC (Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
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Dumonteil E, Desale H, Tu W, Hernandez-Cuevas N, Shroyer M, Goff K, Marx PA, Herrera C. Intra-host Trypanosoma cruzi strain dynamics shape disease progression: the missing link in Chagas disease pathogenesis. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0423622. [PMID: 37668388 PMCID: PMC10581044 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.04236-22] [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: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic Chagasic cardiomyopathy develops years after infection in 20-40% of patients, but disease progression is poorly understood. Here, we assessed Trypanosoma cruzi parasite dynamics and pathogenesis over a 2.5-year period in naturally infected rhesus macaques. Individuals with better control of parasitemia were infected with a greater diversity of parasite strains compared to those with increasing parasitemia over time. Also, the in vivo parasite multiplication rate decreased with increasing parasite diversity, suggesting competition among strains or a stronger immune response in multiple infections. Significant differences in electrocardiographic (ECG) profiles were observed in Chagasic macaques compared to uninfected controls, suggesting early conduction defects, and changes in ECG patterns over time were observed only in macaques with increasing parasitemia and lower parasite diversity. Disease progression was also associated with plasma fibronectin degradation, which may serve as a biomarker. These data provide a novel framework for the understanding of Chagas disease pathogenesis, with parasite diversity shaping disease progression.IMPORTANCEChagas disease progression remains poorly understood, and patients at increased risk of developing severe cardiac disease cannot be distinguished from those who may remain asymptomatic. Monitoring of Trypanosoma cruzi strain dynamics and pathogenesis over 2-3 years in naturally infected macaques shows that increasing parasite diversity in hosts is detrimental to parasite multiplication and Chagasic cardiomyopathy disease progression. This provides a novel framework for the understanding of Chagas disease pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Dumonteil
- Department of Tropical Medicine, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, and Vector-Borne and Infectious Disease Research Center, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Hans Desale
- Department of Tropical Medicine, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, and Vector-Borne and Infectious Disease Research Center, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Weihong Tu
- Department of Tropical Medicine, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, and Vector-Borne and Infectious Disease Research Center, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Nora Hernandez-Cuevas
- Laboratorio de Parasitologia, Centro de Investigaciones Regionales “Dr. Hideyo Noguchi”, Universidad Autonoma de Yucatan, Merida, Yucatan, Mexico
| | - Monica Shroyer
- Division of Veterinary Medicine, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Tulane University, Covington, Louisiana, USA
| | - Kelly Goff
- Division of Microbiology, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Tulane University, Covington, Louisiana, USA
| | - Preston A. Marx
- Department of Tropical Medicine, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, and Vector-Borne and Infectious Disease Research Center, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Division of Microbiology, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Tulane University, Covington, Louisiana, USA
| | - Claudia Herrera
- Department of Tropical Medicine, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, and Vector-Borne and Infectious Disease Research Center, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
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Teal E, Herrera C, Dumonteil E. Metabolomics of developmental changes in Triatoma sanguisuga gut microbiota. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0280868. [PMID: 36827319 PMCID: PMC9955940 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0280868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Triatoma sanguisuga is one of the major vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi in the southeastern US, where it sustains a robust zoonotic parasite transmission cycle and occasional human infections. A better understanding of triatomine development may allow for alternative approaches to insecticide-based vector control. Indeed, the role of the gut microbiota and bacterial endosymbionts in triatomine development and in their vectorial capacity is emerging. We investigated here the differences in microbiota among nymph and adult T. sanguisuga, to shed light on the metabolomic interactions occurring during development. Microbiota composition was assessed by 16s gene amplification and deep sequencing from field-caught adult bugs and their laboratory-raised progeny. Significant differences in microbiota bacterial diversity and composition were observed between nymphs and adults. Laboratory-raised nymphs showed a higher taxonomic diversity, and at least seven families predominated. On the other hand, field-caught adults had a lower bacterial diversity and four families comprised most of the microbiota. These differences in compositions were associated with differences in predicted metabolism, with laboratory-raised nymphs microbiota metabolizing a limited diversity of carbon sources, with potential for resource competition between bacterial families, and the production of lactic acid as a predominant fermentation product. On the other hand, field-caught adult microbiota was predicted to metabolize a broader diversity of carbon sources, with complementarity rather than competition among taxa, and produced a diverse range of products in a more balanced manner. The restricted functionality of laboratory-raised nymph microbiota may be associated with their poor development in captivity, and further understanding of the metabolic interactions at play may lead to alternative vector control strategies targeting triatomine microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evan Teal
- Department of Tropical Medicine, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, and Vector-Borne and Infectious Disease Research Center, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - Claudia Herrera
- Department of Tropical Medicine, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, and Vector-Borne and Infectious Disease Research Center, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - Eric Dumonteil
- Department of Tropical Medicine, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, and Vector-Borne and Infectious Disease Research Center, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Majeau A, Cloherty E, Anderson AN, Straif-Bourgeois SC, Dumonteil E, Herrera C. Genetic diversity of Trypanosoma cruzi infecting raccoons ( Procyon lotor) in 2 metropolitan areas of southern Louisiana: implications for parasite transmission networks. Parasitology 2023; 150:1-8. [PMID: 36788672 PMCID: PMC10090583 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182023000070] [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: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi, the aetiological agent of Chagas disease, exists as an anthropozoonosis in Louisiana. Raccoons are an important reservoir, as they demonstrate high prevalence and maintain high parasitaemia longer than other mammals. Given the complex nature of parasite transmission networks and importance of raccoons as reservoirs that move between sylvatic and domestic environments, detailing the genetic diversity of T. cruzi in raccoons is crucial to assess risk to human health. Using a next-generation sequencing approach targeting the mini-exon, parasite diversity was assessed in 2 metropolitan areas of Louisiana. Sequences were analysed along with those previously identified in other mammals and vectors to determine if any association exists between ecoregion and parasite diversity. Parasites were identified from discrete typing units (DTUs) TcI, TcII, TcIV, TcV and TcVI. DTUs TcII, TcV and TcVI are previously unreported in raccoons in the United States (US). TcI was the most abundant DTU, comprising nearly 80% of all sequences. All but 1 raccoon harboured multiple haplotypes, some demonstrating mixed infections of different DTUs. Furthermore, there is significant association between DTU distribution and level III ecoregion in Louisiana. Finally, while certain sequences were distributed across multiple tissues, others appeared to have tissue-specific tropism. Taken together, these findings indicate that ongoing surveillance of T. cruzi in the US should be undertaken across ecoregions to fully assess risk to human health. Given potential connections between parasite diversity and clinical outcomes, deep sequencing technologies are crucial and interventions targeting raccoons may prove useful in mitigating human health risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Majeau
- Tulane University School of Public Health & Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Erin Cloherty
- New Orleans Mosquito, Rodent, and Termite Control, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - A. Nikki Anderson
- Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
| | | | - Eric Dumonteil
- Tulane University School of Public Health & Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Claudia Herrera
- Tulane University School of Public Health & Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
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Hamer SA, Saunders AB. Veterinary Chagas Disease (American Trypanosomiasis) in the United States. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 2022; 52:1267-1281. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2022.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Freitas NEM, Habib FL, Santos EF, Silva ÂAO, Fontes ND, Leony LM, Sampaio DD, de Almeida MC, Dantas-Torres F, Santos FLN. Technological advances in the serological diagnosis of Chagas disease in dogs and cats: a systematic review. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:343. [PMID: 36167575 PMCID: PMC9516836 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05476-4] [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: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Chagas disease (CD) is caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, which is transmitted mainly through the feces/urine of infected triatomine bugs. The acute phase lasts 2–3 months and is characterized by high parasitemia and nonspecific symptoms, whereas the lifelong chronic phase features symptoms affecting the heart and/or digestive tract occurring in 30–40% of infected individuals. As in humans, cardiac abnormalities are observed in T. cruzi-infected dogs and cats. We reviewed the technological advances in the serological diagnosis of CD in dogs and cats. Methods A review of the published literature during the last 54 years (1968–2022) on the epidemiology, clinical features, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of CD in dogs and cats was conducted. Results Using predefined eligibility criteria for a search of the published literature, we retrieved and screened 436 publications. Of these, 84 original studies were considered for inclusion in this review. Dogs and cats are considered as sentinels, potentially indicating an active T. cruzi transmission and thus the risk for human infection. Although dogs and cats are reputed to be important for maintaining the T. cruzi domestic transmission cycle, there are no commercial tests to detect past or active infections in these animals. Most published research on CD in dogs and cats have used in-house serological tests prepared with native and/or full-length recombinant antigens, resulting in variable diagnostic performance. In recent years, chimeric antigens have been used to improve the diagnosis of chronic CD in humans with encouraging results. Some of them have high performance values (> 95%) and extremely low cross-reactivity rates for Leishmania spp., especially the antigens IBMP-8.1 to IBMP-8.4. The diagnostic performance of IBMP antigens was also investigated in dogs, showing high diagnostic performance with negligible cross-reactivity with anti-Leishmania infantum antibodies. Conclusions The development of a commercial immunodiagnostic tool to identify past or active T. cruzi infections in dogs and cats is urgently needed. The use of chimeric recombinant T. cruzi antigens may help to fill this gap and is discussed in this review. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-022-05476-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natália Erdens Maron Freitas
- Advanced Health Public Laboratory, Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Waldemar Falcão Street, 121, Candeal, Bahia, Salvador, 40296-710, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Lopes Habib
- Advanced Health Public Laboratory, Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Waldemar Falcão Street, 121, Candeal, Bahia, Salvador, 40296-710, Brazil
| | - Emily Ferreira Santos
- Advanced Health Public Laboratory, Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Waldemar Falcão Street, 121, Candeal, Bahia, Salvador, 40296-710, Brazil
| | - Ângelo Antônio Oliveira Silva
- Advanced Health Public Laboratory, Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Waldemar Falcão Street, 121, Candeal, Bahia, Salvador, 40296-710, Brazil
| | - Natália Dantas Fontes
- Advanced Health Public Laboratory, Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Waldemar Falcão Street, 121, Candeal, Bahia, Salvador, 40296-710, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Maia Leony
- Advanced Health Public Laboratory, Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Waldemar Falcão Street, 121, Candeal, Bahia, Salvador, 40296-710, Brazil
| | - Daniel Dias Sampaio
- Brazil's Family Health Strategy, Municipal Health Department, Tremedal City Hall, Bahia, Tremedal, Brazil
| | - Marcio Cerqueira de Almeida
- Pathology and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Filipe Dantas-Torres
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Aggeu Magalhães Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Fred Luciano Neves Santos
- Advanced Health Public Laboratory, Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Waldemar Falcão Street, 121, Candeal, Bahia, Salvador, 40296-710, Brazil. .,Integrated Translational Program in Chagas Disease From Fiocruz (Fio-Chagas), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Jameson SB, Cloherty E, Londono-Renteria B, Wesson DM. Chagas Disease in the Southeastern USA. CURRENT TROPICAL MEDICINE REPORTS 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s40475-022-00260-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Toward New Epidemiological Landscapes of Trypanosoma cruzi (Kinetoplastida, Trypanosomatidae) Transmission under Future Human-Modified Land Cover and Climatic Change in Mexico. Trop Med Infect Dis 2022; 7:tropicalmed7090221. [PMID: 36136632 PMCID: PMC9503189 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed7090221] [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: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease, caused by the protozoa Trypanosoma cruzi, is an important yet neglected disease that represents a severe public health problem in the Americas. Although the alteration of natural habitats and climate change can favor the establishment of new transmission cycles for T. cruzi, the compound effect of human-modified landscapes and current climate change on the transmission dynamics of T. cruzi has until now received little attention. A better understanding of the relationship between these factors and T. cruzi presence is an important step towards finding ways to mitigate the future impact of this disease on human communities. Here, we assess how wild and domestic cycles of T. cruzi transmission are related to human-modified landscapes and climate conditions (LUCC-CC). Using a Bayesian datamining framework, we measured the correlations among the presence of T. cruzi transmission cycles (sylvatic, rural, and urban) and historical land use, land cover, and climate for the period 1985 to 2012. We then estimated the potential range changes of T. cruzi transmission cycles under future land-use and -cover change and climate change scenarios for 2050 and 2070 time-horizons, with respect to “green” (RCP 2.6), “business-as-usual” (RCP 4.5), and “worst-case” (RCP 8.5) scenarios, and four general circulation models. Our results show how sylvatic and domestic transmission cycles could have historically interacted through the potential exchange of wild triatomines (insect vectors of T. cruzi) and mammals carrying T. cruzi, due to the proximity of human settlements (urban and rural) to natural habitats. However, T. cruzi transmission cycles in recent times (i.e., 2011) have undergone a domiciliation process where several triatomines have colonized and adapted to human dwellings and domestic species (e.g., dogs and cats) that can be the main blood sources for these triatomines. Accordingly, Chagas disease could become an emerging health problem in urban areas. Projecting potential future range shifts of T. cruzi transmission cycles under LUCC-CC scenarios we found for RCP 2.6 no expansion of favourable conditions for the presence of T. cruzi transmission cycles. However, for RCP 4.5 and 8.5, a significant range expansion of T. cruzi could be expected. We conclude that if sustainable goals are reached by appropriate changes in socio-economic and development policies we can expect no increase in suitable habitats for T. cruzi transmission cycles.
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Mohammed NH, Moosa DA, Altaliby MAM. Diagnostic study of trypanosomiasis of cats in Mosul, Iraq. Open Vet J 2022; 12:688-692. [PMID: 36589397 PMCID: PMC9789763 DOI: 10.5455/ovj.2022.v12.i5.13] [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: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Trypanosomiasis is a zoonotic parasitic disease endemic in Iraq but with limited information about its occurrence in cats. Aim This study was designed to detect Trypanosoma spp. in cats using microscopic examination by Giemsa stain and conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique in Mosul, Iraq. Methods A total of 120 blood samples from cats were microscopically examined using Giemsa stain. Only 35 positive blood samples were examined by the conventional PCR technique. Hematological changes were also reported. Results The infection rate of Trypanosoma spp. was 34.2% (41 out of 120). Results of conventional PCR technique for the positive 35 blood samples indicated 31.4% as Trypanosoma spp. and 20% Trypanosoma evansi. This study showed that the infection in younger cats was significantly more than in older cats, with significant differences between females and males. Affected cats suffered from fever, dullness, pale mucous membranes, emaciation, muco-purulent ocular discharge, anorexia, incoordination, and anemia. Results of the blood picture indicated increase in total leukocyte count and decrease in hemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume, and total red blood cells. Conclusion Trypanosoma spp. and T. evansi infection in Mosul of Iraq is reported for the first time in cats, and younger cats were more affected than older cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Hamid Mohammed
- Department of Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Mosul, Mosul, Iraq,Corresponding Author: Nadia Hamid Mohammed. Department of Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Mosul, Mosul, Iraq.
| | - Dhiyaa Abdullah Moosa
- Department of Internal and Preventive medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Mosul, Mosul, Iraq
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Busselman RE, Hamer SA. Chagas Disease Ecology in the United States: Recent Advances in Understanding Trypanosoma cruzi Transmission Among Triatomines, Wildlife, and Domestic Animals and a Quantitative Synthesis of Vector-Host Interactions. Annu Rev Anim Biosci 2021; 10:325-348. [PMID: 34758274 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-animal-013120-043949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Chagas disease, a neglected tropical disease present in the Americas, is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi and is transmitted by triatomine kissing bug vectors. Hundreds of vertebrate host species are involved in the ecology of Chagas disease. The sylvatic nature of most triatomines found in the United States accounts for high levels of animal infections but few reports of human infections. This review focuses on triatomine distributions and animal infections in the southern United States. A quantitative synthesis of available US data from triatomine bloodmeal analysis studies shows that dogs, humans, and rodents are key taxa for feeding triatomines. Imperfect and unvalidated diagnostic tools in wildlife complicate the study of animal T. cruzi infections, and integrated vector management approaches are needed to reduce parasite transmission in nature. The diversity of animal species involved in Chagas disease ecology underscores the importance of a One Health approach for disease research and management. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Animal Biosciences, Volume 10 is February 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel E Busselman
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA;
| | - Sarah A Hamer
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA;
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