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Velásquez-Ortiz N, Hernández C, Cantillo-Barraza O, Ballesteros N, Cruz-Saavedra L, Herrera G, Buitrago LS, Soto H, Medina M, Palacio J, González MS, Cuervo A, Vallejo G, Zuleta Dueñas L, Urbano P, Muñoz M, Ramírez JD. Trypanosoma cruzi Parasite Burdens of Several Triatomine Species in Colombia. Trop Med Infect Dis 2022; 7:tropicalmed7120445. [PMID: 36548700 PMCID: PMC9782637 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed7120445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi, the causal agent of Chagas disease, is mainly transmitted by insects of the Triatominae subfamily. In Colombia, there are 26 triatomine species, and 16 of them are naturally infected with the parasite. The parasite loads of naturally infected vectors can be significant in targeting specific species that can affect the epidemiology of the disease. Studying their ecology and behavior is vital to understand their role in T. cruzi transmission dynamics. We evaluated the parasite loads of 182 field-collected triatomines corresponding to 10 species in 13 departments across Colombia. We standardized a methodology to quantify T. cruzi DNA in these insects. We obtained a LOD (limit of detection) of 3.05 p-eq/mL. The 82% of triatomines we evaluated were positive for T. cruzi infection, with loads ranging from hundreds to millions of equivalent parasites per milliliter. Panstrongylus geniculatus, Rhodnius prolixus, and Triatoma dimidiata were the species with the highest loads of T. cruzi; however, other species whose role as vectors is still unknown were also found with high loads of parasites. Our results suggest the relevance of secondary species for T. cruzi transmission in Colombia. We hope our data can help improve entomological surveillance and vector control programs in the country and the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Velásquez-Ortiz
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Carolina Hernández
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
- Centro de Tecnología en Salud (CETESA), Innovaseq SAS, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Omar Cantillo-Barraza
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
- Grupo BCEI, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Nathalia Ballesteros
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Lissa Cruz-Saavedra
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Giovanny Herrera
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | | | - Hugo Soto
- Laboratorio de Salud Pública del Cesar, Valledupar, Colombia
| | - Manuel Medina
- Programa de Control de ETV, Secretaría de Salud de Boyacá, Tunja, Colombia
| | - Jatney Palacio
- Laboratorio Departamental de Salud Pública del Departamento del Chocó, Quibdó, Colombia
| | | | - Andrés Cuervo
- Secretaría Departamental de Salud de Arauca, Arauca, Colombia
| | - Gustavo Vallejo
- Laboratorio de Investigaciones en Parasitología Tropical, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad del Tolima, Ibagué, Colombia
| | - Liliana Zuleta Dueñas
- Grupo de Vigilancia en Salud Pública, Secretaría de Salud de Casanare, Yopal, Colombia
| | - Plutarco Urbano
- Grupo de Investigaciones Biológicas de la Orinoquia, Universidad Internacional del Trópico Americano (Unitrópico), Yopal, Colombia
| | - Marina Muñoz
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Juan David Ramírez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
- Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, NY, USA
- Correspondence: or
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Medina M, Zuluaga S, Martínez MF, Bermúdez JC, Hernández C, Beltrán V, Velásquez-Ortiz N, Muñoz M, Ramírez JD, Triana O, Cantillo-Barraza O. Interrogating the transmission dynamics of Trypanosoma cruzi (Trypanosomatida, Trypanosomatidae) by Triatoma venosa (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) after the elimination of vector transmission by Rhodnius prolixus in Boyacá eastern Colombia. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:998202. [PMID: 36275020 PMCID: PMC9582133 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.998202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease (CD) is a parasitic zoonosis (Trypanosoma cruzi) that is endemic in Colombia. Vector control of Rhodnius prolixus, the main domestic T. cruzi vector, has been achieved in a large part of the area with historically vector transmission of CD. It is necessary to understand the ecological behavior characteristics of local native vectors to ensure sustainability of the vector control programs. To evaluate the long-term success of a recent vector control campaign in the Boyacá department (Colombia), we used a combined strategy of entomological surveillance with co-existing canine surveillance from ten rural villages within six municipalities of the Tenza valley region (Boyacá, Colombia): Chinavita, Garagoa, Guateque, Somondoco, Sutatenza and Tenza, with historical reports of R. prolixus and secondary vectors. Collected triatomines and canine whole blood were analyzed for T. cruzi infection and genotyping. Triatomine bugs specimens were evaluated for blood meal source. Canine serology was performed using two distinct antibody assays. In total, 101 Triatoma venosa were collected by active search in domestic and peridomestic habitats. A natural infection prevalence of 13.9% (14/101) and four feeding sources were identified: human, dog, rat, and hen. A frequency infection of 46.5% (40/87) was observed from two independent serological tests and T. cruzi DNA was detected in 14 dogs (16.4%). Only TcIsylvatic DTU was detected. The results suggest that T. venosa present eco-epidemiological characteristics to maintain the transmission of T. cruzi in Tenza valley. This species has reinfested the intervened households and it has an active role in domestic and peridomestic transmission of T. cruzi due to their infection rates and feeding behavior. Therefore, this species should be considered as epidemiologically relevant for vector control strategies. Moreover, there is a need for human serological studies to have a close up of risk they are exposed to.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Medina
- Programa de Control de Vectores, Secretaría de Salud Departamental, Tunja, Colombia
| | - Sara Zuluaga
- Grupo Biología y Control de Enfermedades Infecciosas (BCEI), Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | | | - Juan Carlos Bermúdez
- Programa de Control de Vectores, Secretaría de Salud Departamental, Tunja, Colombia
| | - Carolina Hernández
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología – UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Virgilio Beltrán
- Programa de Control de Vectores, Secretaría de Salud Departamental, Tunja, Colombia
| | - Natalia Velásquez-Ortiz
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología – UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Marina Muñoz
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología – UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Juan David Ramírez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología – UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
- Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Omar Triana
- Grupo Biología y Control de Enfermedades Infecciosas (BCEI), Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Omar Cantillo-Barraza
- Grupo Biología y Control de Enfermedades Infecciosas (BCEI), Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
- *Correspondence: Omar Cantillo-Barraza,
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Trypanosoma cruzi infection in the wild Chagas disease vector, Mepraia spinolai: Parasitic load, discrete typing units, and blood meal sources. Acta Trop 2022; 229:106365. [PMID: 35150641 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mepraia spinolai, a wild vector of Trypanosoma cruzi in Chile, is an abundant triatomine species that is frequently infected by the parasite that causes Chagas disease. The aim of this study was to determine if the parasitic load of T. cruzi in M. spinolai is related to its blood meal source and the infecting DTUs of T. cruzi. METHODS The vector was captured in rural areas. In the laboratory, DNA was extracted from its abdomen and T. cruzi was quantified using qPCR. Real time PCR assays for four T. cruzi DTUs were performed. Blood meal sources were identified by real-time PCR amplification of vertebrate cytochrome b gene sequences coupled with high resolution melting (HRM). RESULTS Trypanosoma cruzi was detected in 735 M. spinolai; in 484 we identified one blood meal source, corresponding to human, sylvatic, and domestic species. From these, in 224 we were able to discriminate the infecting DTU. When comparing the parasitic loads between the unique blood meal sources, no significant differences were found, but infections with more than one DTU showed higher parasitic loads than single infections. DTU TcI was detected in a high proportion of the samples. CONCLUSIONS Higher parasitic loads are related to a greater number of T. cruzi DTUs infecting M. spinolai, and this triatomine seems to have a wide span of vertebrate species in its diet.
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López Y, Robayo-Sánchez LN, Muñoz-Leal S, Aleman A, Arroyave E, Ramírez-Hernández A, Cortés-Vecino JA, Mattar S, Faccini-Martínez ÁA. Ornithodoros puertoricensis (Ixodida: Argasidae) Associated With Domestic Fowl in Rural Dwellings From Córdoba Department, Caribbean Colombia. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:704399. [PMID: 34250072 PMCID: PMC8260938 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.704399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ticks of genus Ornithodoros are nidicolous parasites associated with a wide array of vertebrates. In humans, their bites cause hypersensitivity reactions and are capable to transmit pathogens of health concern. In the department of Córdoba, Caribbean region of Colombia, the first report of an Ornithodoros soft tick was made in 1980 by Betancourt, who described the collection of Ornithodoros talaje in human dwellings. Nevertheless, current the records of O. talaje made in South America have been questioned and likely correspond to misidentifications with morphologically similar species. Between October and December of 2020, we visited rural areas of four localities from three municipalities within the department of Córdoba: Cuero Curtido and Severá (municipality of Cereté), El Espanto (municipality of Planeta Rica), and Arroyo Negro (municipality of San Carlos). Search for soft ticks was performed in 46 human domiciles and peridomiciliary areas. We searched in areas frequented by domestic animals, inspecting cracks in the walls and fowl nests. Infestation by soft ticks was found in 13% (6/46) of visited houses. Overall, 215 ticks were collected (26 larvae, 144 nymphs and 45 adults) from nests of domestic birds or in the adjacent walls. Larvae, nymphs and adults were morphologically identified as Ornithodoros puertoricensis. Molecular identification of ticks was confirmed by sequencing the tick mitochondrial 16S gene of adults, pools of nymphs and larvae. Pairwise comparisons showed a 99% of identity with O. puertoricensis from Panama. This study reports for the first time O. puertoricensis associated with domestic fowl in rural dwellings in Colombia, and expands the geographical distribution of this tick species toward the Córdoba department. Importantly, local people described exposure to tick bites while sleeping in infested houses; therefore, the transmission of soft tick-borne pathogens is now of concern in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yesica López
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas del Trópico, Universidad de Córdoba, Monteria, Colombia
| | - Laura Natalia Robayo-Sánchez
- Grupo Parasitología Veterinaria, Departamento de Salud Animal, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y de Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Sebastián Muñoz-Leal
- Departamento de Ciencia Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción, Chillan, Chile
| | - Ader Aleman
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas del Trópico, Universidad de Córdoba, Monteria, Colombia
| | - Esteban Arroyave
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Alejandro Ramírez-Hernández
- Grupo Parasitología Veterinaria, Departamento de Salud Animal, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y de Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Jesús Alfredo Cortés-Vecino
- Grupo Parasitología Veterinaria, Departamento de Salud Animal, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y de Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Salim Mattar
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas del Trópico, Universidad de Córdoba, Monteria, Colombia
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Diversity and interactions among triatomine bugs, their blood feeding sources, gut microbiota and Trypanosoma cruzi in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta in Colombia. Sci Rep 2021; 11:12306. [PMID: 34112903 PMCID: PMC8192545 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-91783-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease remains a major neglected disease in Colombia. We aimed to characterize Trypanosoma cruzi transmission networks in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta (SNSM) region, to shed light on disease ecology and help optimize control strategies. Triatomines were collected in rural communities and analyzed for blood feeding sources, parasite diversity and gut microbiota composition through a metagenomic and deep sequencing approach. Triatoma dimidiata predominated, followed by Rhodnius prolixus, Triatoma maculata, Rhodnius pallescens, Panstrongylus geniculatus and Eratyrus cuspidatus. Twenty-two species were identified as blood sources, resulting in an integrated transmission network with extensive connectivity among sylvatic and domestic host species. Only TcI parasites were detected, predominantly from TcIb but TcIa was also reported. The close relatedness of T. cruzi strains further supported the lack of separate transmission cycles according to habitats or triatomine species. Triatomine microbiota varied according to species, developmental stage and T. cruzi infection. Bacterial families correlated with the presence/absence of T. cruzi were identified. In conclusion, we identified a domestic transmission cycle encompassing multiple vector species and tightly connected with sylvatic hosts in the SNSM region, rather than an isolated domestic transmission cycle. Therefore, integrated interventions targeting all vector species and their contact with humans should be considered.
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Modernizing the Toolkit for Arthropod Bloodmeal Identification. INSECTS 2021; 12:insects12010037. [PMID: 33418885 PMCID: PMC7825046 DOI: 10.3390/insects12010037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary The ability to identify the source of vertebrate blood in mosquitoes, ticks, and other blood-feeding arthropod vectors greatly enhances our knowledge of how vector-borne pathogens are spread. The source of the bloodmeal is identified by analyzing the remnants of blood remaining in the arthropod at the time of capture, though this is often fraught with challenges. This review provides a roadmap and guide for those considering modern techniques for arthropod bloodmeal identification with a focus on progress made in the field over the past decade. We highlight genome regions that can be used to identify the vertebrate source of arthropod bloodmeals as well as technological advances made in other fields that have introduced innovative new ways to identify vertebrate meal source based on unique properties of the DNA sequence, protein signatures, or residual molecules present in the blood. Additionally, engineering progress in miniaturization has led to a number of field-deployable technologies that bring the laboratory directly to the arthropods at the site of collection. Although many of these advancements have helped to address the technical challenges of the past, the challenge of successfully analyzing degraded DNA in bloodmeals remains to be solved. Abstract Understanding vertebrate–vector interactions is vitally important for understanding the transmission dynamics of arthropod-vectored pathogens and depends on the ability to accurately identify the vertebrate source of blood-engorged arthropods in field collections using molecular methods. A decade ago, molecular techniques being applied to arthropod blood meal identification were thoroughly reviewed, but there have been significant advancements in the techniques and technologies available since that time. This review highlights the available diagnostic markers in mitochondrial and nuclear DNA and discusses their benefits and shortcomings for use in molecular identification assays. Advances in real-time PCR, high resolution melting analysis, digital PCR, next generation sequencing, microsphere assays, mass spectrometry, and stable isotope analysis each offer novel approaches and advantages to bloodmeal analysis that have gained traction in the field. New, field-forward technologies and platforms have also come into use that offer promising solutions for point-of-care and remote field deployment for rapid bloodmeal source identification. Some of the lessons learned over the last decade, particularly in the fields of DNA barcoding and sequence analysis, are discussed. Though many advancements have been made, technical challenges remain concerning the prevention of sample degradation both by the arthropod before the sample has been obtained and during storage. This review provides a roadmap and guide for those considering modern techniques for arthropod bloodmeal identification and reviews how advances in molecular technology over the past decade have been applied in this unique biomedical context.
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Arias-Giraldo LM, Muñoz M, Hernández C, Herrera G, Velásquez-Ortiz N, Cantillo-Barraza O, Urbano P, Cuervo A, Ramírez JD. Identification of blood-feeding sources in Panstrongylus, Psammolestes, Rhodnius and Triatoma using amplicon-based next-generation sequencing. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:434. [PMID: 32867816 PMCID: PMC7457505 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04310-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Triatomines are hematophagous insects that play an important role as vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease. These insects have adapted to multiple blood-feeding sources that can affect relevant aspects of their life-cycle and interactions, thereby influencing parasitic transmission dynamics. We conducted a characterization of the feeding sources of individuals from the primary circulating triatomine genera in Colombia using amplicon-based next-generation sequencing (NGS). METHODS We used 42 triatomines collected in different departments of Colombia. DNA was extracted from the gut. The presence of T. cruzi was identified using real-time PCR, and discrete typing units (DTUs) were determined by conventional PCR. For blood-feeding source identification, PCR products of the vertebrate 12S rRNA gene were obtained and sequenced by next-generation sequencing (NGS). Blood-meal sources were inferred using blastn against a curated reference dataset containing the 12S rRNA sequences belonging to vertebrates with a distribution in South America that represent a potential feeding source for triatomine bugs. Mean and median comparison tests were performed to evaluate differences in triatomine blood-feeding sources, infection state, and geographical regions. Lastly, the inverse Simpson's diversity index was calculated. RESULTS The overall frequency of T. cruzi infection was 83.3%. TcI was found as the most predominant DTU (65.7%). A total of 67 feeding sources were detected from the analyses of approximately 7 million reads. The predominant feeding source found was Homo sapiens (76.8%), followed by birds (10.5%), artiodactyls (4.4%), and non-human primates (3.9%). There were differences among numerous feeding sources of triatomines of different species. The diversity of feeding sources also differed depending on the presence of T. cruzi. CONCLUSIONS To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to employ amplicon-based NGS of the 12S rRNA gene to depict blood-feeding sources of multiple triatomine species collected in different regions of Colombia. Our findings report a striking read diversity that has not been reported previously. This is a powerful approach to unravel transmission dynamics at microgeographical levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa M Arias-Giraldo
- Grupo de Investigaciones Microbiológicas-UR (GIMUR), Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Marina Muñoz
- Grupo de Investigaciones Microbiológicas-UR (GIMUR), Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Carolina Hernández
- Grupo de Investigaciones Microbiológicas-UR (GIMUR), Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Giovanny Herrera
- Grupo de Investigaciones Microbiológicas-UR (GIMUR), Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Natalia Velásquez-Ortiz
- Grupo de Investigaciones Microbiológicas-UR (GIMUR), Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Omar Cantillo-Barraza
- Grupo de Biología y Control de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Plutarco Urbano
- Grupo de Investigaciones Biológicas de la Orinoquia, Fundación Universitaria Internacional del Trópico Americano (Unitropico), Yopal, Colombia
| | - Andrés Cuervo
- Secretaría Departamental de Salud de Arauca, Arauca, Colombia
| | - Juan David Ramírez
- Grupo de Investigaciones Microbiológicas-UR (GIMUR), Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia.
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Erazo D, González C, Guhl F, Umaña JD, Morales-Betancourt JA, Cordovez J. Rhodnius prolixus Colonization and Trypanosoma cruzi Transmission in Oil Palm ( Elaeis guineensis) Plantations in the Orinoco Basin, Colombia. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2020; 103:428-436. [PMID: 32458775 PMCID: PMC7356441 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.19-0331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi is the etiological agent of Chagas disease that infects more than seven million people in Latin America. The parasite is transmitted by triatomine insects, of which some species are often associated with palms. The establishment of oil palm plantations (Elaeis guineensis) in the Orinoco region (Colombia) has been rapidly growing, possibly constituting a new environment for the establishment and increase in triatomine populations. In this study, the potential of Rhodnius prolixus to colonize E. guineensis plantations and maintain T. cruzi transmission was assessed. Fieldwork was conducted in two areas located in the department of Casanare for sampling E. guineensis and Attalea butyracea palms, sampling for triatomines to determine their abundance and prevalence of T. cruzi infection. To assess T. cruzi transmission potential in the area, sylvatic and domestic mammals were sampled. Results showed that palm infestation with triatomines was higher in A. butyracea than in E. guineensis palms and T. cruzi infection in triatomines varied between habitats for one study area, but was constant in the other site. Trypanosoma cruzi–infected mammals in the E. guineensis plantations were mainly generalist rodents, suggesting that these mammals could have an important role in T. cruzi transmission in plantations. In conclusion, E. guineensis plantations in the Orinoco region are suitable habitats for R. prolixus and T. cruzi transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Erazo
- Grupo de Investigación en Biología Matemática y Computacional (BIOMAC), Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Camila González
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Tropical (CIMPAT), Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Felipe Guhl
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Tropical (CIMPAT), Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Juan Daniel Umaña
- Grupo de Investigación en Biología Matemática y Computacional (BIOMAC), Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Juan Alejandro Morales-Betancourt
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Tropical (CIMPAT), Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Juan Cordovez
- Grupo de Investigación en Biología Matemática y Computacional (BIOMAC), Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
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Heterogeneity of Trypanosoma cruzi infection rates in vectors and animal reservoirs in Colombia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:308. [PMID: 31221188 PMCID: PMC6585012 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3541-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2018] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The heterogeneity of Trypanosoma cruzi infection rates among triatomines insects and animal reservoirs has been studied in independent studies, but little information has been systematised to allow pooled and comparative estimates. Unravelling the main patterns of this heterogeneity could contribute to a further understanding of T. cruzi transmission in Colombia. Methods A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Medline, LILACS, Embase, Web of Knowledge, Google Scholar and secondary sources with no filters of language or time and until April 2018. Based on selection criteria, all relevant studies reporting T. cruzi infection rates in reservoirs or triatomines were chosen. For pooled analyses, a random effects model for binomial distribution was used. Heterogeneity among studies is reported as I2. Subgroup analyses included: taxonomic classification, ecotope and diagnostic methods. Publication bias and sensitivity analyses were performed. Results Overall, 39 studies reporting infection rates in Colombia were found (22 for potential reservoirs and 28 for triatomine insects) for a total sample of 22,838 potential animals and 11,307 triatomines evaluated for T. cruzi infection. We have found evidence of 38/71 different animal species as potential T. cruzi reservoirs and 14/18 species as triatomine vectors for T. cruzi. Among animals, the species with the highest pooled prevalence were opossum (Didelphis marsupialis) with 48.0% (95% CI: 26–71%; I2 = 88%, τ2 = 0.07, P < 0.01) and domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris) with 22.0% (95% CI: 4–48%; I2 = 96%, τ2 = 0.01, P < 0.01). Among triatomines, the highest prevalence was found for Triatoma maculata in the peridomestic ecotope (68.0%, 95% CI: 62–74%; I2 = 0%, τ2 = 0, P < 0.0001), followed by Rhodnius prolixus (62.0%, 95% CI: 38–84%; I2 = 95%, τ2 = 0.05, P < 0.01) and Rhodnius pallescens (54.0%, 95% CI: 37–71%; I2 = 86%, τ2 = 0.035, P < 0.01) in the sylvatic ecotope. Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first systematic and quantitative analyses of triatomine insects and potential animal reservoirs for T. cruzi infection in Colombia. The results highlight a marked heterogeneity between species and provide initial estimates of infection rates heterogeneity. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-019-3541-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Llau AF, Tejada CE, Ahmed NU. Chagas Disease Prevalence in Colombia: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2019; 19:81-89. [DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2018.2308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Anthoni F. Llau
- Global Health Consortium, Florida International University, Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Miami, Florida
| | - Carlos Espinal Tejada
- Global Health Consortium, Florida International University, Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Miami, Florida
| | - Nasar U. Ahmed
- Department of Epidemiology, Florida International University, Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Miami, Florida
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Bartsch SM, Peterson JK, Hertenstein DL, Skrip L, Ndeffo-Mbah M, Galvani AP, Dobson AP, Lee BY. Comparison and validation of two computational models of Chagas disease: A thirty year perspective from Venezuela. Epidemics 2017; 18:81-91. [PMID: 28279459 PMCID: PMC5549789 DOI: 10.1016/j.epidem.2017.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2016] [Revised: 02/07/2017] [Accepted: 02/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mathematical models can help aid public health responses to Chagas disease. Models are typically developed to fulfill a particular need, and comparing outputs from different models addressing the same question can help identify the strengths and weaknesses of the models in answering particular questions, such as those for achieving the 2020 goals for Chagas disease. METHODS Using two separately developed models (PHICOR/CIDMA model and Princeton model), we simulated dynamics for domestic transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi). We compared how well the models targeted the last 9 years and last 19 years of the 1968-1998 historical seroprevalence data from Venezuela. RESULTS Both models were able to generate the T. cruzi seroprevalence for the next time period within reason to the historical data. The PHICOR/CIDMA model estimates of the total population seroprevalence more closely followed the trends seen in the historic data, while the Princeton model estimates of the age-specific seroprevalence more closely followed historic trends when simulating over 9 years. Additionally, results from both models overestimated T. cruzi seroprevalence among younger age groups, while underestimating the seroprevalence of T. cruzi in older age groups. CONCLUSION The PHICOR/CIDMA and Princeton models differ in level of detail and included features, yet both were able to generate the historical changes in T. cruzi seroprevalence in Venezuela over 9 and 19-year time periods. Our model comparison has demonstrated that different model structures can be useful in evaluating disease transmission dynamics and intervention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M Bartsch
- Public Health Computational and Operations Research (PHICOR), Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, United States; Global Obesity Prevention Center, Johns Hopkins University, United States
| | - Jennifer K Peterson
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, United States
| | - Daniel L Hertenstein
- Public Health Computational and Operations Research (PHICOR), Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, United States; Global Obesity Prevention Center, Johns Hopkins University, United States
| | - Laura Skrip
- Center for Infectious Disease Modeling and Analysis (CIDMA), Yale School of Public Health, United States
| | - Martial Ndeffo-Mbah
- Center for Infectious Disease Modeling and Analysis (CIDMA), Yale School of Public Health, United States
| | - Alison P Galvani
- Center for Infectious Disease Modeling and Analysis (CIDMA), Yale School of Public Health, United States
| | - Andrew P Dobson
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, United States
| | - Bruce Y Lee
- Public Health Computational and Operations Research (PHICOR), Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, United States; Global Obesity Prevention Center, Johns Hopkins University, United States.
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Gómez-Palacio A, Lopera J, Rojas W, Bedoya G, Cantillo-Barraza O, Marín-Suarez J, Triana-Chávez O, Mejía-Jaramillo A. Multilocus analysis indicates that Trypanosoma cruzi I genetic substructure associated with sylvatic and domestic cycles is not an attribute conserved throughout Colombia. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2015; 38:35-43. [PMID: 26631812 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2015.11.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2015] [Revised: 11/24/2015] [Accepted: 11/25/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease, has been classified into six discrete typing units (DTUs) named TcI to TcVI. Furthermore, subcontinental scale studies based on analysis of the splice leader intergenic region (SL-IR) of the mini-exon gene have subdivided TcI in five genetic groups (Ia-Ie) related to the domestic and non-domestic cycles. However, a current review of this marker among all the sequences deposited in the GenBank demonstrates no correlation between the genetic structure and the eco-epidemiological features of parasite transmission. In this study, we performed a multilocus analysis of TcI isolates from a diverse array of hosts and vectors in a wide eco-geographical area of Colombia. Sequences from SL-IR and mitochondrial cyt b genes as well as PCR-RFLP profiles for four nuclear genes were analyzed. Multilocus analysis indicates that genetic structuration associated with sylvatic and domestic cycles in Colombia is not an attribute conserved across the entire eco-geography where TcI can be found.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrés Gómez-Palacio
- Grupo de Biología y Control de Enfermedades Infecciosas, BCEI, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Juan Lopera
- Grupo de Genética Molecular, GENMOL, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Winston Rojas
- Grupo de Genética Molecular, GENMOL, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Gabriel Bedoya
- Grupo de Genética Molecular, GENMOL, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Omar Cantillo-Barraza
- Grupo de Biología y Control de Enfermedades Infecciosas, BCEI, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Johana Marín-Suarez
- Grupo de Biología y Control de Enfermedades Infecciosas, BCEI, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Omar Triana-Chávez
- Grupo de Biología y Control de Enfermedades Infecciosas, BCEI, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Ana Mejía-Jaramillo
- Grupo de Biología y Control de Enfermedades Infecciosas, BCEI, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia.
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Cantillo-Barraza O, Garcés E, Gómez-Palacio A, Cortés LA, Pereira A, Marcet PL, Jansen AM, Triana-Chávez O. Eco-epidemiological study of an endemic Chagas disease region in northern Colombia reveals the importance of Triatoma maculata (Hemiptera: Reduviidae), dogs and Didelphis marsupialis in Trypanosoma cruzi maintenance. Parasit Vectors 2015; 8:482. [PMID: 26394766 PMCID: PMC4580378 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-015-1100-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2015] [Accepted: 09/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Colombia, Rhodnius prolixus and Triatoma dimidiata are the main domestic triatomine species known to transmit T. cruzi. However, there are multiple reports of T. cruzi transmission involving secondary vectors. In this work, we carried out an eco-epidemiological study on Margarita Island, located in the Caribbean region of Colombia, where Chagas disease is associated with non-domiciliated vectors. METHODS To understand the transmission dynamics of Trypanosoma cruzi in this area, we designed a comprehensive, multi-faceted study including the following: (i) entomological evaluation through a community-based insect-surveillance campaign, blood meal source determination and T. cruzi infection rate estimation in triatomine insects; (ii) serological determination of T. cruzi prevalence in children under 15 years old, as well as in domestic dogs and synanthropic mammals; (iii) evaluation of T. cruzi transmission capacity in dogs and Didelphis marsupialis, and (iv) genetic characterization of T. cruzi isolates targeting spliced-leader intergene region (SL-IR) genotypes. RESULTS Out of the 124 triatomines collected, 94% were Triatoma maculata, and 71.6% of them were infected with T. cruzi. Blood-meal source analysis showed that T. maculata feeds on multiple hosts, including humans and domestic dogs. Serological analysis indicated 2 of 803 children were infected, representing a prevalence of 0.25%. The prevalence in domestic dogs was 71.6% (171/224). Domestic dogs might not be competent reservoir hosts, as inferred from negative T. cruzi xenodiagnosis and haemoculture tests. However, 61.5% (8/13) of D. marsupialis, the most abundant synanthropic mammal captured, were T. cruzi-positive on xenodiagnosis and haemocultures. CONCLUSIONS This study reveals the role of peridomestic T. maculata and dogs in T. cruzi persistence in this region and presents evidence that D. marsupialis are a reservoir mediating peridomestic-zoonotic cycles. This picture reflects the complexity of the transmission dynamics of T. cruzi in an endemic area with non-domiciliated vectors where active human infection exists. There is an ongoing need to control peridomestic T. maculata populations and to implement continuous reservoir surveillance strategies with community participation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Edilson Garcés
- Grupo BCEI, Universidad de Antioquia UdeA, Calle 70 No. 52-21, Medellin, Colombia.
| | - Andrés Gómez-Palacio
- Grupo BCEI, Universidad de Antioquia UdeA, Calle 70 No. 52-21, Medellin, Colombia.
| | - Luis A Cortés
- Unidad de Entomología Médica, Secretaría de Salud del Departamento de Bolívar, Cartagena, Colombia.
| | - André Pereira
- Laboratory of Trypanosomatid Biology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, FIOCRUZ, Av. Brazil 4365, CEP 21040-360, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Paula L Marcet
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Entomology Branch, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Ana M Jansen
- Laboratory of Trypanosomatid Biology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, FIOCRUZ, Av. Brazil 4365, CEP 21040-360, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Omar Triana-Chávez
- Grupo BCEI, Universidad de Antioquia UdeA, Calle 70 No. 52-21, Medellin, Colombia.
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