Detection of Trypanosoma cruzi strains circulating in Córdoba department, Colombia, based on triatomines (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) collected by the community

Abstract

Introduction: In Córdoba department from 2011-2016, 24 cases of Chagas disease were reported according to the health surveillance system (SIVIGILA), but information about Trypanosoma cruzi circulating strains and infection rates are unknown. Objectives: We decided to establish, through the participation of members of the local community, the triatomine species with which people come in contact, and recognize as Chagas disease's vectors. Also, we assessed infection with trypanosomes and made an exploratory approach to host feeding preferences. Materials and methods: Triatomines sampling was conducted in 12 municipalities between 2011 and 2016; T. cruzi infection was established by k-PCR, SAT-PCR and strain genotyping was accomplished by mini-exon and SL-IR sequence characterization. Blood source was also screened. Results: The majority of triatomines were collected by local community members, and three triatomine species were identified: Rhodnius pallescens, Panstrongylus geniculatus and Eratyrus cuspidatus. An overall T. cruzi infection rate of 66.6 % was found in collected triatomines and the strains TcIDOM and TcI sylvatic were detected. Community-based insect collection allowed reporting the presence of P. geniculatus in two new disperse rural settlements, T. cruzi infection of P. geniculatus in Córdoba, and the first report of triatomines infected with T. cruzi in Monteria municipality. Conclusions: The obtained results reveal the presence of triatomines infected with T. cruzi inside dwellings in five municipalities of Córdoba. The dominant circulating strain is T. cruzi TcIDOM, a genotype associated with human Chagas disease and cardiomyopathies in Colombia. Our results highlight the possible entailment of local community members in entomological surveillance tasks.