Distribution, host origin, and transmission cycles of Trypanosoma cruzi genotypes in the State of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil

Abstract

Background: The genetic diversity of Trypanosoma cruzi and the epidemiological characteristics of the environments in which the parasite occurs are essential for understanding infection dynamics and controlling Chagas disease. This systematic review aimed to: (i) identify and analyze studies that evaluated the genetic variability and epidemiological aspects of T. cruzi infection in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil; (ii) summarize the information reported in the literature; and (iii) suggest new control strategies tailored to the region’s epidemiological profile. Methods: Following the application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, 13 studies catalogued in PubMed, the Brazilian Virtual Health Library, Scopus, and the Web of Science were selected. Results: T. cruzi isolates were primarily obtained from triatomine species Triatoma brasiliensis, Panstrongylus lutzi, and Triatoma pseudomaculata, as well as from wild mammals such as Euphractus sexcinctus, Galea spixii, and humans. A total of 295 T. cruzi isolates were genotyped: 46.5% (137) were identified as Discrete Typing Unit (DTU) I, 29.1% (86) as DTU II, and 20% (59) as DTU III. Mixed infections were detected in 4.4% (13/295) of hosts. Triatomine species were found in both peridomestic and intradomestic environments and were occasionally infected with T. cruzi. Conclusions: This review provides a comprehensive overview of the circulation of distinct Trypanosoma cruzi genotypes (I, II, and III) in both wild and human-modified environments in Rio Grande do Norte.