Triatoma brasiliensis, Triatoma pseudomaculata and Rhodnius nasutus were captured in artificial and natural ecotopes in ten localities siuated in rural areas of Castelo do Piauí and Pedro II, State of Piaui, Brazil. Nymphal instars predominated and birds were the main blood meal source for triatomines. T. brasiliensis was the only triatomine captured inside the houses searched, harbouring flagellates mordphologically and biologically indistinguishable from Trypanosoma (Schizotrypanum) cruzi. Specific serology against T. cruzi by indirect immunofluorescence (IFI) test showed 21.7% positive reactions among 566 inhabitants examined. The results suggest that in these localities the active transmission of Chagas' disease occurs.
Chagas' disease; Epidemiology; Triatomines; Serology