Abstract
INTRODUCTION:
Studying the feeding preferences of triatomines is an important entomological surveillance tool, since continuous surveillance of the disease is necessary.
METHODS:
The precipitin reaction was used to describe the feeding preferences of triatomines along with their natural infection by flagellates similar to Tyrpanosoma cruzi. Six hundred eighty-seven insects were examined, including Triatoma brasiliensis, Triatoma pseudomaculata, and Panstrongylus lutzi.
RESULTS:
Sixty-nine (10%) of 687 triatomines examined tested positive for flagellates similar to T. cruzi, and 8 (1.2%) of these fed on human blood.
CONCLUSIONS:
This study found potential transmitters of Chagas disease both inside and outside the domiciliar environment.
Keywords:
Triatominae; Food preferences; Chagas disease