Novel Species of Triatoma (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) Identified in a Case of Vectorial Transmission of Chagas Disease in Northern Belize

Authors

Sarah M Gunter
Alisa Nelson
Alexander R Kneubehl
Silvia A Justi
Russell Manzanero
Emily Zielinski-Gutierrez
Claudia Herrera
Julie Thompson
Rajendra Mandage
Hans Desale
Adrianna Maliga
Kim Bautista
Shannon E Ronca
Francis Morey
Rafael Chacon Fuentes
Beatriz Lopez
Eric Dumonteil
Gerhaldine H Morazan
Kristy O Murray

Publication Date

1-16-2024

Journal

Scientific Reports

DOI

10.1038/s41598-023-50109-0

PMID

38228608

PMCID

PMC10792162

PubMedCentral® Posted Date

1-16-2024

PubMedCentral® Full Text Version

Post-print

Published Open-Access

yes

Keywords

Animals, Humans, Triatoma, Belize, Trypanosoma cruzi, Insect Vectors, Chagas Disease, Parasitic infection, Entomology

Abstract

Chagas disease is a leading cause of non-ischemic cardiomyopathy in endemic regions of Central and South America. In Belize, Triatoma dimidiata sensu lato has been identified as the predominate taxon but vectorial transmission of Chagas disease is considered to be rare in the country. We recently identified an acute case of vector-borne Chagas disease in the northern region of Belize. Here we present a subsequent investigation of triatomines collected around the case-patient's home. We identified yet undescribed species, closely related to Triatoma huehuetenanguensis vector by molecular systematics methods occurring in the peridomestic environment. The identification of a T. cruzi-positive, novel species of Triatoma in Belize indicates an increased risk of transmission to humans in the region and warrants expanded surveillance and further investigation.