Periurban Trypanosoma cruzi–infected Triatoma infestans, Arequipa, Peru

摘要

In Arequipa, Peru, vectorborne transmission ofChagas disease by Triatoma infestans has become anurban problem. We conducted an entomologic survey in aperiurban community of Arequipa to identify risk factors fortriatomine infestation and determinants of vector populationdensities. Of 374 households surveyed, triatomines werecollected from 194 (52%), and Trypanosoma cruzi–carryingtriatomines were collected from 72 (19.3%). Guinea pigpens were more likely than other animal enclosures to beinfested and harbored 2.38×as many triatomines. Stackedbrick and adobe enclosures were more likely to have tri-atomines, while wire mesh enclosures were protectedagainst infestation. In human dwellings, only fully stuccoedrooms were protected against infestation. Spatially, house-holds with triatomines were scattered, while householdswith T. cruzi–infected triatomines were clustered. Keepingsmall animals in wire mesh cages could facilitate control ofT. infestans in this densely populated urban environment