A study in Florida aims to possible autochthonous transmission of Chagas disease in the US

A study by the University of Florida, with the participation of scientists from Texas A&M University and other scientific organizations, investigated the presence of triatomine bugs in the state of Florida (USA), and their condition as a potential public health problem due to infection rates with Trypanosoma cruzi, the parasite that causes Chagas disease.

The team led by Dr. Norman L. Beatty, of the Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Medicine, and Chanakya R. Bhosale, of the Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation at UF, collected a total of 310 triatomine bugs (insects known as vinchuca, barbeiro, pito, chinchorro, or chinche, depending on the country) between 2013 and 2023 in various regions of Florida. However, researchers referred that greater coverage is needed in the southern area of the state in the future.

“This project is only the beginning to our investigation into Chagas here in Florida”

Two endemic species are known in Florida: Triatoma sanguisuga and Paratriatoma lecticularia. Only Triatoma sanguisuga were found for the sample, and about one-third of them in peridomestic and domestic environments. Approximately 30% of all the triatomines analyzed were infected with Trypanosoma cruzi, and those were found in 12 of the 23 Florida counties.

The research raises concern about the possible transmission of Chagas disease to humans through these bugs, since among the hematophagous triatomines, those that feed on blood, 60% did so from mammals, and 23%, almost a quarter, directly from human blood.

The presence of these insects in the environment is a characteristic of the 21 countries where this neglected tropical disease is endemic in Latin America. In the United States, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that there are more than 300,000 people are affected by Chagas disease. Therefore, much remains to be learned about the presence of triatomines in Florida and other areas of the country, as well as their role in transmitting Chagas disease to humans and other animals.

This study was possible thanks to collaboration between organizations and the community in Florida, identifying triatomines in their homes and peri-urban areas. In Beatty’s words, the goal is “to create a multidisciplinary, collaborative team, and dive into Chagas taking a One Health approach”.

Read the full article here.

Photo: Sergio Méndez-Cardona