Influence of temperature variability on the feeding behavior and blood consumption of Triatoma infestans (Hemiptera: Reduviidae).

The transmission and incidence of vector-borne diseases rely on vector distribution and life history traits such as survival, fecundity, and feeding. Since arthropod disease vectors are ectotherms, these vital rates are strongly influenced by temperature. Chagas disease is a neglected tropical disease caused by the protozoan parasite, Trypanosoma cruzi.

The Parasite Load of Modulates Feeding and Defecation Patterns of the Chagas Disease Vector .

is the causal agent of Chagas disease, a parasitic zoonosis transmitted mainly through the feces of triatomine insects. is the main triatomine vector of this disease in South America. Previous research has shown that infection modifies the behavior of triatomines.

Trypanosoma cruzi infection in the wild Chagas disease vector, Mepraia spinolai: Parasitic load, discrete typing units, and blood meal sources.

Background: Mepraia spinolai, a wild vector of Trypanosoma cruzi in Chile, is an abundant triatomine species that is frequently infected by the parasite that causes Chagas disease. The aim of this study was to determine if the parasitic load of T. cruzi in M.

Parasite Load Modulates the Circadian Activity Pattern of .

American trypanosomiasis is a disease caused by the flagellate protozoan , which is transmitted mainly in endemic areas by blood-sucking triatomine vectors. is the most important vector in the southern cone of South America, exhibiting a nocturnal host-seeking behavior. It has been previously documented that the parasite produces changes in some triatomine species, but this is the first time that the behavior of a vector has been evaluated in relation to its parasite load.