Eco-epidemiological aspects and risk factors associated with human Chagas disease in rural areas of the state of Piauí, Brazil.

Background: Piauí is located in Northeastern Brazil, an endemic area for Chagas disease, with the Brazilian semiarid representing the second region in number of people infected by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. The state of Piauí is one of the most socially vulnerable territories with direct impact on the access to diagnosis and treatment of Chagas disease for the population living in rural communities. Triatoma brasiliensis is the vector species of greatest epidemiological importance in Northeastern Brazil.

Dynamics of Panstrongylus megistus infestation, the primary vector of Trypanosoma cruzi in Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Panstrongylus megistus is considered one of the primary species of epidemiological importance for the transmission of Chagas disease in Brazil due to its wide geographical distribution throughout the national territory, good ability to invade and colonize houses, and high rates of natural infection by the Trypanosoma cruzi. The importance of this species in Minas Gerais has been recognized since the 80s. It is responsible for the high prevalence rates of Chagas disease in the west of the state.

Identification and characterization of microsatellite markers for population genetic studies of Panstrongylus megistus (Burmeister, 1835) (Triatominae: Reduviidae).

Background: Panstrongylus megistus is the most important vector of Chagas disease in Brazil. Studies show that the principal factor hindering the control of triatomines is reinfestation of houses previously treated with insecticides. Studies at the microgeographic level are therefore necessary to better understand these events.

Microsatellite variation revealed panmictic pattern for Triatoma brasiliensis (Triatominae: Reduviidae) in rural northeastern Brazil: the control measures implications.

Background: Triatoma brasiliensis Neiva, 1911 is the main vector of Trypanosoma cruzi in the caatinga of Northeastern Brazil. Despite of its epidemiological relevance, there are few studies on its genetic variability. Using microsatellite markers, we characterized the variability and dynamics of infestation and reinfestation of T.