A pilot community science program in Mexico for passive triatomine surveillance and increase Chagas disease awareness / Programa piloto de ciencia ciudadana en México para vigilancia pasiva de triatominos y concientizar sobre la enfermedad de Chagas

Objective. To generate data about Chagas disease vectors through passive surveillance and inform the public using social media and community science. Materials and methods. We used social media to inform, raise awareness and to promote the public to report their triatomine encounters. We received pictures and specimens collected to be tested for Trypanosoma cruzi and to identify recent bloodmeal source through PCR. Results. Community scientists reported 44 triatomines from 15 states in Mexico and one triatomine from Nicaragua, including 9 species with Triatoma dimidiata sensu lato and T. gerstaeckeri being the most common. We received 12 collected specimens and T. cruzi was detected in 8 (67%) of the discrete typing unit TcI. We identified recent bloodmeal source in 6 triatomines including: human (Homo sapiens), dog (Canis lupus familiaris), wood rat (Neotoma sp.), dove (Columbidae) and amphibius (Bufonidae). Conclusion. The use of community science can be a complementary method to generate information about the ecology and epidemiology of Chagas disease vectors.

Objetivo. Generar datos sobre vectores de la enfermedad de Chagas (EC) mediante vigilancia pasiva e informar a la población mediante redes sociales y ciencia ciudadana. Material y métodos. Utilizando redes sociales informamos, concientizamos y alentamos al público a reportarnos sus encuentros con triatominos. Recibimos reportes fotográficos y especímenes colectados a los que analizamos para detectar infección por Trypanosoma cruzi e identificar la fuente reciente de alimentación mediante PCR. Resultados. Nos reportaron 44 triatominos de 15 estados en México y uno de Nicaragua, incluyendo 9 especies siendo Triatoma dimidiata sensu lato y T. gerstaeckeri las más comunes. Recibimos 12 especímenes colectados y encontramos T. cruzi en 8 (67%) de la unidad taxonómica discreta TcI. Identificamos fuente reciente de alimentación en 6 triatominos incluyendo: humano (Homo sapiens), perro (Canis lupus familiaris), rata de campo (Neotoma sp.), paloma (Columbidae) y anfibio (Bufonidae). Conclusión. Ciencia ciudadana puede ser un método complementario para generar información sobre ecología y epidemiología de EC.

Phenology and environmental predictors of Triatoma sanguisuga dispersal in east-central Texas, United States.

Of 11 triatomine species in the United States (US), Triatoma sanguisuga has the widest distribution across a 23-state region encompassing the southeastern US. This species consistently feeds on humans and dogs and has a high infection prevalence with the Chagas parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, with over 30-60% of adults infected. Little is known about the phenology and environmental predictors of dispersal activity of Triatoma sanguisuga. Using manual searches standardized by effort, we sampled kissing bugs in east central Texas, US every other night from June to November 2020 to determine their phenology and environmental predictors of activity. We found 176 triatomines alive, all of which were T. sanguisuga, with peak collections in early August and cessation of activity by late October; the phenology as determined by this active surveillance matched what has been reported using a passive community science approach. Using a negative binomial regression, we found temperature to have a positive correlation with T. sanguisuga dispersal activity, while wind speed had a significant negative correlation. We identified increased collections during sampling sessions with precipitation during the preceding 22 h. Further, wind from the southwest - the direction of most of the sylvatic habitat in the study area - was correlated with an increased dispersal activity, suggesting wind-facilitated dispersal. Given concerns for human and animal Chagas disease within the distribution of T. sanguisuga, vector control strategies can be adapted based on the factors influencing dispersal behavior.

Meta-Analysis of the Relative Abundance of Nuisance and Vector Mosquitoes in Urban and Blue-Green Spaces.

Blue-green spaces (BGSs), urban areas characterized by the presence of vegetation and or water, and infrastructure form a potential solution for public health threats from increasing urbanization. We conducted a meta-analysis to test the hypothesis that blue-green spaces increase the abundance of nuisance and vector mosquito species compared to non-greened urban areas. After screening 7306 studies published since 1992, we identified 18 studies containing sufficient data from both traditional urban areas and BGSs. We found no significant difference in mean abundance of all mosquito taxa in three genera (Aedes, Culex, Anopheles) when comparing blue-green spaces and non-greened urban spaces. Similarly, a separate analysis of each individual genera found no significant differences. An analysis of the taxa by larval habitat guilds found no differences for container-breeding mosquitoes. Flood-water species tended to be more abundant in blue-green spaces, but the differences were not significant. The individual taxa of Aedes albopictus and the Culex pipiens complex showed no differences between blue-green and urban spaces, while the abundance of Aedes aegypti was significantly higher in traditional urban spaces. Due to the variety existing between and among the several types of blue-green spaces, further studies comparing each unique type of blue-green space or infrastructure will be necessary to draw conclusions regarding the influence of each structure on for urban mosquito communities.