First report of occurrence of Triatoma williami Galvão, Souza e Lima, 1965 naturally infected with Trypanosoma cruzi Chagas, 1909 in the State of Mato Grosso, Brazil

Abstract

To identify and report the occurrence of Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi) in naturally infected Triatoma williami (T. williami) (Hemiptera, Reduviidae, Triatominae) in the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil. The triatomines were spontaneously captured by homeowners into human dwelling in Legal Amazon municipality. Triatomines feces were collected for fresh examination, and specific detection of T. cruzi DNA by polymerase chain reaction was carried out. The specific characterization of the triatomine infection showed the presence of 30% of the positive insects. Our results provide further knowledge on the geographical distribution of T. williami in the State of Mato Grosso. It becomes evident the potential risk of recrudescence of vectorial transmission of Chagas disease in Brazil.