[Analysis on the food source of Panstrongylus megistus (Hemiptera, Reduviidae, Triatominae) and its present importance as a vector for Trypanosoma cruzi, in the State of Minas Gerais].

INTRODUCTION

Investigation of the food source of triatomines helps in understanding the biology of these insects, and also helps to infer their importance in transmitting Trypanosoma cruzi to humans.

METHODS

The present study aimed to use the precipitin reaction to record the food source of triatomines from 54 municipalities in the central-western region of the State of Minas Gerais, as well as their natural infection by flagellates similar to Trypanosoma cruzi.

RESULTS

From July 2003 to March 2007, 416 insects were evaluated, all from the species Panstrongylus megistus. Among all these occurrences, birds (70%) and humans (22.5%) were the major blood sources. Sixteen (3.8%) of the insects were found to be positive for flagellates similar to Trypanosoma cruzi, and eight performed hematophagia on humans.

CONCLUSIONS

The results show the need to increase the entomological surveillance in this region, given that the possibility of new cases of Chagas disease occurring through vector transmission was detected.