Development of low-cost triatomine trap for peridomestic and wild environments

Approximately, 75 million people living in tropical and subtropical parts of the world are at risk of becoming infected with Trypanosoma cruzi, which is the insect-borne parasitic protozoan that causes Chagas disease or American trypanosomiasis. Several triatomine species serve as vectors of T. cruzi in the Americas. In this continent, most cases of American trypanosomiasis occur through triatomine transmission in suburban and rural areas. Disease control centers around triatomine vector management use residual indoor insecticides, which are effective in some countries. However, this strategy is unsustainable because some triatomine vector populations have become resistant to pyrethroids, and persistent peridomestic foci and constant invasion of wild triatomines occurs in certain regions. This results in re-infestation and domiciliation of triatomines in human dwellings. To assess this problem, sustainable vector surveillance and control targeting sites of epidemiological interest are required to interrupt triatomine transmission of T. cruzi in peri/domestic environments. Herein, we present efforts to develop a low-cost light trap for triatomines. Results from ongoing field tests will be provided and discussed. This research addresses the need for efficient and cost-effective technology to trap triatomines that can be manufactured locally for popular use. Through a better understanding of the risk for T. cruzi transmission by triatomine vectors in peridomestic and wild environments, this low-cost trap could improve surveillance and control of American trypanosomiasis among vulnerable sectors of human populations throughout the Americas.