Generalist host species drive Trypanosoma cruzi vector infection in oil palm plantations in the Orinoco region, Colombia.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Oil palm plantation establishment in Colombia has the potential to impact Chagas disease transmission by increasing the distribution range of Rhodnius prolixus. In fact, previous studies have reported Trypanosoma cruzi natural infection in R. prolixus captured in oil palms (Elaeis guineensis) in the Orinoco region, Colombia. The aim of this study is to understand T. cruzi infection in vectors in oil palm plantations relative to community composition and host dietary specialization by analyzing vector blood meals and comparing these results to vectors captured in a native palm tree species, Attalea butyracea.

Methods

Rhodnius prolixus nymphs (n = 316) were collected from A. butyracea and E. guineensis palms in Tauramena, Casanare, Colombia. Vector blood meals from

SUBMITTER: Erazo D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6540391 | biostudies-literature | 2019 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature