Abstract:

Triatomines are haematophagous bugs (Heteroptera, Reduviidae, Triatominae), vectors of the flagellated parasite, Trypanosoma cruz, which causes Chagas disease. The American trypanosomiasis constitutes one of the most serious sanitary problems in Latin America, and generates important social and economic impacts (Dias and Schofield, 1999). Currently, about 16 to 18 million people are infected with this disease and approximately 120 million more are at risk of becoming infected. That is, about 25% of the population of Latin America is in danger (WHO, 2002). Triatomines comprise more than 130 species that inhabit a number of different habitats, such as nests, burrows, hollow trees as well as human dwellings and peridomestic structures where they live in association with birds, mammals, reptiles and human beings. Their ability to adapt to the human habitat, which offers abundant food (e.g. blood of humans, domestic animals, associated rodents, etc.) and many resting places that are easy to colonise (e.g. cracks and crevices in walls made of dried mud and thatched roofs) define, among other features, the importance of each species as a vector of Chagas disease. © 2006 by Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.