Natural infection and distribution of triatomines (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) in the state of Querétaro, Mexico

SummaryChagas disease is present in Mexico but data on the presence of its vectors are not known for all the states. We conducted an epidemiological study to ascertain the presence of bedbugs in 23 communities of seven municipalities in the state of Querétaro, Mexico. Sampling was performed within and outside dwellings, using the technique of one person searching per hour per house. Four triatomine species were found: Triatoma mexicana (94%), Tri. dimidiata (3%), Tri. gerstaeckeri (2%) and Tri. pallidipennis (1%). Triatoma mexicana was found in six of the seven municipalities but has previously been found only in the state of Hidalgo, where it is considered the most important vector species of Trypanosoma cruzi. This is the first time that the presence of Tri. gerstaeckeri or Tri. dimidiata has been reported in the state of Querétaro. Tolimán municipality had the highest entomological indices: infestation index 73%; infection index 34.5%; crowding index 9.2%; density index 6.7%; and colonization index 20.6%. Although the prevalence and colonization indices were low, the infestation and infection indices indicate that different Triatoma species are becoming established in Querétaro. This work represents the first entomological study in this Mexican state and suggests that some triatomine vectors are extraordinarily mobile.