ABSTRACT Background: Vectorial transmission through hematophagous triatomine insects remains the primary mode of Chagas Disease contagion. These insects have become increasingly common in urban environments. Therefore, this study aimed to report an encounter of triatomines with trypanosomatid infection in a vertical residential condominium in Rio Branco, the capital of the state of Acre, in the western Brazilian Amazon. Methods: Triatomines were collected from residents and sent to the municipality's Entomological Surveillance sector. Trypanosomatid positivity was evaluated using optical microscopy, followed by species and genotype identification using molecular biology techniques. Results: Twenty-five adult triatomine specimens were collected from two of three condominium buildings invading apartments from the 2nd to 13th floors. Six specimens were identified as Rhodnius sp. and 19 as R. montenegrensis. Among these, molecular tests were conducted on seven specimens, with five testing positive for Trypanosoma cruzi, all belonging to genotype TcI. Conclusions: These findings underscore the need for further studies to better understand the invasive capacity of these insects in these environments and the mechanisms involved in this process. Background contagion Therefore Branco Acre Amazon Methods municipalitys municipality s sector microscopy techniques Results Twentyfive Twenty nd th floors sp 1 R montenegrensis cruzi TcI Conclusions process

ABSTRACT Background: Chagas disease, a significant global health concern rooted in social inequalities and political oversights, remains a challenging public health issue impacting millions worldwide. The increasing detection of triatomines, the vectors of Chagas disease, in urban areas complicates the situation. Methods: This study investigated the incidence of Rhodnius neglectus in the urban areas of Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil, following several reports and previous collections of triatomines in the city. An educational approach was adopted, distributing informational materials and engaging the community through social networks to generate notifications that would enable the identification of triatomines. Specimens were collected using various methods, including passive surveillance actions, light traps, and active searches in palm trees. Results: Rhodnius neglectus was found in urban areas, invading homes in Jaboticabal, and was identified in palm trees. The educational approach led to the collection of 93 triatomines. Colonization was observed in a residence, with eggs, nymphs, and a concerning record of blood-feeding on a resident child. The houses where specimens were captured often had nearby palm trees with birds and nests, facilitating the passive transport of these insects and increasing the risk of invasion due to light attraction. No triatomines infected with Trypanosoma cruzi were identified. Conclusions: These findings emphasize the need for preventive measures to reduce the prevalence of R. neglectus in urban environments. The data elucidate the occurrence of R. neglectus in the city of Jaboticabal, associated with its potential behavioral adaptation in urban environments, underscoring the need for innovative control strategies. Background disease oversights worldwide situation Methods Jaboticabal Paulo Brazil adopted methods actions traps Results 9 residence eggs nymphs bloodfeeding blood feeding child nests attraction Conclusions R environments strategies

Abstract Triatoma jatai Gonçalves et al., 2013 is a wild triatomine known so far only from the state of Tocantins, Brazil. This work aims to report a new occurrence of T. jatai in the state of Ceará and update its geographic distribution in the country by means of a map. In August 2022, during sampling in Dr. José Maria Soares Barata private collection, a female specimen of T. jatai was found. This specimen was collected in 1998 at a wild environment in the locality of Coqueiro, municipality of Salitre, Ceará. The identification was based on the original description of T. jatai. The specimen was donated and deposited in the collection of the Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Unesp, Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil. With this new first record, the distribution of the species is extended to the state of Ceará, which is represented by ten Triatominae species.

Resumen Triatoma jatai Gonçalves et al., 2013 es un triatomino silvestre conocido hasta el momento sólo del estado de Tocantins, Brasil. El presente trabajo tiene como objetivo reportar un nuevo registro de T. jatai en el estado de Ceará, actualizando su distribución geográfica en el país por medio de un mapa. En agosto de 2022, durante la revisión de la colección privada del Dr. José María Soares Barata, se encontró un ejemplar hembra de T. jatai. Este ejemplar fue recolectado en 1998 en un ambiente silvestre en la localidad de Coqueiro, municipio de Salitre, Ceará. La identificación se basó en la descripción original de T. jatai. El ejemplar fue donado y depositado en la colección de la Facultad de Ciencias Farmacéuticas, Unesp, Araraquara, São Paulo, Brasil. Con este nuevo primer registro se amplía la distribución de la especie al estado de Ceará, el cual queda representado por diez especies de Triatominae.

Abstract Triatoma melanocephala is an endemic species of Brazil. Phenotypic (external morphology) and molecular studies were performed to contribute to the taxonomy and phylogeny of triatomines, since few studies on the internal morphology of these were found. In order to contribute to the biological, morphological and taxonomic knowledge of the subfamily Triatominae, this work describes the internal morphology of the reproductive apparatus of adult males and females of T. melanocephala. For this work 30 specimens from Jequié, Bahia, Brazil were used. Triatoma melanocephala's reproductive system included slim spermathecae insertions, large/medium rounded terminal bodies, and irregular ellipsoid-shaped testicles with a transparent, vitreous appearance. These results contribute to the knowledge of the reproductive biology of this species of vectorial importance and show taxonomic relevance, as well as possible application in systematic studies.

Resumen Triatoma melanocephala es una especie endémica de Brasil. Se realizaron estudios fenotípicos (morfología externa) y moleculares para contribuir a la taxonomía y filogenia de los triatominos, ya que se encontraron pocos estudios sobre la morfología interna de estos. Con el fin de contribuir al conocimiento biológico, morfológico y taxonómico de la subfamilia Triatominae, este trabajo muestra la morfología interna del aparato reproductor de adultos machos y hembras de T. melanocephala. Para este trabajo se utilizaron 30 especímenes recolectados en Jequié, Bahía, Brasil. El sistema reproductivo de T. melanocephala incluye inserciones delgadas de espermatecas, cuerpos grandes/medianos con terminaciones redondeadas, y testículos de forma elipsoidal irregular con una apariencia transparente y vitrea. Estos resultados contribuyen al conocimiento de la biología reproductiva de esta especie de importancia vectorial y muestran relevancia taxonómica, así como su posible aplicación en estudios sistemáticos.

ABSTRACT Background: Triatomines infest atypical public spaces in the Western Amazon. Methods: Frequent visitors to these spaces captured the insects in the state of Acre, Brazil (Rio Branco and Cruzeiro do Sul). Results: Six insects were found in a penitentiary, a church, a school, a university, a hospital, and a health center. Five of the insects were adults (three positive for Trypanosoma cruzi) and one was a nymph. Conclusions: This is the first report of triatomine occurrence in schools or churches. These data are important for implementing surveillance strategies and alerting individuals about possible changes in Chagas disease transmission dynamics. Background Amazon Methods Acre Rio Sul. Sul . Sul) Results penitentiary church school university hospital center three cruzi nymph Conclusions churches dynamics

ABSTRACT Background: Triatominae are vectors of the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease. This study aims to report an infestation on Triatominae colonies by a beetle, previously identified as a pest. Methods: The management of these colonies should be improved to maximize their usefulness, and factors that may cause harm to them should be avoided as much as possible. Results: This is the first report on a coleopteran infestation on living Triatominae colonies worldwide. Conclusions: The present record provides an important warning to researchers who maintain insectaries in general, especially those who rear triatomines, to carry protective measures against such invasions. Background cruzi disease beetle pest Methods usefulness possible Results worldwide Conclusions general triatomines invasions

ABSTRACT Background: The subfamily Triatominae, which comprises 157 species, carries the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiological agent of Chagas disease. This short communication reports for the first time the occurrence of Rhodnius montenegrensis in Bolivia. Methods: Active searches were carried out on palm trees of the genus Oenocarpus in Beni district, Bolivia. Results: Fifteen R. montenegrensis specimens were collected from a rural area of the Beni district, Bolivia, and tested positive for T. cruzi. Conclusions: This new report expands the geographic distribution of the species in Latin America. Due to their ability to transmit trypanosomatids, the species deserves the attention of vector control programs.

Abstract The chemical hydroxymethylation of the antimicrobial nitrofurazone leads to the prodrug NFOH, also increases the anti-T. cruzi activities (in vitro and in vivo), as well as showed non-genotoxic (Ames and micronucleus assays). In the present study, we assessed the anti-T. cruzi effect of the NFOH In vivo - in acute Swiss and C57Bl/6 experimental Chagas models. The treatment started at 5 days post-infection during 20 consecutive days (orally, once day, 150mg/kg), and the parasitaemia as well as histopathology analysis were performed. In both experimental murine models, NFOH was able to reduce parasitemia blood avoiding parasitic reactivation, during immunosuppression period (dexamethasone 5mg/kg, 14 days), in 100% of the mice, and decrease tissue parasite nests, demonstrating absence of amastigote forms in all organs (100%) analyzed, data similar to benznidazole (BZN). Therefore, the results shown here pointing to the NFOH as promising compound for further preclinical studies, being a high potential drug to effective and safe chemotherapy to Chagas disease. antiT. antiT anti T. T anti-T vivo, , vivo) nongenotoxic non genotoxic Ames assays. assays . assays) study C57Bl6 CBl C57Bl 6 C Bl C57Bl/ models postinfection post infection 2 orally, orally (orally day 150mg/kg, 150mgkg mgkg 150mg/kg 150mg kg mg 150mg/kg) performed reactivation dexamethasone 5mgkg 5mg 5mg/kg 1 days, days) 100 mice nests (100% analyzed BZN. BZN (BZN) Therefore studies disease 10 (100 (BZN (10 (1 (

ABSTRACT Background: Trypanosoma cruzi presents great variability in morphology, virulence, pathogenicity, avoidance of the host immune system, and antigenic constitution, associated with different clinical manifestations of the disease. Methods: Two strains of T. cruzi were cultivated in liver infusion tryptose to determine growth kinetics, morphometry and molecular characterization using restriction fragment length polymorphism polymerase chain reaction. Results: The biological parameters showed sharp growth by the 7th day. Morphologically, both strains showed short and thin forms and were classified as Group I. Conclusion: Group TcI presents cardiac manifestations and T. sherlocki is adapting to the home environment, requiring attention to future problems.

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Triatoma lenti and Triatoma sherlocki are endemic species of the State of Bahia, located in northeastern Brazil, where they have records of domiciliation in the human environment. In view of the epidemiological aspect and taxonomic importance of these species for the systematics of the Triatoma genus, a study was carried out with nymphs of all five instars. METHODS An extensive review of studies on nymphs from the subfamily Triatominae is presented. Morphology was studied using a scanning electron microscope and morphometric analyses. RESULTS: The morphological study allowed us to characterize and discriminate species by means of scanning electron microscope of the last abdominal segment. In addition, the results show morphometric variability, with the total size of the head that best discriminates the species. CONCLUSIONS: Studies on nymphs are fundamental to the ecosystem; however, the literature on the immature forms of certain groups is scarce, difficult to use, or nonexistent. Therefore, this study includes morphological and morphometric data of the nymphal instars of T. lenti and T. sherlocki, corroborating the specific taxonomy of these species.

Abstract INTRODUCTION: This study reports the first occurrence of Psammolestes tertius (Hemiptera, Reduviidae, Triatominae) in the state of Sergipe, Brazil. METHODS: In 2020, 95 specimens were collected from the municipality of Porto da Folha, Sergipe, Brazil. RESULTS: This finding expands the geographical distribution of the species from 15 states in Brazil to 16 and increases the biodiversity of triatomines in the state of Sergipe. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of P. tertius in the state of Sergipe demonstrated a wider distribution of this species in northeastern Brazil.

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Triatomines are hematophagous insects that are important to public health since they are the vectors of American Trypanosomiasis. The objective of this study was to describe the occurrence of triatomines in homes in Cruzeiro do Sul, Acre, Brazil. METHODS The specimens were collected by an active search inside homes and also by a passive search by the residents. RESULTS: A total of 55 triatomines were captured comprising of 5 species each of the genera Rhodnius, Eratyrus, and Panstrongylus. No colonies were detected, ruling out the possibility of domiciliation. CONCLUSIONS: Information on regional epidemiological dynamics contributes to the prevention and control of disease.

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Triatomines are insect vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiological agent of Chagas disease. METHODS: Triatomines were collected from households and by dissecting palm trees in the peri-urban areas of Cruzeiro do Sul (Acre); they were identified using a specific key and via genital analyses. Trypanosomatid infection was determined through microscopy and polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: In total, 116 triatomines of the species Eratyrus mucronatus, Rhodnius pictipes, R. stali, and R. montenegrensis were collected, of which 13.8% were positive for T. cruzi. CONCLUSIONS: Four species of triatomines presented an infection rate above 13% in the Boca do Moa community.

Abstract INTRODUCTION This study confirms the occurrence of Psammolestes tertius Lent & Jurberg, 1965 (Hemiptera, Reduviidae, Triatominae) in the state of Paraná, Brazil. METHODS: In 2002, a male specimen of P. tertius was collected in the municipality of Porto Rico, Paraná, Brazil. RESULTS: This finding adds to the data on the geographical distribution of P. tertius from 14 to 15 known occurrences in Brazilian states and, therefore, reports the increase in the diversity of triatomines in Paraná. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of P. tertius in the state of Paraná demonstrates that the biodiversity of these insects may have been underestimated.

Abstract The present study aims to describe the occurrence of triatomines and their infection rate by Trypanosoma cruzi, in an area of Chagas disease outbreak in Rodrigues Alves municipality, Acre state, Brazil. Collections were performed by passive search (capture of specimens by local people) and dissection of palm trees (Attalea butyracea and Mauritia flexuosa). Thirty two triatomines belonging to four species grouped into two genera (Rhodnius and Eratyrus) had T. cruzi infection rate of 15.6%. Only in A. butyracea triatomines were captured. The passive search was the most effective method for collection. The Nova Cintra triatomine fauna comprises four species and it is important to carry out future studies to understand the biology of these triatomines.

Resumen El presente estudio tiene como objetivo describir la aparición de triatominos y la infección causada por Trypanosoma cruzi, en un área de brote de la enfermedad de Chagas en el municipio de Rodrigues Alves, estado de Acre, Brasil. Las recolecciones se realizaron mediante búsqueda pasiva y disección en palmeras (Attalea butyracea y Mauritia flexuosa). Treinta y dos triatominos pertenecientes a cuatro especies agrupadas en dos géneros (Rhodnius y Eratyrus) tenían una tasa de infección por T. cruzi del 15,6%. Solo en A. butyracea se capturaron triatominos. La búsqueda pasiva fue el método más efectivo para la recolección. La fauna triatomina de Nova Cintra comprende cuatro especies, es importante realizar futuros estudios para comprender su biología.