Dynamics and distribution of house infestation by Triatoma dimidiata in central and southern Belize

Chagas disease is a major public health problem from South America to Mexico, with approximately 10 million infected people. Chagas disease is known to occur in Belize, but little is known about the prevalence of Trypansoma cruzi infection in the Belizean population or the Chagas vector in this region. An entomologic survey of triatomines in the central and southern region of Belize was thus performed. Triatomines were collected by community participation in 37 villages of the Cayo (central) and Toledo (southern) districts and analyzed for infection with T. cruzi by microscopic examination and polymerase chain reaction. Two hundred fifty-six triatomines were collected in 34/37 villages, indicating a wide distribution, and all were identified as T. dimidiata. The majority (87%) were adults (42% males, 58% females), and 13% were larval stages. The infection rate with T. cruzi was 28%. Triatomines were more abundant during the hot season (March-July) compared with the cooler season (September-February). These results confirm that there is a significant risk for autochthonous Chagas disease transmission in central and southern Belize and suggest a pattern of seasonal infestation by nondomiciliated adult triatomines, which are likely to be closely related to T. dimidiata from Yucatan, Mexico. Further entomologic and epidemiologic studies should be performed to precisely determine T. cruzi transmission risk to humans, as well as the seroprevalence of T. cruzi infection and incidence of Chagasic cardiomyopathy in the Belizean population.