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"Kissing bugs": potential disease vectors and cause of anaphylaxis

John H Klotz1, Patricia L Dorn, Joy L Logan

  • 1Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA.

Clinical Infectious Diseases : an Official Publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America
|May 14, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Physicians should recognize kissing bugs and their medical risks. While Chagas disease is a concern, severe allergic reactions to bites are the primary cause of emergency visits in the US.

Area of Science:

  • Vector-borne diseases
  • Allergology
  • Infectious diseases

Background:

  • Kissing bugs (triatomine bugs) are vectors for Trypanosoma cruzi, the parasite causing Chagas disease.
  • Physicians in the US are familiar with Chagas disease transmission in Latin America but may overlook local risks.

Observation:

  • Kissing bug bites can cause severe allergic reactions due to salivary antigens.
  • Trypanosoma cruzi is prevalent in both kissing bugs and their vertebrate hosts in the US.
  • Infection rates of T. cruzi in sampled kissing bugs can exceed 50%.

Findings:

  • The primary medical concern associated with kissing bugs in the US is anaphylaxis from bites.
  • Chagas disease transmission is a potential risk, though less common than allergic reactions.

Implications:

  • US physicians need to be aware of kissing bug-related health issues, including anaphylaxis and potential Chagas disease.
  • Prompt recognition and management of allergic reactions are crucial, especially in endemic Southwestern areas.
  • Increased physician awareness can improve patient outcomes and public health surveillance for vector-borne diseases.

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