[Entomological survey (1975-1983)]

After the systematization and re-dimension of the vectorial control in all the Country by 1975, it was considered necessary to have an up-to-date information on the distribution of vectors in Brazil, and differentiate precisely the role of each of the different species on the intra-domiciliary transmission of Chagas disease. For this purpose, sampling regional surveys for regions with non reliable information were performed, as well as, a house by house search for vectors on those areas considered at risk. For this last, 1,942 municipalities from 19 states were searched, as by the political division of the country by 1980, that was taken as a reference in this paper. These activities, that were implemented as part of the routine for intervention, were completed by 1983. Immediately after, this work was also extended for other areas considered targets for infected bugs. Results obtained, allowed to map the endemic area and the area under risk of vectorial transmission all over the country. Even more, with the results obtained it was possible to recognize those five species proved as vectors of the infection, among thirty already identified. These species, in order of importance, were: Triatoma infestans, Panstrongylus megistus, T. brasiliensis, T pseudomaculata and T. sordida. It was possible also to verify the increase in the dispersion of T. infestans, an aloctonous vector captured now in states of the North-east region, where it was not recognized previously. In relation with native species, a clear division of territories among them was found. Furthermore, P. megistus was found with a diffuse distribution, but T. brasiliensis and T. pseudomaculata were restricted to the semi-arid North-east. The most often captured bug was T. sordida, (mostly around houses) limited to the cerrado area, which is its origin.