Reduced Biodiversity is Linked to Higher Triatomine Occupancy: Chagas Disease Implications

The hypothetical link between a reduction in biodiversity and increased zoonotic diseases remains debatable. We tested this by utilising remote vegetation density and protected areas (PAs) as proxies for biodiversity and examined their relationship with triatomine richness and occupancy. Triatomine bugs serve as the primary vector for Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease. Although no link was found between triatomine species richness and vegetation, triatomine occupancy was lower within PAs than outside. Consequently, our findings suggest that reduced biodiversity may lead to a greater occupancy of triatomines, which could increase the risk of Chagas disease.