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Cutaneous Reactions to Triatomine (Kissing Bug) Bites and the Risk for Chagas Disease
Nathaniel C Elston1, Dirk M Elston1
1Nathaniel C. Elston is from the Departments of Geology and Environmental & Sustainability Studies, College of Charleston, South Carolina. Dr. Elston is from the Department of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston.
Cutis
|July 24, 2026
Summary
Triatomine bugs transmit trypanosomiasis globally. The Romaña sign is a common reaction to bites, and Trypanosoma cruzi, the Chagas disease agent, is expanding into southwestern US suburbs.
Area of Science:
- Vector-borne diseases
- Parasitology
- Public health
Background:
- Triatomine bugs are significant vectors of trypanosomiasis in the Americas.
- Romaña sign, unilateral eyelid swelling, is a known clinical manifestation of triatomine and bedbug bites.
- The geographic range of Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease, is expanding.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the global distribution and vector role of triatomine bugs.
- To describe the Romaña sign as a clinical indicator of bites.
- To report the expanding range of Trypanosoma cruzi into new regions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on triatomine bug distribution and disease transmission.
- Clinical description of Romaña sign.
- Epidemiological surveillance data analysis for Trypanosoma cruzi range expansion.
Main Results:
- Triatomine bugs are found worldwide and are key vectors for trypanosomiasis.
- Romaña sign is a frequent clinical finding in patients with triatomine or bedbug bites.
- Trypanosoma cruzi has been detected in triatomine bugs in suburban areas of the southwestern United States, indicating range expansion.
Conclusions:
- Triatomine bugs remain critical vectors of trypanosomiasis.
- Romaña sign is a useful diagnostic clue for potential exposure.
- The detection of Trypanosoma cruzi in the southwestern US signifies an emerging public health concern requiring further investigation and surveillance.
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