Skin reactions to bug bites as a result of xenodiagnosis

Cutaneous allergic reactions to bites of two bug species Triatoma infestans and Dipetalogaster maxima, were studied in an area where T. infestans is the local domestic vector. While more delayed skin reactions occurred with the indigenous vector, reactions also occurred with D. maxima. Repeated exposure to D. maxima produced more intense immediate skin reactions. First-stage D. maxima bugs produced a lower frequency and intensity of skin reaction. It is concluded that further work on this problem is necessary as it prejudices the use of xenodiagnosis in field surveys.