Habitat Management to Reduce Human Exposure to Trypanosoma cruzi and Western Conenose Bugs (Triatoma protracta)
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 19528470 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Lisa A Shender (0000-0001-5798-1063, University of California, Davis), Lisa Shender, Michael Niemela (California Department of Public Health), Patricia Conrad (University of California, Davis), Tracey Goldstein (0000-0002-1672-7410, University of California, Davis), Jonna A K Mazet (0000-0002-8712-5951, University of California, Davis, corresponding author), Jonna Mazet |
| Year | 2016 |
| Volume | 13 |
| Issue | 3 |
| Pages | 525-534 |
| Publication date | 2016-09-01 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | EcoHealth (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1612-9202 • E-ISSN: 1612-9210 |
| Publisher | Springer Science and Business Media LLC (PUBLISHER) |
| DOI | 10.1007/s10393-016-1153-5 |
| PMID | 27515118 |
| OpenAlex | W2516360993 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 33 |
Chagas disease, which manifests as cardiomyopathy and severe gastrointestinal dysfunction, is caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, a vector-borne parasite. In California, the vector Triatoma protracta frequently colonizes woodrat (Neotoma spp.) lodges, but may also invade nearby residences, feeding upon humans and creating the dual risk of bite-induced anaphylaxis and T. cruzi transmission. Our research aimed to assess T. cruzi presence in woodrats in a previously unstudied northern California area, statistically evaluate woodrat microhabitat use with respect to vegetation parameters, and provide guidance for habitat modifications to mitigate public health risks associated with Tr. protracta exposure. Blood samples from big-eared woodrats (N. macrotis) trapped on rural private properties yielded a T. cruzi prevalence of 14.3%. Microhabitat analyses suggest that modifying vegetation to reduce understory density within a 40 meter radius of human residences might minimize woodrat lodge construction within this buffer area, potentially decreasing human exposure to Tr. protracta
Animal ecology · Biology · Chagas disease · Entomology · Habitat · Hemiptera · Parasite hosting · Reduviidae · Triatoma · Triatominae · Trypanosoma cruzi · Zoology · Insect symbiosis and bacterial influences · Research on Leishmaniasis Studies · Trypanosoma species research and implications · Ecology · Immunology
| Highly cited | No |
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