Risk factors for infestation by <i>Triatoma dimidiata</i> in a rural locality of Veracruz, Mexico, with active transmission of <i>Trypanosoma cruzi</i> : weather and rain as factors

Objective To analyse the ecological and social factors involved in infestation of houses by Triatoma dimidiata a rural locality Veracruz, Mexico, where active transmission parasite is occurring. Methods A survey was applied to households obtain sociodemographic data. In parallel, T. insects were collected during one year through community participation. Using PCR, genotyped, their infection status assessed, genotypes infecting identified. The vector’s blood meal sources identified using polymerase–heteroduplex chain reaction assay. Results Seasonal variations patterns observed. An overall rate 19.46%, colonisation index 9.09%, dispersion 22.15% synanthropy 80.6% found. as ITS-2 group 2 insects, natural with cruzi 54.35% TcI no-TcI found infected insects. Factors such rain (P = 0.0006) temperature < 0.0001) associated infestation. Analysis indicated frequent feeding upon humans mice. Furthermore, house materials peridomiciles play an important role dynamics Conclusions contribution this study for understanding epidemiology Chagas disease areas state Veracruz will help establishment entomological surveillance system implementation prevention control measures accordance reality area.