Research article summary (published 29 Sep 2009):

Feeding and defecation patterns of Rhodnius nasutus (Hemiptera; Reduviidae), a triatomine native to an area endemic for Chagas disease in the state of Ceará, Brazil.

Full Abstract

The importance of Rhodnius nasutus in the transmission of Chagas disease in northeastern Brazil was investigated regarding feeding and defecation patterns of this triatomine under laboratory conditions. An average of 30 samples were studied for each instar, from fourth-instar nymphs onward. On average, 86.4% started feeding after less than 10 minutes. In terms of the duration of feeding, 53.3% of fourth instar nymphs, 81.9% of fifth-instar nymphs, 21.9% of males, and 36.7% of females fed for more than 15 minutes. In all groups, there were insects that defecated and urinated during feeding; adult males defecated the most and fourth instar nymphs defecated the least. The results demonstrate that R. nasutus may be considered an efficient T. cruzi vector because it avidly searches for a food source, has a lengthy feeding time with low probability of interruption during feeding, and achieves a high percentage of engorgement.

Author information

Author/s: Oliveira, Tiago G (TG); Carvalho-Costa, Filipe A (FA); Sarquis, Otília (O); Lima, Marli M (MM);

Affiliation: Laboratório de Eco-Epidemiologia da Doença de Chagas, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Journal: The American journal of tropical medicine and hygiene (Am J Trop Med Hyg), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2009-Oct; vol 81 (issue 4) : pp 651-5

Dates: Created 2009/10/09; Completed 2009/10/27;

PMID: 19815881, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 10/27/2009, IMS Date: )

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Animals Brazil - epidemiology Chagas Disease - transmission Defecation - physiology Endemic Diseases

Feeding Behavior - physiology Female Male Nymph Rhodnius - physiology

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