Follow up of natural infection with Trypanosoma cruzi in two mammals species, Nasua narica and Procyon lotor (Carnivora: Procyonidae): evidence of infection control?

Abstract

BackgroundA large variety of mammals act as natural reservoirs of Trypanosoma cruzi (the causal agent of Chagas disease) across the American continent. Related issues are infection and parasite burden in these reservoirs, and whether they are able to control T. cruzi infections. These parameters can indicate the real role of mammals as T. cruzi reservoirs and transmitters. Here, two species of mammals, white-nosed coati (Nasua narica) and raccoon (Procyon lotor), were examined for to determine: a) T. cruzi presence, and; b) their ability to control T. cruzi infection.MethodsMultiple capture-recaptures of both species were carried out in semi-wild conditions in Villahermosa, Tabasco, Mexico, for 5 years. Two samplings per year (summer and winter) took place. Prevalence and pattern of T. cruzi infection were determined by PCR from both mammals’ blood samples.ResultsRaccoon samples had a higher relative infection values (26.6%) compared to those of white-nosed coati (9.05%), being this difference significant in summer 2012 (P < 0.00001), summer (P = 0.03) and winter 2013 (P = 0.02). Capture and recapture data indicated three infection dynamics: 1) negative–positive-negative infection; 2) positive–negative-positive infection; and 3) positive at all sampling times.ConclusionsThese results indicate that both coati and raccoons may be able to control T. cruzi infection. Thus, the role as efficient reservoirs could be questioned (at least for those times when mammals are able to tolerate the infection). However, while infected, they may also be able to approach human dwellings and play a role important in linking sylvatic and domestic cycles.

Trypanosoma cruzi transmission in the wild and its most important reservoir hosts in Brazil

“…These findings confirmed that T. cruzi transmission cycles are deeply immersed in the trophic nets. Additionally, differences in infectivity potential across the carnivore species have also been described the Procyonids, mainly N. nasua , N. narica and Procyon lotor , being the carnivore species that display the more expressive infectiveness potential as expressed by high and long-lasting parasitemias [ 3 , 27 , 47 – 49 ]. Note that Procyonids are omnivores that also feed on both insects and small mammals [ 50 ], a trait that enhances their chances of infection with the diverse T. cruzi DTUs.…”

Trypanosoma cruzi Infection Does Not Decrease Survival or Reproduction of the Common Bed Bug, Cimex lectularius

“…Trypanosoma cruzi heterogeneity. The effects of T. cruzi infection are known to vary both between and within host species, 19,[32][33][34][35] and we observed the T. cruzi-infected C. lectularius life history response to be heterogeneous as well. This is consistent with the results from previous studies on the effect of T. cruzi on its hosts, both vertebrate and invertebrate.…”

Prevalence and Epitope Recognition of Anti-Trypanosoma cruzi Antibodies in Two Procyonid Species: Implications for Host Resistance

“…Actually, in Mexico almost all DTU's have been depicted (DTUI, II-V), but the more frequently reported in humans and vertebrate reservoirs was the DTUI-which is probably the predominant across the country-while the others DTUs have been registered in invertebrate hosts [6][7][8][9][10]. There are a few exceptions in wild vertebrate hosts from southern Mexico, where DTUI and II have been identified [11,12].…”