Sylvatic Transmission ofTrypanosoma cruziAmong Domestic and Wildlife Reservoirs in Texas,USA: A Review of the Historical Literature

Abstract

Chagas disease (Trypanosoma cruzi infection) is one of the most important neglected tropical diseases affecting the Americas. The transmission dynamic of this parasite is a complicated process that involves three genera of Triatominae subfamily and over 100 known mammalian reservoirs composed of domestic, peridomestic and wildlife species. Understanding the complex relationship between vector species and mammalian hosts is important for preventing transmission to humans. We performed a historical literature review to assess the disease burden in the Texas wildlife and domestic animal population. Reports of sylvatic transmission in Texas date back to the 1940s. We found that up to 23 species can serve as reservoirs for T. cruzi in the state with wood rats, raccoons, and wild and domestic canine species most frequently reported as positive for the parasite. We finish with a discussion of the current research gaps, implications for high-risk populations and future directions for research.

Toward an Ecological Framework for Assessing Reservoirs of Vector-Borne Pathogens: Wildlife Reservoirs of Trypanosoma cruzi across the Southern United States

“…We reviewed all published studies of T. cruzi -infected wildlife species in the United States to tabulate parameters to input into the reservoir potential conceptual framework to evaluate the relative importance of each species (Table 1 ). In total, we reviewed 77 published estimates of anti- T. cruzi antibodies or T. cruzi parasite infection in at least 26 wildlife species across 15 southern states, expanding upon those previously reviewed across the United States ( Bern et al 2011 ) and in Texas ( Gunter et al 2016 ). In Table 1 , we combined reports of seroprevalence with direct parasite detection to calculate the overall prevalence (including seropositive animals and animals with evidence of parasite anywhere), because infection with T. cruzi is considered life-long such that hosts harboring anti- T. cruzi antibodies are also currently infected.…”

Leveraging Technology to Manage Chagas Disease by Tracking Domestic and Sylvatic Animal Hosts as Sentinels: A Systematic Review

“…29 This same notion was consistent with other studies in the southern United States and it was found that various animals sustained T. cruzi transmission within the sylvatic cycle. 22 These animals included, but are not limited to, the following: armadillos, raccoons, opossums, bobcats, coyotes, and foxes. 20,24 One study revealed via a blood analysis that Trypanosoma gerstaeckeri , one of the most common species of kissing bugs in the United States, primarily feeds on nocturnal sylvatic species.…”

Covalent vaccination with Trypanosoma cruzi Tc24 induces catalytic antibody production

“…Trypanosoma cruzi , the causative agent of Chagas disease, is a vector‐borne disease transmitted to humans and a wide variety of other mammalian hosts by triatomine bugs that inhabit South and Central America, Mexico, and portions of the Southern United States . T .…”