Pathological alterations and prevalence of Trypanosoma cruzi in opossums from western Mexico

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There are scarce reports about lesions and pathological alterations by Trypanosoma cruzi infections on opossums (Didelphis virginiana), considered some of the most important reservoir hosts for T. cruzi in western Mexico. After two serological analyses (Serodia and IHA), 12 (24%) of 50 collected opossums in two small towns in western Mexico were positive for the presence of T. cruzi. Eight had some kind of organ alterations: four with alterations in only one organ, three in two organs and one with alterations in three organs. Splenomegaly was the most common alteration in the examined opossums. In light of the present findings, it is possible that organ alterations on studied opossums may have been associated with T. cruzi infections(AU)

The importance of Panstrongylus geniculatus as an urban and rural vector of Chagas Disease is increasing in the northern part of South America, particularly in Venezuela where it is widely distributed in its territory. However, in the Amazonas state, the second largest in Venezuela, its presence has only been reported in the Rio Negro Municipality. A Panstrongylus geniculatus triatomine has been captured in the dwellings of a Piaroa indigenous community, called Betania de Topocho in the Municipality of Atures. A second triatomine of the same species was collected in Parima B, a Yanomami indigenous community, located in the Municipality of Alto Orinoco, Amazonas State, Venezuela. No parasites were found in the gut contents of both triatomines. However Trypanosoma cruzi DNA, was detected by molecular techniques in the second specimen. We discuss the epidemiological significance of these findings in terms of the possible role in the transmission of Chagas disease in this region(AU)