Bloodmeal metabarcoding of Triatoma dimidiata from Guatemala

Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease, is primarily transmitted by triatomine insects, including Triatoma dimidiata. In Central America, vector control programs have significantly reduced transmission; however, certain regions, such as Comapa, Jutiapa, Guatemala, continue to experience persistent T. dimidiata infestation.

Amplicon deep-sequencing analysis from triatomines identified seven vertebrate species and one insect family as hosts upon which triatomines have previously fed, with chickens being the most common blood source, followed by rats, dogs, humans, cats, pigs, ducks, mice, and a genus of cockroaches.

Methods
Between June and August 2022, entomological surveys were conducted in four communities of Comapa. Households were systematically searched for triatomines, which were collected and processed for bloodmeal analysis  to assess host feeding patterns.