Trypanosomiasis vector control in Africa and Latin America

Abstract

Vectors of trypanosomiasis - tsetse (Glossinidae) in Africa, kissing-bugs (Triatominae) in Latin America - are very different insects but share demographic characteristics that render them highly vulnerable to available control methods. For both, the main operational problems relate to re-invasion of treated areas, and the solution seems to be in very large-scale interventions covering biologically-relevant areas rather than adhering to administrative boundaries. In this review we present the underlying rationale, operational background and progress of the various trypanosomiasis vector control initiatives active in both continents.

Figure 1

The rise and fall of Chagas disease. Estimates of Chagas disease prevalence 1960–2007.

Figure 2

The fall and rise (and fall) of African Sleeping Sickness. Sleeping Sickness cases officially notified to WHO 1940–2007 (figures courtesy of J. Jannin & P. Simarro, WHO Geneva). Note that WHO estimates the real prevalence may be up to 12 times the reported figure.