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. 2021 Nov 1;115(11):1251-1259.
doi: 10.1093/trstmh/trab150.

Community-based entomological surveillance in three Chagas disease-endemic regions in sub-Andean Bolivia

Mirko Rojas-Cortez  1 , Maria-Jesus Pinazo  2 , Joaquim Gascon  2 , Enzo Gamarra  3 , Rosse Mary Grageda  4 , Rene Fernandez  4 , Eduardo Rueda  5 , Jimy Pinto  1   6 , Helmut Magne Anzoleaga  1   6 , Yurly Escobar Caballero  1   6 , Gloria Sandy Urioste  1   7 , Jareth Sanchez  1   8 , Ruth Saravia  1 , Mario Castellon  1 , Wilson Garcia  1   9 , Lourdes Ortiz Daza  10   11 , Isabel Gonzales Mur  10   11 , Daniel Lozano  1 , Filipe Anibal Carvalho-Costa  12 , Fernando Araújo Monteiro  12 , Faustino Torrico  1
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Community-based entomological surveillance in three Chagas disease-endemic regions in sub-Andean Bolivia

Mirko Rojas-Cortez et al. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg. .

Abstract

Background: Chagas disease is endemic throughout most of Bolivia, with prevalence rates of 25% observed in some geographic areas located mainly in the sub-Andean region.

Methods: Community-based entomological surveillance was carried out in the sub-Andean departments of Cochabamba (municipalities of Cochabamba, Punata and Sacaba), Tarija (municipality of Tarija) and Chuquisaca (municipality of Sucre). The surveillance parameters evaluated were: (i) the proportion of cards with the presence of triatomines; (ii) the distribution of positive cards by area; and (iii) the proportion of cards with the presence of infected triatomines.

Results: Of the cards returned, in 852 (3.1%) there was a mention of the presence of triatomines. The species Triatoma infestans, Triatoma sordida and Triatoma guasayana were identified in 812 (95.3%), 39 (4.6%) and 1 (0.1%), respectively. The median monthly positivity rate of the cards during 2011-2018 was higher in Punata (9.1%; IQR=3.2-15.4%). The median monthly rate was highest in 2012 (2.7%; IQR=0-5.6%). Fifty positive cards (5.8%) presented insects that were positive for trypanosomatids, mainly in Cochabamba and Punata.

Conclusions: The report of triatomines foci by inhabitants represents an effective surveillance system coordinated by a network of specialized and multidisciplinary health centers. These strategies, which should be included in the health policies of endemic countries, enable extending and deepening the dialogue among technicians, communities and their local authorities.

Keywords: Bolivia; Chagas disease; Entomological surveillance; Triatoma infestans; Triatoma sordida.

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